Great characters, charming and a cozy, comfortable place to take refuge from a thorny world. Absolutely superb narration with just the right subtlety in voice and accent changes. This applies to the entire Scotland Street series.

I have been following Bertie and the group of characters on 44 Scotland Street since book 1 of the series. They are a delightful bunch and have had me engaged in their lives from the start. McCall Smith writes about everyday life with its normal ebbs and flows in a delightfully witty way, with philosophical rumination thrown in for good measure. This book is no exception. The reading is outstanding and Mr. Mackenzie brings authenticity to the Scottish life of these characters. In today's world, with all the troubles and strife that surround us, this series is a breath of fresh air and calm. It goes to the heart of who we are and our relationships with each other, all the while bringing a smile to our face and a sparkle to our eye. I highly recommend this book and would advise reading the series in order for continuity.