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 painting; and her job.
*****
Isabel Dalhousie and her younger boyfriend Jamie live in Edinburgh and have an infant son named Charlie. Isabel is a philosopher who edits The Review of Applied Ethics.....
…..and Jamie is an elite musician who gives concerts, teaches music, and makes guest appearances.
In the course of the story, Isabel becomes concerned with three problems.
The first difficulty hinges on Isabel's prickly niece Cat, a delicatessen owner who's had a string of (usually bad boy) lovers.
Isabel's boyfriend Jamie was once Cat's beau, but Cat threw over the clean-cut musician, and repeatedly refused to take him back. Later on, Isabel and Jamie embarked on a romance that led to baby Charlie.
Cat got over Isabel and Jamie being a couple, but the infant is a step too far. Isabel is anxious to restore good relations with her niece, and pleads, "You have to forgive me. You have to forgive me for having Charlie. For Jamie. For everything." Isabel doesn't think she did anything wrong, but wants to smooth things over with Cat.
The second item on Isabel's mind is a work of art. Isabel is the prime beneficiary of a well-funded family trust, and is thinking of using some of her money to buy a landscape painting called 'Sea Livelihood' by Scottish artist Andrew McInnis. McInnes drowned eight years ago, and his pictures are now in demand and expensive. 'Sea Livelihood' is valued at £25,000, which is pricey, but within Isabel's budget. As things play out, however, Isabel comes to suspect the landscape's authenticity.
Isabel's third (and biggest) concern is the loss of her job as editor of The Review of Applied Ethics. Out of the blue - with no previous phone call - Isabel receives a letter from Professor Robert Lettuce, chairman of The Review's editorial board.
Amidst a slew of smarmy compliments and 'thank you for your service', Lettuce announces the board has appointed a new editor - Professor Christopher Dove, who'll start in the new year.
Isabel is shocked! For the ethicist, "There was a sense of disgust at the obvious plotting that must have been going on. Dove probably coveted her post as editor; he was ambitious, and the editorship of an established journal would help him on his climb up the pole of academic success." Isabel is even more appalled when she meets Dove for a planning session, and she decides she must take steps.
While all this is going on, Isabel and Jamie take care of little Charlie with the help of Isabel's longtime housekeeper Grace. Isabel and Jamie even take time for a trip to the seaside, and the descriptions of the Scottish landscape are lovely (except for the whirlpool that drowns people).
I also liked the description of the focaccia and olives served at Cat's eatery, which I'd like to try myself.
By the end of the book Isabel has resolved her concerns with her usual deep thinking, applied ethics, and well-intentioned interference in other people's lives.
I always enjoy the books of Alexander McCall Smith, who uses his background as a legal scholar and bioethics professor to inform his writing.
Rating: 3.5 stars
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