The Uncommon Appeal of Clouds

Isabel Dalhousie leads an enviable life in Edinburgh, with time for cloud-gazing, civilised conversation and good coffee from Cat's delicatessen. Alongside these pastimes, she must also keep pace with the varied pursuits of her musician husband and their young son Charlie, who is exhibiting the first, rather worrying signs of mathematical genius.

But an unexpected appeal for help from a collector who has been the victim of an important art theft threatens to take her far outside of her comfort zone.

As an incorrigible rescuer of others, Isabel can hardly refuse to assist in the collector's negotiations with those holding his beloved painting, however shadowy the circumstances may be. . .

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over eighty books on a wide array of subjects. For many years he was Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and served on national and international bioethics bodies. Then in 1999 he achieved global recognition for his award-winning No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, and thereafter devoted his time to the writing of fiction, including the 44 Scotland Street and the von Igelfeld series. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife Elizabeth, a doctor.

As a philosopher, mother, employer and resident of Edinburgh - the birthplace of moral philosophy - Isabel Dalhousie is aware that to be human is to be responsible. But morals, it turns out, are rather like clouds: complex, changeable and tricky to get a grip on. As she enters into ransom negotiations over a stolen painting on behalf of wealthy philanthropist Duncan Munrowe, a case where heroes and villains should be obvious turns murky. The list of those who desire the painting - or the money - is long, and hasty judgement must be avoided. Isabel has tact, lively intelligence and a sharp eye, and she'll need them all if she is to see the culprit clearly.

Isabel Dalhousie leads an enviable life in Edinburgh, with time for cloud-gazing, civilised conversation and good coffee from Cat's delicatessen. Alongside these pastimes, she must also keep pace with the varied pursuits of her musician husband and their young son Charlie, who is exhibiting the first, rather worrying signs of mathematical genius.But an unexpected appeal for help from a collector who has been the victim of an important art theft threatens to take her far outside of her comfort zone.As an incorrigible rescuer of others, Isabel can hardly refuse to assist in the collector's negotiations with those holding his beloved painting, however shadowy the circumstances may be. . .

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