A Conspiracy of Friends

A Corduroy Mansions Novel, Book 3

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Simon Prebble

It seems the universe itself is conspiring against the residents of Corduroy Mansions, as they all find themselves struggling with their nearest and dearest. Oedipus Snark’s mother, Berthea, is still at work on her scathing biography of her son - the only loathsome Liberal Democrat Member of Parliament; literary agents Rupert Porter and Barbara Ragg are still battling each other for first crack at the manuscript of Autobiography of a Yeti; fine arts graduate Caroline Jarvis is busy exploring the blurry line between friendship and romance; and William French is still worrying that his son, Eddie, may never leave home, even though Eddie’s got a new wealthy girlfriend.

But uppermost in everyone’s mind is William’s faithful terrier, Freddie de la Hay - without a doubt the only dog clever enough to have been recruited by MI6 - who has disappeared while on a mystery tour around the Suffolk countryside. Will Freddie find his way back to Pimlico? Is Corduroy Mansions starting to crumble?

©2011 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2012 Recorded Books, LLC

More please!

What made the experience of listening to A Conspiracy of Friends the most enjoyable?

Narration, humor, meandering plot line.

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Conspiracy of Friends?

The 'chuckle out loud' human condition comments.

What does Simon Prebble bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Inflection and irony.

If you could rename A Conspiracy of Friends, what would you call it?

Comfort, discomfort, peace, repeat.

Any additional comments?

More?

Best!

Alexander McCall Smith is a genius. He has woven a community of characters into a group of friends that I long to spend more time with. The narrator is superb as well.

Wonderful book, series, but we need more!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I was sad when the book ended, the characters are interesting and it is exceptionally well narrated. Heart-warming stories, but realistic with some suspense and mystery.

What about Simon Prebble’s performance did you like?

It is so easy to understand, and his British accent is perfect.

Compelling Cast of Characters Continues

What made the experience of listening to A Conspiracy of Friends the most enjoyable?

Picking up the threads of the various stories

What did you like best about this story?

Superb writing, and despite a few characters who are caricatures, it's a fun ride. You'll recognize a lot of yourself, your friends and your neighbors in these characters.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Caroline's new roommate comes through under difficult circumstances.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Don't want to spoil it for the reader, but McCall Smith is a master at showing the moment at which two people connect, or when that connection is broken.

Any additional comments?

Some bittersweet moments, some characters disappointed, some characters rewarded and surprised. A good read.

Delightful story

What an enjoyable book. Simon Preeble does a wonderful job narrating. He really captures the essence of the characters.