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)

Charm

There's a charm and shallowness to this book, with its many short segments and quirky characters, that make it a good diversion while doing such things as running, gardening, knitting, or whatever. I'd not call it great literature, but it is well written and has a certain silly sensibility that I found fairly delightful. The reader was outstanding, with a light Scots accent that gives a feel for the characters without being unintelligible.

Too many loose ends.

I didn't feel like all the story lines were completed and some left me hanging. But I liked it, just wished it continued 2 more chapters to tie up the loose ends.

It was okay

Any additional comments?

I'm not sure about this one. I read that it was funny, but I only found a few places where I chuckled. I guess I don't understand Scottish humor. It was an interesting story that seems to have no real ending for a few of the characters. For me, it was sort of like a sitcom without the chuckles. I guess it was just not my style.

Pleasant

Engaging throughout though slight and doesn't really go anywhere. Love the author especially the ladies Detective agency first book which was great unique this is not on that caliber though keeps you amused and listening.

His best series yet!

Would you listen to 44 Scotland Street again? Why?

I love this series. The characters are fun and interesting. The plot twists enjoyable. I can almost imagine the author sitting in his writing room, giggling.

What did I just listen to?

I have to wonder if Scotland is stuck in the Victorian era. The way the people of this story speak and think reminds me of Jane Eyre or a Jane Austin novel. I happen to enjoy these types of books so that didn't bother me but then I would get thrown by modern electronics or occurances.

cute story - not an award winner

I keep hoping for another #1 Women's Detective Agency from McCall Smith. This one isn't anywhere close. It's a nice and sometimes funny story but I wouldn't recommend it nor would I get another in the series. The narrator does a most excellent job - great voice and accent. The ending was just that.....it ended!

Addicted to the Series

The stories of a group of mostly ordinary people living on or near 44 Scotland Street. This book sat in my Library for quite a few months. I wasn't sure I would like it, but once I started I found it hard to stop. Nothing earth shattering happens to the characters, but each character has something affect them in each book.

44 Scotland Street is comfort reading. It's satisfies, relaxes, amuses, and makes us yearn for more.

Rather slow

The story didn't really seem to go anywhere. Moved slowly. Narration was mediocre. Wouldn't bother with another one. I'm done.

Delightful

Just when I thought I had tired of AMS, I discovered this gem. Wonderful narration.