The first book I have read By Alexander Mc Call Smith. I had been meaning to read the No 1 ladies Detective Agency series since a long time and it was not happening.

When I saw this title on Netgalley I requested it and I now understand why many are such a fan of his writing.

Although I haven't read earlier books in this series, I have loved Isabel and her strong moral code. Her quirk of thinking on a tangent and have fallen in love with her thoughts.
In this story she is seen dealing with 2 or 3 issues and she does it with such grace and dignity and the support of her husband is so beautiful and lovable.

Its a beautiful story with scenic descriptions of Edinburgh. The story though slow in pace is engaging and interesting. this is a book definitely enjoyed on a lazy afternoon. The wit and smart thinking of Isabel with a strong ethical and moral standards make this a very inspiring read.

If you have liked books by the author then you will definitely like this. If you like me are new to the author's works then you can definitely read and enjoy this work

I wish to thank the author, publisher and Netgalley for approving my request and the opinions expressed are wholly mine

I love this series so much.! I look forward to each and every installment with Isabel and Jamie. I have loved watching and seeing their lives and families from over the years. I love how the author always brings in the particular charms and quirks of the region into his books. Almost like the series Sex and the City where NYC was another character in the series.- similarly the city of Edinburgh shines through. I also follow the Scotland street series and the character of the city is presented in a totally different light. I always love the dynamic between Cat and Isabel. While I first found the relationship between Jamie - Cat's ex boyfriend and Isabel to be odd, it has gotten less weird over the years. Hope this series continues forever more. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced reader copy

Why have I not read Alexander McCall Smith’s Isabel Dalhousie series? That’s a great question to ask myself because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed his Precious Ramotswe series. While searching for something to read that was absorbing but not intense I happened to pick up “The Geometry of Holding Hands” and I’m happy I did. Like the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, the “The Geometry of Holding Hands” contains quirky characters and plenty of charm. This whimsical and entertaining book turned out to be just what I needed in these strange and troubling times, and even better, there are 12 previous books to read!

My review was posted on Goodreads on 8/8/20.

The Geometry of Holding Hands by Alexander McCall Smith is a lovely look into the lives of Isabel and Jamie, who have a simple life, really. Isabel is a philosopher, which seems to mean she makes everything complicated, and she veers off in tangents while she is thinking. Jamie is much more simple, a music teacher and father to their children. In many ways, more of a father than she is a mother. There is also her niece, Cat, who owns and runs a deli, where Isabel helps out on a regular basis, and now, Cat's new fiancé, Leo, who seems to Isabel and Jamie to be a bit useless. One day while Isabel is working at the deli, a nice man comes in and asks to speak to her. At the end of their conversation, he asks Isabel to be the executor of his will, simply because of how she thinks and sees things. She later agrees. With some other issues on her plate, she becomes overwhelmed and strives to deal with them.

Reading this book is like visiting with Smith. He tends to ramble and veer off into channels away from the topic, charmingly so. Isabel is a thoughtful character, who tends to complicate things by over-thinking them. Jamie is her balance. The relationship works perfectly for them. It is the ideal pairing. There is a minimal plot. That is OK. It is a very relaxing book to read, a joy really. I recommend it.

I was invited to read a free ARC of The Geometry of Holding Hands by Netgalley. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #thegeometryofholdinghands

I love this series! Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

I couldn’t wait to read this. The ongoing story arc with Isabel, Jamie, and Cat continues to be intriguing. I’m always excited to read the next bit of their stories and this book did not disappoint.

The reason for a 4 star, rather than 5 star, rating was the novel’s plot. Each novel is a sort of standalone. While Isabel’s story builds with each volume the mystery or problem she solves in each book is unrelated to previous books. The one in this was a bit lacklustre.

Still a great read. I will definitely be picking up the next one, if there is one. I definitely recommend this series as a whole, but I would always suggest starting at the beginning.

Ahh and relax.
Isabel is back with her kind actions and analytical thoughts. Her delightful family continue to entertain us with their quirks and domestic lives. Love the details of running the Edinburgh apartment with the help of Grace and the descriptions of everyday life in the city.
Though provoking and intuitive as ever.
Thank you Alexander and NetGalley

As readers know, Isabel Dalhousie is an ethicist and in the 13th book, she asks, “Where were the boundaries of your moral responsibility for others.” That is the center question of this book. She’s been asked to be the executor of a man’s estate. She hardly knows him, but deciding which of his cousin’s should get his extensive plot of open land is complicated when she discovers she has an unpleasant history with one of the cousins’ wives. Her niece, Cat, owner of the deli where Isabel often helps has become engaged to a man who appears to be after Cat’s trust money. Isabel ponders issues throughout the book and comes, to no surprise to readers, to an elegant and satisfying resolution of both problems.

This must have been a delightful book,based on the snippets I got in badly-damaged, digital advance readers copy. There was the warmth always present in an Alexander McCall Smith book, the flights of intellectual fancy unique to the main character, Isabel Dalhousie, and the delightfully human complications of those around her, into which Isabel inevitably is drawn.

Sadly, perhaps as much as half of the book was missing. Sometimes adjoining paragraphs would launch boldly and then disappear after eight or ten words. I deleted the book from my Kindle and downloaded it again -- twice -- each time with the same results.

The breaks were often mid-paragraph, but occasionally they came mid-word. Frustrating!

More than any other repeat author that I read, for McCall Smith, I must be in the right mood to enjoy and keep reading his latest offering. While reading this one, I thought of the 44 Scotland Street series, which I also enjoy, and went to see when the next one comes out. I was surprised to see that the latest has not only been released in the States (I often pre-order these from the UK), but has been out for some time. It's very unlikely that I would have not noticed this back then, and my suspicion is that I just wasn't in the right headspace when that one was released.

This is, perhaps, because the majority of my chosen reads tends toward darker themes, characters, actions. McCall Smith's books aren't lacking in some level of drama, tension, arcs, devious characters, but they are never that heavy, and they tend to be introspective and philosophical (especially, obviously, this one, about the life of a philosopher.. which is why I'm a bit perturbed by readers who complain about the slower pace - did you think Isabel might head out to join Indiana Jones? Especially by the 13th read of the series?).

This time around, I was in the right frame of mind, and even more so once I dug in. Six months into a global pandemic, I was happy to step away at least for a bit from emotionally heavier stuff. I feel that McCall Smith can encourage lighter hope, laughs over social gaffes, tension about what-is-Cat's-new-asshole-boyfriend-doing-now-but-we're-reasonably-certain-he-hasn't-killed-anyone, in ways that aren't Pollyanna-ish.

Isabel's primary moral and philosophical conundrum this time around felt slightly more contrived and waaay too easily resolved for her (nor do I agree with the resolution), but that's okay. The situation that was intended to be personal-life background noise was more interesting to me, and I read compulsively for the last few chapters more than I remember doing with any recent entries into this series. No spoilers, but there are developments with Cat, and I really wanted to see what happened with that; gratifyingly, Isabel's wily intervention at least affected the outcome. I'll be intrigued to see how that storyline continues to play out.

I'd say that the only primary disappointment about this one is the lack of Charley and Magnus. Isabel's children have never been a significant focal point, but they were barely, barely present in this one. In the past, I've laughed out loud at some of Charley's sentences/antics, and when, at one point, Isabel said she felt guilty about not spending enough time with her children, I thought, "Uh, yeah... you should; do you even remember their names?"

The publisher, Knopf Doubleday/Pantheon, provided an ARC via Netgalley

This series always makes for such a comforting, easy read - and after having read a half dozen, this latest instalment feels like revisiting an old friend.

Peculiar Story

Having never read this author previously, I found myself surprised by this book. It's listed as a mystery—actually three different categories of *detective* mysteries at Amazon—but there is no true element of mystery at all to it, not in the traditional sense. Instead, it feels like slice-of-life moments and the mental meanderings of a philosopher as she ponders ethical dilemmas that people present to her. I didn't even really get a sense of a plot—certainly no palpable rising action, climax, and denouement. I'm not sure if this experience would have been improved if I had read the previous books in the series. If they are like this one, my guess is probably not. The book just did not work for me.

Reading books about Isabel Dalhousie is like having a tea with the good friend whom I have not seen for quite some time…

In my humble opinion there is nothing I can say about Isabel Dalhousie and the book that has not been said already. All I can do is to share my personal experience of this journey with Isabel and her surrounds.

I’ve met Isabel at The Sunday Philosophy Club and fell in love: with her, her Edinburgh, her constant long-winded and deep musings on every subject under the sun. And I was hooked.

I have to admit, I missed a few installments. Thus, I missed the development or rather decline in the relationship between Isabel and her niece Cat. Oh, that girl… She made me so mad in this book.

However, I am so very happy for Isabel that she found and managed to keep her dream man Jamie. He is so right for her even though she thought he was so wrong for her at the onset of the relationship.

My or my, now Isabel has two boys. How does she manage?

Anyhow The Geometry of Holding Hands is colourful philosophising about what we do for each other and to each other. It is about why we choose or do not choose to help people close to us and complete strangers. It is about reasoning and justifying ones’ own actions or actions of someone else, making sure they fall within conventions we can accept and live with.

Alexander McCall Smith ought to be congratulated. This book made me smile, laugh, cringe, swear and get a pen and paper out to record so many quotes… as usual.

I really wanted to see Isabel get angry and get even. But I guess, it would not be Isabel if she did. All is well in Isabel’s world. All wrapped up nicely and all necessary shutters are drawn. Till the next book…

Definitely 5 stars.

I’ve read and liked a few titles in some of McCall Smith’s other series, so I was really happy to receive an ARC of this title in exchange for my honest review. I had not read any previous titles in this series, though, so it took me a little while to catch up, I think. And although none of the McCall Smith books I’ve read have been action thrillers (!), this one moved even more slowly than the others. With that said, though, I enjoyed it.

Part of my enjoyment might have been the times we are in. In a pretty stressed world, I enjoyed reading a book that seemed to take its raison d’etre not from things that have to be done RIGHT NOW, but from things that can be picked up and examined and thought about before taking action. That’s pretty much in character with the nature of the protagonist, Isabel Dalhousie. With that said, though, I am a pretty big mystery fan, and this book doesn’t really fit into that genre. But, I surprised myself by liking it, and liking it enough to want to go back and read some of the earlier titles in the series.

I guess my overall recommendation for this book would be that if you want a classic murder mystery, with a dead body and a detective, this isn’t going to be for you. If you’re okay with a slower paced examination of the ethics of some dicey situations, along with a good dose of just-life, flavored mostly with good humor, you’ll probably like this book.

Please note that I tend to be pretty conservative in awarding stars, only giving five stars to maybe one in thirty or forty books, the ones I think I’ll read and re-read and re-read again. So four stars is a good rating from me and means I do recommend a book. And my thanks again to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC!

A thoroughly enjoyable book about solving life's dilemmas using intellectual observations based on a set of moral guidelines. Alexander McCall Smith is well known for his stories that engage the reader and tell some very intriguing tales along the way.
As Isabel Dalhousie moves through the daily intrigues of her life, she will encounter many singular incidents that require her to use her intelligence and common sense to keep her household running smoothly. When approached by outside persons for assistance, she is quietly capable of solving their riddles and maintaining her reputation as a one of my favorite McCall Smith characters.

I love Alexander McCall Smith. I was excited to see he had another book coming out. However, I will admit that I am probably not the best person to review this book as I have not read any previous books in the Isabel Dalhousie series. Having said that, I read this book anyway, and with the exception of a few references to previous incidents, I didn't find myself lost in relation to characters and their relationships. I felt the book flowed nicely, kept me wondering how things would be wrapped up in each story line, and led me to add the Isabel Dalhousie series to my TBR list.

In THE GEOMETRY OF HOLDING HANDS, Alexander McCall Smith continues the story of ever-evolving, ever-thinking philosopher Isabel Dalhousie. A new mystery requires her respectful, intelligent intervention as do her husband, young sons, and tempestuous niece Cat. Edinburgh has never seemed as desirable as it does in her calm, capable, and open-eyed gaze at what is beautiful, chaotic, and strange. I loved spending time with Isabel, privy to her pondering and unique approach. A terrific addition to a marvelous series.

I’ve read all of the author’s African series years ago and loved them but haven’t read any books in this series. The writing is excellent and there are some interesting characters but I kept waiting for the mystery - or anything resembling a plot. There were a lot of literary references that just made me feel stupid. I kept thinking - I should know that! It was a pleasant enough book but a slow moving one.

This is the thirteenth book in the Isabel Dalhousie series by Alexander McCall Smith. At the beginning of this series, Isabel was a single young woman and she has not progressed to being married and having two children. To the extent that earlier books help the reader understand Isabel’s moral compass, having read the earlier books is helpful. Beyond that, although there are a couple of recurring characters, it isn’t a requirement for the reader to understand this novel, and the book is complete within itself.
Although it is advertised as a mystery, it isn’t a mystery in the classic sense of a dead body, multiple suspects, and a detective who eventually solves the case. Rather the emphasis should be on the word philosophical, as that is the way the mystery is defined. In the novel, Isabel is confronted with one overarching philosophical challenge and numerous others to which she brings her particular focus on doing the right thing, the honorable thing as is judged by her vast study of philosophy.
The book moves along at a steady pace, with a warmth and pleasant atmosphere that is typical of Smith’s writing. His ability with prose is unique, and the purposeful way Isobel responds to situations is encouraging to anyone who may be hoping to find a more ethical answer to situations that occur. Isobel is a charming companion with whom to spend some time, and might even be someone the reader would enjoy knowing in real life if that were possible.
I found this a welcome and refreshing change in contrast to current headlines which seem to feature a great deal of strife, from medical to political. It was relaxing to drift into the world of Isobel and Scotland and be inspired by a character who participates in what might be called purposeful living.
There are no major reveals in this book, and nothing that will set the heart racing. Rather it is the type of book that is easily read and at the same time can be easily interrupted. For anyone who likes delightful prose and the gentle style that Alexander McCall Smith is known for, this is the perfect read. My thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Publishing, Pantheon Group and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I'll start off by saying that I've read Alexander McCall Smith books in the past and thoroughly enjoyed them, which is why I decided to read this book.

There is no denying that the author is an excellent author, very intelligent and insightful. However, I'm sad to say I did not enjoy this book particularly. There was nothing wrong with it as such, and I'm sure there are some highly intellectual and serious people that would enjoy it thoroughly, but I am not one of them.

There isn't much of a plot to speak of here. The protagonist is Isabel Dalhousie, and I believe that this is a whole series of books about her. She is a rich philosopher, and in a very happy marriage and lives a very happy and carefree life in which her main concern seems to be the moral dilemmas of others. And that's basically what the book is about. It's a kind of leisurely thought exercise on philosophy and morals with a few intellectual references thrown in.

As i said, this isn't my kind of book so I can't really say that I would recommend it to anyone.

The Geometry of Holding Hands is the 13th Isabel Dalhousie novel by Alexander McCall Smith. Due out 28th July 2020 from Knopf Doubleday on their Pantheon imprint, it's 240 pages and will be available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is such a gently written, slow, introspective series. The main character is a philosopher and the books more or less revolve around her life and experiences and the lives of the people in her orbit: her husband Jamie, her sons Magnus & Charlie, her niece Cat, her housekeeper/factotum/nanny Grace and others who live in the village and/or academic colleagues. The narrative moves along quite slowly and the overall effect is of a long and unhurried chat with an old friend.

It's not necessary to have read the books in order, however, the large changes which occur (marriage, children, etc) will be obvious if they're read out of order.

Especially with the desperate struggles, illnesses, upheavals, and sadness which seem universal in the world right now, this series and these characters are a balm to the soul. It's full of music, food, and Scottish sensibility. Wonderful.

Five stars.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.