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The Hermux Tantamoq Adventures #3
No Time Like Showtime
Watchmaker mouse Hermux Tantamoq finds himself hired to track down a blackmailer at the Varmint Theater, but the many distractions of show business threaten to divert Hermux from protecting his friends and saving the theater. Reprint.
277 pages, Paperback
First published September 2, 2004
11 people are currently reading
446 people want to read
About the author
Michael Hoeye
20 books86 followersMichael Hoeye has worked as a farmer, fashion photographer, stagehand and high-school teacher. He and his wife, Martha, live in a stone cottage in Oregon with their cat, Lionel. They enjoy the company of nine big oak trees, six bigger fir trees, three fat squirrels, a noisy family of woodpeckers and a travelling circus of nuthatches, blue jays, crows, finches and robins.
Michael's first novel for children, Time Stops For No Mouse, was a worldwide success. The Sands of Time is his second book.
Michael's first novel for children, Time Stops For No Mouse, was a worldwide success. The Sands of Time is his second book.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
January 16, 2022
This book was much better than I was anticipating. It was a fun, quick read that I’m sure I would’ve been obsessed with if I’d read it during my animal books obsession that I had when I was younger.
No Time Like Showtime is part of a series with talking rodents and a clockmaker mouse who solves mystery. In this adventure, Hermux is requested to help solve a mystery for the owner of the Varmint Theater. The stakes are high in this mystery and while trying to deal with the mystery at hand, a film director expresses a little too much interest in the girl that Hermux is in love with.
The writing style in this book was fabulous. It had a quirky sense of humor and it had great pacing. I’m always super picky about the pacing in the books that I read, so I was surprised that I was this satisfied with this book’s pacing. There was a lot of filler scenes in this story, but I didn’t mind because it was still really enjoyable.
There was a bit too many characters with complicated names for my liking and I’m sure that would be confusing to any kids who read this book. Not only are the names long and complicated, but it would switch out calling the characters by their first name and calling them by their last name. I felt that the name portion of this book should’ve been modified to better suit the intended audience for this book.
I did feel like a little something was missing from this book. It lacked the punch of an amazing book. I feel this way with most middle grade books though, so it’s probably more to do with the age that I read this book and not with the book truly lacking anything.
This book would be perfect for fans of Geronimo Stilton, especially for kids who are ready to move from the children’s to middle grade reading levels. I wish I would’ve read this one years ago but I’m still glad that I got around to reading it this year.
No Time Like Showtime is part of a series with talking rodents and a clockmaker mouse who solves mystery. In this adventure, Hermux is requested to help solve a mystery for the owner of the Varmint Theater. The stakes are high in this mystery and while trying to deal with the mystery at hand, a film director expresses a little too much interest in the girl that Hermux is in love with.
The writing style in this book was fabulous. It had a quirky sense of humor and it had great pacing. I’m always super picky about the pacing in the books that I read, so I was surprised that I was this satisfied with this book’s pacing. There was a lot of filler scenes in this story, but I didn’t mind because it was still really enjoyable.
There was a bit too many characters with complicated names for my liking and I’m sure that would be confusing to any kids who read this book. Not only are the names long and complicated, but it would switch out calling the characters by their first name and calling them by their last name. I felt that the name portion of this book should’ve been modified to better suit the intended audience for this book.
I did feel like a little something was missing from this book. It lacked the punch of an amazing book. I feel this way with most middle grade books though, so it’s probably more to do with the age that I read this book and not with the book truly lacking anything.
This book would be perfect for fans of Geronimo Stilton, especially for kids who are ready to move from the children’s to middle grade reading levels. I wish I would’ve read this one years ago but I’m still glad that I got around to reading it this year.
September 4, 2008
great fun
February 12, 2009
I was just sad that Terfle became a character in her own right. I rather liked her as a pet with Hermux's projected emotions.
February 28, 2012
Dark and exactly the way I like it.
June 24, 2012
August 3, 2010: This is the only one in the series that I own, so I will definitely have to reread the others soon. I love Hermux Tantamoq, watchmaker. He's the perfect main character. Lovable, quiet, unintentional detective who has a pet ladybug named Terfle. He just seems so real, even though he's a mouse. This time he's hired to save a theater and encounters strange ventriloquists, someone out to hurt Terfle, and Tucka Mertslin once again. Along the way he's trying to get up the courage to tell Linka exactly how he feels about her. Can he save the theater from destruction? Can he find a long-lost star? All the answers and more in this thrilling, yet amusing, detective story.
August 15, 2008
Although not literary masterpieces, the Hermux Tantamoq Adventures are entertaining and fun. An unlikely detective combats against a beauty tycoon used to getting what she wants. The characters are enjoyable and keep you reading. Good to read when you are in the mood for a fluff book.
September 5, 2021
reread after a long time, when i was younger i’ve read this many times. warm and cozy, enough adventure for younger readers, heart-warming characters and yeah i really like hermux and his adventures.
May 1, 2012
As strange as it may sound, i love reading books about talking animals (pourquoi?) but this book was very fun to read. Actually, my friend recommended it to me after i finished reading a more recent series and was waiting for some other kind of book series to read. I decided to give it a try, and I really enjoyed how there were several different conflicts happening at the time, though there was a main conflict, there was also smaller, more private/emotional conflicts in the story. Theres an amazing climax in this story! Also, i happened to find a part in the book that i very much enjoyed, and a few chapters in, it happens again! Lucky me! Though it isn't boring, it is presented in a completely different way and you can draw tons of connections to the other occurrence. I also enjoyed the smaller details like the newspaper, and the fact that the main character lived in a ''world'' very similar to ours! I loved how the ending tied everything perfectly together!
March 4, 2008
i really like this book! it was a mystery and it is really sweet. this book is the third in a sereis. the first is called Time Stops for No Mouse. the next is called The Sands of Time.
Have fun reading!
Have fun reading!
Read
May 8, 2008I enjoyed the third in this rodential mystery series, though I think the first is still the best and I don't entirely understand why Hermux's pet ladybug seems to be developing communication skills over the course of the trilogy. Still, she's a nice silent character and these are fun books.
November 21, 2009
Apparently, I love stories about mice. How else could I explain loving this book as much as I did? It had a great plot to it, and the ending was terrific. Needless to say, I'll be on the lookout for more of Mr.Hoeye's books.
April 21, 2008
Yes, this is a kid's book, but its still a good read. I own the whole series, and have thoroughly enjoyed every one.
March 9, 2015
Read in Spanish a bazillion years ago, don't remember anything except that I enjoyed very much.
January 21, 2022
This book was very interesting, I really enjoyed it. It involves crime, romance, thrill, and more. I would recommend for anyone above the age of 10.
May 19, 2020
Precious in the best way. I know that the Hermux Tantamoq Adventures were popular upon publication, I have no idea why they didn't stay popular beyond that. To me they are up there with Roald Dahl, Eva Ibbotson, the Redwall books... they're wonderfully clever and entertaining.
This, the third book in the series, takes Hermux and his charming pet Terfle to the theater. We meet old favorites, like Linka, new heroes, like Hermux's hilarious best friend Nip, and vicious villains with multiple identities and evil plans! It's all very charming - a solid mystery, characters you can root for, and even a little bit of romance...
I've been reading a lot lately about mythic folklore and children's literature, and talking animals, shockingly, comes up quite a lot. Beyond the analytical and psychological reasons, for me personally it's just very comforting to take a break from humans. The lessons in these books are just as clear without us.
And lessons there are many - good ones, too! Michael Hoeye always injects classic good vs evil themes and his hero shows true bravery, honor, loyalty and courage. Hermux always does the right thing, and he is rewarded for it. And of course there's Tucka, who is literally the most Extra before Extra was a thing. Love her.
I had the fourth book marked as read, but I don't actually think that's true - I have no memory of reading it and had to buy it used recently. I look forward to finishing (mourning) the series and - recognizing it's one of the least-known in children's literature right now? - my reviews will go totally unnoticed. But that's okay. That's not the point.
Team Pinchester for life.
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This, the third book in the series, takes Hermux and his charming pet Terfle to the theater. We meet old favorites, like Linka, new heroes, like Hermux's hilarious best friend Nip, and vicious villains with multiple identities and evil plans! It's all very charming - a solid mystery, characters you can root for, and even a little bit of romance...
I've been reading a lot lately about mythic folklore and children's literature, and talking animals, shockingly, comes up quite a lot. Beyond the analytical and psychological reasons, for me personally it's just very comforting to take a break from humans. The lessons in these books are just as clear without us.
And lessons there are many - good ones, too! Michael Hoeye always injects classic good vs evil themes and his hero shows true bravery, honor, loyalty and courage. Hermux always does the right thing, and he is rewarded for it. And of course there's Tucka, who is literally the most Extra before Extra was a thing. Love her.
I had the fourth book marked as read, but I don't actually think that's true - I have no memory of reading it and had to buy it used recently. I look forward to finishing (mourning) the series and - recognizing it's one of the least-known in children's literature right now? - my reviews will go totally unnoticed. But that's okay. That's not the point.
Team Pinchester for life.
Blog | Instagram | Twitter
January 19, 2017
The story continues in Michael Hoeye's No Time Like Show Time, where we once again join watchmaker/ detective Hermux Tantamoq as he ventures into the world of theater. Having retrieved the famed King's Delight, Hermux looks forward to taking a breather, but the world seems to have other plans when Fluster Varmint, owner of the local theater, urges Hermux to join the cast of his current production in order to solve the mystery surrounding threatening messages he's been receiving, Hermux considers himself far out of his depth. Having no experience in the world of drama or set design, Hermux sets out on yet another story of intrigue and good ol' fashioned luck. Joined by his pet ladybug Terfle, it soon becomes obvious that high-ranking members of Pinchester are involved in a plot meant to steal the theater right out from under them, and the only one that can stop it is a silver-screen actress that hasn't been seen for years. What can a simple watchmaker do? I invite you to find out!
No Time Like Show Time takes us yet again to our favorite little town, inhabited by our favorite crime solving, watch-repairing hero. Hermux is a tale that readers of all ages can enjoy, and while I didn't enjoy the story quite as much as the others, it is regardless a worthy addition and I urge you all to try it out.
No Time Like Show Time takes us yet again to our favorite little town, inhabited by our favorite crime solving, watch-repairing hero. Hermux is a tale that readers of all ages can enjoy, and while I didn't enjoy the story quite as much as the others, it is regardless a worthy addition and I urge you all to try it out.
August 8, 2021
I decided to read something lighter alongside my historical novel.
This is the third book in the the series about Hermux Tamtamoq the mouse. At the start he receives an urgent message from Varmint who owns the theatre asking for his help. He takes Linka to the opening night and ends up being on stage and employed to do some undercover work. Of course there end up being several mysteries to solve and villains to stop!
Once I was 50 pages in I couldn't stop reading this. I loved the way the wacky and questionable theatrical characters interacted with each other and I loved how Hermux's ladybird Terfle learned some new skills too. The corrupt court case felt scarily apt and despite Hermux feeling more out of his depth than ever he manages to be the best kind of hero who is full of humility.
This is the third book in the the series about Hermux Tamtamoq the mouse. At the start he receives an urgent message from Varmint who owns the theatre asking for his help. He takes Linka to the opening night and ends up being on stage and employed to do some undercover work. Of course there end up being several mysteries to solve and villains to stop!
Once I was 50 pages in I couldn't stop reading this. I loved the way the wacky and questionable theatrical characters interacted with each other and I loved how Hermux's ladybird Terfle learned some new skills too. The corrupt court case felt scarily apt and despite Hermux feeling more out of his depth than ever he manages to be the best kind of hero who is full of humility.
April 15, 2011
I loved Hermux Tantamoq when I first read his stories in my childhood, and since this is the third in a four-book series that I haven't touched since I was probably 15...I wasn't expecting much. But Hoeye delighted me again, and I was able to read this book in a single day because his pacing and characterization (and, dare I say it, pretty good dialogue!) kept me page-turning until I forgot I was standing at a cold bus stop for almost 30 minutes. Hermux is adorable, and I love hearing his lines in a Kevin Spacey voice in my head, just because Mr. Spacey is so good at pulling off the extraordinary ordinary man that he would do Hermux justice. Okay. Happyrant over.
May 3, 2012
I was a bit disappointed in the story. I loved the first two books, "Time Stops for No Mouse" and "The Sands of Time." I found the world charming and the hero, Hermux Tantamoq a fun hero. It has been about six years since I read those books so when I came across the third book in the series, I was really looking forward to reading it. The problem I had with it was that most of the plot depended on coincidence for things to happen and that made it a weak story for me. I also felt a bit ambiguous about how Terfle has changed as a character. I preferred her as a pet. She's too perfect now.
May 26, 2016
I have to say that I quite enjoy books in which animals take up the main role, at least I think so after finishing the third Hermux book and liking it so much. I gotta say I was hooked throughout the whole story and loved it VERY much; the main mouse, his sense of beauty and brave life oppinion, annoying Tucka who ruins every situation with her wild style... I could go on like this forever. I liked the third book equally to the second one and I think I will get back to it once, as it is calming book which is nice to grab on when you want to feel relaxed yet thrilled while reading.
March 1, 2014
Hermux, the watchmaker and detective mouse, is pining for his lady love Linka. But before he can get too down in the dumps, a strange letter arrives from the owner of the Varmint Theater, requesting (or demanding) his help. Before long, Hermux is embroiled in mysteries, trying to stay one step ahead of slinky savvy no-good Tucka Merlitsen, and also designing the set for the upcoming big show.
Highly enjoyable.
Highly enjoyable.
March 2, 2021
Thus ends the Hermux trilogy (at least as I knew it)! Maybe I'll track down the fourth book eventually.
I remember liking this one as much, if not more, than the first Hermux book, but now I think the first one is the strongest. This one feels a bit convoluted at times, though I do love the Glissen subplot and the strong presence of Terfle. Plus, Hermux and Linka are finally together. Tucka continues to be Tucka.
I remember liking this one as much, if not more, than the first Hermux book, but now I think the first one is the strongest. This one feels a bit convoluted at times, though I do love the Glissen subplot and the strong presence of Terfle. Plus, Hermux and Linka are finally together. Tucka continues to be Tucka.
July 12, 2009
This is a cute book. I liked the characters and the intrigue of the mystery.
One thing I did not like about the book is that the names of the characters are too complicated to be comfortable in reading them. They just felt awkward and cumbersome. I found that it distracted from the story.
One thing I did not like about the book is that the names of the characters are too complicated to be comfortable in reading them. They just felt awkward and cumbersome. I found that it distracted from the story.
November 15, 2020
This was a cute mystery book for middle graders but I just wasn't wowed and didn't get sucked into the story as I like with some books. So the book just got a two-star rating from me. It was just an ok book for me. I do think it is a good book for middle-grade kids though, so if you are looking for new books for any children in your life then this is a good one
February 17, 2009
Although not literary masterpieces, the Hermux Tantamoq Adventures are entertaining and fun. The characters are enjoyable and keep you reading. Good to read when you are in the mood for a fluff book.
April 22, 2016
Fun, satirical & interesting plot & fine characterizations. Took me a minute to figure out they were mice, not men. Will reread when looking for a nudge on my funny bone and a good mystery. Finely read by Campbell Scott - who isn't a mouse. :). Highly recommended.
June 21, 2020
A sweet sendup of show business with a good dramatic reveal (Hoeye sure does love his disguises) and more vivid descriptions of show business. The novel suffers, imo, from demoting Linka from fellow adventurer to mostly offscreen love interest, but more Terfle is always welcome!
August 11, 2021
These books are never ever a disappointment. Each one is better than the last and so far this one is my favorite!!! My girl Terfle got so much “screen time” in this one. And the twists and excitement?! Bombs! Guns! Hypnotism?! Love?!?
March 13, 2011
318th - 2011
July 11, 2010
It was a good third of the series, and the thrill of the theatre is very interesting. But sometimes in the book, they give a bit too much information.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews