The Subtle Pleasures of Indiscretion

Alexande McCall Smith

£20.00

Isabel Dalhousie leads a tranquil life in Edinburgh, editing a philosophy journal, surrounded by her husband Jamie, their sons Charlie and Magnus, housekeeper Grace, and even Brother Fox in the garden. But calm gives way to complication. Jamie – a bassoonist – is invited to perform in London and record for a major classical label – an offer from a scheming admirer that sets alarm bells ringing. Meanwhile, philosopher Christopher Dove plots to unseat Professor Robert Lettuce from Isabel’s editorial board. As if that weren’t enough, a former schoolmate seeks Isabel’s help after a troubling DNA discovery threatens to upend a family. With tact and grace, Isabel steps in to prevent harm and restore balance.

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Publish Date: 04/06/2026
ISBN: 9780349148885 Category: Tag:

Description

The latest book in the beloved Isabel Dalhousie series

The surface of Isabel Dalhousie's life is usually a tranquil one. From her house in Edinburgh she edits a philosophical journal. In the background is her long-time housekeeper, Grace, her handsome husband, Jamie, and her two small boys, Charlie and Magnus. Outside, under the cover of the rhododendron bushes, lives Brother Fox, who, with his dark, vulpine eyes, takes a great interest in what is happening around him. And yet, in the middle of this rather idyllic setting, things are happening. Jamie, a bassoonist, has been invited to play in a prestigious London concert and to make a recording for a prominent classical label. This invitation, though, comes from a scheming woman who finds him particularly charming. Alarm bells ring. And they ring too when a wily philosopher, Christopher Dove, reveals a plot to topple Professor Robert Lettuce, a member of Isabel's editorial board.

Could Isabel's life get more complicated? Yes. A woman she knew many years ago at school approaches her with a request for help. She has made an awkward discovery as a result of taking a DNA test. Can Isabel prevent the information obtained from this test from causing real harm to a whole family? If anybody can do that, it is Isabel Dalhousie. And she does that with tact and, most importantly, the grace that we have come to know as her hallmark quality.

Additional information

Weight 440 g
Dimensions 236 × 162 × 26 mm
Author

Publisher

Imprint

Cover

Hardback

Pages

240

Language

English

Edition

Hardback original

Dewey

823.92 (edition:23)

Readership

General – Trade / Code: K