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The Comforts of a Muddy Saturday: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel Hardcover – September 23, 2008

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,311 ratings

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ISABEL DALHOUSIE - Book 5

Nothing captures the charm of Edinburgh like the bestselling Isabel Dalhousie series of novels featuring the insatiably curious philosopher and woman detective.  Whether investigating a case or a problem of philosophy, the indefatigable Isabel Dalhousie, one of fiction’s most richly developed amateur detectives, is always ready to pursue the answers to all of life’s questions, large and small.

In the fabulous new installment in the best-selling adventures of Isabel Dalhousie, Isabel is asked to help a doctor who has been disgraced by allegations of scientific fraud concerning a newly marketed drug. Our ever-curious moral philosopher finds her interest piqued. Would a doctor with a stellar reputation make such a simple but grave mistake? If not, what explains the tragic accident that resulted in the death of a patient? Clearly, an investigation is in order, especially since a man's reputation is in jeopardy. Could he be the victim of someone else's mistake? Or perhaps he has been willfully deceived by a pharmaceutical company with a great deal to gain.

Not every problem prompts an investigation (take, for example, her ongoing struggle with her housekeeper, Grace, over the care of Isabel's infant son, Charlie), but, as we've seen, whatever the case, whatever the solution, Isabel's combination of spirit, smarts, empathy, and unabashed nosiness guarantees a delightful adventure.
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Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

In Smith's winning fifth novel to feature Edinburgh philosophical sleuth Isabel Dalhousie (after The Careful Use of Compliments), Dalhousie, who's recently assumed ownership of the obscure journal she's edited for many years, the Review of Applied Ethics, applies her deductive gifts to the case of a disgraced doctor. When a patient dies after taking a new antibiotic that Marcus Moncrieff deemed safe in clinical trials, the doctor's original report turns out to contain falsified data. Did Moncrieff skew the data to please the drug manufacturers? Moncrieff's wife turns to Isabel for help in lifting her husband out of his despondency. While the truth isn't straightforward, the motives of the guilty party prove to be both plausible and rational. The strengths of the book, as with Smith's better known No. 1 Ladies' Detective series, lie in its protagonist's determination to treat others without judgment—and in the author's revealing glimpses into the human soul. (Sept.)
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From Booklist

This fifth installment in McCall Smith’s engaging series finds fortysomething Edinburgh moral philosopher Isabel Dalhousie investigating a doctor accused of scientific fraud. Did Marcus Moncrieff manipulate the data for a drug developed by the same company that funded his research? Isabel soon discovers that numbers are but part of the equation. It turns out that Dr. Moncrieff’s nephew, who is also his assistant, might have had good reason to exact revenge on his uncle. (At issue is the inheritance of a large farm on Scotland’s Black Isle.) Meanwhile, Isabel’s much younger boyfriend, Jamie, continues to dote on Isabel and their infant son, Charlie. (Alas, Jamie’s extraordinary good looks have Isabel forever worrying that he will lose interest in her.) There are other moral dilemmas, too. Isabel suspects that Eddie, the vulnerable young man who works at Isabel’s niece’s deli, lied about the reason he needs to borrow money. And Grace, Isabel’s very assertive housekeeper, has been telling local residents that adorable Charlie is her own. McCall Smith, who also pens the best-selling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency and 44 Scotland Street novels, has rendered a wise and very human heroine who grows more endearing with each entry. --Allison Block

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Pantheon (September 23, 2008)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 256 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0375425136
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0375425134
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 13 ounces
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 5.71 x 0.96 x 8.53 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,311 ratings

About the author

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Alexander McCall Smith
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Alexander McCall Smith is one of the world’s most prolific and most popular authors. His career has been a varied one: for many years he was a professor of Medical Law and worked in universities in the United Kingdom and abroad. Then, after the publication of his highly successful 'No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency' series, which has sold over twenty million copies, he devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty-six languages and become bestsellers through the world. These include the Scotland Street novels, first published as a serial novel in The Scotsman, the Isabel Dalhousie novels, the Von Igelfeld series, and the Corduroy Mansions series, novels which started life as a delightful (but challenging to write) cross-media serial, written on the website of the Telegraph Media Group. This series won two major cross-media awards - Association of Online Publishers Digital Publishing Award 2009 for a Cross Media Project and the New Media Age award.

In addition to these series, Alexander writes stand-alone books. 2014 sees publication of three new novels which fall into this area: 'The Forever Girl'; 'Fatty O’Leary’s Dinner Party'; and 'Emma' – a reworking of the classic Jane Austen novel. This year there will also be a stunning book on Edinburgh, 'A Work of Beauty: Alexander McCall Smith’s Edinburgh'. Earlier stand alone novels include 'La’s Orchestra Saves the World' and 'Trains and Lovers: A Hearts Journey'.

Alexander is also the author of collections of short stories, academic works, and over thirty books for children. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including the British Book Awards Author of the Year Award in 2004 and a CBE for service to literature in 2007. He holds honorary doctorates from nine universities in Europe and North America. In March of 2011 he received an award from the President of Botswana for his services through literature to that country.

Alexander McCall Smith lives in Edinburgh. He is married to a doctor and has two daughters.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,311 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book engaging and well-written. They describe it as uplifting, soothing, and joyful. Readers appreciate the author's wit and whimsy. The books are described as fun, smart, and great for reading on long flights or when you feel like an escape from reality. Customers get involved with the characters and care about their lives. The book offers insightful information and thought-provoking content.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

28 customers mention "Readability"28 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book. They find it delightful, enjoyable, and a pleasure to read the author's work. The book is described as beautiful, honest, and well-written.

"I love McCall-Smith, I find his books soothing and wise and feminine yet balanced (this probably comes from their being written by a man!)...." Read more

"He has a style that is his own. In a way it is predictable...." Read more

"In a world of excess and detachment, it is an incomparable pleasure to read an author's work which deals with how humans interconnect and how we..." Read more

"...I so appreciate a writer that can write about being happy and make it utterly appealing without having to make something bad happen...." Read more

19 customers mention "Story quality"19 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the engaging stories and mysteries. They appreciate the author's writing style and find the books an easy, relaxing read. The stories start out gently and build to a crescendo, with high-quality writing.

"This is another example of why Alexander McCall Smith is such a unique author...." Read more

"As usual, Smith delivers a sweet, entertaining, slight book...." Read more

"...My husband and I have read everything this wonderful author has written, and eagerly await each new offering. Oh, thank you, dear Mr. A. M. Smith!..." Read more

"...Keep writing!" Read more

11 customers mention "Uplifting"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book soothing and uplifting. They describe it as a lovely story of happy people who are in love and help others. The author's love for life and people is evident.

"...Prepare to be inspired and have your opinions and intellect challenged and stretched...." Read more

"A lovely story of happy people who are in love and occasionally help others … those well spend in order to achieve a heart warming feeling .." Read more

"...portrait of life in Edinburgh is both thought-provoking and emotionally delicious as we follow Isabel's ups and downs and find ourselves strangely..." Read more

"...they are presented with such a light hand, and such an obvious love for life and people and places that I always feel better after spending time..." Read more

10 customers mention "Wit"10 positive0 negative

Customers find the books witty, amusing, and sweet. They appreciate the author's ability to write about happiness without being condescending or insulting. The characters are well-developed and the romance elements are tasteful.

"...At the same time, they're not condescending or insulting to the reader...." Read more

"...being a little bit of a closet romantic, I like the tasteful romantic interest thrown in. More, Alexander McCall Smith!" Read more

"...I so appreciate a writer that can write about being happy and make it utterly appealing without having to make something bad happen...." Read more

"Beautiful book, great characters, written honestly but with kindness...." Read more

9 customers mention "Reading quality"9 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the books. They find them fun, smart, and witty. The books are great for reading on long flights or when you need an escape from reality.

"As usual, Smith delivers a sweet, entertaining, slight book...." Read more

"...I find this series to be good bed-time reading, as the chapters are short, and nothing there to give bad dreams. ...nor to provoke further thought." Read more

"...Great for reading on a long flight or when you feel like an escape from reality!" Read more

"...Recommend as great reading for all teens and adults." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's characters. They find them engaging and get invested in their lives.

"...Charming lead characters are complex and flawed and inspiring all at the same time...." Read more

"...I always get involved in his characters' lives, care bout them and can't wait to read more about them...." Read more

"Beautiful book, great characters, written honestly but with kindness...." Read more

"...The characters are as lovable as always, and as predictable...." Read more

7 customers mention "Insight"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's insight. They find it informative and engaging, with correct information about history and art. The book is thought-provoking and keeps readers interested throughout. Readers appreciate the author's constant analysis and thoughtfulness, which enriches their lives.

"...her predictability, her strong ethics, her constant thinking and analyzing, and her never-ending interfering into the lives of people to help them..." Read more

"...McCall's extended portrait of life in Edinburgh is both thought-provoking and emotionally delicious as we follow Isabel's ups and downs and find..." Read more

"Like all his books he takes quite ordinary situation and infuses with wisdom, gentleness of spirit and leaves one to contemplate the issues raised..." Read more

"...The mysteries are well written and keep me interested all through the book." Read more

4 customers mention "Thought provoking"4 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's philosophical perspective and moral ambiguity. They find the character Isabel Dalhousie thoughtful and engaging. While not the author's best work, the book is thought-provoking and entertaining for philosophical women.

"...here is made enjoyable by McCall Smith's humorous and insightful peeks into human nature through Isabel's philosophical meanderings...." Read more

"...This series is not Smith's best, but philosophic women will find it entertaining...." Read more

"A calm and gentle story. I like the philosophical outlook of Isabel Dalhousie and the moral conundrums posed by her involvement in peoples' problems." Read more

"...Really enjoyed reading about a "thoughtful" woman, a woman who asks questions of a philosophical nature...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2008
    This is another example of why Alexander McCall Smith is such a unique author. I enjoy following Isabel Dalhousie and the events surrounding the other characters in this series. However, as in the best of things, it's not so much about the destination as it is the journey. The journey here is made enjoyable by McCall Smith's humorous and insightful peeks into human nature through Isabel's philosophical meanderings. I also enjoy the way he discreetly pokes fun at societal quirks that we are all familiar with but may not have really noticed. This is a book to be savored like good chocolate.
    One person found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on August 21, 2010
    As usual, Smith delivers a sweet, entertaining, slight book. His books are great travel reading (I'm a slow reader; one lasts me from the Pacific Coast to the East Coast, without a nagging chapter following me to the hotel)and perfect for gifts to hospitalized friends (they're never depressing or too heavy). At the same time, they're not condescending or insulting to the reader. This story may concentrate too much on the romance between Isabel and her handsome, talented, sensitive young lover, but it doesn't detract too much.
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 6, 2018
    You are never disappointed with any of Alexander McCall Smith's books. Prepare to be inspired and have your opinions and intellect challenged and stretched. Charming lead characters are complex and flawed and inspiring all at the same time. With the strokes of his pen/keyboard, Mr Smith transports you to Edinburgh....his genius allows you to feel like you are living with the characters through all the situations presented. A joyful read!
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 29, 2023
    A lovely story of happy people who are in love and occasionally help others … those well spend in order to achieve a heart warming feeling ..
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 5, 2013
    I love the Isabel Dalhousie series and am walking through them one at a time. I feel like Isabel is an old friend now, and she does just what I expect her to do about things. I love her, her predictability, her strong ethics, her constant thinking and analyzing, and her never-ending interfering into the lives of people to help them sort things out! And of course, being a little bit of a closet romantic, I like the tasteful romantic interest thrown in. More, Alexander McCall Smith!
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 22, 2013
    The 5th book in the Sunday Philosophy Club series has Isabel looking into another interesting ethical issue. She is asked to check into the case of a doctor who has been discredited for bad data regarding a drug that he evaluated in clinical trial, from a company that sponsored his research. She is also dealing with an ethical problem relating to her journal when her former rival for the editorship submits an article. Does she accept it to lay the feud to rest, dismiss it out of hand, or find another course? When she begins to investigate the drug scandal, she finds that perhaps there may be a reason for an involved family member to frame the doctor. Meanwhile, in her personal life, she feels insecure about Jamie's friendship with a conductor, and worries that he is hiding things from her. She also makes a loan to Eddie at Cat's deli and wonders if she made a big mistake in doing this. Things are not always what they seem and Isabel comes to some surprising conclusions to these puzzles.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 11, 2008
    This one will keep you up all night turning pages, even if you are not already hooked on Isabel Dalhousie and company.

    McCall's extended portrait of life in Edinburgh is both thought-provoking and emotionally delicious as we follow Isabel's ups and downs and find ourselves strangely comforted by the humanity and vulnerability of her life.

    Will her beloved Jamie be enticed by an American composer to leave Edinburgh to further his career as a concert bassoonist? Did the doctor do it? Why does Grace claim Isabel's baby boy Charlie is her own son? Will Cat ever figure out why she chooses the wrong men? Do people, even nice Edinburgh people, actually go about telling lies every day?

    Curl up with a cup of strong black tea with cream and plenty of sugar as you get to know Isabel a little better.

    You won't regret it.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 24, 2014
    I love McCall-Smith, I find his books soothing and wise and feminine yet balanced (this probably comes from their being written by a man!). I always get involved in his characters' lives, care bout them and can't wait to read more about them. Plots are not the point; human interaction and thoughts are, and they are presented with such a light hand, and such an obvious love for life and people and places that I always feel better after spending time with these books. Do not buy the Dalhousie or the Precious Ramotswe series (which I also love) if you want a proper detective story, but do buy them and enjoy them all, possibly in chronological order, if you want to be reconciled with life. Sounds like a lot to ask from books, but read them and you will see what I mean!
    4 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars The comfort of Saturdays
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 23, 2024
    Yet another lovely book in the Isabel Dalhousie series. Gentle, easy read. Perfect for a dull ,dreary afternoon in a depressing Summer!
  • WK ElaineO
    5.0 out of 5 stars It's a book
    Reviewed in Canada on July 9, 2021
    It's a book.
  • George Thomas
    5.0 out of 5 stars Charming meandering in philosophy
    Reviewed in India on February 1, 2016
    A charming book, full of insights into the foibles of humans. Nuanced where ethical dilemmas have no clear answer.
  • jasmin d'été
    5.0 out of 5 stars On ne peut plus s'en passer du club des philosophes du dimanche
    Reviewed in France on October 26, 2009
    Elle doit enquêter sur la mise à l'écart d'un grand médecin et la mort du patient de celui-ci. Est il coupable d'avoir mis ce médicament sur le marché? Est-il au contraire une victime , le bouc émissaire du marché des laboratoires ? Isabel essaie de trouver la vérité et de retrouver le calme et la paix et la douce tranquillité des samedis auprès de son bébé et son amant Jamie.

    Elle a tellement de choses à nous raconter Isabel Dalhousie! Et nous la suivons à Édimbourg mais aussi dans les montagnes et lacs écossais car là où elle nous mène ,elle nous enchante !
    Lorsque le livre se termine, on n'a plus qu'une seule idée, celle de guetter le prochain livre de la série.
  • THOMAS KURUVILLA
    4.0 out of 5 stars Four Stars
    Reviewed in India on February 15, 2017
    good