The Careful Use of Compliments Audiobook By Alexander McCall Smith cover art

The Careful Use of Compliments

An Isabel Dalhousie Novel

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The Careful Use of Compliments

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Davina Porter
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Award-winning New York Times best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith, creator of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series of novels, delivers the fourth tale from his charming Isabel Dalhousie series, featuring the highly ethical and plucky protagonist. She's now a mother, but has an uncertain relationship with her son's father. She must also deal with academic politics and, of course, a mystery: did a Scottish painter drown, commit suicide or fall victim to a murder plot?Woman of mystery: listen to more in the Isabel Dalhousie series.©2007 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2007 Recorded Books LLC Detective Mystery Suspense Thriller & Suspense Traditional Detectives Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Fiction

Critic reviews

"Witty, ruminative, and wise." ( The Times-Picayune) "Completely absorbing...will captivate and enthrall." ( Detroit Free Press)
"Enchanting...Delicious mental comfort food...The 'intimate' city of Edinburgh is an appealing character is its own right." ( Los Angeles Times)
Exceptional Character Development • Engaging Storyline • Deeper Emotional Exploration
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While I disagree with some of the author’s views of duty, especially his take on forgiveness, there is still so much to love about his writing. The deft use of language, the scope and breadth of his knowledge on various subjects, and the sweetness imbuing his narrative.
What I particularly like about the Dalhousie books, as opposed to the lovable 44 Scotland St. series, is his deeper dive into Isobel’s emotions.

A true pleasure to read and ponder.

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A journey of seeing beauty and connection in a work art and finding peace and love.

A greater justification.

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How is a painting verified? How is a friendship mended? How are old loves let go?

Simpler life mysteries

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A joy to read/hear. The quality of the narrator adds icing to the cake.

Delightful

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I just love his books. I love his characters and how he can make books where nothing much really happens so engaging and interesting. In this selection of the Sunday Philosophy Club, Isabel Dallhausie (sp?) runs into some minor intregue involving some paintings from a Scottish painter. There is more about Her relationship with Jamie and her ever present conflict with her Niece Cat (who is pretty petulant in this story and made me want to smack her.) Davina Porter, the narrator is a pleasure to listen to as always.

I love Alexander McCall Smith

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I am hooked on Alexander McCall Smith books and enjoy Isabel's saga alot. Although books are regularly added to the series, the next addition never seems soon enough. I am left "waiting" to find out what happens next. Always the sign of a good series I think. If you enjoy a light easy listen why not join the group of folks waiting to see what Isabel will uncover next.

Another McCall Smith hit

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I love the Isabel Dalhousie series. I can't wait for the next one.

The Careful Use of Compliments

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I am an A.M.S. fan. I loved his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. The key to reading his books is really following his characters from the first book--his character development is truly exceptional and while the books aren't fast- paced, they are interesting. However, when you read his books out of sequence, they are not as engaging and in fact are a bit slow. I ordered this book not realizing that it was the 4th book in this series. I think that I would have enjoyed it more, if I had already listened to the first 3 books--this is based on my knowledge of this author. The Narrator did a great job but I don't recommend listening to this book if you haven't listened to the 1st three books.

A tip...

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I was a little disappointed that this story fast-forward so much from the previous one as I would’ve liked for the author to have shown rather than told the intervening events. But aside from that, I really enjoyed the story, especially the very satisfying way that Isabel resolves a particular personal situation for herself. As with all of Alexander McCall Smith‘s books, I find myself wanting to travel to some of the places that his characters live in or visit. Now I think that when I visit Scotland, someday, I will also have to visit some of the nearby islands.

Another interesting adventure with Isabel

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This is the worst reader I have heard in a long time. I am an Alexander McCall Smith addict but will lose interest if this reader stays. 'Can't understand her clipped diction and the audio quality is bad. Would like my money back if I could get it.

Bad reader, bad audio

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