The Charming Quirks of Others

An Isabel Dalhousie Novel, Book 7

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Davina Porter

In this latest and most felicitous addition to the Isabel Dalhousie series, our inquisitive heroine comes to see that there are very few of us who are not flawed... herself included.

Isabel has been asked for her help in a rather tricky situation: A successor is being sought for the headmaster at a local boys’ school. The board has three final candidates but has received an anonymous letter alleging that one of them has a very serious skeleton in the closet. Could Isabel discreetly look into it? And so she does. What she discovers about all the candidates is surprising, but what she discovers about herself and about Jamie, the father of her young son, turns out to be equally revealing.

Isabel’s investigation will have her exploring issues of ambition, as well as of charity, forgiveness, and humility, as she moves nearer and nearer to some of the most hidden precincts of the heart.

Here is Isabel Dalhousie at her beguiling best: intelligent, insightful, and with a unique understanding of the quirks of human nature.

Woman of mystery: listen to more in the Isabel Dalhousie series.©2010 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2010 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

“McCall Smith has created a world where humor is gentle, suffering is acknowledged but not foregrounded, and efforts to do good are usually rewarded. It’s a wonderful place to visit, even if we don’t get to live there.” ( Washington Post)

A gentle read

Another gentle story with old friends. Love the philosophical and situational ethics asides as much as the actual story line. I also LOVE Davina Porter. As usual, she does an excellent job bringing Scotland alive for me.

Charming Quirks

Davina Porter does a great job narrating this series. When I listen to this series I feel as if I have dropped in for tea with my good friend Isabel. I love the wondering of her mind into various philosophical topics. Can not wait for the next book.

Lovely

McCall Smith has such insight human frailties. I truly enjoyed listening to the interactions, and reflections, between the characters. Always feels as if I learn so much about myself and others I know and love( or do not love) by spending time with this beloved author.

Typical A. M. Smith (that's good!)

I much enjoy Smith's writing, particularly his ability to convey the sense of a place. In this book there seems to be a great deal more reflecting on ethics and the thoughts of the protagonist, Isabel; so much so that the internal thought-wanderings got distracting in places. Still, a good "read. "

Love it

I don't really know which of the Alexander McCall Smith series I love most, but I love Isabel Dalhousie, Jamie, and Mr Fox. By now they are old friends, and we enjoy Isabel's thoughts and curiosity and moral quandaries. I also like feeling like we see into another culture. Perhaps those people could exist anywhere, but they fit perfectly where they are. I am so happy that Alexander McCall Smith is able write so prolifically. I enjoy each book as it comes out and have to wait just a little time until the next one arrives. This book is delightful.

MaCall Smith is genius

Would you consider the audio edition of The Charming Quirks of Others to be better than the print version?

I haven't read the print version yet.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Charming Quirks of Others?

When Isabel entertains doubts about Jamie's fidelity and jumps to horrible conclusions.

What about Davina Porter’s performance did you like?

Her easy switch between characters and accents.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Isabel's inner life is so absorbing and nuanced. So human.

In my least favorite in the series, so far; but, still good.

Normally, I love the author’s digressions into myriad subjects, especially philosophical topics, but the digressions seem to eclipse the plot points and the plot points weren’t particularly compelling this time around.
Off to the next in the series, hoping things get a bit more interesting again.

Not the best of the Isabel Dalhousie series.

I have enjoyed most of the Isabel Dalhousie series but this one lags. Isabel is getting tiresome and what the narrator considers her goodness and charity is often a lack of “boundaries” and good decision making. Her continued tip toeing around her immature and petty niece is a good example of allowing poor behavior to dictate the relationship. The narrator for this book sounds much too old for the forty something Isabel.

Booorrring

I have tried. I have really tried, but I find Mr. Smith's books to be boring.

wish I hadn't wasted a credit

There was no story. Other AMS books were so much better...story, theme and plot.