Review: The Careful Use of Compliments (Isabel Dalhousie, #4)
Gaby Meares
I am an unashamed fan of Mr McCall Smith. I adore The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series, and have returned to the Isabel Dalhousie series after a bit of a break. As always with a McCall Smith book, our narrator has ethical issues with which to grapple, and internal dialogues regarding what actions are best taken. This novel is less about plot, and more about how Isabel tries to lead a compassionate and ethical life. For anyone familiar with Edinburgh (or wishing to be so!) this series of books has some of the highlights of this wonderful city. (I’ve been taking notes for my up-coming visit of cafes to visit and sights to see.) Ultimately, this is a book that celebrates kindness. Read it and feel a little less cynical about our world!