A Conspiracy of Friends

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's Summary

It seems the universe itself is conspiring against the residents of Corduroy Mansions, as they all find themselves struggling with their nearest and dearest. Oedipus Snark’s mother, Berthea, is still at work on her scathing biography of her son - the only loathsome Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament; literary agents Rupert Porter and Barbara Ragg are still battling each other for first crack at the manuscript of Autobiography of a Yeti; fine arts graduate Caroline Jarvis is busy exploring the blurry line between friendship and romance; and William French is still worrying that his son, Eddie, may never leave home, even though Eddie’s got a new wealthy girlfriend.

But uppermost in everyone’s mind is William’s faithful terrier, Freddie de la Hay - without a doubt the only dog clever enough to have been recruited by MI6 - who has disappeared while on a mystery tour around the Suffolk countryside. Will Freddie find his way back to Pimlico? Is Corduroy Mansions starting to crumble?

©2011 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

Love McCall Smith and his world

Loved Scotland street series and love this one--Corduroy Mansions. Freddie De La Hay is the dog here who has wonderful adventures, like Cyril the pooch with the gold tooth in the Scotland Street series. Alexander McCall Smith makes wry observations about our world. He is always a gentleman and jabs without vengeance though. This installment in the Corduroy Mansions series ended pretty abruptly. I hope Audible can get ALL the installments for both of these series in time.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Heartwarming and funny

What did you like best about A Conspiracy of Friends? What did you like least?

I love AMS's characters. They are like old friends - full of all of the characteristics that make us human. The story is a blurr. Not much really happens, but there is still suspense and resolution. Fun to read, but very light.

If you’ve listened to books by Alexander McCall Smith before, how does this one compare?

A bit shorter than most. What's not to enjoy? Wonderful dog, well meaning people occasionally going astray. Redemption for the wicked. Nice ending which leaves the reader wondering what will happen next.

Have you listened to any of Simon Prebble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I've listened to others in this series. All first rate.

Did A Conspiracy of Friends inspire you to do anything?

Try to appreciate my friends more!

Any additional comments?

Waiting for the next by Alexander McCall Smith - Botswana, Scotland or England.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

A conspiracy to love!

Another wonderful installment in this series, full of whimsical--but somehow totally believable--stories winding their way out of Corduroy Mansions and back in again. Delightful, funny, and a fabulous example of prose beautifully read that is much more than it seems.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

melrose place has gone to the dogs

Where does A Conspiracy of Friends rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Alexander Mccall Smith is one of my favorites. I always enjoy reading/listening to his books. He makes the ordinary etraordinary and makes us think it's ordinary.

What did you like best about this story?

The way the characters are intertwined. Like it is a big world but a small world. Plus they all have their pluses and minus. Since All my Children is off the air this is my new soap opera only it is funny.

Have you listened to any of Simon Prebble’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have listened to other cordoroy mansion series. I love all his characterizations.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Actually I did listen to it all in one sitting I was home sick and I just laid in bed and listened.

Any additional comments?

Alexander mcCall Smith is so great. I also listen to No 1 ladies detective and portugese irregular verbs. I love it.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

New Adventures for Favorite CM Characters

What did you love best about A Conspiracy of Friends?

Somehow Alexander McCall Smith has a gift for developing characters that seem like ordinary, everyday people yet he can craft their ordinary, everyday lives into stories that capture a reader's interest. The first two books have been the ones I've listened to most in my large Audible library and I had to have this one on Audible as soon as it was released.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Conspiracy of Friends?

I loved it when Freddie de la Hay buckled himself into the car passenger seat. It sounds like a small detail, but as a dog lover I found it both surprising and endearing.

Which character – as performed by Simon Prebble – was your favorite?

William is my favorite character. I think Simon Prebble's voice suits him well and I always seem to feel (but have no proof) that he may most closely resemble Alexander McCall Smith than any of his other characters in any of his books. For whatever reason, I do feel the strongest connection with him.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I will try not to give any spoilers. Suffice it to say that I was moved when a particular character realized she was not in love and again when another character seemed to find love in an unexpected place.

Any additional comments?

If anything, the addition of a Yeti in this series is a little far-fetched for this fan, because even the spy angle in the 2nd CM book seemed more believable to me.

2 of 2 people found this review helpful

On dogs, life, and love

Any additional comments?

I really like this series. It's reflective, thoughtful and light. Plus a dog. The series was started as a serial in the Edinburgh newspaper. I hope there will be more but if not, I will always have the charm and loveliness of the three books in the series.

The narrator is terrific as well.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Wonderful book, series, but we need more!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I was sad when the book ended, the characters are interesting and it is exceptionally well narrated. Heart-warming stories, but realistic with some suspense and mystery.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

It is so easy to understand, and his British accent is perfect.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Compelling Cast of Characters Continues

What made the experience of listening to A Conspiracy of Friends the most enjoyable?

Picking up the threads of the various stories

What did you like best about this story?

Superb writing, and despite a few characters who are caricatures, it's a fun ride. You'll recognize a lot of yourself, your friends and your neighbors in these characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Caroline's new roommate comes through under difficult circumstances.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Don't want to spoil it for the reader, but McCall Smith is a master at showing the moment at which two people connect, or when that connection is broken.

Any additional comments?

Some bittersweet moments, some characters disappointed, some characters rewarded and surprised. A good read.

1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Can't get enough!

Hopefully, this was not the last in the series! Oh please, kind author, pen another installment of Corduroy Mansions! Your faithful readers await your kindness. We need more of your delightful writings!
Please don't let us down....

More please!

What made the experience of listening to A Conspiracy of Friends the most enjoyable?

Narration, humor, meandering plot line.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Conspiracy of Friends?

The 'chuckle out loud' human condition comments.

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

Inflection and irony.

If you could rename A Conspiracy of Friends, what would you call it?

Comfort, discomfort, peace, repeat.

Any additional comments?

More?