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The Careful Use of Compliments
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The Right Attitude to Rain
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
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- Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 404
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 214
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Story4 out of 5 stars 212
Isabel's life is thrown for a few loops when her cousin Mimi arrives from Dallas with her husband Joe. Through Mimi and Joe, Isabel meets Texas hotshot Tom Bruce, who is about to marry someone Isabel suspects of gold-digging. Further complicating matters, Tom seems to have an unusual level of interest in Isabel. Meanwhile, Isabel has her own feelings to deal with, not to mention those of her beloved niece Cat, whose romantic interest may not be up to snuff.
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5 out of 5 stars
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brain candy
- By Marija on 02-05-07
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The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 308
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 185
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The fifth novel in New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith's beloved Isabel Dalhousie series has the ethical problem solver from Edinburgh finding comforts in unlikely places.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Charming
- By Jean on 10-28-18
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Friends, Lovers, Chocolate
- The Sunday Philosophy Club, Book 2
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 458
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 237
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Story4 out of 5 stars 238
In this delightful second installment in Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling new detective series, the irrepressibly curious Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, gets caught up in an affair of the heart, this one a transplant.
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5 out of 5 stars
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A gem!
- By Lovin' life and winding down on 10-20-05
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The Lost Art of Gratitude
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 291
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 173
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 171
When Isabel bumps into Minty Auchterlonie for the first time in years, she is skeptical (again) of Minty's integrity. But Minty mentions the bank where she works is having internal troubles, and Isabel must determine, once and for all, if Minty can be trusted.
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5 out of 5 stars
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slow moving but enjoyed development
- By Cynthia on 07-01-10
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The Charming Quirks of Others
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel, Book 7
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 318
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 203
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 198
Beloved author Alexander McCall Smith’s seventh Isabel Dalhousie tale finds the ethical philosopher doing background checks on several candidates for the same job. In the process, Isabel learns quite a bit about herself, as well.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Love it
- By Amazon Customer on 12-18-10
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The Sunday Philosophy Club
- An Isabel Dalhousie Mystery
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall3.5 out of 5 stars 744
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 439
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Story3.5 out of 5 stars 434
New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith, winner of the first-ever Saga Award for Wit, has entertained millions with his beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency mysteries. Now this phenomenally popular author introduces a fresh series, brimming with the charm and humor his stable of dedicated fans can't get enough of.
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3 out of 5 stars
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Not Number One Ladies Detective Agency!
- By connie on 06-06-08
-
The Right Attitude to Rain
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 404
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 214
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 212
Isabel's life is thrown for a few loops when her cousin Mimi arrives from Dallas with her husband Joe. Through Mimi and Joe, Isabel meets Texas hotshot Tom Bruce, who is about to marry someone Isabel suspects of gold-digging. Further complicating matters, Tom seems to have an unusual level of interest in Isabel. Meanwhile, Isabel has her own feelings to deal with, not to mention those of her beloved niece Cat, whose romantic interest may not be up to snuff.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
brain candy
- By Marija on 02-05-07
-
The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 7 hrs and 40 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 308
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 185
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 188
The fifth novel in New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith's beloved Isabel Dalhousie series has the ethical problem solver from Edinburgh finding comforts in unlikely places.
-
4 out of 5 stars
-
Charming
- By Jean on 10-28-18
-
Friends, Lovers, Chocolate
- The Sunday Philosophy Club, Book 2
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 18 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4 out of 5 stars 458
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 237
-
Story4 out of 5 stars 238
In this delightful second installment in Alexander McCall Smith's best-selling new detective series, the irrepressibly curious Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, gets caught up in an affair of the heart, this one a transplant.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
A gem!
- By Lovin' life and winding down on 10-20-05
-
The Lost Art of Gratitude
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 11 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 291
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 173
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 171
When Isabel bumps into Minty Auchterlonie for the first time in years, she is skeptical (again) of Minty's integrity. But Minty mentions the bank where she works is having internal troubles, and Isabel must determine, once and for all, if Minty can be trusted.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
slow moving but enjoyed development
- By Cynthia on 07-01-10
-
The Charming Quirks of Others
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel, Book 7
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 318
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 203
-
Story4.5 out of 5 stars 198
Beloved author Alexander McCall Smith’s seventh Isabel Dalhousie tale finds the ethical philosopher doing background checks on several candidates for the same job. In the process, Isabel learns quite a bit about herself, as well.
-
5 out of 5 stars
-
Love it
- By Amazon Customer on 12-18-10
-
The Sunday Philosophy Club
- An Isabel Dalhousie Mystery
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall3.5 out of 5 stars 744
-
Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 439
-
Story3.5 out of 5 stars 434
New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith, winner of the first-ever Saga Award for Wit, has entertained millions with his beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency mysteries. Now this phenomenally popular author introduces a fresh series, brimming with the charm and humor his stable of dedicated fans can't get enough of.
-
3 out of 5 stars
-
Not Number One Ladies Detective Agency!
- By connie on 06-06-08
-
The Forgotten Affairs of Youth
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 17 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 291
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 240
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 241
In the eighth installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s best-selling Isabel Dalhousie series, the inquisitive heroine helps a new friend discover the identity of her father. Jane, a visiting Australian philosopher on sabbatical in Edinburgh, has more questions than answers. Adopted at the age of six, she knows little about her father, other than he was a student in Edinburgh years ago. Always up for a challenge, Isabel is more than happy to help.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Smitten by Smith once again!
- By Pamela Harvey on 12-17-11
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The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds
- An Isabel Dalhousie Novel, Book 9
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 12 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 245
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 210
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 207
One afternoon over coffee at Cat’s delicatessen, a friend of Isabel’s shares a call for help from Duncan Munrowe. Crafty thieves have stolen a prized painting from his collection, a work by the celebrated French artist Nicolas Poussin that was earmarked for donation to the Scottish National Gallery. Munrowe has been approached by the thieves and hopes that Isabel will assist him in recovering the painting. Never one to refuse an appeal, she agrees, and discovers that the thieves may be closer to the owner than he ever would have expected.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Great story, simply gorgeous narration...
- By Benedict on 10-29-12
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The Novel Habits of Happiness
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 8 hrs and 21 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 287
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 264
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 256
From a small town outside Edinburgh comes the news that a young boy has been recounting vivid recollections of a past life: a perfect description of an island off the coast of Scotland that he couldn't possibly know and a house there where he claims to have spent his former life. When the boy's mother asks Isabel to investigate his claims, she feels she must - of course! - help them learn the truth, and she and her husband, Jamie, set off for the island.
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4 out of 5 stars
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OK if you're already a fan
- By A. Kiss on 09-15-15
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The Quiet Side of Passion
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 9 hrs and 1 min
- Unabridged
-
Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 186
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 170
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 169
Isabel Dalhousie grapples with complex matters of the heart as she tries to juggle her responsibilities to friends, family, and the philosophical community. With two small boys to raise, a mountain or articles to edit for the Review of Applied Ethics, and the ever-increasing demands of her niece, Cat, who always seems to need a helping hand at the deli, Isabel barely has any time for herself. Her husband, Jamie, suggests acquiring extra help, and she reluctantly agrees.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Wish publishers would publish more intellectual women’s mysteries
- By Alexis☺ on 08-04-18
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A Distant View of Everything
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 7 hrs and 41 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 204
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 189
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Story4 out of 5 stars 185
In this latest installment of Alexander McCall Smith's ever-delightful and perennially best-selling series, amateur sleuth and philosopher Isabel Dalhousie is called upon to help when a matchmaker begins to question her latest match. Rosemary is something of a matchmaker and has brought together a cosmetic surgeon and a successful banker at her most recent dinner party. But new information comes to light about the cosmetic surgeon that causes Rosemary to doubt the auspiciousness of the match.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Delightful
- By Jean on 10-22-17
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The Peppermint Tea Chronicles
- 44 Scotland Street, Book 13
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
- Length: 9 hrs and 47 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 20
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 20
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 20
To everything there is a season and a time for every purpose; it is summer in Scotland Street (as it always is) and for the habitués of Edinburgh's favourite street, some extraordinary adventures lie in waiting. For the impossibly vain Bruce Anderson - he of the clove-scented hair gel - it may finally be time to settle down, and surely it can only be a question of picking the lucky winner from the hordes of his admirers. The Duke of Johannesburg is keen to take his flight of fancy, a microlite seaplane, from the drawing board to the skies.
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4 out of 5 stars
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OK, maybe this series is getting old to me
- By Lynn on 12-10-19
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At the Reunion Buffet
- An Isabel Dalhousie Story
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 2 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 96
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 89
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Story4 out of 5 stars 89
Inviting 25 former classmates to a reunion dinner, Isabel sees an opportunity to finally resolve age-old differences among her classmates. But when damaging secrets and long-held resentments surface, Isabel finds the path to true forgiveness runs along a very slippery slope.
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4 out of 5 stars
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Philosophical Conundrums
- By Jean on 10-08-16
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Sweet, Thoughtful Valentine
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Davina Porter
- Length: 2 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 96
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 90
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 91
Philosopher and amateur sleuth Isabel Dalhousie has an unstinting commitment to her principles. Sticking to her promises has always been one of them. Then Isabel runs into an old classmate facing marital and financial troubles, who reveals a secret that becomes more and more difficult for Isabel to keep. Thankfully, Isabel's devoted husband, Jamie, is there to help our heroine navigate her competing moral obligations.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Love this series.
- By MelOregon on 11-14-16
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The Second-Worst Restaurant in France
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Timothy Ackroyd
- Length: 7 hrs and 26 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4 out of 5 stars 128
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Performance4.5 out of 5 stars 120
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Story4 out of 5 stars 119
Renowned cookbook writer Paul Stuart, renewed and refreshed from his time in Tuscany, has returned to Scotland to work on his new book. Writing, though, is complicated by Paul's changed domestic circumstances. His editor and new girlfriend, Gloria, has moved in with him despite not being specifically invited, and she's brought her two rather demanding Siamese cats. When Paul's cousin, Chloe, suggests Paul visit her in the French countryside, Paul jumps at the chance. However, once he arrives, he finds his fortunes tangled up with the infamous local restaurant.
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5 out of 5 stars
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Delightful
- By Gerald Mullen on 08-04-19
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A Time of Love and Tartan
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
- Length: 8 hrs and 10 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 376
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 347
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 344
When Pat accepts her narcissistic ex-boyfriend Bruce's invitation for coffee, she has no idea of the complications in her romantic and professional life that will follow. Meanwhile, Matthew, her boss at the art gallery, attracts the attention of the police after a misunderstanding at the local bookstore. Whether caused by small things such as a cup of coffee and a book, or major events such as Stuart's application for promotion and his wife Irene's decision to pursue a PhD in Aberdeen, change is coming to Scotland Street.
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5 out of 5 stars
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love this series
- By cyndyloowhoo on 02-08-18
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To the Land of Long Lost Friends
- No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 20
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
- Length: 9 hrs and 5 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 192
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 180
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 178
Mma Ramotswe reconnects with an old friend who has been having problems with her daughter. Though Precious feels compelled to lend a hand, she discovers that getting involved in family affairs is always a delicate proposition. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni finds himself embroiled in familial drama as well, when one of his clients asks for help evicting an unwanted houseguest who turns out to be the man's own brother. Elsewhere, Charlie and Fanwell are also involved in tricky matters of the heart, as Queenie-Queenie, Charlie's girlfriend, seems to have transferred her affections to Fanwell.
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4 out of 5 stars
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A Visit to Botswana
- By Jean on 11-13-19
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The Revolving Door of Life
- By: Alexander McCall Smith
- Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
- Length: 9 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
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Overall4.5 out of 5 stars 481
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Performance5 out of 5 stars 438
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Story4.5 out of 5 stars 438
Once more we catch up with the delightful goings-on in the fictitious 44 Scotland Street from Alexander McCall Smith. With customary charm and deftness, Alexander McCall Smith gives us another installment in this popular series, now running in its ninth season in The Scotsman. Anything could happen to Bertie and the gang....
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5 out of 5 stars
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Warmth, laughter, and principles
- By Tom Lynch on 02-20-16
Publisher's Summary
Critic Reviews
"Enchanting...Delicious mental comfort food...The 'intimate' city of Edinburgh is an appealing character is its own right." ( Los Angeles Times)
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4 out of 5 stars
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5 Stars103
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4 Stars60
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3 Stars26
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Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Joanne
- Maple Ridge, British Columbia, Canada
- 07-15-08
Another McCall Smith hit
I am hooked on Alexander McCall Smith books and enjoy Isabel's saga alot. Although books are regularly added to the series, the next addition never seems soon enough. I am left "waiting" to find out what happens next. Always the sign of a good series I think. If you enjoy a light easy listen why not join the group of folks waiting to see what Isabel will uncover next.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
- Angie
- Kansas City, MO, United States
- 03-27-08
I love Alexander McCall Smith
I just love his books. I love his characters and how he can make books where nothing much really happens so engaging and interesting. In this selection of the Sunday Philosophy Club, Isabel Dallhausie (sp?) runs into some minor intregue involving some paintings from a Scottish painter. There is more about Her relationship with Jamie and her ever present conflict with her Niece Cat (who is pretty petulant in this story and made me want to smack her.) Davina Porter, the narrator is a pleasure to listen to as always.
4 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall3 out of 5 stars
- Shaddi
- Laguna Niguel, CA, United States
- 04-04-09
A tip...
I am an A.M.S. fan. I loved his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. The key to reading his books is really following his characters from the first book--his character development is truly exceptional and while the books aren't fast- paced, they are interesting. However, when you read his books out of sequence, they are not as engaging and in fact are a bit slow. I ordered this book not realizing that it was the 4th book in this series. I think that I would have enjoyed it more, if I had already listened to the first 3 books--this is based on my knowledge of this author. The Narrator did a great job but I don't recommend listening to this book if you haven't listened to the 1st three books.
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story1 out of 5 stars
- pinkgreenambergold
- 04-25-19
Soporific
Is it supposed to be couched in faux-edgy while offering predictable and emotion-engendering social interaction?
It’s disappointing because I got bored while reading it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- Sara
- Houston, TX, USA
- 10-06-07
The Careful Use of Compliments
I love the Isabel Dalhousie series. I can't wait for the next one.
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
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Overall1 out of 5 stars
- Steve
- Chaska, MN, USA
- 11-30-07
Getting Worse
We listen to all Alexander McCall Smith books. This series is becoming unlistenable. Too much philosophy and no plot.
2 of 6 people found this review helpful
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Overall2 out of 5 stars
- Donald
- Palm Harbor, FL, United States
- 03-09-08
Bad reader, bad audio
This is the worst reader I have heard in a long time. I am an Alexander McCall Smith addict but will lose interest if this reader stays. 'Can't understand her clipped diction and the audio quality is bad. Would like my money back if I could get it.
2 of 8 people found this review helpful