The death of a famous TV chef live on air is the catalyst for some rather surprising events in the life of the Gallic gastronomic reviewer, Pamplemousse.

A chance encounter with a market researcher leaves Monsieur Pamplemousse with a ticket to the filming of Claude Chavignol’s popular television show. Chavignol, a magician, turned chef and a noted gastronome, is the presenter of Cuisine de Chavignol, a live weekly program that is part chat show, part game show interspersed with cooking slots.

The flawless production is a pleasure to watch, but the audience’s enjoyment of the show comes to an abrupt halt when Chavignol starts to choke on an oyster. Pamplemousse is first on the scene, though his attempted Heimlich Manoeuvre has little effect – Chavignol has been poisoned and dies live on TV.

Pamplemousse and his faithful bloodhound Pommes Frites are drawn into the investigation at the request of Monsieur Leclerq, Director of Le Guide, who found himself in a rather compromising position with Chavignol’s seemingly insatiable wife Claudette. It doesn’t take long for Pamplemousse to fall into Claudette’s clutches, but, as always, Pommes Frites is on hand for a daring rescue. As his investigation continues Pamplemousse soon finds himself immersed in Chavignol’s bizarre world of blackmail, inflatable nuns, and magic.