44 Scotland Street

Don't read this book if you think you are getting some tawdry mystery. This is a fantastic, gentle satire that introduces some wonderful characters and makes me long for a trip to Edinburgh.

It is subtle, sly, wonderfully aware and narrated with skill and charm. Don't miss it.

This book is a fun listen, and it is literally Smith's take on Maupin's Tales of City, but set in his beloved Edinburgh. It seems that many who have adored the Mma Ramotswe series can't get into anything else Smith has done, previously or subsequently. It's understandable, since the Botwana books are masterpieces. However, Smith is one of the best storytellers of our time, and it is unfortunate to always compare his other books (such as this one) to the Ladies' Detective Agency tales and then find them lacking. This story is full of all of the humanity, thoughtfulness and warm humor that his other stories have had. I can't wait for more of the serial.

I didn't expect to like this, don't know why I downloaded it, and had it in my library for a year before I even tried to listen. Once I started, I finished it within 48 hrs, sneeking on my iPod at every chance.

McCall Smith gives us wisdom masked in simple, curious tales of characters like those found in any coffee shop - inside Scotland or out- improbable but believable once inside the story.

The tales were first serialized in a newspaper - in the introduction McCall Smith reminds that Dickens spun most of his tales in that manner - but 44 Scotand put me in mind more of Trollope.

This is another example of a good read made better in audio by excellent narrration.

When I first began listening to 44 scotland street I found it a wee bit confusing and hard to follow. There are several voices and many characters which is different from the other McCall Smith titles in his other series' I have listened to. As I persisted; and got to know the different characters I found it as highly addictive as all his works. If you like Ladies detective agency you should consider giving Scotland street a try!

It took me a little longer to warm up to this new series by one of my favorite authors, but in the end it was added to my list of 'got to get the next book in the series' list. Alexander McCall Smith has a real talent for creating characters that you 'feel' you know. In this series he captures idiosyncratic characteristics that are recognizable and presents them is a light and amusing way.

By the way the audiobook has the added advantage of Scottish ascent.

I listened to this book while I walked the dog--the walks got longer as I got more involved in the characters (the dog got happier). Nothing really happens, but if you can allow yourself to appreciate the little stories about the characters, it is a charming book. The humor is very dry and understated. They became pleasant companions that I looked forward to walking with. The reader does a good job with a modified Scottish accent.

the Bold and the Beautiful. or maybe the not so Bold and not all that.

Everyone can probably identify with all the characters. They will either remind you of yourself at some stage in your life or they are like someone you know. In true Alexander Mcall Smith form they are a little larger in life. My favorite character was Bertie the very insightful 7 year old who new what he wanted.

When he talks through the characters he always puts you in their head, even though the thought may be Lol funny he takes tham very seriously, as much of us do with our ridiculous thoughts. Things you will laugh about later but it is very serious now, that is how the author portrays it.

Just like Pat, I would probably enjoy having dinner with Dominica and Angus. They could tell some stories.

This reminds me a little of the tales of Lake Wobeggan only Scottish. It's just little stories about a community of people with a little romance, a little angst, a little mystery , a little self discovery and a lot of laughs.

The story is pleasant, because it's like listening to all of the small town gossip. It's all very interesting, the plot moves slowly but you hardly notice, because it's all such juicy tidbits. I like that it is written in short spurts of story, so that you can listen in short pieces at a time. The reason I ranked the performance low was simply that I really disliked the narrator's voicing of the children and the women. His voice, so beautiful for men, was cringe worthy for the softer toned characters. With that said, I will probably go back and get the next audiobook, because I have learned to tolerate( but not like) his annoying voice tones, and the storyline is so nicely set up for my daily 40 minute commutes.

Not much humor and no mystery, unless it came at the end, which I didn't listen to.

The reader's beautiful diction and voice made the listening experience a treat, and, as always, Alexander McCall Smith's writing is a dream. The way he opens characters' hearts; the way he gently exposes their foibles. Both human frailty and generosity of spirit leak off every page. He is without a doubt my favourite contemporary male author.

The characters are richly nuanced. How can one not be intrigued by Irene, the pushy and opinionated mother, or by Dr. Fairbairn, the pompous poseur? Bertie's situation is so unfortunate that I wished I could rescue him. By the end of the book, I longed to hang out with Domenica and Angus.

His Bertie is wonderfu. How is it that a man with such a deep, rich voice can carry off the role of a child or a woman? Despite the number of characters, I was never confused as to who was speaking. He didn't overdo the characterization; it was just right. Robert Ian Mackenzie's performance is wonderful throughout, and I am sure the direction contributed to the making of this great recording.

It's too hard to choose. It's a toss up between Domenica and Angus. Definitely not Bruce, though I tend to agree with him that Chardonnay is overrated. Could I take Bertie out for an icecream and some rugby?

I listened while on my daily walk, and I will admit to the occasional snort of laughter or gasp at Bruce's pomposity. I'm sure the neighbours think I'm a wee bit loopy.