Publishers Weekly
No Time Like Show Time: A Hermux Tantamoq Adventure by Michael Hoeye heralds the return of the watchmaking mouse from Time Stops for No Mouse and The Sands of Time. Hermux must contend with the villainous Tucka Mertslin as she forms a partnership with jewel thief Corpius Crounce, conspiring to ruin the Varmint Variety Theater. In a starred review of Sands, PW wrote, "the galloping plot, evocative descriptions and exuberantly sophisticated wit keep the pages turning." Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
School Library Journal
Gr 5-8-This third title featuring Hermux Tantamoq, a humble watchmaker turned detective, is just as wonderful as the first two. The likable mouse once again finds himself at the center of a mystery when a famous stage director, Fluster Varmint, hires him to find out who is sending him threatening letters. Tension continues to grow, and readers stay just one step ahead of Hermux as he uncovers intrigues and faces danger. Several characters return from the previous books, including Linka Perflinger, daring aviatrix and Hermux's love interest, and Tucka Mertslin, Hermux's detested neighbor and owner of a large cosmetics company. Hoeye pays minute attention to detail, creating a vivid setting where mice, moles, chipmunks, and rats go about their day-to-day lives. Perfect for sharing aloud, this fast-paced tale will keep youngsters enthralled until the thrilling climax. Children who have not read the other novels will definitely ask for them after finishing this one so that they can return to Hermux's world of celery donuts, clocks that keep perfect time, and villains who wear polka-dot lipstick.-Tasha Saecker, Caestecker Public Library, Green Lake, WI Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.
Kirkus Reviews
The intrepid detective Hermux Tantamoq returns in a show-biz setting accompanied by many of his familiar cohorts from previous adventures. Linka Perflinger, aviatrix extraordinaire, is less present in the action, although she retains her top billing in Hermux's heart. Terfle, the pet ladybug is an impressive assistant, and Tucka Mertslin's snobby, elitist, money-grubbing ways continue to amuse as other familiar and some new characters complete the cast in a universe where mice live like humans. At times, the combination of rodent and human qualities result in delightful images, but others, such as a mouse with pigtails, are harder to imagine. Nonetheless, fans of the series will find satisfaction and amusement in this stage-struck mystery, as well as delight in the slow unraveling of the clues through chance and dogged detective work. Newcomers can enjoy the show, but the depth of character revealed in earlier adventures is taken for granted. These mice are very much mature adults and yet the author carefully keeps within bounds that kids can understand, making this a great choice for families to share. (Fiction. 10-14)
