The Enigma of Garlic

Whether it's Edinburgh or Botswana, I love spending time with McCall Smith's characters. As heartwarming as a cup of tea and as comforting as a warm scone, I continue to delight in this charming series.......more

Charming as usual,but keep in mind that between,behind and interwoven with the charm, McCall Smith manages to raise fundamental questions. Well done,Mr.McCall Smith.......more

The last chapter ran today in The Scotsman. It’s becoming a fall tradition of mine to read along as Alexander McCall Smith publishes one chapter a day in the newspaper from September through November, and then releases the book at the end. Another enjoyable, meandering, philosophical, barely plotted,......more

I feel like it's become a running gag that Bertie ages much slower than the other children. Bertie's little brother is a toddler and can talk, and Bertie is barely a year older. Matthew and Elspeth's triplets are also walking and talking, and seem to be around four, but Bertie is just seven! Poor Be......more

Tired. An awful lot of the joy has gone out of this series for me. There were a couple of stand out chapters, mostly Bertie related, but few and far between. Irene returns, but is basically off-screen the entire time. She's a changed woman and is unfortunately rather dull as a result. Bruce gets a lot......more