44 Scotland Street

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 11 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

The brilliant Alexander McCall Smith became an international sensation with his New York Times best-selling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels. His award-winning wit, made famous through that series, is fully on display in 44 Scotland Street.

When Pat rents a room in Edinburgh, she acquires some interesting neighbors, including a pushy Stockbridge mother and her talented, sax-playing, 5-year-old son. Pat's job at an art gallery hardly keeps her busy, until she suspects one painting in the collection may be an undiscovered work from a Scottish master. As Pat handles the mystery of the painting, she and the people surrounding her confront issues of trust, love, and loss.

Chalk up another winner for McCall Smith, whose endlessly entertaining and perceptive novel is filled with delightfully authentic sketches of all the archetypes of Edinburgh society.

©2005 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2005 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Readers needn't possess plaid clothes or a brogue to savor this wise, witty send-up of Edinburgh rogues." (Booklist)
"The possibility of romance, the ongoing ups and downs of the large, well-drawn cast of characters, the intricate plot, and the way Smith nimbly jumps from situation to situation and POV to POV...works beautifully." (Publishers Weekly)

One of my favorite audiobooks ever!!!

There are many good books made better, I believe by an excellent narrator. But sometimes the combination of writer and narrator is so great the audiobook is raised to the level of a distinct art form. The 44 Scotland Street Series is such a combination. These little stories and the charming characters in them are so appealing that once I start listening I do not want to stop. Smith created them and Robert Ian Mackenzie brings them to life. I am so glad their world has become part of my world.

Do the negative reviewers understand these were written in serial form to appear daily in a newspaper? It sounds like some expect this book to read like a regular novel. In fact, the book is more like real life - there are ups and downs but life goes on. It is composed of short segments which skip among various different characters but each character has a story and all the stories weave together throughout the book.

Please, please do not be afraid of trying these books. I am now almost finished with the second one, Espresso Tales, and enjoying it just as much. I thought I might get tired of the format but I have not. I plan to purchase the entire series.

Delightful

We found the book to have Interesting 3 dimensional characters. There are many Funny situations. Multiple story threads that cross each other. A very enjoyable book.

Interesting characters but

If you love this writer you may love this book. I was about to stop listening after I was 1/2 way through. It is a slice of life that goes no where. Perhaps it was too slow for me.
I also found the recording picked up the narrators mouth sounds. The timing between “chapters” was odd. I did get used to it.
I won’t read more of this series even though the prose is great.

Pretty Boring

I loved the original #1Ladies Detective Agency. This one was boring, with not terribly endearing characters. The narrator’s attempt at women’s voices was also a bit annoying.

A pleasant listen

I honestly had no idea what to expect from this book. I saw the high ratings, read the synopsis and thought, what the heck? Once I got used to the format, which is a bit staccato, having been released in chunks for the print media, and realized it was not a mystery, but more of a slice of life story, I enjoyed it. The writing is clever, witty, and occasionally insightful. The characters are intriguing, though I do wish there were a few more delightful ones. The narration was terrific. I will check out the next in the series.

The Neighborhood

Birdie, his controlling mother, Irine, Pat, Mathew, DomThe Neiboricas, Angus, Bruce, and Shiva, the eye blinking dog lives are intertwined in Edinburgh, Scotland. The tunnel under the complex is intriguing as they listen in on a private meeting.

subtle and sweet

I listened to this book while I walked the dog--the walks got longer as I got more involved in the characters (the dog got happier). Nothing really happens, but if you can allow yourself to appreciate the little stories about the characters, it is a charming book. The humor is very dry and understated. They became pleasant companions that I looked forward to walking with. The reader does a good job with a modified Scottish accent.

Learn While Laughing

I was driving east with my daughter's family, Colorado to Pennsylvania, when I first heard Alexander McCall Smith's work, The Incredible Lightness of Scones, and no warning either. It was a while before I picked up on it, some nonsense about using moisturizer. Then I just relaxed into chuckling and laughter with the rest of the family; I was converted. As soon as I got on the Internet I ordered 44 Scotland St from Audible. And of course, it isn't nonsense at all, or just a funny story, more like an easy path to enlightenment. The play between Bertie, mother Irene and the psychiatrist is a gentle study of defective child rearing that should put us all on notice. Learn while laughing. Why not?

I love a character-driven story!

This is just the thing I go for - rich characters with their triumphs and tragedies, quirks and all. Some are frustrating and some delightful. I’m anxious to read more!

Subtle Humor Quirky Characters

It is so refreshing to laugh these days and one does get attached and invested in the outcomes of the characters. I laughed a lot and kept listening because I just loved it so much and the author is a superb interpreter of every little detail.