Corduroy Mansions

A Novel

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

From the New York Times best-selling author of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency comes this serialized novel—reminiscent of his acclaimed 44 Scotland Street.

In London’s Pimlico neighborhood lies a tenement described in architectural guides as “a building of no interest whatsoever”. But the residents of Corduroy Mansions—including a literary agent, a wine merchant, a thoroughly unpleasant member of Parliament, and a vegetarian dog—are a rather fascinating lot. There’s the vitamin evangelist, the psychoanalyst, the art student with a puzzling boyfriend, and Freddie de la Hay, the Pimlico terrier who insists on wearing a seat belt and is almost certainly the only avowed vegetarian canine in London.

Filled with the ins and outs of neighborliness in all its unexpected variations, Corduroy Mansions showcases the life, laughter, and humanity that have become the hallmarks of Alexander McCall Smith’s work.

©2010 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"[A] daily laugh-out-loud treat on my journey into work.” ( Bookseller)

"Smith's charming first in a new series offers a variation on his 44 Scotland Street books, centering on the eccentric occupants of Corduroy Mansions and their offbeat doings....[T]he wry humor he elicits from the collisions of lives and their repercussions will bring smiles to the faces of many readers." ( Publishers Weekly)

Life in London well told!

Alexander McCall Smith has an uncanny knack for depicting quirky characters in a perfectly charming manner, and he does it again in this series, which I want to explore more thoroughly as time and money permit. Following the lives of the denizens of the apartment block known as Corduroy Mansions is fascinating, illuminating, and delicious. And I am totally in love with Freddy de le Hay!

pedantic and preachy

disappointed in this one by AMS - long-winded, a bit didactic, a bit pedantic. I loved the 44 Scotland Street series and this didn't feel as sharp and fresh.

Cute, funny and entertaining

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

Loved it!

Any additional comments?

Okay, I am a sucker for Scottland, humerous suspense and cute little dogs. I am prewired to love this book. This remineded me quite a bit of McCalls other series at 44 Scottland with Bertie and the like - which I also enjoyed. Visual descriptions like his other stories, good character development of quirky people you may know plus an adorable little dog...what's not to like? Perfect stories for a long commute.

Pleased to find another series that I like!

I loved 44 Scotland Street, but haven't been able to connect with the other books or series by this author. So, I'm delighted to find another series that I do like. I'm in the middle of something else now and neglected to write a review promptly, so it's brief. I find there are similarities to 44 Scotland Street, lovable, but flawed characters, that, if you enjoy the social commentary and suspend reality just a little, can be very enjoyable. I'm going to get the next in the series and will enjoy meeting up with the characters again.

I can't write a review of what I'm currently reading because it's from the library, but The Presidents Club, by Nancy Gibbs and Michael Duffy is SO much more than I realized. I highly recommend it if you have any interest in the subject. It's an enormous window into history and a great behind-the-scenes view of all the presidents going back to Truman (I haven't finished and I'm not sure who the final one is, however). It seems very balanced and reminds me a bit of the approach and style of Bob Woodward. You trust them very early on and sense their portrayal of each man is both honest and respectful. There was a lot going on that we didn't hear about as the events occurred and this is your chance to find out!

Totally delightful

Alexander McCall Smith and Simon Prebble? Well of course it's good! A great cast of fun characters, including a wonderful dog, and a few fun twists in the story. Certainly not deep or life changing but a really fun way to spend a few hours.

I loved this book!

Corduroy Mansions was just a fun book. It was upbeat and quick-moving. I quickly came to be interested in each character and found them to be varied and mostly likeable - except for the ones that weren't supposed to be. When the book was over I was tempted to use my next credit immediately on the next book, but I resisted because I don't want them all to be done too quickly. Simon Prebble did a wonderful job with the narration, with good pacing, enunciation, and emphasis. All in all, an excellent choice!

Love Alexander McCallbSmiths

This was a bit different than his other books, but enjoyable nonetheless.
I did have a bit of trouble switching from one set of characters to another, then back again.

Loved it!

I have read and listened to a great many Alexander M. Smith books and I have enjoyed them all ... well, Isobel Dalhouse does drive me crazy at times. Corduroy Mansions is a new series and, for me, it started off slowly. Listening does make it hard to keep track of all the characters at first but by the end of the book I knew everyone. I cannot wait to read or listen to the next in the series. I highly recommend this book. Alexander M. Smith is everything that is right in literature. Bless him.

Quite charming

Any additional comments?

I had not read anything in this series but will in the future....charming story, very entertaining.

Fun read

This was delightful, fresh, and uplifting. If that appeals to you then i highly recommend this. I enjoyed it immensely.