Bertie Plays the Blues

Another wonderfully yummy novel in Alexander McCall Smith's 44 Scotland Street series. This one about Stuart joining the Masons, Bertie trying to run away, Angus afraid Domenica loves another, Big Lou meets Alex from Arbroath, Pat meets a former acquaintance, Matthew and Elspeth hire a much needed Nanny.

As always, this addition is thoughtful, sad, smart, engaging and laugh-out loud FUNNY!

I have come to expect only elegant writing from A. McCall Smith, and this book was no exception. In fact, this installment of "44 Scotland Street" is one of my most favorite so far (among all his books, I'd say). It made me happier - as simple as that! It shall never cease to amaze me how he tackles such a great variety of human concerns with such reflective elegance and the most incredible sense of humor.

These books keep getting better and better. I am getting into all the stories now, even to seeing the vain Bruce get his comeuppance with a fall by slipping on his hair gel. I like the fact that Mr. McCall Smith challenges me with words to look up and introduces me to artists and authors I may have not known otherwise.

This is the seventh book in the delightful 44 Scotland Street series, and major changes are happening to our cast of characters. Matthew and Elspeth have triplets and quickly become overwhelmed by the job of caring for three babies, especially when Matthew removes their name bracelets, and now who knows which is which? Angus and Dominica are getting ready to be married, but now questions arise as to where they will live. Big Lou starts dating via an online service, but then finds a promising prospect in a very unusual place. Pat comes back to work for Matthew in the gallery, but also reconnects with Bruce the narcissist. And finally, both Bertie and his father, Stuart, appear to be standing up for themselves against the overbearing show more Irene when Stuart joins the masons and Bertie decides to put himself up for adoption on eBay.

Much like the author's No. 1 Ladies Detective series, these books are a delight from start to finish. show less

Another visit with dear friends. Perhaps not those who I'd normally "hang out" with, however, have come to enjoy their foibles, quirks, and finer points as I've read these 7 volumes. And I will be going to my library website and requesting #8 as soon as I finish typing this.
Truly enjoy this author's descriptions, depictions, gentle philosophies and nearly side splitting dry humor as he follows this cast through several years of Edinburgh life.
Many times go back and re-read sections, realizing that he's slipped some * ighty-fine writin'* in those last paragraphs.

I really enjoyed this latest installment in the 44 Scotland Street series. I skipped The Unbearable Lightness of Scones because I couldn't get into it (despite the awesome title) but I may go back and read it now. The characters feel like old friends and the series seems to have found its center, in Bertie.

Bertie and all of the gang from Scotland Street have returned for another installment. A compilation of columns that author McCall Smith writes for a UK newspaper have now been compiled into book format for American readers. Here, Bertie's father, Stuart, actually begins to stand up to his wife Irene, who remains quite irritating. Go, Stuart! It's about time. Also, Matthew and Elspeth try to cope with their newborn triplets and find it's a bit more than they ever imagined possible. And Domenica and Angus face the decision of where to live after they marry and whether to even marry. Big Lou looks for a new man. Lots of good stuff!