The Careful Use of Compliments: An Isabel Dalhousie Novel (Isabel Dalhousie Mysteries) (Hardcover)

by Alexander McCall Smith (Author)

Editorial Reviews

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 red 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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From Publishers Weekly
Best known for the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, bestseller Smith shows he's just as adept at exploring mysteries of the heart in his fourth book to feature Edinburgh philosopher-sleuth Isabel Dalhousie (after The Right Attitude to Rain). Isabel has recently become a mother, but she has an ambiguous relationship with her son's father, Jamie, whose attempts to formalize their connection have been unsuccessful. Their ties are further strained by Jamie's ex-girlfriend, Cat, who not only still harbors strong feelings for him but is Isabel's niece. Isabel must also deal with petty academic politics aimed at depriving her of her position as editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. Smith throws in a mystery subplot—did an obscure but talented Scottish painter drown, commit suicide or fall victim to foul play?—but the resolution of that plot thread is more noteworthy for its insights into Isabel's humanistic and optimistic philosophy than for any surprise twists. Once again, Smith displays his skill at illustrating subtle nuances of human nature. (Aug.)
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Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Pantheon; 1st edition (August 7, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 037542301X
• ISBN-13: 978-0375423017
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.8 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars See all reviews (37 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #236,020 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

• This is item 4 in The Sunday Philosophy Club (Isabel Dalhousie) Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

82 of 85 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Deeply felt and enchanting, August 7, 2007

By	Kimberly Roeder (Canada) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The moment I finished this book I wanted to share my enjoyment in it. I've never felt inclined to write a review before despite my constant reading. There are many other impassioned readers and I trust that they will write about those books they find deeply moving. Reading this book has been that way for me. I read the earlier Dalhousie books because I trusted the author, and was waiting to see where he would take me. I found them quietly enjoyable, with interesting themes, but the heroine sometimes felt restricted and thin. I now feel rewarded for my patience.
This novel succeeded in bringing to life thoughts and ideas more engagingly and profoundly for me than any of the previous volumes in this series. I've read all of Alexander McCall Smith's other books, and enjoyed them as gentle and sweet tales. I laughed out loud at his German professors and smiled when his African detective came to her elegant understanding of human nature. I've enjoyed all the stories about Scotland, precisely because the author demonstrates such an understanding of human foibles, while showing affection for his characters. This volume is the first one that touched me on a deeper level. I still enjoyed the discussion of philosophy, but finally believe that Isobel is experiencing life, and through her I felt joy.
This latest book of Mr. McCall Smith's, "The Careful Use of Compliments" combines some of my favorite themes from his other series. The machinations of the intellectually insecure professor, the wonderful observations of human nature in all of its glory, and the posing of a mystery to be solved are all done cleverly. But it is the added depth of feeling, between mother and child, between Isobel and Jamie, and the development of Isobel as a more thoughtful, forgiving and appealing character that brings the book to life. Her sweetness shines forth, altering subtly the dry, more scholarly existence she'd previously chosen and I found the process deeply convincing and wonderful. I'm so glad I bought it, and will be giving it to friends and family to read. I don't recommend books lightly, but this one will engage members of my circle from 21 to 78, provoking discussion and hopefully a measure of enlightenment.

37 of 37 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Purchase the Audio CD and hear the Scottish Voice, October 17, 2007

By	Marco Antonio Abarca (Colorado) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This is the fourth book in the Isabel Dalhousie series. Large sections of the novels, consist of Isabel's internal dialogue. As readers, we get the opportunity to experience the world as seen through the lens of the moral philosopher. Isabel's inner world is as at the very heart of the novels.

However, in this fourth novel, Isabel's world has radically changed. She now has a son and a new lover. She is no longer the middle aged philosopher who lives alone in a large house. Yet, the novel continues to be centered on Isabel's internal life. There are now two new people who are integral to her daily life. Yet, there is only the slightest interaction between Isabel, Charlie and Jamie. They are almost completely absent from her internal life. This lack of day to day emotional and physical interaction, makes this story less believable to me.

Finally, I would recommend the Audio CD to anyone with an interest in this book. As an American, we rarely get the chance to hear the full range of Scottish accents. When I think of Scottish accents, the stereotypical Scottie from Star Trek immediately pops into mind. Davina Porter is such a talented narrator that she is able to recreate the many different dialects that one finds in Scotland. The rich differences between county and city and educated and working class accents are a real pleasure to hear. Davina Porter's fine narration alone, adds another star to the book.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Motherhood and philosophy..., August 31, 2007

By	Darci G. Brown "darsee42" (OH) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is quite the page-turner. The story focuses on a few main points: Isabel as a mother, Cat and Isabel's strained relationship, a painting which appears a fraud, and Isabel's editorial position which has always seemed a certainty and now suddenly disappears. Everything seems finely meshed together in this story--with change being the overall theme. How we react to and recover from major changes in our lives...this is what Isabel does--react and recover. The relationship that Isabel has with Jamie seems perfectly portrayed here as one in which neither person says exactly what they mean or truly trusts the other fully enough to be honest in a situation where there is a question as to why one remains. Their conversations go from seemingly flowing to almost painful, especially when their discussion involves Cat. This book is fascinating and the author really does a fine job of fleshing out this character. She questions everything...herself, the life she has chosen, big debates and little moments of pondering...Isabel is ever the philosopher and just when I think I fully understand her she does something that amazes me and explains it all away until I see all sides to every issue brought up. That's the wonder of these books. There is never a clear cut black and white issue. We may be on one side or another but everything is weighed and weighted...it's really extraordinary and as always a fascinating read!