Corduroy Mansions Audiobook By Alexander McCall Smith cover art

Corduroy Mansions

A Novel

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From the New York Times best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency comes this serialized novel—reminiscent of his acclaimed 44 Scotland Street.

In London’s Pimlico neighborhood lies a tenement described in architectural guides as “a building of no interest whatsoever”. But the residents of Corduroy Mansions—including a literary agent, a wine merchant, a thoroughly unpleasant member of Parliament, and a vegetarian dog—are a rather fascinating lot. There’s the vitamin evangelist, the psychoanalyst, the art student with a puzzling boyfriend, and Freddie de la Hay, the Pimlico terrier who insists on wearing a seat belt and is almost certainly the only avowed vegetarian canine in London.

Filled with the ins and outs of neighborliness in all its unexpected variations, Corduroy Mansions showcases the life, laughter, and humanity that have become the hallmarks of Alexander McCall Smith’s work.

©2010 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC Fiction Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Literature & Fiction Urban Witty Funny Feel-Good Comedy

Critic reviews

"[A] daily laugh-out-loud treat on my journey into work.” ( Bookseller)
"Smith's charming first in a new series offers a variation on his 44 Scotland Street books, centering on the eccentric occupants of Corduroy Mansions and their offbeat doings....[T]he wry humor he elicits from the collisions of lives and their repercussions will bring smiles to the faces of many readers." ( Publishers Weekly)
Quirky Characters • Delightful Humor • Charming Stories • Interesting Dialogue • Gentle Storytelling • Engaging Reading

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Alexander McCall Smith has an uncanny knack for depicting quirky characters in a perfectly charming manner, and he does it again in this series, which I want to explore more thoroughly as time and money permit. Following the lives of the denizens of the apartment block known as Corduroy Mansions is fascinating, illuminating, and delicious. And I am totally in love with Freddy de le Hay!

Life in London well told!

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disappointed in this one by AMS - long-winded, a bit didactic, a bit pedantic. I loved the 44 Scotland Street series and this didn't feel as sharp and fresh.

pedantic and preachy

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What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

Loved it!

Any additional comments?

Okay, I am a sucker for Scottland, humerous suspense and cute little dogs. I am prewired to love this book. This remineded me quite a bit of McCalls other series at 44 Scottland with Bertie and the like - which I also enjoyed. Visual descriptions like his other stories, good character development of quirky people you may know plus an adorable little dog...what's not to like? Perfect stories for a long commute.

Cute, funny and entertaining

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I loved 44 Scotland Street, but haven't been able to connect with the other books or series by this author. So, I'm delighted to find another series that I do like. I'm in the middle of something else now and neglected to write a review promptly, so it's brief. I find there are similarities to 44 Scotland Street, lovable, but flawed characters, that, if you enjoy the social commentary and suspend reality just a little, can be very enjoyable. I'm going to get the next in the series and will enjoy meeting up with the characters again.

I can't write a review of what I'm currently reading because it's from the library, but The Presidents Club, by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy is SO much more than I realized. I highly recommend it if you have any interest in the subject. It's an enormous window into history and a great behind-the-scenes view of all the presidents going back to Truman (I haven't finished and I'm not sure who the final one is, however). It seems very balanced and reminds me a bit of the approach and style of Bob Woodward. You trust them very early on and sense their portrayal of each man is both honest and respectful. There was a lot going on that we didn't hear about as the events occurred and this is your chance to find out!

Pleased to find another series that I like!

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Alexander McCall Smith and Simon Prebble? Well of course it's good! A great cast of fun characters, including a wonderful dog, and a few fun twists in the story. Certainly not deep or life changing but a really fun way to spend a few hours.

Totally delightful

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