| This is the third book in a delightful series by the | | | | distance from Edinburgh. The artist, Angus, misses |
| excellent author, Alexander McCall Smith; he also | | | | Domenica and tries to replace the emptiness by |
| writes the brilliant 'No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' | | | | helping her friend, historical novelist, Antonia, settle in to |
| series. This is comfort reading at its most enjoyable, | | | | her flat. Descriptions of Angus' beer-drinking dog, Cyril, |
| and it gives you a warm cuddle as you join these | | | | really bring him to life and we see life from a dog's |
| favorite characters as they live their very different | | | | view-point - tasty ankles abound! |
| lives in the always interesting city of Edinburgh. | | | | Bertie, the precocious saxophone playing six year old, |
| It's like your top soap opera in book form, but with | | | | travels to Paris without his pushy mother, Irene, and his |
| ironic humor thrown in. The insight to these various | | | | father seems to assert himself a bit more and sorts |
| quirky Edinburgh characters is addictive. Our resident | | | | out a tricky local problem. Bertie's expressed feelings |
| millionaire, Matthew, is taking control of his life and and | | | | about his life are very touching, and he seems to |
| now rather enjoying owning an art gallery. His love life | | | | understand far more than most people realize. |
| is in focus in this book and he is depicted as a | | | | This top novel is a lovely, life-enhancing read - the |
| charming and caring gentleman, making the reader long | | | | people in it are interesting and generally likable |
| for him to find personal happiness. Domenica, the | | | | characters and the descriptions of Edinburgh entice |
| well-heeled middle-aged anthropologist of 44 Scotland | | | | you to visit. When the last page is read you are left |
| Street, has gone on her travels to Malacca to study | | | | wanting more, a sign of a good story teller. |
| pirates! We continue with her adventures despite her | | | | |