Product Description

The delectable new installment in the bestselling and already beloved adventures of Isabel Dalhousie and her no-nonsense housekeeper, Grace.

When friends from Dallas arrive in Edinburgh and introduce Isabel to Tom Bruce – a bigwig at home in Texas – several confounding situations unfurl at once. Tom’s young fiancée’s roving eye leads Isabel to believe that money may be the root of her love for Tom. But what, Isabel wonders, is the root of the interest Tom begins to show for Isabel herself? And she can’t forget about her niece, Cat, who’s busy falling for a man whom Isabel suspects of being an incorrigible mama’s boy. Of course Grace and Isabel’s friend Jamie counsel Isabel to stay out of all of it, but there are irresistible philosophical issues at stake – when to tell the truth and when to keep one’s mouth shut, to be precise – and philosophical issues are meat and drink to Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. In any case, she’s certain of the ethical basis for a little sleuthing now and again – especially when the problems involve matters of the heart.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #12724 in Books
• Published on: 2007-07-10
• Released on: 2007-07-10
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

From Publishers Weekly
The third novel featuring well-to-do and somewhat-nosy philosopher Isabel Dalhousie continues McCall Smith's exploration of the rights and wrongs of everyday life, with Isabel's thoughtful presence providing decidedly more intellectual punch than the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. When Jamie, a young musician, begins to show interest in Isabel, her stirred feelings threaten to overwhelm her even keel, throwing her into ethical crisis. To what degree are our lives dictated by biological imperatives and desires? Does the meaning of art arise from the art itself or its audience? Are white lies permissible, and if so, when? What does the well-off individual owe the homeless man on the corner? Out-of-town visitors to Edinburgh—Americans, no less—provide further touchstones for all manner of ethical mulling as well as the grist of the book's mystery: does Angie, a young, inscrutable woman betrothed to a wealthy Dallas bachelor, Tom Bruce, have her eyes set on true love or money? At times Isabel's intense dedication to mindfulness borders on the didactic, but love comes to the rescue, nicely illustrating the book's most important philosophical puzzle: how is it that people find real happiness, and what does it have to do with loving rather than thinking? (Sept. 19)
Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

From Booklist
*Starred Review* Prolific Scottish novelist McCall Smith is best known for the delightful--and phenomenally popular--No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. His second mystery series, featuring Scottish American moral philosopher Isabel Dalhousie, is a charmer, too, and steadily growing in popularity. In this third installment, Isabel, fortysomething and well to do (her mother left her a sizable inheritance, much of which she donates anonymously to charity), once again finds herself in several ethical dilemmas. Houseguests from Dallas introduce her to an affable and affluent fellow Texan, whose flighty fiancee seems less interested in his character than his cash. Meanwhile, Isabel must come to terms with her feelings for Jamie, her niece's handsome former suitor. (He's 14 years Isabel's junior, but should age really matter when it comes to matters of the heart?) Isabel's predilection for passing judgment occasionally comes off as preachy, but her assessments of human foibles are both hilarious and shrewd. Even the most erudite among us can't always suppress inappropriate urges, advises Isabel, illustrating her point with the tale of a Cambridge classicist who vociferously opines on the girth of a visiting scholar's wife. Adding to the pleasures here are McCall Smith's wealth of heady references, from W. H. Auden and Robert Graves to Catullus and Kant. Allison Block
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Review
Praise for Friends, Lovers, Chocolate (Book 2):

“This mystery’s a charmer.”
–People

“Friends, Lovers, Chocolate delivers . . . offering a fulfilling mystery and satisfying visit with the Edinburgh connection.”
–Calgary Herald

“Sophisticated fun. . . . McCall Smith succeeds in creating another enjoyable philosophical mystery starring a woman who can only be described as a blend of the infamous sleuth Nancy Drew and the philosopher Voltaire.”
–Metro (Toronto)

“Friends, Lovers, Chocolate is written with an easy grace and gentle charm. Violence is out; the emphasis is on civility and intelligent inquiry. For those who like their mysteries leisurely and cerebral, this is a lovely offering.”
–Edmonton Journal


From the Hardcover edition.

Customer Reviews

What a treat! Best of the series so far.
My favourite of the Isabel Dalhousie series, so far! What a treat! Just the right mix of thinking and relaxing prose. I love the warmth and goodness and common sense that emmanate from McCall Smith's prose. It just feels so good, so cozy. These are books to keep us good company, anytime, anywhere, and to remind us that life is good and we can make it good, too.

Philosophy as Mystery

In this third installment of the Isabel Dalhousie series, Alexander McCall Smith has done an admirable job of advancing the plot without being too redundant. For those unfamiliar with the series, but who have read the authors The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency 5-Book Boxed Set, Isabel Dalhousie is a far different protagonist than Mma Ramotswe. While both philosophers in their own right, Isabel's philsophies are academic and rooted in social modernity whereas Precious Ramotswe prides herself on simple wisdom in the face of changing tradition.

If you are expecting a whodunit-smoking-gun- mystery, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, McCall Smith explores the mysteries of the human heart and psyche. Why do we do what we do? Why do we say what we say? We all have our own mysteries to investigate. I do think the "mystery" label is deceiving--at least for this particular book in the series.

Another warning: for those used to the sparkly clean morality of Mma Ramotswe and friends, this series is a little spicier--of the garlic variety, not the jalapeño variety (so for those of you who enjoy steamy sex scenes, don't hold your breath).

All-in-all, a fun read, although I found the plot moving so much more quickly than usual that I skimmed over some of Isabel's more philosophical moments, eager for the next plot point.

*SLEUTHING for Future Choices /OR/ Leaving all to INTUITION?*
Whether you have been reading "The Right Attitude to Rain" . . . "Love Over Scotland" or "Blue Shoes & Happiness" . . . you and your book friends will probably have a discussion eventually . . . about the author!

For two of his series, author Alexander McCall Smith has chosen
female protagonists, and these are women who have strong claims on our hearts. Why is it that these characters 'grab' at readers, albeit with the welcome tentacles of family? Was *AMS* one of a large family, familiar with diverse personalities & inter-play?

Not since another strong woman in a British series was described with the phrase "SHE Who Must Be Obeyed" have viewers been so amused and readers so faithful. We recognize traits in "Precious" Ramotswe/OR/Isabel Dalhousie that could have been plucked from our family Tree; endearing like Aunt Lettie who plied her needle in sewing or debate and our outrageous Aunty Flo, close friend of Vachel Lindsay.

Author McCall Smith has the same sure hold on our hearts with his 'lay of the land' - - describing places that we may know quite well, or not at all - - they now occupy places in our memory albums, favorite snapshots stuck down with black photo corners. And think of the many trips to Edinburgh that are being plotted now by readers.

Reading vol.3 of the series, a friend was provoked by some of Isabel's actions, she who edits a Journal for the morally superior! Perhaps Ms. Dalhousie was confronted by more issues than usual?Or, has the author tried to overcome some of her dowdiness, if that is the word? The young woman who pines for love does sometimes appear closer to 50 than 40. This reader isn't overly stuffy but admits being a whit disturbed by the implication that "a new little Dalhousie" might not bear his father's surname? I noticed that in a blurb for "The Careful Use of Compliments" - - which caused me to read the ending (of "Rain") early-on, a first for that particular sin since childhood. The moral implications of that might fill an entire issue of the philosophical journal Isabel edits.

What books are on your List to gather for a summer trip, or hammock-time at home? It would not surprise me if you choose 1 or 2 titles by Alexander McCall Smith. What is it about the Scots, anyway? Jane Yolen (see 6/2/08 NEWSWEEK magazine) is another prolific & delightful writer with a Scot's heart. I'll happily reach for any of their books, and am impatient to turn on the television when the BBC shares their series "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency."

But first I'll reach for volume 4, and be charmed into another good read about the fascinating Isabel. There are certain aspects of her housekeeper's character that are intriguing also, don't you think? Tea and Crumpets, anyone?