What's there to say about this book that hasn't been said about the previous three? This one is also a good read that is hard to put down. A difference in this series of chapters is the settlement of many of the issues already developed.

Oh, I won't spoil them, but I will say that I'm quite glad that the last voice from Bertie's house is Bertie's own. It is disturbing to me that Irene is as she is. It is even more disturbing that there are people like her out there in the world. How sad.

I was left quite pleased with how things turned out. A good read. ( )

Book on CD performed by Robert Ian MacKenzie

Book four in the 44 Scotland Street series continues the varied stories of the current (or former) residents of the apartment complex. Bertie has questions about his new baby brother, Ulysses. Angus is frantic after his beloved Cyril is “incarcerated” on a charge of biting. Bruce, Big Lou and Matthew find new love interests. And Domenica is not so sure that her friend Antonia is really a friend after the latter moves in across the hall.

What I love about the ensemble series is that each book gives us just a glimpse into their lives. We pick up where the last book left off, and end with many issues still unresolved. It’s the same way we encounter casual friends, catching up when we see them, but not knowing how things will turn out once we depart. And yet, happy to see them again and catch up once more.

Robert Ian MacKenzie does a marvelous job of narrating the audiobooks. He really brings all these characters to life. I particularly like how he voices Bertie. How I love that kid! ( )

The wonderful characters are back in this the 4th novel in the 44 Scotland Street series.+ Angus Lordie's dog, Cyril, has been arrested as a biter by the authorities, Domenica is back in Scotland Street and not to happy to find that Antonia, who she sublet her apartment too when away studying the pirates in Malucca, has purchased the flat next door. Bruce is back after a not so successful sojourn in London and finds himself adrift until he meets Julia. Pat and Matthew embark on a romance, Big Lou is still looking for same after jettisoning the unsatisfactory Eddie, and Bertie, is finding no relief from his mother's endless prodding even though there is a new baby in the house. And why does that baby look so much like Dr. Fairbairn?

As usual, the author has created a world of good friends, gentle people (even gangster Lard O'Connor), and problems that always seem to be worked out in a most satisfactory manner. Sometimes I wish I could live in this world full time. ( )

Angus comments on Scotland, her history and quirky secret clubs when discussing Big Lou's latest beau with Matthew. He uses phrases and terminology with which I am not familiar. Had to do a bit of research.

Wonderful Domenica is coerced into re-thinking and modifying her neighborly expectations and responsibilities to her friend Antonia who has purchased an apartment in the building.

Matthew and Bruce both make life-changing committments but in such different ways. One based on true love and care; the other more of a manipulated materialistic transactional arrangement.

Once again, McCall Smith spices up this novel with lots of humor through Bertie's thoughts of new baby Ulysses' provenance. And with Angus' Cyril making up for being locked up, with a quickie hook up during what had been a regular walk.

Once again McCall Smith has pulled off an engaging, informative, and fun addition to the 44 Scotland Street series.

How a nearly 7 year old prodigy sees the world in his tightly ordered life by his very overbearing mother. ( )