The Sunday Philosophy Club by Alexander McCall Smith (2005, Paperback, Reprint)

I'd suggest you pick up Espresso Tales or 44 Scotland Street or any of the earlier Ladies Detective Agency books. This book just does not have the charm and appeal of McCall Smith at his finest.
At the heart of the book is Isabel Dalhousie, who is trying to discover why a young man dies inexplicably in a concert hall. Murder? Clearly, there is a mystery here and I generally like a good mystery story. This one, however, did not engage me. The author, when in top form, can be charming, write with a special style and humor. SOmehow this one just fell flat. Not a terrible way to pass an afternoon but not my first pick either.

I bought this book because I like the author's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and this book sounded interesting also. Though I have to admit that I don't like it near as much as the No. 1 series . . . I actually read the first four or five chapters and then put it away to maybe read at another time ...

This book is a part of a series. In fact, I believe he has written 3 series. They very enjoyable, easy to read stories. I will be looking for more books in the series at eBay.

For those who have read only Smith's Ladies' Detective Agency series, this may at first seem less engaging. But if you stick with it, I think you'll find it very amusing. Dalhousie is quite an interesting character. I highly recommend it.