Scotland Street never disappoints!
933855
I have grown to cherish these people so much, I'm quite worried that I will miss them after I read the last book of the series!
I want to know how Bertie turns out and what he does when he finally reaches 18!
How will Matthew and Elspeth manage the triplets? Will Anna stay long?
Will Bruce ever get his comeuppance?
Angus and Domenica- I'm so happy for them.
 Big Lou seems to have found someone at last.
Please keep them coming, Mr McCall Smith!
994209
This book was my first introduction to the world of Hamish Macbeth.  The book has such rich characters.  They are a true joy to read about.
This mystery brings two worlds crashing together.  They villiage atmosphere of Drim Scotland against the Cellular Phone grafted world of movies.  If you've never read one of M.C. Beaton's Hamish mysteries, DON'T let that stop you from getting this one.  No history is needed for the characters to come alive.  But BE WARNED you will have an overwhelming desire to go buy all the ones you missed.
Happy Reading!
3465054
I have the entire Aimee Leduc series, and just love them!  I can see the streets in my mind as Aimee is walking or riding her scooter through Paris.  These stories are with just enough complexity to keep you on your toes yet not confuse the reader.  Keep them coming, Ms Black!
1503714
Thank you, Alexander McCall Smith, for "A Time of Love and Tartan", the twelfth book in the wonderful "44 Scotland Street" series. Let's check in with our denizens of Scotland Street in Edinburgh:

Wherein Pat still harbors feeling for the quintessential narcissist, Bruce.

Wherein Ulysses still pukes whenever his horror of a mother, Irene, picks him up.

Wherein father of triplet boys, Matthew, sneaks a peak at "Fifty Shades of Grey" in a bookshop and embarrassing hi-jinks ensue.

Wherein Stuart Pollock's mother, Nicola, aptly describes his wife, Irene as "a cross between Carl Gustav Jung and a Stasi officer."

Wherein Olive and Tofu continue to be at odds in the most entertaining way of seven-year-olds.

Wherein Angus reminisces about the summer he was nineteen and fly fishing.

Wherein Alexander McCall Smith gently presents to us his eminently sane views on the following topics:

Gender politics
Meritocracies
Political Correctness
Circular logic
Modern Art (and the Turner Prize)
Architecture
Johnny Walker - Blue Label
Au Pair immigration
The destruction of civility, and the harboring of hate
The culpability of Scotland vis-s-vis British Imperialism
Scandinavian noir dramas
"Safe spaces"

Slight spoiler: changes are afoot in the Pollock household.

In short, if you are reading this trying to decide whether to start this series of to continue it, I'm giving it a resounding thumbs up!
4333725
McCall-Smith has givesn Bertie a charming voice that drew me in and made the book come alive! Did not disappoint as a member of the 44 Scotland Street series.
2378105
This is a great book that keeps you reading. It won't disappoint Rebus fans! I love the whole immersive Edinburgh experience.
4034680
I feel like I am in Edinburgh when I read Alexander McCall Smith's books.  He captures the essence of the city beautifully.  Isabel certainly does get the old brain working,  philosophically speaking she challenges me to think more deeply about ordinary things.  Very entertaining.
3192440
Reading the entire 44 Scotland Street series, and working on this one right now. The cast of characters is "spot on" for personality, language traits, and continuity of intelligence and spirit. So, I'm not reviewing any of the other books at this time. In the same apartment building on Scotland Street:  Bruce is a classic narcissist; 60 year-old Domenica is filled with sardonic comments about society; and Pat, the young student has been in love, and out of love, as she listens, speaks, and grows wiser with every sentence. They are all single. The centerpiece of the series is Bertie, a precocious 5 year old, whose "Mummy" is spoiling his joy...and I can hardly wait to follow all of these fascinating, but approachable, lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
2885105
I love the "Sunday Philosophy Club" series by Alexander McCall Smith, and much prefer it to the Precious Ramotsme series, which I find boring, repetitive, and childish. Sorry, fans of Precious Ramotswe! One reason why I love this series, including  his latest offering, is that it is set in Edinburgh, as are the other books in the series. I come from Edinburgh, I was born and brought up there, and reading these books, I can mentally transport myself to all the streets, cafes, Art Galleries, etc. in this most beautiful city, -"The Athens of the North" as it used to be called. I love the way he descibes simple pleasures, and the way he weaves philosophical musings into the story. Another treat from a much loved author!
2598441
Love the Rebus series, I enjoy the Scotland setting as well as the suspense of the investigations with Det. Rebus; he is what I expect an old school investigator to be! A fully developed character with a great supporting cast!  I have read them all.
2305905
Lost Books And Old Bones is the third book in the A Scottish Bookshop Mystery series.

Delaney is adjusting well to the move to Edinburgh, Scotland.  Like the other two books, Delaney is involved in a mystery that is skillfully written around a historical event that occurred in Edinburgh, the infamous body snatchers, William Burke and William Hare.

Delaney has struck up an acquaintance with Mallory, Rena, and Sophie at a pub listening to a local band and enjoying a few drinks.  As the evening goes on Sophie and Rena point out Dr. Eban, a professor at Edinburgh School of Medicine, who is also at the pub.  Then Eban stops by the ladies table and is introduced to Delaney.  When he finds out that she works at The Cracked Spine and asks if the owner, Edwin MacAlister, really has any scalpels owned by Dr. Knox who was involved with Burke and Hare.

After leaving the pub, Delaney meets her boyfriend, Tom, at The Cracked Spine to look in the secret room to see if Dr. Knoxs scalpels are in fact there.  A set of scalpels are found that definitely could have belonged to  Knox.

The next morning when Delaney arrives at work she senses that something is not right and soon finds out that Rosie and Hamlet have found the body of Mallory in the alleyway next to The Cracked Spine.  It appears that she might have been trying to break into The Cracked Spine.  This poses the question: who killed Mallory and why was she in the alley?

As Delaney begins to investigate who might have killed Mallory, she needs to learn more about Mallorys friends, Rena and Sophie, as she feels they aren't sharing everything they know of Mallory.  She needs to check up on Dr. Eban who is reportedly a womanizer and is suspected of having had an affair with the victim.  Also coming up on Delaneys radar is Mr. Glenn, who held himself out to be a doctor, but in fact had no medical training.  Glenn had been accused of killing a number of patients and his wife before he disappeared.  She needs to find out if he is still in the area might be trying to put the blame on those he used to work with.  She also needs to take a look at others, too.

Another well-plotted and told story in this interesting series.  Most all of the main characters are back once again to help Delaney sort through the tangled webs.
I will definitely be watching for the next book in this great series
2467090
I hope she writes a sequel as quickly as possible.  Grew up in Edinburgh and she really captured its essence.  Couldn't put it down!  Pleeeze write another!  I'll be looking for it.
1858140
A very enjoyable read.  Further adventures of all Scotland Street characters.  Loved it when Bertie puts himself up for adoption.
362734
Absolutely awesome! Each one better than the last...if possible! Transforms you too that time and place...Now I need to visit Scotland!
4642575
Just finished this book, and enjoyed every minute of it!  If you like the other 44 Scotland St. books, you'll love this one too.
3845556
Dave and Neda do not disappoint!  have missed their wonderful Chicago set series! happy to meet some new characters as well as revisit old friends on Becham Street.  Anxious to read pound foolish as I really enjoy the parallel novels. These two are indeed a dynamic duo who use their gift of writing to both glorify God & encourage their readers.
4936008
I love this author and all of his series.  This addition does not disappoint.  If you love Bertie, Matthew and Elspeth, Big Lou, Pat, and Angus and Domenica, you won't be disappointed!