The Sunday Philosophy Club

Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Published: 2005
Genre: Fiction
Rating: 4

Summary
Isabel, the editor of the Review of Applied Ethics and an occasional detective, has been accused of getting involved in problems that are, quite frankly, none of her business. For instance, Isabel is attending a concert in the Usher Hall when she witnesses a man fall from the upper balcony. Isabel can’t help wondering whether it was the result of mischance or mischief. Against the best advice of her no-nonsense housekeeper Grace, her bassoon playing friend Jamie, and even her romantically challenged niece Cat, she is morally bound to solve this case. Complete with wonderful Edinburgh atmosphere and characters straight out of a Robert Burns poem, The Sunday Philosophy Club is a delightful treat from one of our most beloved authors.

Review
As is often the case with McCall Smith's works, the characters are unique, a bit quirkly, and often simultaneously annoying and likeable. For example, Isabel has a tendancy to ponder and muse about ethical issues. She sometimes over-thinks situations, and she can be a busybody. And yet she is also very generous, kind, and charitable.

Notes
This is the first book in a series. Currently there are a total of eight, and all are equally delightful, sometimes unpredictable, and full of interesting characters.