Whether it's Scotland, England or Africa, it is always a pleasure to return to the delightful works of the prolific Alexander McCall Smith.
His latest novel, The Careful Use of Compliments, is the fourth installment in the Isabel Dalhousie series. The adventures of the curious Scottish philosopher with a knack for getting herself involved in difficult situations only continue to grow more entertaining and show no signs of slowing down.
One of the greatest problems with writing a series is that so often an author will reuse the same ideas and go round in circles; but Mr McCall Smith has so far not yet succumbed to this trend.
Isabel has recently given birth to baby Charlie and found happiness through her partner, Jamie. Refusing to be influenced by disapproval from those who believe she is too old to have a child, Isabel soon finds herself entangled in a new mystery that becomes as all-consuming as a child itself.
After losing during the bidding on a well-respected artists' painting, Isabel becomes intrigued. The artist disappeared mysteriously in Jura years ago and was never found. Suspecting that the painting is a work of forgery, she delves into the artist's background and discovers something considerably more complex.
As usual, there's also a subplot—Isabel receives a letter informing her that her editorship of The Review of Applied Ethics journal is to be terminated for no apparent reason. From here, the meticulous philosopher scrutinises over the best course of action and begins contemplation of anything and just about everything.
Some readers may find the 46-year-old Isabel a doting nuisance—certainly she lacks the bite of Miss Marple. But Mr McCall Smith has created a sanguine, earthly character whose humanity and consideration for the world around her are truly endearing.
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