Picking up an Alexander McCall Smith novel makes me want to curl up in a chair with a cup of hot tea. Considering the temperature here in the Southeast, I'll pass on the hot tea. But I have enjoyed the Isabel Dalhousie "mysteries" a great deal. Isabel is a philosopher, given to musings that are thought-provoking for me and that tie in with the novel's themes and plots more than you'd think at first glance.

In Book 3 of the series, Isabel is her usual inquisitive self. She has her American cousins visiting her and through them, she meets Tom Bruce (a Texas bigwig) and his fiance, who is all-too-obviously more interested in Isabel's love interest than in the man whose ring she wears. The philosopher's interest is raised: why is she marrying him? For his money? Why does Tom put up with this? Should Isabel intervene?

In the meantime, her niece's former boyfriend Jamie and Isabel are venturing closer to love. But can they overcome the fourteen year age difference and her niece's anger?

The "mystery" aspect is downplayed in favor of the relationships. The plot is slow--Isabel's philosophical musings tend to do that--but I'm okay with that. He's a fine writer with an excellent grasp on ethical issues and penetrating insights into human relationship dynamics. Even when I don't agree with Isabel's conclusions, they still make me think.

Another plus for me: the lack of offensive language. (Thank God. An intelligent novel that doesn't resort to using the "f" word. I get tired of that.)

A worth while read. Don't expect a page turner, though.