The Careful Use of Compliments, Alexander McCall Smith
The Careful Use of Compliments, Alexander McCall Smith
List: $19.99 | Sale: $13.99
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The Careful Use of Compliments

Author: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrator: Davina Porter

Unabridged: 8 hr 4 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 02/04/2008


Synopsis

Nothing captures the charm of Edinburgh like the bestselling Isabel Dalhousie series of novels featuring the insatiably curious philosopher and woman detective. Whether investigating a case or a problem of philosophy, the indefatigable Isabel Dalhousie, one of fiction's most richly developed amateur detectives, is always ready to pursue the answers to all of life's questions, large and small. In the fourth installment of this enchanting, beloved series, Isabel Dalhousie, who is now a mother, returns to investigate an irresistible puzzle in the art world. Isabel Dalhousie-the nosiest and most sympathetic philosopher you are likely to meet-now has a son, Charlie, whose doting father Jamie has an intriguing idea to pose to Isabel: marriage. But Isabel wonders if Jamie is too young to be serious? And how would Cat respond? On top of these matters, the ambitious Professor Dove has seized Isabel's position as editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. However, nothing it seems can diminish Isabel's innate curiosity. And when she recognizes that two paintings attributed to a deceased artist have simultaneously appeared on the market, she can't help but think that they're forgeries. So Isabel begins an investigation and soon finds herself diverted from her musings about parenthood and onto a path of inquiry into the soul of an artist.

About Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over one hundred books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities. He was knighted by the King in 2024.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Nancy on October 09, 2008

Every time I read one of Alexander McCall Smith's books (particularly the Scottish ones, though I love the Precious Ramotswe books too) I am stunned. He presents such a gentle, humane view of human relationships, without being naive or saccharine. I also can't get over how well he writes from a woma......more

Goodreads review by Nandakishore on September 14, 2015

This book is the fourth of a series, and as usual with series, follows about a character or a set of characters. Isabel Dalhousie is the protagonist of this one. She is very interesting: philosopher, editor of The Review of Applied Ethics, unmarried mother of a boy whose father is her niece Cat's ex......more

Goodreads review by Barbara on January 01, 2025

3.5 stars Alexander McCall Smith is probably best known for his 'Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency' series, but he's a prolific author who also pens other series and books. In this 4th novel in the 'Isabel Dalhousie' series, ethicist Isabel tackles problems related to her niece Cat; a landscape paintin......more

Goodreads review by Ruby on March 20, 2019

If you like the Isabel Dalhousie series by Alexander McCall Smith, you'll like this one. Isabel is now the mother of an infant and trying to figure out her relationship to her baby's father. She becomes involved, as usual, in the affairs of others while trying to decide whether to buy a painting by......more

Goodreads review by Ed on August 03, 2017

I always say these Alexander McCall Smith books are review-proof, especially if you are on the 4th book of a series, as is the case with The Careful Use of Compliments. I had read the 3rd book earlier this year and had not intended to pick up this one quite yet, but I had just come off such a mental......more