Book Review – ‘Merde and Mandarins’ by Pete Adams ~ @damppebbles @nextchapterpb @Peteadams8
Earlier in the week I took part in the blog tour for ‘Merde and Mandarins’ with a book spotlight post. Here is the link to it:-
https://aloverofbooks.wordpress.com/2019/10/28/blog-tour-merde-and-mandarins-by-pete-adams/
I now have my review of this book and would like to thank both Emma Welton of Damppebbles Blog Tours and the author for my proof copy of this book. For ease of reference here is the book blurb again.
Book Blurb
A Defence Secretary shooting. The collapse of the Home Office Secretary. London’s high-ranking civil servants are being targeted, and DCI Jack Austin is drawn out of retirement.
When his wife is kidnapped, inept savant DCI Austin leads the rescue mission while trying to solve the recent mystery, and discover the motives of the master conspirator.
Racing towards the chaotic conclusion, can he find solace in a welcome retirement, and uncover the supreme Machiavellian plot?
My Review
I very much enjoyed ‘Merde and Mandarins’. The writing is of consistently high quality which is what I have come to expect from the author. I found this to be an extremely gripping read and I was totally on tenterhooks at times as to what was going to happen to a couple of the characters. There were also quite a few twists and turns throughout.
The storyline as a whole is rather complicated and you really do need to take the time to digest it all properly. I never get fed up of the humour and believe me there is a lot of it which might not be to everyone’s taste. Underneath the slapstick comedy though there are extremely serious matters afoot of which Jack Austin continues to play a big part.
I must mention Amlodd and Daphne who really appealed to me. I found both of them quite interesting and my heart literally went out to them. Daphne was a beautiful woman both inside and out. I think it would be great if they could be given a story of their own, i.e. a standalone novel.
I have always liked it when animals are included in stories as I think they play a big part in everyday life. Martin is such a lovely dog and as proved in ‘Merde and Mandarins’ is worth his weight in gold. It’s actually really uncanny how much like Jack he is. I guess that comes from spending so much time with him. He seems to have developed his mannerisms and everything and is just as hilarious.
‘Merde and Mandarins’ and in fact the whole series is a winner in my eyes along with some winning covers. Pete Adams is a pure genius. It would be so nice if this series could be televised.
Having now read all five books in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series, I still say that they should be read in order and not just as standalone novels in order to get the full benefit of the ongoing storyline. If you love crime and don’t mind a bit of mad humour, then I recommend you read this whole series from start to finish.
I am totally over the moon that there is to be a new series featuring Jack and Mandy and I cannot wait to read The DaDa Detective Agency.
Thank you for giving me the most wonderful experience.
‘Merde and Mandarins’ is available to buy from:-
Book Depository: https://www.bookdepository.com/Merde-Mandarins-Pete-Adams/9781686656798?ref=grid-view&qid=1566372440893&sr=1-21
A Lover of Books 
Thanks so much, and for being a part of all five tours x
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It was a real pleasure, Emma. 😊 x
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