by Alexander McCall Smith
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Product Description
The delectable new installment in the bestselling and already beloved adventures of Isabel Dalhousie and her no-nonsense housekeeper, Grace.
When friends from Dallas arrive in Edinburgh and introduce Isabel to Tom Bruce – a bigwig at home in Texas – several confounding situations unfurl at once. Tom’s young fiancée’s roving eye leads Isabel to believe that money may be the root of her love for Tom. But what, Isabel wonders, is the root of the interest Tom begins to show for Isabel herself? And she can’t forget about her niece, Cat, who’s busy falling for a man whom Isabel suspects of being an incorrigible mama’s boy. Of course Grace and Isabel’s friend Jamie counsel Isabel to stay out of all of it, but there are irresistible philosophical issues at stake – when to tell the truth and when to keep one’s mouth shut, to be precise – and philosophical issues are meat and drink to Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. In any case, she’s certain of the ethical basis for a little sleuthing now and again – especially when the problems involve matters of the heart.
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Average Customer Review:
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
What a treat! Best of the series so far., 2008-08-05
My favourite of the Isabel Dalhousie series, so far! What a treat! Just the right mix of thinking and relaxing prose. I love the warmth and goodness and common sense that emmanate from McCall Smith's prose. It just feels so good, so cozy. These are books to keep us good company, anytime, anywhere, and to remind us that life is good and we can make it good, too.
0 of 0 people found the following review helpful:
 Philosophy as Mystery, 2008-06-21
In this third installment of the Isabel Dalhousie series, Alexander McCall Smith has done an admirable job of advancing the plot without being too redundant. For those unfamiliar with the series, but who have read the authors The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 5-Book Boxed Set, Isabel Dalhousie is a far different protagonist than Mma Ramotswe. While both philosophers in their own right, Isabel's philsophies are academic and rooted in social modernity whereas Precious Ramotswe prides herself on simple wisdom in the face of changing tradition.
If you are expecting a whodunit-smoking-gun- mystery, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, McCall Smith explores the mysteries of the human heart and psyche. Why do we do what we do? Why do we say what we say? We all have our own mysteries to investigate. I do think the "mystery" label is deceiving--at least for this particular book in the series.
Another warning: for those used to the sparkly clean morality of Mma Ramotswe and friends, this series is a little spicier--of the garlic variety, not the jalapeño variety (so for those of you who enjoy steamy sex scenes, don't hold your breath).
All-in-all, a fun read, although I found the plot moving so much more quickly than usual that I skimmed over some of Isabel's more philosophical moments, eager for the next plot point.
3 of 7 people found the following review helpful:
*SLEUTHING for Future Choices /OR/ Leaving all to INTUITION?*, 2008-05-30
Whether you have been reading "The Right Attitude to Rain" . . . "Love Over Scotland" or "Blue Shoes & Happiness" . . . you and your book friends will probably have a discussion eventually . . . about the author!
For two of his series, author Alexander McCall Smith has chosen
female protagonists, and these are women who have strong claims on our hearts. Why is it that these characters 'grab' at readers, albeit with the welcome tentacles of family? Was *AMS* one of a large family, familiar with diverse personalities & inter-play?
Not since another strong woman in a British series was described with the phrase "SHE Who Must Be Obeyed" have viewers been so amused and readers so faithful. We recognize traits in "Precious" Ramotswe/OR/Isabel Dalhousie that could have been plucked from our family Tree; endearing like Aunt Lettie who plied her needle in sewing or debate and our outrageous Aunty Flo, close friend of Vachel Lindsay.
Author McCall Smith has the same sure hold on our hearts with his 'lay of the land' - - describing places that we may know quite well, or not at all - - they now occupy places in our memory albums, favorite snapshots stuck down with black photo corners. And think of the many trips to Edinburgh that are being plotted now by readers.
Reading vol.3 of the series, a friend was provoked by some of Isabel's actions, she who edits a Journal for the morally superior! Perhaps Ms. Dalhousie was confronted by more issues than usual?Or, has the author tried to overcome some of her dowdiness, if that is the word? The young woman who pines for love does sometimes appear closer to 50 than 40. This reader isn't overly stuffy but admits being a whit disturbed by the implication that "a new little Dalhousie" might not bear his father's surname? I noticed that in a blurb for "The Careful Use of Compliments" - - which caused me to read the ending (of "Rain") early-on, a first for that particular sin since childhood. The moral implications of that might fill an entire issue of the philosophical journal Isabel edits.
What books are on your List to gather for a summer trip, or hammock-time at home? It would not surprise me if you choose 1 or 2 titles by Alexander McCall Smith. What is it about the Scots, anyway? Jane Yolen (see 6/2/08 NEWSWEEK magazine) is another prolific & delightful writer with a Scot's heart. I'll happily reach for any of their books, and am impatient to turn on the television when the BBC shares their series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency."
But first I'll reach for volume 4, and be charmed into another good read about the fascinating Isabel. There are certain aspects of her housekeeper's character that are intriguing also, don't you think? Tea and Crumpets, anyone?
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
 End of the line for me, 2008-04-20
This book was a great disappointment. I don't know what I expected after the very good second book, but it certainly was not this. The Right Attitude to Rain reads like a long, ponderouss, unfunny episode of Seinfeld. For all of its credentials, it is essentially a book about nothing- except lusting after a younger man.
While I am happy to see that this book was subtitled "An Isabel Dalhouse Novel" instead of "Mystery", I think this book would have been more appropriately labeled "Romance", since the sole purpose of the book seemed to focus on when and how Isabel would get together with Jaime.
Unfortunately, this book was not much of a romance, either. I could not relate to it on any front. I am actually the same age as the main character, married to a younger man and without children. I am an inquisitive and educated person. I have been to Scotland and have met many people like the ones described in the book.
Despite all of the similarities, this book just rings false to me. This new relationship between Jaime and Isabel(friends with benefits?) is not in the least bit romantic. Isabel has to be the worst "detective" ever, frequently and repeatedly jumping to wrong conclusions throughout the series. For someone big on examining the morality and ethics of others, she is remarkably blind to her own. Whether Cat had rejected Jaime or not, surely an affair with a man who is the ex-lover of one's niece and closest living blood relative warrants some kind of moral/ethical debate. It is shocking to me that Isabel was taken aback at Cat's reaction to her new relationship with Jaime. I would have been suprised if her response had been anything other than it was. I don't think it should have taken a philosopher to anticipate that.
Isabel's constant pining over Jamie, and his seeming almost indifference to her, really wore on me. I forced myself to finish this book. A very sad end to what had been a good series. I know another book follows this one, but I will not be reading it.
I have had enough of the self-absorbed and self-righteousness musings of Isabel Dalhousie.
1 of 3 people found the following review helpful:
 Couldn't finish it, 2008-01-16
To understand how frivolous this book is, one need only realize that its philosophical water-bearer is someone who has no real job, no children, and no marriage - but she does somehow have scads of money and a domestic assistant. These are not the conditions that breed useful insights for the rest of us.
The narrative pace is just as contrived. Isabel's conversational partners are apparently accustomed to long, long silences while she wanders in reverie up and down a mental garden of friends, past experiences and ethical dilemmas. By the time she wakes up and remembers she has a reply to make, real friends would have done public safety a favor by driving her home and putting her to bed.
I couldn't finish the book.
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