The Sunday Philosophy Club

An Isabel Dalhousie Mystery

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Davina Porter

Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith, winner of the first-ever Saga Award for Wit, has entertained millions with his beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency mysteries. Now this phenomenally popular author introduces a fresh series, brimming with the charm and humor his stable of dedicated fans can't get enough of.

Isabel Dalhousie is a philosopher by training, and an amateur sleuth by choice. When a young man falls from a balcony to his death, Isabel's curiosity is aroused. She does not believe the fall was an accident, and she is determined to root out the truth. With a little help from some friends (her housekeeper, her niece, and her niece's rather attractive ex-boyfriend), Isabel plunges into the shady business community of Edinburgh to find some answers.

With its distinctive characters and captivating suspense, The Sunday Philosophy Club further cements McCall Smith's status as one of today's most imaginative and enjoyable authors.

©2004 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2004 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A world of kindness, gentility and creature comforts...the literary equivalent of herbal tea and a cozy fire." (The New York Times)
"Utterly enchanting....It is impossible to come away from an Alexander McCall Smith 'mystery' novel without a smile on the lips and warm fuzzies in the heart." (Chicago Sun-Times)

Quaint

I enjoyed the story. Rather a soft ending which was fine but a little bit dull. Worth the read and the narrator is definitely worth listening to.

Snooze

Loved the voice actor; bored by the story... would have been better as a novella.

Interesting use of philosophy to unravel a mystery

I enjoyed this light mystery, the use of philosophy, and the narration, though it can be a bit haughty.

excellent read!

I very much enjoyed becoming acquainted with Isabel Dalhousie and the mystery was interesting. I have purchased book 2 of the series.

Good, charming, little dated but enjoyable

Liked the quintessential British characters and lack of serious malevolent environment that exists today 2024). Loved the philosophical commentary.

Wee bit of puzzlement

I have been thoughly enjoying Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies series; when suddenly I ran out of books. Decided to try The first in the Philosophy Club series. Again in the style of what I have seen of this author, far more a drama than a real mystery. More a wee bit of puzzlement than an edge of your seat who done it. However that said, I have found all Smiths' titles so far to have fabulous character development and a comfortably easy listening flow that keeps me wanting more. I very much enjoyed the narrator of this title - and if readers choose this audio for no other reason than that; I highly recomend this audio version over the hard copy!

The Sunday Philosophy Club (Unabridged)

It was a delightful book and beautifully narrated. Isabel Dalhousie is a charming character and great observer of her environment; a younger Ms. Marple (Agatha Christie). As the editor of Applied Ethics, her character is always striving for the bigger questions than what appear to be at hand. The plot was carried down many avenues that all came together at the end.

Lots of talk, little action

Is there anything you would change about this book?

Whereas I think I'd very much enjoy Isabel Dalhousie as a friend or tea companion, she is somewhat lame as an amateur Private Investigator. I have a minor in philosophy and a law degree, and I understand her many, many philosophical and ethical references very well. From a standpoint of the story, there are TOO many, and many of them are not really pertinent. That a woman of that maturity and sophistication does not seem to understand the emotional drives of herself or the people around her strains credulity as well. I've very much enjoyed McCall Smith in other works, particularly the "Ladies Detective Agency" series set in Botswana. I'd enjoy Isabel more with less meandering philosophy and more action. The actress, Davina Porter, who narrates is spot on.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Not enough resolution.

What does Davina Porter bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her wide range of marvelous accents!

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Maybe. A scriptwriter would tighten it up. I doubt most of Hollywood would get most of the what Isabel's talking about without their Wikipedia, anyway!

Smart!

Loved the story and narration. Love the characters also! I didn't guess the conclusion at all. Excellent mystery!

Moral Dilemmas

AMS is always fascinating. His writing makes me want to be his friend. They say you should choose a book in the same way you would choose a best friend. That’s how I feel about this book. Through all Isabel‘s moral dilemmas, she has a western Judeo-Christian sensibility. For my own life, I prefer a wholly Christian viewpoint. Her ideas of life and compassion don’t always square with mine, but I love hearing her thoughts.