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)

The inner monologue of a tedious character

it's not a terrible story by any means, but tedious describes it best for me. Every thing in this characters day reminds her of some ethical or moral dilemma/inquiry and it becomes very dull after a while. Davina Porter made the book tolerable, but otherwise it was a dud for me.

Advice For Prospective Listeners

I'm currently listening to book 5 in this series. I have loved them all and will be listening to the rest of them, as well. I originally thought they would be mysteries, but they're not really, although usually there is something odd going on that Isabel is trying to sort out. They remind me more of the 44 Scotland Street books, of which Audible does not have the complete series, so I had to find another. I'm glad I found this one.

The reason I decided to review this one is that, being the first book in the series, a new listener might look at these reviews first and I wanted to make a suggestion.

When I first started listening to these books, the picture of Isabel that formed in my mind was actually Maggie Smith, circa Harry Potter. I'm sure it was to do with the accent and Isabel's personality, combined with the roles I've seen Maggie Smith play. Ms. Smith is a wonderful actress and attractive, but she is much too old to be Isabel Dalhousie. This didn't matter so much in the beginning, but later in the series it does, and the image I've had all this time is hard for me to shake now.

So, in order to give some perspective to a new listener, I want to point out that Isabel is actually about the same age as, say, Jennifer Aniston. If you can picture Jennifer as a Scottish philosopher with an adult niece, you will be much closer to "reality" than I have been.

Other than that, the only advice I have is to relax and enjoy and prepare to be hooked.

charming and cozy

What did you like best about this story?

I was charmed by the main characters and the setting. I'm going through a phase where I like audio books that take me out of the U.S. (or into the past at least a century). There is just something inherently interesting about a setting

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

The narrator's accent was for me a delightful journey outside the U.S. without me having to sit through a long flight.

Satisfying mystery for a philosophical reader

Years ago, when this book came out in hard copy, I bought it and reveled in the low-key, thoughtful mystery set in the author's hometown. I've listened to one or two of the No. 1 Ladies Detection Agency books and admired that actress's voice and skilled accents, but the author's own somewhat conservative colonial and male views opined by an African woman character have been too difficult for me to take. Yes, I find Isabel's increasing self-doubt and questionable self-esteem unhealthy to the point of wondering about the author's misogyny as the Philosophy Club series continues and Isabel's intimate relationship develops. But those issues are barely nascent in this thoughtful first stroll through Isabel's daily rounds of her niece's cafe, her art exhibits and musical events, philosophizing about what she might say to get her Philosophy Club to meet. I heartily wish there were more genuinely "cosy" and intelligent mysteries such as the Isabel Dalhousie series available for mystery lovers who are thoroughly tired of cardboard characters in car chases and warehouse explosions. But I assume Smith was only able to publish his Isabel Dalhousie series because of his previous bestselling success with his Mma Ramotswe series. Here's hoping publishers are reading this feedback and will consider publishing more such series as Isabel's.

Interesting

The main character’s thought process was so cleverly portrayed. I found myself wondering if I give enough thought to ‘why’ people say things as well as what they say!

not exactly my cup of tea

after reading the description I was expecting. something on the order of Mrs Polifax or Amelia Peabody. sort of a humorous who-done-it with clever clues that drove the plot forward. but this was a little too melodramatic and driven by sex for my taste. I had looked forward to reading to the rest of the series but for now I think I'll skip it.

Sunday philosophy club

Enjoyed the wondering thoughts of the character's minds. Story took several twists and turns, that keeps you involved. It however has an unsatisfactory solution.

It Seemed Endless

I decided to give this series a second try and I won’t give it a third. I know the constant “thinking and moral reasoning” is a plot device, but it just goes on and on. She just natters endlessly over her moral dilemmas, and it got old. Too much of that and not enough mystery. The narration is great, though. Davina Porter can read the phone book and make it sound good!

Another brilliant Davina Porter narration

Terrific story enhanced with bits of philosophy. Davina Porter’s reading is simply magnificent. Great listen for a long drive.

For me, it was very slow...

What disappointed you about The Sunday Philosophy Club?

I found myself wondering what the heck she was talking about and why a lot. It went on and on about things not pertaining to the plot, and I would get very bored. I found myself losing focus on the story and getting lost in my thoughts. Certainly not gripping. Not my cup of tea, but for others I'm sure it was relaxing and nice. It was by no means a page turner.

Would you ever listen to anything by Alexander McCall Smith again?

Yes, but not this series. I'll give the Ladies Detective Agency a try.

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

The Narrator does a good job. It was an adjustment for me getting used to the Brittish accent.