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lynx_bookworm's review
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
valerie87's review against another edition
1.0
The third book (which was in no way a mystery) in the Isabel Dalhousie series was so boring that I may not read any more of them. I feel that I couldn’t take another moment of Isabel thinking about how much she loves Jamie and wondering if she was too old to be loving someone of his age. Blah blah blah. I really liked the first two books, but I would not recommend this one.
rebcamuse's review
3.0
In this third installment of the Isabel Dalhousie series, [author: Alexander McCall Smith] has done an admirable job of advancing the plot without being too redundant. For those unfamiliar with the series, but who have read the authors No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series, Isabel Dalhousie is a far different protagonist than Mma Ramotswe. While both philosophers in their own right, Isabel's philsophies are academic and rooted in social modernity whereas Precious Ramotswe prides herself on simple wisdom in the face of changing tradition.
If you are expecting a whodunit-smoking-gun- mystery, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, McCall Smith explores the mysteries of the human heart and psyche. Why do we do what we do? Why do we say what we say? We all have our own mysteries to investigate. I do think the "mystery" label is deceiving--at least for this particular book in the series.
Another warning--for those used to the sparkly clean morality of Mma Ramotswe and friends, this series is a little spicier--of the garlic variety, not the jalapeño variety (so for those of you who enjoy steamy sex scenes, don't hold your breath).
All-in-all, a fun read, although I found the plot moving so much more quickly than usual that I skimmed over some of Isabel's more philosophical moments, eager for the next plot point.
If you are expecting a whodunit-smoking-gun- mystery, you will be sorely disappointed. Instead, McCall Smith explores the mysteries of the human heart and psyche. Why do we do what we do? Why do we say what we say? We all have our own mysteries to investigate. I do think the "mystery" label is deceiving--at least for this particular book in the series.
Another warning--for those used to the sparkly clean morality of Mma Ramotswe and friends, this series is a little spicier--of the garlic variety, not the jalapeño variety (so for those of you who enjoy steamy sex scenes, don't hold your breath).
All-in-all, a fun read, although I found the plot moving so much more quickly than usual that I skimmed over some of Isabel's more philosophical moments, eager for the next plot point.
agnes_nutter's review against another edition
3.0
confesso di esser rimasta un po' delusa xchè aspettavo una svolta "gialla" che invece nn è arrivata. Comunque le tribolazioni etico/morali della 40enne x una relazione con un non imberbe 28enne mi sono sembrate un po' esagerate...e la gravidanza a sorpresa nel finale mi è apparsa quasi una perfida punizione: "vuoi il 28enne? ok...ma nn pensare che possa essere una storia allegra e senza responsabilità!"...forse se non l'avesse scritto un uomo...
colorfulleo92's review
3.0
Haven't read the rest of the series but don't think I will after this. It was cozy and a nice story but I feelt like nothing really happened and I wasn't very excited about it
tusenord's review against another edition
2.0
As with his other books: great writing, but oh so slow.
bkdrgn303's review
3.0
Still getting used to this series. Love the settings and the stories are sweet if a little angsty.