The Novel Habits of Happiness

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Davina Porter

The ever-delightful, insatiably curious Edinburgh philosopher and amateur sleuth returns to take on a case unlike any she's had before - this one with paranormal implications - in the tenth installment of this beloved author's consistently best-selling series. From a small town outside Edinburgh comes the news that a young boy has been recounting vivid recollections of a past life: a perfect description of an island off the coast of Scotland that he couldn't possibly know and a house there where he claims to have spent his former life. When the boy's mother asks Isabel to investigate his claims, she feels she must - of course! - help them learn the truth, and she and her husband, Jamie, set off for the island. But finding the house the boy described only leads to more complicated questions. And when she learns about the unusual story of the family who lived there, Isabel is suddenly faced with a situation of extraordinary delicacy that will require all of her skills as both sleuth and philosopher.

©2015 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2015 Recorded Books

As good as ever

I so love Alexander Mcall Smith's books and this series is one that always makes me look inward and try to decide what I would do if I were Isabel. I like all the characters and the plot. I guess I look at it as a bit of mental health therapy when I listen to these books. It might be a bit slow for some but if you have connected with the people from book 1 then it is just another chapter in their lives and you "get it". The narrator is excellent as always. She makes bookstore enjoyable.

Lovely

As with all the Isabelle Dalhousie books, this one is more about thoughts and feelings than any real action. It's a lovely meditation on life and ethics, and a peek into daily life in Edinburgh. I would not recommend this as an entry into this series, but it's a lovely read--as long as you keep your expectations in check. Love AMS!

Had higher hopes.

Not sure what the point was as it seemed a lot was left up in the air. A bit unsatisfying. And narrator sounds way old...not quite my fave.

Delightful

Oh boy, a new Isabel Dalhousie book from Alexander McCall Smith. I know that Isabel is an acquired taste but I am hooked on this series. Isabel is the ultimate philosophizer, for whom all the world is one moral conundrum after another. In this book she finds herself investigating the odd case of a small boy who insists he recalls his reincarnation and the possibility of his returning to another life.

Also in this book we get to visit the regular characters such as Isabel, Jamie and Charlie as well as Isabel’s niece Cat; we visit, while Isabel wanders through her average day. Smith allows Isabel to indulge her philosophizing while taking us on a delightful journey into her life. Smith creates such interesting and unusual characters and tells important subject in such a delight, entertaining and humorous way. One of my favorite narrators, Davina Porter, narrates the book.

Slow but thoughtful

The series about the Scottish philosopher Isabel Dalhousie never have much of a plot but are lovely to listen too with their musings on ethics and human relationships.

another gentle story

another gentle sorry with all the familiar characters. it's wonderful to see Scotland through the story.

Lovely book

I love the writing, the intertwining of the every day with philosophy. And the reader is one of my favorites, I would listen to her reading the dictionary!

OK if you're already a fan

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Yes if the friend already likes the series, but would certainly not start someone on this one

Would you be willing to try another book from Alexander McCall Smith? Why or why not?

I read all his series

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, it gets tedious. You have to be in the mood

Any additional comments?

The philosophical meanderings and sidetrackings are part of the charm of AMS's books, but I think he's starting to get a bit carried away... the ratio of musings to plot line is going up all the time and is nearing the breaking point (for me). I like the characters but don't need to follow them down every single mental side street...

a literary cup of tea

a wonderful visit again with Isabel, Jamie, Charlie, Kat and Grace, pondering the possibility of reincarnation and making hard choices.

Quiet delight!

As always, Alexander McCall Smith has written a delightfully charming novel designed to make one think about how we live our lives. I love it!