The Sunday Philosophy Club (Isabel Dalhousie, #1) in 100+ Books in 2025

May 03, 2010 Beata Zwarycz rated it liked it

Shelves: 2010, fiction, mystery

Isabel is not quite Mma Ramotswe. There are some parallels between the two, such as their independence, sentimentality over the 'good old days', respect for traditions and innate curiosity. But while Mma Ramotswe shows us a culture that's completely foreign to most westerners, Isabel gives us a refresher on investment firms and insider trading. Still, I enjoy McCall Smith's subtle writing style and am looking forward to the other books in the series. ...more

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Dec 23, 2015 Linda rated it liked it

Shelves: challenge

A bit more philosophical than I tend to like but well written. This book had an old fashioned vibe to it that made it seem like it took place longer ago than when it was set.

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May 15, 2009 Dolly rated it liked it

Shelves: books-for-living-end-of-your-life, 2009, mystery, scotland-scottish

This is less of a mystery than a commentary on human nature. It's an interesting story and a quick read, but the plot isn't as engaging as I'd hoped it'd be. The characters aren't quite as warm and real as Mma Precious Ramotswe is in his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, but they aren't quite caricatures either.

His descriptions of Edinburgh are fascinating and I will look for other books in this series, as Edinburgh is one of my favorite places. ...more

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Oct 16, 2009 Lorie rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery, scotland, mystery-a-la-carte

I liked it a lot ~ right up to the very end. I was very dissatisfied with the conclusion, and I am trying to figure out whether it is the author or Isabel herself in whom I am disappointed. I'll try the next one, and we'll see. ...more

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