A Promise of Ankles

44 Scotland Street, Book 14

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie

The latest, delectably witty installment of Alexander McCall Smith's sumptuous 44 Scotland Street series.

For the residents of 44 Scotland Street, life in Edinburgh's intriguing New Town is a thing to be relished. After all, there are new faces to excite Domenica's anthropological imagination, precious moments with his triplets for Matthew to savor, and the prospect of a trip to the promised land of Glasgow for young Bertie.

But there are mysteries that need solving, too. Could Angus Lordie's dog Cyril - the only dog in Scotland with a gold tooth - have unearthed a Neanderthal skull? Does the long-suffering Stuart have any hope of kindling a new relationship when Bruce, ever the navel gazer and consummate seducer, effortlessly steps into his pas de deux? And how will the patrons of Big Lou's cafe react to the menu's imminent culinary transformation?

The stories of this wonderfully vibrant cast may take unexpected turns, but the warmth and humor at Scotland's most recognizable address will ultimately affirm the joy life brings us all.

©2020 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2020 Recorded Books

Such a comfort

The characters are as lovable and complicated as ever
I especially loved that Bertie gets to go to Glasgow
The settings compelling and comforting
I could listen to this reader forever
Pleat more and more!

Missing pieces of the puzzle

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, but I'm starting to wonder about abandoned storylines. What happened to Bruce Anderson's doppelganger? How about Bertie and Ranald's puppy? There are more loose ends, but those two, in particular, are driving me crazy! That's not to say I'm not going to buy every book, because I will. They're thoroughly entertaining, and I'm sad I'm now caught up to the most recent release. How am I expected to listen to a book that doesn't include all of my 44 Scotland Street friends? Hurry up, Alexander McCall Smith!

One of the best in this series

The narrator makes wonderful use of his genius level ability to bring all the Scotland Street folk alive.
I enjoyed every story as the book unwound in its civil, thoughtful, humorous way. Intelligent conversations among good-hearted people are rare these days, but not in this book. Along its well described paths we are given stunning glimpses of uniquely beautiful Scotland. Love, poetry, music, good food, child-rearing, art, dogs, heartbreak, and simple pleasures abound. I was happy to discover that nothing was overdone in this book. The previous book in the series seemed somewhat strained and borderline misogynistic. I'm relieved that this book shows McCall Smith is once again in fine form - in fact, better than ever.

Worth reading all his books

Extremely entertaining, humorous and well written and narrated. I highly recommend Mr. McCall Smith’s books! Superb!

Another wonderful 44 Scotland Street novel

Really enjoyed the continuing story of Edinburgh's residents on Scotland Street. The Duke returns and the coffee shop gets an upgrade.