The latest installation in the beloved Isabel Dalhousie series
'Cosy and effortlessly charming' Herald
'Delightful' Sunday Telegraph
'Humorous and thought-provoking' Undiscovered Scotland
Isabel Dalhousie joins the advisory committee of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, but soon finds herself swept up in a delicate dispute between members of a prominent family. David's support for Scottish nationalism puts him at odds with his sister Catriona and her socialist views, threatening family harmony. Always one for courteous resolutions to philosophical disagreements, Isabel can't help but intercede when she is asked to by their mother, Laura, a fellow committee member.
Meanwhile, Jamie, having criticised Isabel for getting involved in the affairs of others, does precisely that himself when he suspects the conductor of his ensemble may have selected a new cellist based on something other than musical skills.
With so many factors complicating matters, Isabel and Jamie will have to muster all their tact and charm to ensure that harmony is reached between all these fractious parties."The moral centre of the novel is stated with restraint and elegance... For all its gentle humour, this latest novel shows Alexander McCall Smith to be a steely moralist" - Scotsman
"A gentle exploration of morality... cosy and effortlessly charming" - Herald
"McCall Smith delves into the inner machinations of a modern-day philosopher whose nuanced approach stands in stark contrast to the fiery rhetoric of the day... While touching on a variety of topics, the tone is never preachy or pedantic but instead is an open examination of how to lead a moral life... Hand this title to those looking for a more contemplative approach to their mysteries" - Library Journal
"An intriguing and rather beguiling book that is by turns humorous and thought-provoking" - Undiscovered Scotland
