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Kind Hearts And Martinets #5
Merde And Mandarins
A Defense 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?
Kindle Edition
Published August 22, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
January 17, 2021
After five books in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series written by Pete Adams, we must say goodbye to a cast of witty, inept, chaotic, and amusing characters... most importantly, our hero and heroine, Jack (Jane) and Amanda (Mandy). Who would've thought these two would get together in the beginning? And now, in this latest, Mandy ends up in a wheelchair and must figure out what happens next in her life. Merde and Mandarins is the finale in this diverse and unique series, but rest assured... the author loves (as do we) these characters so much, thus is born the DaDa Detective Agency where retirement means you're even busier than before!
One of things Adams most excels at is creating exceptionally memorable characters. Jack will always be the new stereotypical British police detective to me (possibly not how it should be! LOL)... I hope in reality they are not injured so much and don't always get into such intense trouble... but if they do, it would be amusing, and that's a key thing you're guaranteed when you read this series and in particular this book - laughter, majorly wide open eyes and eyerolls, and a lot of 'hmm... did that really just happen?' Bananas! Banana Boys! Those are some of the character names. Keef, nt Keith, or you might receive some bruises. Adams' descriptions conjure such great and sometimes oddly confusing and intriguing images all at the same time.
It's always sad when a series comes to an end... especially when the book is timely with political topics, bold murder in the wide open street, and a kidnapping of a major character. But it will come together and offer a surprising angle to consider -- the birth of a new series, so that is a nice win at the end of this one. I'm curious where the author will go... which characters will be included, how it will be different. One thing is for sure... it will make Adams' fans quite happy if he continued with the sarcasm, sass, and crazy humor. I can't possibly imagine what this would be like day to day, if a large portion of people acted and thought like this in reality, but it would make things so much lighter and less tense.
Kudos and congrats for a well written series that will entertain a wide variety of readers... and much luck on the next journey. I shall check it out in 2021!
One of things Adams most excels at is creating exceptionally memorable characters. Jack will always be the new stereotypical British police detective to me (possibly not how it should be! LOL)... I hope in reality they are not injured so much and don't always get into such intense trouble... but if they do, it would be amusing, and that's a key thing you're guaranteed when you read this series and in particular this book - laughter, majorly wide open eyes and eyerolls, and a lot of 'hmm... did that really just happen?' Bananas! Banana Boys! Those are some of the character names. Keef, nt Keith, or you might receive some bruises. Adams' descriptions conjure such great and sometimes oddly confusing and intriguing images all at the same time.
It's always sad when a series comes to an end... especially when the book is timely with political topics, bold murder in the wide open street, and a kidnapping of a major character. But it will come together and offer a surprising angle to consider -- the birth of a new series, so that is a nice win at the end of this one. I'm curious where the author will go... which characters will be included, how it will be different. One thing is for sure... it will make Adams' fans quite happy if he continued with the sarcasm, sass, and crazy humor. I can't possibly imagine what this would be like day to day, if a large portion of people acted and thought like this in reality, but it would make things so much lighter and less tense.
Kudos and congrats for a well written series that will entertain a wide variety of readers... and much luck on the next journey. I shall check it out in 2021!
December 18, 2021
Retired DCI Jack (Jane) Austin returns to the force to deal with a spate of incidents targeting top-ranking civil servants (Mandarins). Then his wife Amanda (JoJums) is kidnapped and he's on a quest to rescue her. How will he cope?
Great pacing, plenty of twists and turns and a terrific ending always make for the perfect crime novel, but add to all that really good writing, and here's a book to savour.
Merde and Mandarins is Book 5 in Kind Hearts and Martinets Series. I've read the whole series now and enjoyed it immensely. Pete Adams has a distinctive style, a combination of feel-good warmth and good old-fashioned British wit. The author manages to blend romance and comedy into a hard-edged political thriller and not curdle the custard. Adams also majors in themes of social justice and Merde and Mandarins is no exception. The book can be read as a standalone but I would urge the reader to start at the beginning of this corker of a series. This novel also segues to his next series, the DaDa Detective Agency run by Jack and Amanda.
Great pacing, plenty of twists and turns and a terrific ending always make for the perfect crime novel, but add to all that really good writing, and here's a book to savour.
Merde and Mandarins is Book 5 in Kind Hearts and Martinets Series. I've read the whole series now and enjoyed it immensely. Pete Adams has a distinctive style, a combination of feel-good warmth and good old-fashioned British wit. The author manages to blend romance and comedy into a hard-edged political thriller and not curdle the custard. Adams also majors in themes of social justice and Merde and Mandarins is no exception. The book can be read as a standalone but I would urge the reader to start at the beginning of this corker of a series. This novel also segues to his next series, the DaDa Detective Agency run by Jack and Amanda.
October 25, 2019
Number 5 in the Kind Hearts And Martinets series.
Jack Austin and Mandy are married, he’s retired and enjoying life in their madcap way.
However, the Banana boys, Keef, Jeremy and Brains, would be gangsters and so hilariously dumb. They are working for a serious criminal who has a plan to kidnap Jack’s beloved wife, Mandy……things are going to get messy.
With senior civil servants, the mandarins, being targeted, the plan being to destabilise the government…but why?
When Mandy is kidnapped, Jack comes out of retirement!
This has its serious moments in a clever, twisty plot, it is utterly hilarious- the randomness of Jack’s habit of mixing up his words and his nicknames for everyone really will have you laughing out loud.
Will Jack and Mandy finally retire? I hope not as I love this odd, mismatched couple and their bizarre, madcap lives.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
Jack Austin and Mandy are married, he’s retired and enjoying life in their madcap way.
However, the Banana boys, Keef, Jeremy and Brains, would be gangsters and so hilariously dumb. They are working for a serious criminal who has a plan to kidnap Jack’s beloved wife, Mandy……things are going to get messy.
With senior civil servants, the mandarins, being targeted, the plan being to destabilise the government…but why?
When Mandy is kidnapped, Jack comes out of retirement!
This has its serious moments in a clever, twisty plot, it is utterly hilarious- the randomness of Jack’s habit of mixing up his words and his nicknames for everyone really will have you laughing out loud.
Will Jack and Mandy finally retire? I hope not as I love this odd, mismatched couple and their bizarre, madcap lives.
Thank you to Damppebbles Blog Tours for the opportunity to participate in this blog tour, for the promotional materials and a free copy of the ebook. This is my honest, unbiased review.
November 5, 2019
I gave this a 4 stars or 8/10.
Merde and Mandarins is the last book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series. I haven't read any of the other 4 books, but this in no way spoilt my enjoyment of this story.
In this final book in the series (for now) the comically named Banana Boys are up to their usual antics. Keef, Brains and Jeremy are as usual on the wrong side of the law. This hapless gang are on a mission to carry out work for a more serious mastermind criminal than themselves, lets face it that's not hard either as they all seem to be slightly scatter brained.
As a plot is hatched and the retired DCI Jack Austin's wife is kidnapped, it's not long before he's drawn out of retirement to help rescue his wife and try to help with solving the recent mystery into which he in some ways becomes embroiled.
Told with lots of humour and scenes that would grace any TV screen, this was a roller coaster of a ride that I was happy to partake in.
Merde and Mandarins is the last book in the Kind Hearts and Martinets series. I haven't read any of the other 4 books, but this in no way spoilt my enjoyment of this story.
In this final book in the series (for now) the comically named Banana Boys are up to their usual antics. Keef, Brains and Jeremy are as usual on the wrong side of the law. This hapless gang are on a mission to carry out work for a more serious mastermind criminal than themselves, lets face it that's not hard either as they all seem to be slightly scatter brained.
As a plot is hatched and the retired DCI Jack Austin's wife is kidnapped, it's not long before he's drawn out of retirement to help rescue his wife and try to help with solving the recent mystery into which he in some ways becomes embroiled.
Told with lots of humour and scenes that would grace any TV screen, this was a roller coaster of a ride that I was happy to partake in.
October 2, 2019
Beware the Banana Boys
Keef, Jeremy and Brains (he's got none) are the Banana Boys, named after Keef (Keith) whose name is Banana. This band of criminal nonentities are manipulated by the arch-criminal behind the ongoing plot to destabilise the government and society into kidnapping Mandy, Jack Austin's wife and seriously injuring her.
This is a signal for Jack and his MI5 cronies to launch a final, decisive assault against the criminal bigwig and his associates in this final Installment of the author's unique comedy/crime thriller series. There's plenty of explosive action as usual and some surprise revelations as the series reaches its conclusion and Jack and Mandy ride off into the sunset of retirement... Or do they?
I'll miss the characters that the author has created in this excellent series and hope we might see them again in the future. 5 big stars from me.
Keef, Jeremy and Brains (he's got none) are the Banana Boys, named after Keef (Keith) whose name is Banana. This band of criminal nonentities are manipulated by the arch-criminal behind the ongoing plot to destabilise the government and society into kidnapping Mandy, Jack Austin's wife and seriously injuring her.
This is a signal for Jack and his MI5 cronies to launch a final, decisive assault against the criminal bigwig and his associates in this final Installment of the author's unique comedy/crime thriller series. There's plenty of explosive action as usual and some surprise revelations as the series reaches its conclusion and Jack and Mandy ride off into the sunset of retirement... Or do they?
I'll miss the characters that the author has created in this excellent series and hope we might see them again in the future. 5 big stars from me.
November 18, 2021
This is the second book by this author that I have read. This time I was prepared for hi British humor and the use of the English words or slang that they use. Jack Austin (Jane to friends) is up to his usual antics, but not to fear you are soon introduced to the less desirable and the nefarious. Have they outsmarted Jack this time? Will he recover enough to stop them? Then his wife is kidnapped. Fortunately, they track them down before his family grows again. He is soon to be a grandfather. Then assassins try to take out his friend and they must arrange a hide-a-way and protection while the close the noose around those in charge. To top that off, Christmas is soon arriving and Mandy his wife wants him to retire from the MI5. The tale is replete with his “talking” dog (read the story) and the dog’s mate and injuries. It’s a smashing finish with Jack er Jane wearing lady’s knickers to the Christmas Eve program. Enjoy!
November 4, 2019
*I received a free copy of this book with thanks to the author and to Emma Welton of damppebbles blog tours. The decision to review and my opinions are my own.*
Merde and Mandarins is the fifth book in Pete Adams’ Kind Hearts and Martinets series, and neatly wraps up the overarching series plot featuring a criminal mastermind orchestrating everything in Portsmouth from drug running, human trafficking and people smuggling, to political crimes on a country-wide scale.
Whilst these books can mostly stand alone, I would definitely recommend reading the series in order, in order to get the full Jack “Jane” Austin experience.
The style and tone of these books is classic slapstick British humour crossed with espionage thriller action and romcom relationships… and Pete Adams really makes it work. With a plethora of very contagious in-jokes, running gags, nicknames, and misquotes, the loyal reader feels like one of the team (minus the constant danger to life, limb and dignity).
We see less of Jo Jums and the Community Policing team this time round, as Jack previously flounced and now spends most of this book wambling about whether or not he actually retired or not, whilst clearly still neck-deep in the spook stuff. As a result, we get somewhat less of the usual running gags and the plot was much more easy to follow. In fact, I may have been sharing Jack’s bathwater too long at this point, as many of his actions actually made sense to me!
All the chaotic capers and silly shenanigans in the world cannot mask the fact that these books have a serious social (and political) message at the heart. Jack openly and tearfully shares his beliefs about community and looking after each other (especially the vulnerable), and always puts his trousers where his mouth is when it comes to his actions too. Even when he’s not actually wearing any trousers.
The grand finale of this story, whilst tidying up issues of Jack’s career and his Holmesian nemeses, opens the door to a new series in a similar-but-different vein, as Jack and Mandy move in a new-old direction to open their own detective agency; so look out for the Dada Detective Agency series coming soon. (There is a lovely guest post by the author here, on A Lover of Books blog, which contains loads of information about what is to come, and some typical Pete Adams humour too!).
If you enjoy your crime thrillers packed with action, mystery, social messages, great characters and daft jokes then this is the series for you!
Jack stopped looking at his backside, which coincided with his search for a pint glass, and as he scanned the reception room he could see the Queen wore a confused frown; not crown, that was quite clear and not at all confusing, Jack thought, amusing himself. He was quite amusing, to himself, and often made himself laugh. ‘What a wag I am,’ he would say, reinforcing his self-esteem that, believe it or not, hovered quite low; often on the floor; the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, PTSD, the psychiatrists said, not that Jack agreed with them. To him, the way he felt, and as a consequence behaved, was his mid-life crisis, which, if he could add up correctly, meant he would live to be at least one hundred and twenty, and he was quite pleased about that.
‘You are not a wag, you’re a bozo, and heaven help me and those in our care home if you live to be a hundred and twenty. Now, go and help the Queen, please,’ Mandy repeated, menace in the “please”.
– Pete Adams, Merde and Mandarins
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
Merde and Mandarins is the fifth book in Pete Adams’ Kind Hearts and Martinets series, and neatly wraps up the overarching series plot featuring a criminal mastermind orchestrating everything in Portsmouth from drug running, human trafficking and people smuggling, to political crimes on a country-wide scale.
Whilst these books can mostly stand alone, I would definitely recommend reading the series in order, in order to get the full Jack “Jane” Austin experience.
The style and tone of these books is classic slapstick British humour crossed with espionage thriller action and romcom relationships… and Pete Adams really makes it work. With a plethora of very contagious in-jokes, running gags, nicknames, and misquotes, the loyal reader feels like one of the team (minus the constant danger to life, limb and dignity).
We see less of Jo Jums and the Community Policing team this time round, as Jack previously flounced and now spends most of this book wambling about whether or not he actually retired or not, whilst clearly still neck-deep in the spook stuff. As a result, we get somewhat less of the usual running gags and the plot was much more easy to follow. In fact, I may have been sharing Jack’s bathwater too long at this point, as many of his actions actually made sense to me!
All the chaotic capers and silly shenanigans in the world cannot mask the fact that these books have a serious social (and political) message at the heart. Jack openly and tearfully shares his beliefs about community and looking after each other (especially the vulnerable), and always puts his trousers where his mouth is when it comes to his actions too. Even when he’s not actually wearing any trousers.
The grand finale of this story, whilst tidying up issues of Jack’s career and his Holmesian nemeses, opens the door to a new series in a similar-but-different vein, as Jack and Mandy move in a new-old direction to open their own detective agency; so look out for the Dada Detective Agency series coming soon. (There is a lovely guest post by the author here, on A Lover of Books blog, which contains loads of information about what is to come, and some typical Pete Adams humour too!).
If you enjoy your crime thrillers packed with action, mystery, social messages, great characters and daft jokes then this is the series for you!
Jack stopped looking at his backside, which coincided with his search for a pint glass, and as he scanned the reception room he could see the Queen wore a confused frown; not crown, that was quite clear and not at all confusing, Jack thought, amusing himself. He was quite amusing, to himself, and often made himself laugh. ‘What a wag I am,’ he would say, reinforcing his self-esteem that, believe it or not, hovered quite low; often on the floor; the effects of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome, PTSD, the psychiatrists said, not that Jack agreed with them. To him, the way he felt, and as a consequence behaved, was his mid-life crisis, which, if he could add up correctly, meant he would live to be at least one hundred and twenty, and he was quite pleased about that.
‘You are not a wag, you’re a bozo, and heaven help me and those in our care home if you live to be a hundred and twenty. Now, go and help the Queen, please,’ Mandy repeated, menace in the “please”.
– Pete Adams, Merde and Mandarins
Review by Steph Warren of Bookshine and Readbows blog
https://bookshineandreadbows.wordpres...
November 22, 2019
I don’t always talk about the cover, but Merde and Manderarins caught my eye because of the cover. I’m slightly obsessed and felt the need to mention it because I chose to read this book based off it, not the blurb (though the blurb hooks you!)
I love the mystery aspect of this novel the most. Pete Adams knows how to give the reader just enough to draw you in and then twist the story so you don’t quite know what’s happening. That’s the mark of a great crime novel, I think.
This is the 5th book in a series, but it reads just fine as a standalone. I love when authors create a series and then make each book good enough to stand on it’s own. I personally think that takes some talent to do.
I love DCI Jack Austin. His determination is inspiring and he has a good head on his shoulders. I enjoyed the journey. The pace of the story was fast and I absolutely loved the end.
Overall, Merde and Mandarins is fantastic. I’d like to read the first four books. I highly recommend checking this out!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Damppebbles Blog Tour. All opinions are my own.*
I love the mystery aspect of this novel the most. Pete Adams knows how to give the reader just enough to draw you in and then twist the story so you don’t quite know what’s happening. That’s the mark of a great crime novel, I think.
This is the 5th book in a series, but it reads just fine as a standalone. I love when authors create a series and then make each book good enough to stand on it’s own. I personally think that takes some talent to do.
I love DCI Jack Austin. His determination is inspiring and he has a good head on his shoulders. I enjoyed the journey. The pace of the story was fast and I absolutely loved the end.
Overall, Merde and Mandarins is fantastic. I’d like to read the first four books. I highly recommend checking this out!
*I received a complimentary copy of this book as part of a blog tour with Damppebbles Blog Tour. All opinions are my own.*
June 11, 2020
He’s back! With Jack Austin forced out of retirement & back into the driving seat of this political intrigue plot, there are new characters galore & plenty of witty asides. An absolute romp of a read, it’s face-paced & funny, combining two traits that Adams is perfectly adept at combining. When Austin’s beloved wife, Mandy, is kidnapped, the gears are switched up a notch to bring readers a superb & nail-biting conclusion. I so hope this isn’t the last we’ve seen of this mid-matched team, as the entertainment is endless & the writing top notch!
January 24, 2021
This is such a wonderful series. I've read the first five and already have more books by this author on my kindle. He has a way with words that even while you are reading something serious, you can't help but chuckle!
Following on with the capers of Jack Austin, we jump into an action packed story full of criminal masterminds and dastardly crimes. The writing is of such high quality that even as someone who says away from hard hitting reads or thrillers, I keep finishing one book and then immediately buying another. The humour these books are written with, combines really well with the serious topics and lifts them to make the whole series real page turners .
I can't wait to read more about how Jack and his wife Mandy spend their time in the next series and see if they do actually retire, or have more hilarious escapades! If you are someone who usually says away from crime reads, then you'll be really surprised and delighted by these completely unexpected and action-packed storylines, full of good humour and incredibly strong characters.
Following on with the capers of Jack Austin, we jump into an action packed story full of criminal masterminds and dastardly crimes. The writing is of such high quality that even as someone who says away from hard hitting reads or thrillers, I keep finishing one book and then immediately buying another. The humour these books are written with, combines really well with the serious topics and lifts them to make the whole series real page turners .
I can't wait to read more about how Jack and his wife Mandy spend their time in the next series and see if they do actually retire, or have more hilarious escapades! If you are someone who usually says away from crime reads, then you'll be really surprised and delighted by these completely unexpected and action-packed storylines, full of good humour and incredibly strong characters.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews