Friends, Lovers, Chocolate

The Sunday Philosophy Club, Book 2

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Davina Porter

In this delightful second installment in Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling new detective series, the irrepressibly curious Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, gets caught up in an affair of the heart, this one a transplant.

When Isabel's niece, Cat, asks Isabel to run her delicatessen while she attends a wedding in Italy, Isabel meets a man with a most interesting problem. He recently had a heart transplant and is suddenly plagued with memories of events that never happened to him. The situation appeals to Isabel as a philosophical question: Is the heart truly the seat of the soul? And it piques her insatiable curiosity: Could the memories be connected with the donor's demise? Of course, Grace, Isabel's no-nonsense housekeeper, and Isabel's friend Jamie think it is none of Isabel's business. Meanwhile, Cat brings home an Italian lothario, who, in accordance with all that Isabel knows about Italian lotharios, shouldn't be trusted...but, goodness, he is charming.

That makes two mysteries of the heart to be solved, just the thing for Isabel Dalhousie.

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

Critic reviews

"Isabel is a force to be reckoned with. Miscreants, beware, Smith's lady detectives are on the case." (USA Today)

very enjoyable read

I love Alexander Mccall Smith's humor and gentle approach in character building. I have never been much interested in mysteries but love these mysteries. I will read more of his work.

Friends, Lovers, Chocolate: Book 2

It was like getting together with old friends; enjoyed it even more than the Sunday Philosophy Club. Look forward to another sequel.

A gem!

As usual, listening to an Alexander McCall-Smith book is a much richer experience than reading it, although I enjoy that too. The narrator does a wonderful job with the scottish accent...I guess brogue, and is a pleasure to listen to. I was touched by the engaging story and laughed many times on my way to work and back. If you ever have a chance to attend a talk by the author, do it!! He was recently in Denver and is a warm, funny man. One of the characters in "Friends, Lovers, Chocolate..." plays the bassoon in an orchestra as does the author, who co-founded "The Really Terrible Orchestra"...a great example of his self-deprecating humor. He has been a professor (of law and ethics) and I'm sure that is why this and the "Sausage Dog" series ring so true. He lives in Scotland with his family and was born in Africa. The only time he grew serious during his talk was when he very sympathetically described the problems on that continent and expressed his appreciation for the help provided there by the US government. An amazing and very entertaining man.

Charming

I just adore this author and his incredibly effortless writing style. In both this book and the #1 Ladies Detective Agency Series, Mr. Smith has created a universe that draws the reader/listener in and captivates. His stories are much more about every day life and the relationships people develop with a background plot. Like Mma Ramotswy I looked forward to hearing about Isabelle Dallhousie's life every day when I got in the car to drive to work. I listen to the first Sunday Philosophy Club book and immediatly to this one. Starting one of Mr. Smiths books is like getting a letter from an old friend. He creates these characters with whom you can't help but love and look forward to hearing of their next adventure. Excellent

Memorable Life Moments

Alexander McCall Smith weaves together curiosity with respect and compassion for friends and others with supportive intentions when they become involved in managing challenging situations that are unprecedented for them all. Much to ponder.