The Exquisite Art of Getting Even

Revenge sometimes causes people to act blindly through anger, rather than reason. The characters in this devilishly delightful book are pushed to the point of no return and seek retribution. We meet an author taking part in a game show who will go to great lengths to show off his intelligence, but quickly realises that he can't - and doesn't - know everything. Opposing neighbours find out that the best way to deal with a noisy disturbance is not to bury the hatchet. On the island of Mull, it takes an outsider to make the locals realise that they need to take matters into their own hands to maintain the community's reputation, and in 'The Principles of Soap' the value of friendship overcomes adversity and opportunistic nepotism.

In each of these four tales, revenge is a dish best served cold. Tantalising and amusing, these stories show off a darker side, but carry with them the author's trademark warmth and humour.

'The stories all have McCall Smith's characteristic charm, and make for easy and very pleasant reading...as in all McCall Smith's work, we are reminded that the necessary quality in social life is kindness...' - Allan Massie, The Scotsman

“'The stories all have McCall Smith's characteristic charm, and make for easy and very pleasant reading... as in all McCall Smith's work, we are reminded that the necessary quality in social life is kindness'”

'The stories all have McCall Smith’s characteristic charm, and make for easy and very pleasant reading... as in all McCall Smith’s work, we are reminded that the necessary quality in social life is kindness'

-- Allan Massie The Scotsman

'The final story provides a sweet coda to previous acts of comeuppance as kindness prevails'

Daily Mail

'McCall Smith’s writing is incredibly captivating and though the stories are frequently filled with feelings of sadness and guilt, the collection is bound to induce laughs' 

Glasgow University Scottish Literature Society

'Charming tales of friendship, revenge and retribution'

-- Jenny Itzcovtiz Sixtyplussurfers

’Nimble tales'

Daily Mail

'Even in the darkest of moment, his warmth still comes through... I will be returning to [this collection] time and time again for its questions and discussion over revenge'

The Courier

'Told with his trademark warmth and humour'

The People's Friend

'Immediately engaging, and layered with dark humour and truths about human nature... It's a thoroughly entertaining, satisfying collection'

-- Joanne Owen LoveReading

'This delightful collection of tales by one of Scotland's most beloved writers shows that the art of getting even is a skill that sees kindness win over malice'

Scots Magazine

'Nicely twisty plots offer wryly wise reasons not to seek revenge. Massively entertaining and thought-provoking'

Booklist

Alexander McCall Smithis the author of the highly successfulNo. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyseries, which has sold over twenty-five million copies. Since then he has devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty-six languages and become bestsellers throughout the world. These include the44 Scotland Streetnovels, first published as a serial novel in theScotsman, theIsabel Dalhousienovels, theVon Igelfeldseries and theCorduroy Mansionsnovels.

Revenge sometimes causes people to act blindly through anger, rather than reason. The characters in this devilishly delightful book are pushed to the point of no return and seek retribution. We meet an author taking part in a game show who will go to great lengths to show off his intelligence, but quickly realises that he can't -- and doesn't -- know everything. Opposing neighbours find out that the best way to deal with a noisy disturbance is not to bury the hatchet. On the island of Mull, it takes an outsider to make the locals realise that they need to take matters into their own hands to maintain the community's reputation, and in 'The Principles of Soap' the value of friendship overcomes adversity and opportunistic nepotism. In each of these four tales, revenge is a dish best served cold. Tantalising and amusing, these stories show off a darker side, but carry with them the author's trademark warmth and humour. 'The stories all have McCall Smith's characteristic charm, and make for easy and very pleasant reading...as in all McCall Smith's work, we are reminded that the necessary quality in social life is kindness...' -- Allan Massie, The Scotsman

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