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Bertie Plays the Blues  By  cover art

Bertie Plays the Blues

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
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Publisher's summary

Domestic bliss seems in short supply at 44 Scotland Street. Over at the Pollocks', dad, Stuart, is harbouring a secret about a secret society and Bertie is feeling kind of blue. Having had enough of his neurotic hot-housing mother, he puts himself up for adoption on eBay. Will he go to the highest bidder or will he have to take matters into his own hands? Will the lovelorn Big Lou find true love on the Internet? And will Angus Lordie and Domenica make it up the aisle? Catch up with all your favorite faces down in 44 Scotland Street as we follow their daily pursuit of a little happiness.

©2011 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2013 Recorded Books

What listeners say about Bertie Plays the Blues

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loved this book

I like how these characters are developing. MR Smith sure can spin a good yarn and make me laugh too.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Delightful!

I love these characters, and the narration is superb. The story is a little thinner this time, though; shorter maybe? Not as much depth as usual.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The best of the series yet!

Delightful story telling with the wrapping up of many loose threads. We see Bertie beginning to find his voice and, if I didn't know there were more books in the series, I could be satisfied with this volume as an end point. But it's not! So bring on the next!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Another great 44 Scotland Street installment

Loved it! All the characters I've come to love or love to hate are back and moving their lives forward and backward so entertainingly! Listening to this series is so enjoyable and relaxing that I'll be repeating them as soon as I finish the latest one.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Bertie is an amazing kid!

I have been enjoying the 44 Scotland Street series. The characters are so realistic and (mostly likeable) that I can't wait to listen more about what will happen to them.

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I want More

What made the experience of listening to Bertie Plays the Blues the most enjoyable?

Charm. Character. Love. Truth. Humor. I laughed to myself all the time.

What did you like best about this story?

Every single thing. I can't believe an author can be so sensitive, and warm and funny at the same time.

Have you listened to any of Robert Ian Mackenzie’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. Glad I read the previous one where Bertie wanted to be seven. A great prequel to this.

If you could rename Bertie Plays the Blues, what would you call it?

I honestly don't know. Knowing Bertie, and the fact that he can play the blues, is so heartwarming.

Any additional comments?

Love it. Wish there were lots more already done.

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1 person found this helpful

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Love this series

McCall-Smith never disappoints with this delightful series. He carries the story of his characters forward in the most satisfying way.

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Wonderful

I grow more fond of these characters with each book. I hope the series goes on forever.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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I’m playing the Blues

We have enjoyed this book up until it quit playing at chapter 34. Please help.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Only AMS

Not only is AMS prolific, he’s wise and wonderful. He’s as comfortable as shearling slippers and as deep as the ocean. I wish he was my friend. 🙂

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