• The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf

  • Detective Varg, Book 4
  • By: Alexander McCall Smith
  • Narrated by: David Rintoul
  • Length: 6 hrs and 59 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (41 ratings)

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The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf  By  cover art

The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: David Rintoul
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Publisher's summary

In the hilarious new novel in the best-selling Detective Varg series, Ulf Varg will need to resolve both a sensitive crime and his own delicate dilemma in the hopes of preserving the peace.

The Department of Sensitive Crimes is downsizing in light of a recent downturn of sensitive crime, and staff members are wondering who among them will be transferred elsewhere. As the bickering between colleagues intensifies, Ulf tries his best to stay above the fray. But when Anna, a longtime friend and coworker, appears to blame him for an old case that went sideways, it seems she may be putting her own job prospects above their friendship.

In the midst of all this, Ulf embarks on an important inquiry: a man's cabin has mysteriously disappeared and Ulf is tasked with finding out what happened. How exactly does one steal a house? And, more to the point, how does one track down a stolen house? Meanwhile, a promising veterinary treatment for deafness in dogs has been announced, and Ulf’s dog, Martin, might be the perfect patient.

This latest novel is another masterful, farcical installment in the series that defines the genre that Alexander McCall Smith is singlehandedly championing: Scandi blanc.

©2023 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2023 Recorded Books

What listeners say about The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf

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Charming!

This book is such a feel good read, with lovable characters, dry wit, and musings on the joys and pains of being human. The reader was perfect. An utter delight.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Best Varg yet

Love the Varg series. So charming and in its own bubble. A different world….if only!

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Love it!

The characters are becoming more fully realized. The story is so charming! Ulf and Martin and his Saab —perfection!

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Love this series

It took me a minute to become fond of the characters, but now I’ll miss them until the next book comes out.

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Another satisfying story

The Detective Varg series is witty, compassionate, funny and philosophical in every story. One can’t help loving each quirky character, even the “criminals”. Each book is a very satisfying reflection of humanity. The narrator’s mellow voice is a perfect match. I must have checked 100 times to see when the next volume would be out. I hope this series will continue!

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One of my favorite series

I just adore all the characters and the moral quandaries that they put right. Delightful.

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Lovely story

I think the best one yet. Yet another dog who is featured. The author seems to like dogs as many of his stories include them. I like dogs too and his tales. Perfect reader.

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Best one yet.

I love the Swedish detective, very clever story, and can’t wait for the next episode.

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Charmed

The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf continues this series with an enjoyable read.

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Another good one!

Readers of the Detective Varg series will enjoy this latest installment. With his usual wisdom and insight, Alexander McCall Smith provides another visit to the world of Varg, Sweden, and “sensitive crimes.”

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