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The Careful Use of Compliments
An Isabel Dalhousie Novel
By Alexander McCall Smith
This novel is my first venture into the Isabel Dalhousie series, and what a pleasure it was! Isabel is an enchanting, mischievous, philosopher, and the editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. She is also a new mother, and her descriptions of Charlie would bring a smile to even those that prefer to avoid babies! Charlie's father, Jamie, has suggested marriage, and Isabel's housekeeper, Grace has advice about babies, so Isabel has plenty on her mind.
Her personal life does not prevent her from getting involved with anything that arouses her inquisitiveness, in this case a painting by an artist she admires. This McInnes painting is one she plans to bid on at auction and since Isabel is a rich woman she can afford a luxury now and then. McInnes is deceased, so the value has increased, but there seem to be some unusual differences - which sets Isabel off on another investigation.
McInnes painted on Jura, The Island of Deer, in the Hebrides. Isabel plans to visit to settle her nagging suspicions and Jamie agrees to go with her. Orwell, the author of 1984 wrote it on Jura in 1948, so that was an interesting added attraction.
The descriptions of Jura and its inhabitants are fascinating. Isabel's snooping produces some unusual results and several different threads of her life come together when her various interests and commitments seem to converge.
There are many humorous moments as Isabel muses about marrying a younger man, her devotion to Charlie, her mysterious artist and her interest in foiling the efforts to take over her position as editor of The Review of Applied Ethics.
This book makes me want to visit Scotland, meet Isabel and help her in any future investigations!
Published by: Pantheon Books
a division of Random House, Inc. New York, NY
Copyright : © 2007 by Alexander McCall Smith
Reviewed : Joan G. Smith, 09/01/07
Copyright : © 2007 by Joan G. Smith 231
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