The Enigma of Garlic

44 Scotland Street, Book 16

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 7 hrs and 52 mins

Publisher's summary

The latest installment in the charming and congenial 44 Scotland Street series finds all our favorite residents of Scotland's most celebrated address up to their usual hilarious hijinks.

It's the most anticipated event of the decade—Big Lou and Fat Bob's wedding—and everyone is invited! But the relative peace and tranquillity of 44 Scotland Street is about to be disrupted. Domineering Irene is set to return for a two-month stay, consigning young Bertie to a summer camp. Not content with that, she somehow manages to come between the enigmatic nun, Sister Maria-Fiore dei Fiori di Montagna, and her friend, the hagiographer, Antonia Collie.

And can a person really change, even after being struck by lightning? Bruce Anderson’s metamorphosis and new-found outlook on life is put to the test as he prepares to leave his creature comforts for the monastic simplicity of Pluscarden Abbey. His house sitter, meanwhile, gets a little too comfortable in his new life and discovers that his talented employer's shoes are all too easy to slip into. With great taste comes great responsibility.

Alexander McCall Smith's delightfully witty, wise and sometimes surreal comedy spirals out in surprising ways in this new installment, but its heart remains where it has always been, at the center of life in Edinburgh's New Town.

©2023 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2023 Recorded Books

Reform and character

As usual, the narrative was impressive, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book's plot. The characters were well-developed, and their foundation was explained beautifully. Surprisingly, some main protagonists were not one-dimensional, and their growth was evident throughout the story. However, the ending felt abrupt, and it would have been better if the characters were given more depth and the plot was explained more explicitly. Overall, it was a great listen.

Deliciously Readable

Enjoyed the reference to all the variants in British/Scottish cooking and the relationship to characters involved in the story

Another delightful read

Can’t wait for the next in the series and with the same outstanding narrator. As usual, the stories are filled with loads of wisdom in facing life challenges. Thank you Alexander McCall Smith. Last summer I delighted in walking around many places referred to in this series while in Edinburgh. Maybe we should organize a tour!

All about love

This volume's theme is all about love, and whether people can change. it is so relatable and brought me to tears a few times. So much humanity and kindness as usual.

Always Enchanting

I lived every minute of revisiting my old friends and their intertwined lives. As always the narration is perfect.

A Sense of Peaceful Resolution

These books and this reader never disappoint. I love getting the latest installments on all the characters. It’s so interesting and surprising to see the metamorphic changes in Bruce and Irene. Even Bertie seems more at peace. That’s what comes to mind first, when remembering this book; a sense of peaceful resolution.

Always entertaining

I always enjoy books by this author and reader. Just find the untranslated words frustrating.

Alexander McCall Smith scores again

I enjoy the various characters in the 44 Scotland Street series. The interplay of people, subtle moral messages & the backdrop of Edinburgh mix together to create a fun, light pleasurable read.

One of the better ones

I still hate Olive and Pansy with a purple passion, but at least I hate Irene less. After 18 books this seems to be a place the series could end of the author chooses as everyone seems to be at a calm and acceptable place by the end. Good balance of storyline for each household in this one.

Great as always!

Super to hear further stories of those on Scotland Street and how they change from day to day.