Time to Smell the Roses by Michael Hoeye

Why oh why are the Hermux Tanamoq Adventures out of print. They are just so utterly engrossing, funny, clever, and well simply wonderful. Time to Smell the Roses is the final instalment which began with Time Stops for No Mouse followed by The Sands of Time and the third book No Time like Show Time.

In this fourth instalment we have the evil cosmetics tycoon Tucka Mertslin plotting once again to overthrow a rival. She is vain, she is manipulative, she is truly awful but also an utterly splendid villain. Her limousine number plate is VANITY.  In this episode she enlists the help of Killium Wollar to help her destroy Reezeor Bleesom.

"Tucka closed her eyes, and the scientist of her dreams took shape with astonishing speed. His smile was incandescent. He had thick, glossy fur with golden highlights. His eyes were burning pools of passion ringed with thick dark lashes. He wore a spotless white tailored linen lab coat. And he lived for one thing only - her."

Tucka believes:

Wealth is the key to happiness

People are the key to wealth

Envy is the key to people

Killium Wollar has designed a killer bee (yes the sting can actually kill) and knowing the vanity of Tucka he has added something underneath the bee:

"Hermux turned it (the bee) over. Its abdomen showed curious markings. Hermux removed his magnifying loupe from his vest pocket. ... He held the bee close and examined it. The fur on the bees belly seemed to grow in a distinct pattern. It looked as though two letters were spelled out in golden hairs amongst the black. "

Later Hermux discovers the letters are TM - Tucka Mertslin. 

Reezeor Bleesom, used to work for Tucka. He makes his all natural perfume using roses grown by Androse DeRosenquill in Thorny End. In the meantime Androse has summoned Hermux Tantamoq to solve a mystery. His son and heir Plank is missing. This means Hermux and Tucka will face off once again but the true hero this time is the little ladybird Terfle. I think I held my breath through the whole of chapter 62 after Terfle is captured by those killer bees.

This instalment is all about smell and Michael Hoeye is a master with his descriptions:

"He touched the tip of his nose to the centre of a flower and sniffed again, this time more deeply. Very nice. Honey with raspberries and spice. And something else. Something sweet and enticing. Hermux buried his face in the roses and breathed in deeply ... He remembered apple orchards in April. Honeysuckle summers. The sharpness of lemons."

Michael Hoeye gives readers his trademark fabulous clothing descriptions and delicious food such as this meal shared by Hermux, Linka and young Twigg at the Inn in Thorny End:

"Then you know what sounds good to me?' (Linka) said. 'The walnut loaf with baby carrots.'  ... Terfle settled for a child's portion of silverfish pate with some crumbs of toast. Hermux ordered a blue cheese cornburger and crispy fries."

I suggest if you can find this book you should order a box of donuts, make a big pot of hot chocolate and settle down with your young reading companion for an evening of wonderful storytelling. Hermux especially loves cherry-rosehip-peanut crullers. Here is a picture of a cruller which is a deep fried pastry similar to a donut.

Image Source: e2bakesBrooklyn

If you have been reading my posts about Hermux you will want to check up on the romance between Hermux and Linka. Yes they are planning to get married and here are the final words of Time to Smell the Roses (spoiler alert)

"Then he pulled her into his arms and kissed her."

Huge sigh of happiness from me.

I would've loved to hear what sort of doughnuts were served at the Tantamoq/Perflinger wedding. Kelly Book Stuff