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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 823.914
EAN num: 9781400077120
ISBN number: 1400077125
Label: Anchor
Manufacturer: Anchor
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 272
Printing Date: August 26, 2008
Publishing house: Anchor
Release Date: August 26, 2008
Sale Popularity Level: 5278
Studio: Anchor
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
In the fourth installment of this enchanting, beloved series, Isabel Dalhousie, who is now a mother, returns to investigate an irresistible puzzle in the art world.
Isabel Dalhousie—the nosiest and most sympathetic philosopher you are likely to meet—now has a son, Charlie, whose doting father Jamie has an intriguing idea to pose to Isabel: marriage. But Isabel wonders if Jamie is too young to be serious? And how would Cat respond? On top of these matters, the ambitious Professor Dove has seized Isabel's position as editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. However, nothing it seems can diminish Isabel's innate curiosity. And when she recognizes that two paintings attributed to a deceased artist have simultaneously appeared on the market, she can't help but think that they're forgeries. So Isabel begins an investigation and soon finds herself diverted from her musings about parenthood and onto a path of inquiry into the soul of an artist.
Amazon.com Review:
A Message from Author Alexander McCall Smith Three great places to visit in Scotland: The Scottish National Portrait Gallery, Edinburgh
This gallery, housed in an extraordinary blue sandstone building topped with spikes and twirls, contains a pictorial record of Scots over the ages--the handsome, the deluded, the unfortunate, the inventive--they’re all there. Falkland Palace
A lovely little palace in lush countryside, where the father of Mary Queen of Scots turned his face to the wall and predicted the end of the Stuart dynasty. The Isle of Muck
You reach this charming little island on a tiny boat. There is nothing to do on the island but to contemplate its beauty--and its name. Note to readers:
I would like to thank you for all your support. If it weren’t for the encouragement this has given me, my long conversation with Mma Ramotswe would have ended far earlier. As it is, I feel that we still have quite a bit to hear from her – as we do, too, from Isabel Dalhousie, heroine of my Edinburgh novels, and all the denizens of 44 Scotland Street. Each of these series will have a new novel written this year, and I am also planning to revisit the three German professors of the Portuguese Irregular verbs series. I was in the United States in the spring this year and will return in the Fall. These visits give me the chance to meet many readers of these books, so if we have not yet met, perhaps we shall do so before too long. And if we do, please do not hesitate to give me your views on what should happen to the characters in the future: all (reasonable) suggestions gratefully accepted! --Alexander McCall Smith
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Rated by buyers -
I was excited to read the subsequent book in Isabel's series, and was far from disappointed. It was everything that previous books have led me to expect, and was a very pleasurable and quick read. I only wish it had picked up earlier in the story - it would have been interesting to hear more about Isabel's pregnancy and Charlie's birth. I did find it interesting that Smith decided to not have Isabel breastfeed, which I think was mainly to free her up for her normal activities - after all, having to be home so often to nurse the baby would prevent the housekeeper from being able to look after him - unless she pumped or something - and that just seems like more complicated details for the storyline. (I am nursing right now, and so I am a little more aware of all those details than I might otherwise be.)
But all in all, a wonderful book, and I am looking forward to the subsequent entry to this great series!
Rated by buyers 
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I LOVED IT. A 2 day book. I am planning to read everything Smith now. Very Scottish. He does dialogue really well. Can not wait to read his Bertie books as am hoping he has his PG Woodhouse on. Bertie Wooster in a kilt. What the world needs now is more light Scottish romantic comedy.
Rated by buyers 
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Alexander McCall Smith is always a pleasure. I love best his Botswana detective lady, but Isabel Dalhousie is entertaining also.
Rated by buyers -
The Careful Use of Compliments (2007) is the fourth mystery novel in the Isabel Dalhousie series, following The Right Attitude to Rain. In the previous volume, Isabel Dalhousie found a lover and broke up an engagement. She also became pregnant.
In this novel, Andrew McInnes was a painter who lived and died on the island of Jura. Isabel has a McInnes painting along her stairway. Then she sees an offering of a larger piece on the same subject and goes to view it at the auction house.
Guy Peploe is a friend of Isabel and the co-owner of an art gallery. She had seen him at the auction and later he calls her with news of another McInnes painting that he has recently acquired. Isabel goes to view it and believes it to be a McInnes work.
Professor Lettuce -- chairman of editorial board for the Review of Applied Ethics -- writes a letter to Isabel stating that she is being replaced by Christopher Dove at the end of the year. He very first mentions the increase in subscriptions under her purview as the editor of the Review and finishes with a hand-written note about the recent death of a reviewer. Isabel decides Lettuce is feeling rather guilty about his contributions to this putsch.
Christopher Dove comes to visit Isabel to discuss the transition. While he is there, her niece Cat comes to return the sweater that Isabel had left at her flat. Dove and Cat have a very friendly conversation and Dove stays over the weekend.
In this story, Isabel decides to bid on the very first painting, but something about it puzzles her. She allows herself to be outbid by a neighbor, Walter Buie. She also has some questions about the second painting.
Isabel travels to Jura -- where McInnes had died eight years before -- and visits Barnhill, the house where George Orwell wrote 1984. There she finds something that convinces her that the paintings were done by someone other than McInnes. She passes her findings on to Guy and he agrees to check on the matter.
Cat is having problems with jealousy about Isabel and Jamie. She insists that Isabel stole Jamie from her, but Isabel knows that Cat had already rejected Jamie despite his efforts to return to her good graces. Isabel cannot seem to talk to Cat without fanning the flames.
This tale is mostly about personal relationships and the moral obligations that those incur. Isabel wonders about moral impartialism; could anyone be completely even-handed in their actions and should they be? She firmly believes in social justice, but is also uncertain whether the government can provide it.
Everything she does seemingly provokes her moral senses. Isabel has been told often that she thinks too much. Enjoy!
Highly recommended for McCall Smith fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of Scottish society, ethical problems, and a middle-aged mother.
-Bill Jordin
Rated by buyers -
As a mystery reader, you may have discovered that some authors drop you squarely into their plot from paragraph one on their very very first page with an adrenalin-pumping, fast-paced chase or dilemma. The characters, their motivation, focus and flaws are then revealed at key points in the story.
That being said, Alexander McCall Smith very first earns your trust as he introduces you up front to each of his colorful and appealing characters. You discover all of their virtues, flaws and beguiling ways; then the author gently surrounds you in the mystery like a warm cozy blanket.
For Isabel Dalhousie fans, you're in for a treat. In this mystery she is compelled to investigate an art world puzzle when the work of a well-known, but deceased artist, suddenly appears for auction. She follows her instincts to discover the truth behind the recent appearance of the rare art treasure, and who is surprisingly behind the move to sell the work.
The author completes the story by inviting you into Isabel's personal life. Her life is a colorful combination of optimism, curiosity, and straight-forward dialog. Isabel has a healthy awareness of her fallacies, and deep love for her baby, Charlie. The baby's father, Jamie, proposes marriage. However, Isabel cannot say yes as she is engaged in the web of intrigue, mystery and motherhood. There is no doubt she is in love with Jamie. The author provides a glimpse into their caring relationship to assure readers that Isabel and Jamie are doting parents and hold each other in high esteem. The vivid and charming dialog between the characters draws you more intimately into their story.
This easy-paced, captivating story is set in Edinburgh, Scotland; a mystery actually written for the faint-at-heart. The author gives you time to linger in the culture, absorb the beauty, and take in the breathtaking scenery as the mystery unfolds.
Does the art world puzzle consume Isabel? Yes, to a worthy and satisfactory outcome.
Armchair Interviews says: Enjoy this comfortable fireside read.
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