A Promise of Ankles

44 Scotland Street, Book 14

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

Length: 9 hrs and 56 mins

Publisher's Summary

The latest, delectably witty installment of Alexander McCall Smith's sumptuous 44 Scotland Street series.

For the residents of 44 Scotland Street, life in Edinburgh's intriguing New Town is a thing to be relished. After all, there are new faces to excite Domenica's anthropological imagination, precious moments with his triplets for Matthew to savor, and the prospect of a trip to the promised land of Glasgow for young Bertie.

But there are mysteries that need solving, too. Could Angus Lordie's dog Cyril - the only dog in Scotland with a gold tooth - have unearthed a Neanderthal skull? Does the long-suffering Stuart have any hope of kindling a new relationship when Bruce, ever the navel gazer and consummate seducer, effortlessly steps into his pas de deux? And how will the patrons of Big Lou's cafe react to the menu's imminent culinary transformation?

The stories of this wonderfully vibrant cast may take unexpected turns, but the warmth and humor at Scotland's most recognizable address will ultimately affirm the joy life brings us all. 

©2020 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2020 Recorded Books

So lovely

Such a beautiful, funny, wise book. The best of an already great series. The characters are like old friends.

Such a comfort

The characters are as lovable and complicated as ever
I especially loved that Bertie gets to go to Glasgow
The settings compelling and comforting
I could listen to this reader forever
Pleat more and more!

Delightful, as ever

Where else can I find stories that lift us up, poke gentle fun, infuse the place and the characters with understanding and compassion without any saccharin effect? These qualities abound in Alexander McCall Smith’s stories, from Africa to Scotland.

One of the best in this series

The narrator makes wonderful use of his genius level ability to bring all the Scotland Street folk alive.
I enjoyed every story as the book unwound in its civil, thoughtful, humorous way. Intelligent conversations among good-hearted people are rare these days, but not in this book. Along its well described paths we are given stunning glimpses of uniquely beautiful Scotland. Love, poetry, music, good food, child-rearing, art, dogs, heartbreak, and simple pleasures abound. I was happy to discover that nothing was overdone in this book. The previous book in the series seemed somewhat strained and borderline misogynistic. I'm relieved that this book shows McCall Smith is once again in fine form - in fact, better than ever.

Love 44 Scotland Street

I love almost all Alexander McCall Smith’s writing, but the characters in this series are my absolute favorite. I’m so glad Bertie is beginning to have a normal childhood!!

Worth reading all his books

Extremely entertaining, humorous and well written and narrated. I highly recommend Mr. McCall Smith’s books! Superb!

Brilliant!

Another wonderful tale from 44 Scotland St. This one has the whole gang of characters and a few new ones. Alas, finally Bertie gets some needed reprieve from his hometown that includes not a few laughs. The voice actor did a wonderful job.

Feel good books!

These books always make me feel good, and makes me chuckle. Great relaxing read in the car.

Good but not My favorite Bertie novel.

This book is as good as always in the 44 Scotland St. series. However it rambles at times and it didn’t give enough time to Brady and Ronald and his exploits. Poor Stewart, I can hardly keep from sobbing. And just keep Irene far far away. She is pure evil. Keep them coming.

Not my favorite in the series

Once again a book in this series with not enough of Bertie and the children. Glad not to have had to put up with Olive or Irene, so that's a plus.