A Distant View of Everything

In this latest installment of Alexander McCall Smith's ever-delightful and perennially bestselling series, amateur sleuth and philosopher Isabel Dalhousie is called upon to help when a matchmaker begins to question her latest match.

A new baby brings an abundance of joy to Isabel Dalhousie and her husband, Jamie--but Isabel's almost four-year-old son, Charlie, is none too keen on his newborn brother. In fact, Charlie refuses to acknowledge Magnus, and Isabel must find a way to impress upon her older son the patience and understanding that have served as guiding principles in her own life. These are, of course, the qualities that bring Rosemary Hipple, an old acquaintance of Isabel's, to seek her help in a tricky situation. Rosemary is something of a matchmaker and has brought together a cosmetic surgeon and a successful banker at her most recent dinner party. But new information comes to light about the cosmetic surgeon that causes Rosemary to doubt the auspiciousness of the match. Isabel agrees to find out more, but her inquiries take an unexpected turn, and she starts to wonder which of the two she should be investigating after all. As ever, her intelligence, quick wit and deep empathy for others will come to her aid as she grapples with the issues that are her bread and butter: friendship and its duties, the obligation of truthfulness and the importance of perspective.

PRAISE FOR THE NOVEL HABITS OF HAPPINESS AND THE ISABEL DALHOUSIE SERIES: 

“No writer makes the philosophical life as inviting and cozy as Smith does in his episodic novels featuring Isabel Dalhousie. . . . The real substance of this charming series lies in Isabel’s thoughtful observations and the interactions among a large cast of characters.” —Publishers Weekly (starred review)

“One does not read a McCall Smith novel for its plot, as such, since the pleasures of his books reside mostly in their idiosyncratic characters and the abundance of knowledge and observations they impart.” —Toronto Star

“[A] stimulating thinking-person’s read.” —New York Journal of Books

“If you are a fan of the Isabel Dalhousie novels then you will delight in Alexander McCall Smith’s latest addition to the series. . . . The tenth fabulous story in the Isabel Dalhousie series will leave you wanting more.” —Culture Street

“Settle in for a soul-soothing read.” —Marie Claire (Australia)

“Plot twists keep you reading, but it's Isabel's musings on duty and parenthood that linger.”—People

“Isabel Dalhousie is such good company, it's hard to believe she's fictional. You finish [each] installment greedily looking forward to more.” —Newsweek