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The Hermux Tantamoq Adventures #1

Time Stops for No Mouse: A Hermux Tantamoq Adventure

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Watchmaker Hermux Tantamoq is a hardworking mouse who is thankful for ordinary things: donuts, coffee, peaceful evenings at home with his pet ladybug. But his quiet life takes a dramatic turn when Ms. Linka Perflinger, dashing daredevil aviatrix and adventuress, bursts into his watch shop, drops off a broken watch, and steals his heart.

Hermux can't wait to see Ms. Perflinger again, but she doesn't return. Instead, a shady-looking rat comes in and damands her watch. Fearing something is amiss, Hermux follows the rat, and soon finds himself in the middle of a dangerous web of deception and intrigue.

What has happened to Ms. Perflinger? Who is this mysterious Dr. Mennus he keeps hearing about, and how is he connected with Hermux's eccentric neighbor, cosmetics tycoon Tucka Mertslin? Hermux's life is suddenly full of twists and turns and is anything but ordinary.

He must be daring. He must be vigilant. And he doesn't know how. But as sure as corn is sweet and cheese goes moldy in the rain, Hermux must rescue Ms. Perflinger and, in the process, find out just what kind of mouse he really is.

6 pages, Audiobook

First published January 1, 1999

68 people are currently reading
1811 people want to read

About the author

Michael Hoeye

20 books86 followers
Michael 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.

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5 stars
1,216 (31%)
4 stars
1,464 (37%)
3 stars
925 (23%)
2 stars
222 (5%)
1 star
56 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews
Profile Image for Ilana Waters.
Author 21 books263 followers
April 27, 2013
Oh. My. God. Words cannot describe how much I loved this book. Which is kind of pathetic, since I'm a writer. ;-P And for someone who doesn't read mysteries, if you can get me interested in one, you know it's good!

Michael Hoeye's work is an example of world-building at its best. In a realm like-our-own-and-yet-not, his plot is immediately engaging. The adult characters in the book, sly humor, and universal themes (such as "what is real beauty?") will make this a fun read for grown-ups as well as kids. With a rollicking cast, terrific wordplay, great twist at the end, and scrumptious details, it's an old-fashioned childhood book to treasure.

As for folks here who weren't crazy about the fact the story had mice . . . well, the title IS Time Stops for No Mouse! I, for one, love the character of Tantamoq, and cannot wait to read about his next adventure.
Profile Image for Elina.
509 reviews
April 26, 2018
Ένα καλοδουλεμένο τρυφερό παραμυθάκι για όλες τις ηλικίες!!!
Profile Image for Julie.
1,477 reviews8 followers
November 24, 2008
It’s difficult to write a positive review about a book that had me thinking about stopping through the entire first half. Most of my dislike focused on the too-cute outlandish names and the too-detailed narratives of the main character’s daily routine. However, about halfway through I got interested in the mystery, and after that it was a quick read. It certainly helped that there was a lot more action so there were fewer painfully slow descriptions of Hermux’s meals and clothing.
Hermux Tantamoq is shaken out of his extremely ordinary existence when a dashing aviatrix comes to his watch shop and asks him to fix her watch. His imagination is fired up both by the attractive Linka Perflinger (I told you about the names) and her thrilling adventures, and becomes even more so when Linka fails to return to claim the watch. Hermux steps out of his mousy little existence (this is a pun, because he is in fact a mouse) to investigate, and finds himself embroiled in a dastardly plot. The fact that different characters are different kinds of rodents and small animals is mentioned, and there is some sense of species profiling, but unfortunately Hoeye doesn’t follow this up as much as it could have been.

Profile Image for Meghan (TheBookGoblin).
300 reviews45 followers
October 9, 2023
Rereading this childhood favourite was like chicken soup for my soul. I loved it the first time I read it at 10 years old, and I loved it again now at 32. It’s a great beginner mystery for kids, with all the names being fun and weird (I remember reading an interview with the author where he said he would mix Scabble tiles around to make the names), and the adventure being just sinister enough to not be too scary. Like so many other children’s books where rodents are the main characters (Redwall, The Secret of Nihm, etc) there is actually quite a bit of violence in this story. I wasn’t scared by it at 10, but if you have a more sensitive child, know that there are several murders, several attempted murders, and a mention of suicide.
(One of the mice straight up has a gun???)
It’s hard to get a copy these days but I bet many libraries will have it.
I highly recommend it for the more spooky-leaning child who enjoys darker reads like Coraline, Redwall and the like.
Profile Image for Jillian.
304 reviews
December 12, 2023
2023:
This book is delightful. I read it with my kids this time and I think it’s a great introduction to the detective genre for kids. I’ve read a ton of detective and mystery novels this year so they especially enjoyed being a part of that. I love the way this book focus on the little things, there are so many delightful details! A favorite moment this time was when Hermux is diagnosed with “chronic midlife drabness.” 😅

2021:
This charming middle grade was just what I needed to break my reading slump. The characters are interesting and unique, the setting is beautifully detailed - this book is incredibly well written and has so much heart. This is one of my long time favorites and has definitely stood the test of time.
Profile Image for Jennifer A.M..
194 reviews
October 24, 2020
This is a fabulous series for young readers. I read them as an adult, but thoroughly enjoyed the humor and the detail put into these books. A great read alound series. The main character is Hermux Tantamoq, a watchmaker, who gets sucked into these fantastic adventures along with his lady mouse love (did I mention he is a mouse) and a plethera of other rodent type creatures. They solve mysteries and crimes and there is always a happy ending. I am looking forward to the next in the series which is to be released in October. PS Hermux has a pet ladybug named Terfle. So cute!
Profile Image for Hannah.
219 reviews25 followers
January 13, 2021
I think I have just discovered one of my favourite books I have ever read. Hermux Tantamoq was such a funny and well developed main character, he was quirky and relatable and kind. This story now has a special place in my heart, the world building, the plot, the intricate details and the characters were so obviously woven with incredible care and I loved it. Thankyou Michael Hoeye. Please read this book, you will not regret it. Perfect for any age.
Profile Image for Johanna.
1,393 reviews
December 28, 2017
A nice read, a pretty complex mystery for what is actually a children’s book, so much so, I did get confused at times. It’s the first in a series but I think I’ll just stick with this read.
Profile Image for Erika.
10 reviews8 followers
January 21, 2016
The cover of this book caught my eye from the very first moment I laid my eyes on it. For me the cover is selling as much as the resume on the back. And I did bring this book and the two others in the serie with me home from the library.

It is now three years since I read the book, and I've grown older and wiser since then. Therefore I can only give this book two stars.

The plot was good. And exicting too, but when you consider my age at that point, which was 14, it did really match my way of thinking too. Today I've grown from that, and I long for something more stimulating.

The plot is innocent and well-written, so do you long for something hilarious or something just to read this book will be perfect!
Profile Image for Σελήνη.
531 reviews6 followers
July 1, 2020
I love this book so much. I've been attempting to reread some of my childhood books and I loved it then and still love it just as much now, if not more. I honestly think it can be read at any age. I love Hermux's kindness and positive outlook on life and people, I love the food descriptions, his lovely friend Mirinn and his adopted ladybug Terfèle.

There is an intrepid and charming pilot to rescue, a mystery to be solved and a courageous little clockmaker driven by his good heart and the thrill of adventure.

It gave me warm and fuzzy feelings, which were more than welcome, and oh so needed. Et pour finir, je me dois d'ajouter que la traduction française est d'une grande qualité.
Profile Image for Madeleine (Top Shelf Text).
292 reviews243 followers
May 26, 2019
I loved this series when I was young, and recently picked it up again to see how it held up as an adult reader. I continue to love Hermux Tantamoq and the charming world that he lives in, plus I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and adventure of the story. Recommended for mature middle grade readers -- though this is an animal fantasy, there is a murder in the story and the villains could be a bit scary for sensitive young readers.
Profile Image for Brenda.
367 reviews
February 12, 2020
Our local library had a popup book sale a few weeks ago, and I picked this up because it was not like anything else there. It's really quite a good little mystery that didn't end the way I expected it to. It's also a fantasy in that all the characters are small animals - who live very human lives. But somehow it's not overly cutesy. I enjoyed it.
1,231 reviews
April 15, 2023
Charming tale of an ordinary little mouse who works in a watch shop by day and at night goes home to his pet ladybug. Until one day a beautiful aviatrix pulls him into a world of intrigue that he barely survives. Some challenging names, and a bit convoluted in places, but solid storyline and I enjoyed the world building and style.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
249 reviews30 followers
April 15, 2020
This is a nice, quirky story about a mouse who gets in over his head in an espionage plot.

It wasn’t my favourite book but others would enjoy it.
8 reviews1 follower
July 9, 2025
Es como Gerónimo Stilton pero con muertes y sin dibujos, me ha enganchado mucho y aunque parezca infantil la historia está super bien narrada. Además utiliza palabras muy distinguidas.
Profile Image for Sarah.
53 reviews1 follower
February 15, 2019
I loved it! Really great mystery, much more complex then I’d imagine for a young reader book. Glad my 9 year old wanted me to check this one out!
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,560 reviews12 followers
November 14, 2021
A lot of this book seemed recycled from other stories and unappealing to kids, like body image and plastic surgery.
Profile Image for Bookguide.
963 reviews57 followers
July 1, 2018
Dit vond ik een erg leuk boek voor kinderen vanaf een jaar of 10. Alle personages zijn dieren, het merendeel muizen, ratten, hamsters en mollen, maar ze gedragen zich net als mensen. De namen zijn heel ingewikkeld, en in het begin vond ik het moeilijk iedereen uit elkaar te houden. Ik hield een lijst bij, met de bedoeling de Engelse namen op te zoeken. Dat deed ik pas aan het eind van het boek, en wat bleek? Ze zijn bijna allemaal min of meer hetzelfde in het Engels. Er was wel één naam waar ik een grapje in ontdekte, en dat was de naam van een operazangeres, Camia Mallijs. In het Engels was dat vast Camia Mallis. Draai het om, en het wordt (bijna) Maria Callas. Maar dat is echt een grapje voor volwassenen, en het hele stukje over de opera 'De Nachtvlinder' (afgeleid van Madame Butterfly, misschien?).

Alhoewel recensies van het boek op internet merken op dat 'De tijd stopt niet voor muizen' weinig nieuws bevat, ik heb er veel plezier aan beleefd. Dit wordt ook vaak gezegd over de boeken van J.K. Rowling, maar dat is een deel van de aantrekkingskracht van zo'n boek; een feest van herkenning! Het verhaal is spannend, de beschrijvingen van de achtergronden knus, en aan het eind komen er genoeg kronkels en verrassingen om de spanningsboog vast te houden.

Leuke feiten:
Michael Hoeve heeft zijn eigen uitgeverij vernoemd naar Hermux Tantamoqs huisdier, een lieverheersbeestje. In het Engels heet ze Terfle, en dat is de naam van de oorspronkelijke uitgeverij van dit boek.

In een uitgebreid interview gepubliceerd op de Bookbrowse website, legt Michael Hoeve uit hoe hij het boek geschreven heeft. Hij werkt meestal als creativiteitscoach voor managementtrainingen. In zijn vrije tijd schreef hij stukjes over muizen en andere dieren in een notitieboekje, gewoon voor de lol. De namen heeft hij verzonnen op vakantie met zijn vrouw, toen ze een anagramspelletje aan het spelen waren. Toen zijn vrouw op reis ging, had hij geen zin om saaie emails naar haar toe te sturen, en begon met een stukje over de muis Hermux Tantamoq. Dit deed hij een tijdje achter elkaar, en ging ermee verder. Toen maakte hij een mooie kaft, maakte er een boek van, en stuurde het naar zijn vrouw als Valentijnscadeau. Hij heeft nog een aantal gemaakt en opgestuurd naar andere vrienden. Een boekenverkoper stimuleerde hem om het boek uit te geven, en het werd een succes. Dit interview bevat ook een heleboel leuke creativiteitstips voor kinderen en volwassenen: http://iturl.nl/sn7sWq (bookbrowse.com).

http://www.bookcrossing.com/journal/5...
Profile Image for amaldae.
398 reviews102 followers
November 19, 2016
Turned out this book is not very re-readable, so I'm lowering my rating.

Hoeye has come up with an intriquing premise (mice, you say? Of course they're not as boring as we have thought!). Sadly that impression only lasts as long as a few pages from the start, because these characters... are not mice, in much the same way Erin Hunter's animal characters are not cats or dogs.
It's possible that I'm simply setting the bar too high after reading about these rabbity rabbits, but I like these kinds of characters to preserve something more of their non-human nature than a cute exterior.

cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute what you want some action here, there is a plot just read on cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute cute

No, really there is a story - and if I recall correctly, it's not all bad. It just takes time for it to show itself, because the writing is so occupied with irrelevant, innocuous details. There next to no story-building and little suspense.

I doubt any child who manages to read this will find the idea of wearing much make-up very attractive, but man, they'd deserve applause for simply finishing the book.
Profile Image for JG (Introverted Reader).
1,190 reviews509 followers
February 8, 2015
Hermux Tantamoq is a quiet, rather shy watchmaker who just happens to be a mouse. His world is turned upside down when the lovely Linka Perflinger walks into his shop and asks him to repair her watch. She never returns to pick it up, even though it seemed to be important to her. When a suspicious-looking rat comes in asking for it, Hermux knows Miss Perflinger must be caught up in something dangerous. He sets out to find her and save the day.

I liked Hermux a lot. I think he and I would get along splendidly. Give us a pot of tea and some doughnuts and we'll quietly talk, or just sit and enjoy each other's company. He felt like a kindred spirit.

His community was interesting as well. There's the gossipy mail lady, the gruff cafe owner, the bossy neighbor, and the reporter who seems to be everywhere. I enjoyed reading about them all.

When it came down to the mystery, I did figure out some parts that were featured in a journal. But I was truly surprised when one part directly affecting Hermux was revealed! I knew something was up but I didn't know it was that!

I wished for a slightly different ending but I was happy enough with the one we got. I guess it leaves more room for sequels.

Campbell Scott narrated well, though not brilliantly, but he does get points for not stumbling over these tongue-twisting names!

Boys and girls in the 8-10 age range should enjoy this gentle hero and his intriguing mystery.
Profile Image for Rishindra Chinta.
232 reviews9 followers
March 12, 2013
It's been quite a while since I read this book so I can't really say much about it. I didn't really like it when I read it, though. The main reason why I didn't really like the book much was because I didn't get why the characters had to be mice. This won't seem like a big deal to most people but it seemed to me that the characters could have been humans and everything else would have stayed exactly the same. Well, almost everything else. At one point I decided that the characters could just be humans and imagined them as humans. Then, somewhere else, the author described a scene that involved a character's tail, which was weird. Yes, I understand it was wrong of me to imagine them as people even though the author said they were mice but the thing is he did almost nothing to make it seem as if the society was at least somewhat different than a human society. At least in the movie Antz, the ants don't fly airplanes and make watches. They tunnel through the ground and instead of drinking beer like humans, they drink something out of other bugs. There was no reason for the characters in the book to be mice. It's kind of the same reason why I didn't like the graphic novel "Maus." And I didn't find the story to be that exciting. However, it's just a matter of taste and I'm pretty sure that kids in 5th grade (that was when I read the book) would like the book.
Profile Image for Mike.
63 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2012
I guess I can't resist another mouse tale. Hermux Tantamoq is a mild-mannered work-a-day mouse who lives a quiet life working in his watch repair shop. Despite his apparent averageness, he has an extraordinary sense of optimism. When an exotic and beautiful aviatrix (you gotta love that word) drops off a mess of a watch, Hermux is smitten. He dutifully repairs her watch in a timely manner (nudge-nudge). But when she neglects to pick up the watch, Hermux begins to worry. He becomes especially suspicious when a sinister-looking rat tries to pick up the watch. Hermux decides to investigate.

Meanwhile, Hermux has to deal with his neighbor, Tucka Mertslin, who is in the midst of building a comsetics empire. When Hermux disapproves of Tucka's modern art makeover of their apartment lobby, she accuses him of being ignorant of beauty. So Hermux begins to keep a journal wherein he notes the beauty in the smallest of all things.

This is the coziest of mysteries (the book rates itself as Rated: Not Too Scary). Hermux is the most lovable of heroes. How can you not like someone with a pet ladybug? His cheeriness is contagious. This should certainly appeal to fans of mouse heroes (Stuart Little, Redwall) as well as fans of light mysteries. Some of the satirical stabs at modern art reminded me of the early Cat Who mysteries.
Profile Image for Ashley.
297 reviews3 followers
May 5, 2016
Michael Hoeye brings us a whimsical tale of one daring mouse's adventure in book one of the Hermux Tantamoq series. In Time Stops for no Mouse, we journey to the booming metropolis of Pinchester, where resident watchmaker Hermux Tantamoq lives out his live in peaceful seclusion. While he occasionally deals with the major repair or his eccentric neighbor, he is usually able to keep a low profile. It should then come as no surprise that he falls head-over-tail for daring aviatrix Linka Perflinger, adventuress extraordinaire, when she comes into his shop for a watch repair. It should also come as no surprise that he soon discovers a major conspiracy surrounding Miss Perflinger, and that she seems to be involved with very unsavory characters. Putting on his detective hat and with the help of his trust friend Terfle, his pet ladybug, Hermux embarks on an epic quest to rescue the girl and have an adventure!

Right from the start, I was pulled into this book as I fell in love with the multitude of characters, from the beloved Hermux to the flamboyant Tucka. They are all very unique and have very distinct personalities. The story is fun and entertaining and vaguely reminiscent of The Rescuers. Readers young and old are sure to enjoy this short but satisfying read and I can't wait for the next in the series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 345 reviews

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