Dial M for Merde

Dial M for Merde is a cute title, and the novel has an excellent start in Paris. The author has clearly traveled to The City of Lights [and southern France] and has tried to ride a rental bike in city traffic! But the story decays from there on, as the reader searches for both the merde and the murder. I'm 25% of the way into the book and the main even hasn't happened yet. I'll give it another chance, but i will be skimming in search of the title event. The writing is OK, and if this is a new writer i think there is hope for turning up a notch to the 'good level'. There needs to be more focus on the plot, right now the reader is chasing sub-plots, while the core issue goes wanting. As a reader I also need to care about the characters, and I don't care enough about them at this point -- hoping that will improve too. More later ...

I have not had the pleasure of reading a book by Stephen Clarke. This book caught my attention with it's catchy title. As I continued to read the book, I found that there was just a couple of areas that I had to reread the paragraph because of the french words the author used in the story. I was not sure of what the words meant until I looked it up on my computer for the translation. It would of been nice if the translation would of been included as a footnote in the story instead of having to find it in the computer or dictionary, if you have a French to English dictionary, then you'll be fine. The story was not what I expected. It had a few twist and turns, but all in all it was not a bad read. I would of given this book a five star if the author or editor had put in the translation for french words.

WARNING: "May contain spoilers"...This book was being promoted by Amazon via their Kindle store. The premise looked interesting, so I gave it a shot.Overall, I liked it. The lead character starts out clearly thinking he's going to do one thing and ends up in a mess of different situations, few of them good. The story comes together nicely at the end, and multiple disasters are averted. The general plot has been done many times before, though I always found the presentation more than interesting enough to keep reading.My only gripe? It seemed like every other thing that happened in the story was of a sexual nature. I don't really care, though I was tired of having such scenes and concepts appear over and over again.

This was a GREAT read, so amusing and informative as well. Love the honest but kind portrayal of the French.

Just couldn't get into it. It was like a bad Ian Fleming James Bond with no direction, no discernible plot, just meaningless sex for the sake of meaningless sex. So appropriately titled. This guy really knows his products. Not worth picking up in a used bookstore.

This was an interesting mystery that led the reader in many directions and kept you guessing who was who and what was what and for whom it was: see what I mean? One time you think you've got the story figured out - oops - another theme takes you in a different direction.

First book in the Merde series that I have read. I enjoyed the humor and sarcasm. Not much of a story but the characters were fun. For a light read that will often make you laugh I recommend it. I will give the other books by Stephen Clark a try.

I’ve enjoyed other books by this author but this is a miss. It’s a too trite and over the top.

Having read Clark's excellent 1000 Years Of Annoying The French I decided to buy this book to take with me to the Riviera. What an incredibly dull thriller it turned out to be! Little plot development or character development, never a sentence that makes you think 'well written sir', just a very uninspiring or enjoyable read. Although set on the Riviera there is no glamorous backdrop to the story.nWe are not taking on a riotous adventure through Cannes or Nice or Monaco etc. it's all set down the other end of the coast. I got to 20 pages to the end and another book I'd ordered was delivered so I dropped Dial M for Merde off at the charity shop. I had zero interest in the ending. I have only ever failed to complete two other books in 40 years of reading so that tells you something.The title should be changed to 'Read M For Merde'Do check out '1000 Years' however as its a fascinating book.

I found this book up to the usual standard of Clarke's Paul West series, which is to say, very funny and engaging. I nearly didn't buy it because some other reviews were a bit iffy, but in fact it is a thoroughly enjoyable romp, with Mr Clarke's usual injection of a bit of light gallic farce. Some people found the plot contrived or unbelievable. I would say, "so what if it's unbelievable?" - it's a story, not meant to be like real life. And upon the story were hung many amusing set-pieces of action and dialogue which had me laughing out loud. I have visited some of the locations on the Mediterranean coast where the action takes place and found the descriptions to be well researched, bringing the locations right back to me. I think anyone who knows this part of southern France well would find the book particularly enjoyable.

Having read Stephen's previous Merde years ago I really enjoyed renewing my contact with Paul and hearing about the class war of France, his relationship with his latest bed companion and the hottie police officer. More of Leanne please Stephen. A funny fast moving story.

read most of the series and really enjoying this one too. easy, gentle humour and a quick read too. great if you know french too/interested in france-obviously not for educational purposes but a light and irreverant look at french culture. would recommend.

Although I liked this edition of the Paul West series I don't think it is as good as the previous ones. Although saying that the insight in to the French aristocracy which was supposed to have been wiped out 200 years ago is enlightening.It seems snobbery is alive and well in France.