My Pick of the Week!

Readers will look forward to the return of Isabel Dalhousie in Alexander McCall Smith’s new book The Careful Use of Compliments , the fourth book in the Sunday Philosophy Club series. Isabel is a philosopher and journal editor living in Edinburgh. She is also a new a mother experiencing both the joys and stresses of parenthood while raising her young son Charlie. Motherhood does not change her inquisitive nature and her curiosity leads her on a journey to the Isle of Jura in the Hebrides. Here she investigates a possible case of forgery of paintings by an artist presumed dead. The book is an intriguing mixture of mystery and philosophical observations about life and art. With wit and humour, the author examines the complexities of relationships and explores questions of ethical behaviour. The picturesque Scottish setting in historical Edinburgh enhances the charm of the story. In character and setting, this novel is very different from the books in McCall Smith’s well loved series, No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, which takes place in the African country of Botswana. However, both series illustrate the author’s skill in creating wonderful stories which provide genuine insight into human nature.