McCall Smith: Distant View of Everything

Product Description Recently distracted by the arrival of her and Jamie's second son, Magnus, Isabel Dalhousie - philanthropic editor of the Review of Applied Ethics - is anxious. The next issue of the Review is far from ready, her eldest, Charlie, is jealous, and their housekeeper, Grace, has an officious approach to childcare. With some relief, Isabel returns to helping out at her niece Cat's delicatessen, where surely the most taxing duty is the preparation of sandwiches. It's not long before Isabel's helpful, philosophical nature draws her into customers' problems, specifically that of ambitious, self-proclaimed matchmaker, Bea Shandon. Bea has staged a potentially dangerous liaison involving enigmatic plastic surgeon, Tony MacUspaig, who may not be quite who he claims to be - and Isabel's help is required in getting to the truth of the matter. Good-hearted Isabel proceeds with her usual thorough attention to task, and on Bea's advice talks to her friend Rob, a trustworthy regular on Bea's dinner party circuit, and known to have deep suspicions about MacUspaig. It becomes clear, however, that Rob has an agenda of his own and Isabel is now contending with that, along with a mysterious medical condition of Jamie's and some frustrating dead ends when it comes to Bea's predicament. When the truth finally reveals itself, Isabel must conclude that along with MacUspaig, Bea, Jamie - and even Cat - she herself is not immune to misunderstandings, or the neurotic fantasies that arise from keeping secrets . . . Review Like [Barbara] Pym, McCall Smith believes that the small stuff in life matters, Scotsman Brimming with discreet charm, Mail on Sunday Isabel Dalhousie's charm is undeniable, Sunday Times Delightful, Sunday Telegraph McCall Smith's greatest gift as a writer - and God knows this is just one of many - is that he can write likeable characters, New Statesman In ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH'S delightful new Isabel Dalhousie novel A DISTANT VIEW OF EVERYTHING, Isabel risks antagonising husband Jamie, as she investigates a suspiciously amorous surgeon, Good Housekeeping McCall Smith's distinctively charming writing style makes this book a very easy summer read, Scottish Field A delightful read, Mature Times Book Description The latest novel in Alexander McCall Smith's much-loved Isabel Dalhousie series. From the Back Cover 'Brimming with discreet charm' MAIL ON SUNDAY Isabel Dalhousie is feeling unsettled. She is adjusting to life as a new mother, alongside her work as a philanthropist and as editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. With a desire to create some space in her busy life, Isabel returns to lending a hand at her niece's delicatessen, where surely the most taxing duty is the preparation of sandwiches. It's not long before Isabel's helpful nature draws her into customers' problems, specifically that of self-proclaimed matchmaker, Bea Shannon. Bea has staged a potentially dangerous liaison involving enigmatic plastic surgeon, Tony MacUspaig, who may not be quite who he claims to be - and Isabel's help is required in getting to the truth of the matter. But even she is not immune to misunderstandings, or the neurotic fantasies that arise from keeping secrets . . . 'Delightful' SUNDAY TELEGRAPH About the Author Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over eighty books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities.