My word it took me a while to get into this one. I had decided not to read any more of McCall Smith's books, in order to give other authors a chance. However, a friend had given me a copy of this for Christmas and I felt obliged to read it.

Another friend spotted it in my handbag and said how much she had enjoyed it. Perhaps I should have told her my misgivings and she would have told me to stick with it. She didn’t, and I persevered, and I am glad I did.

At first I was incredibly envious of Ms Dalhousie. I missed living in Edinburgh and having the time to read in coffee shops, avoiding the rain amongst other intellectuals. Quite removed from my life in West Cumbira.

Well, thankfully, there is some character development and Dalhousie’s life changes.

I am tempted to read book three of this series now; McCall Smith, you have a reprieve!!