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Friends, Lovers, Chocolate: The Sunday Philosophy Club, Vol. 2 Audiobook
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(3.00) - 6,155 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
In this delightful second installment in Alexander McCall Smith’s bestselling new detective series, the irrepressibly curious Isabel Dalhousie, editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, gets caught up in an affair of the heart, this one a transplant.
When Isabel’s niece, Cat, asks Isabel to run her delicatessen while she attends a wedding in Italy, Isabel meets a man with a most interesting problem. He recently had a heart transplant and is suddenly plagued with memories of events that never happened to him. The situation appeals to Isabel as a philosophical question: Is the heart truly the seat of the soul? And it piques her insatiable curiosity: Could the memories be connected with the donor’s demise? Of course, Grace, Isabel’s no-nonsense housekeeper, and Isabel’s friend Jamie think it is none of Isabel’s business. Meanwhile, Cat brings home an Italian lothario, who, in accordance with all that Isabel knows about Italian lotharios, shouldn’t be trusted … but, goodness, he is charming.
That makes two mysteries of the heart to be solved, just the thing for Isabel Dalhousie.
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"I enjoyed this book slightly more than the other one we read by this author (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency). I actually really enjoyed the entire book, except for the ending which seemed to me abrupt and dissatisfying, like it didn't tie up the story very well. The other thing I did not understand about the book was why some of the words, phrases etc. that the author used throughout the story was bolded. It didn't just seem to be proper names. Lastly, the author obviously used a thesaurus when writing this because there were many times he used words I've never even seem before (and I read a lot). I was too lazy to look the words up - although he did use them effectively within the context of the story so I didn't NEED to look the words up."
— Kristine (4 out of 5 stars)
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“A delicious mix of the unlikely and the tried-and-true, this latest cozy from an undisputed master will make readers feel just that.”
— Publishers Weekly -
“Eloquent musings…Warmhearted and wise.”
— Seattle Times -
“The characters and plots are thoughtful and thought-provoking, and will stay with readers well beyond the final page.”
— School Library Journal -
“As always, McCall Smith offers a curiously seductive portrait of characters actively crafting ‘well-ordered’ lives.”
— Entertainment Weekly -
“The denouement is pure magic. Beneath the slender mystery is a celebration of Isabel's fallible but resolutely ethical approach to life, charming and light but with a refreshingly unapologetic gravitas.”
— Kirkus Reviews
Friends, Lovers, Chocolate Listener Reviews
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" The first instalment was ok, this one was possibly better as far as the storyline goes, but I've worked out what my problem is with this series. I don't like Isabel Dalhousie. So I think that in future I'll stick to the Ladies Detective Agency and Mma Ramotswe. "
— Veronique, 2/17/2014 -
" I enjoyed this book more than the first one, The Sunday Philosophy Club, but it still wasn't the greatest. I had a hard time getting the right picture of Isabel Dalhousie. The author says she is early forties, but in my head she was more like a fussy 60 something. "
— Liesl, 2/14/2014 -
" I am not usually one for books of this sort, but I did rather enjoy this. It is billed as a mystery, but this is only mildly true. The mystery is light and airy. I had wished for a bit more to this end. There is little suspense here, but it is a good read anyway. "
— Cassandra, 2/14/2014 -
" This is the 2nd in this story of the "Sunday Philosophy Club" about a curious lady who edits an ethics publication. She gets involved in other people's business in her communities. "
— Mecinda, 2/10/2014 -
" See review for book 1 "
— Kelly, 2/1/2014 -
" Another good read by McCall Smith. Not as in love with this series as the Number One Ladies Detective Agency, but still a good easy read. "
— Karlin, 1/31/2014 -
" I didn't read this and checked it by mistake. Whoops. "
— Jolynne, 1/23/2014 -
" I thought this one was okay. There were some laugh out loud parts. I enjoyed the first book more, but still like the series. I'm really enjoying getting to know all the characters. "
— Mari, 1/13/2014 -
" Not as engaging as the #1 Ladies Detective Agency books, but still a good read for someone just needing a little get away without using much brain power. "
— Michele, 12/27/2013 -
" I liked this book ok, it was a little boring on some parts. "
— Jenn, 11/9/2013 -
" 3.75 stars. Another solid mystery in the Sunday Philosophy Club series. Thanks again Alex! "
— Laura, 11/8/2013 -
" The series is starting to grow on me, so I will continue with it. "
— Tracy, 11/4/2013 -
" Just as fun as the first one. I am completely addicted to this series now. Light mystery, practical philosophy, lovely Scotland. What more could you want? "
— Shannon, 10/14/2013 -
" I guess I'm just not a fan of the Sunday Philosophy series -- not enough action and quite a bit of talking, and yes, philosophizing -- somewhat out of context. I'll stick to McCall Smith's other books. "
— Judith, 8/1/2013 -
" I know I said I wouldn't read any more, but I had already downloaded #2 and #3. This one was the best of the three, but still nothing great. "
— Leah, 5/30/2013 -
" Sorry, but this was a very slight story, and I would not read another in the series. I did enjoy the Ladies Detective series. "
— Maryfm, 5/1/2013 -
" This series is growing on me. I enjoyed this book much more than the first and look forward to reading the next one. "
— Lori, 4/2/2013 -
" Quite quirky - romance/crime/food/philosophy all in one....!! "
— Emma, 3/20/2013 -
" I didn't like the main character in this book nearly as much as the in The #1 Ladies Detective" series. I thought Isabel was a little flaky and self doubting. The central story wasn't very satisfying. "
— Mary, 2/15/2013 -
" Not usually an Alexander McCall Smith fan, however this title made me rethink that. Nicely written, character development excellent. "
— Patricia, 2/3/2013 -
" And another gently funny McCall Smith "
— Jen, 1/29/2013 -
" An OK read, but not up to Smith's usual standards. "
— Jan, 11/12/2012 -
" I'm reading this book right now and I am thoroughly enjoying it. Isabel really gets herself caught in a moral dilema in this book. "
— Judy, 8/29/2012 -
" The reason why I bought this book is because I enjoyed reading Alexander McCall's "The Unbearable Lightness of Scones". The characters were not as interesting in this book. "
— Tanha, 4/5/2012 -
" This is the sequel to The Sunday Philosophers Club. I am enjoying it so far but Isabel really does tend to overthink sometimes. Or maybe I don't think about things enough... "
— Amy, 11/30/2011 -
" Sweet. Not as compelling as the Botswana series, but I enjoyed some of the philosophizing. "
— Patrick, 6/29/2011 -
" I do enjoy reading this particular series. I like the general story lines, but wish the values and morals were a little more in keeping with my own. Maybe that's why I love the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency books so much more. I understand how those characters think. :) "
— Wendy, 5/20/2011 -
" not my favorite in this series slow and no mystery "
— Karen, 5/9/2011 -
" Hard to follow at times. Funny at other times.... "
— Linda, 5/7/2011 -
" Smith's Scottish books are always a pleasurable read. "
— Cynthia, 4/28/2011 -
" Really enjoying the writing in this series and the literary references and ethical issues. "
— Laurie, 4/25/2011 -
" Didn't really care for this one. "
— Geri, 4/14/2011 -
" A lackluster story, but one that posed some interesting philosophical questions. My favourite character in this series is Isabel's housekeeper, Grace. "
— Amelina, 4/13/2011 -
" Really liking this series; love Isabel's running commentaries! Ready for #3. "
— Hazel, 4/12/2011 -
" I didn't find this book as compelling as the first book in the Sunday Philosophy Club series; in fact, the very things I found charming in the first book were irritating in the second. Perhaps it was my mood? Who can say? "
— Lisa, 4/11/2011 -
" I do love this series, but wish that Alexander McCall Smith would give us a few more details of how the characters look. Jamie has olive skin and en brosse hair (like a flat top, apparently), but what do Isabel, Cat or Grace look like? We must know! "
— Graeme, 4/10/2011 -
" Second book of the series, but you don't have to have read the first book to enjoy it. I haven't, and I did. "
— Helen, 4/6/2011 -
" Not nearly as much fun as Mma Ramotswe. "
— Kristine, 3/27/2011 -
" Least favorite series of this author but it's growning on me.<br/> "
— Michele, 3/17/2011
About Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie series, 44 Scotland Street novels, Corduroy Mansions series, the Perfect Passion Company novels, and more. He has also written stand-alone novels, books for children, and nonfiction works. In 2004 he was named the British Book Awards Author of the Year and Booksellers Association Author of the Year. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served with many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana.
About Davina Porter
Davina Porter has been enthralling listeners for over twenty-five years with her ability to mine the psychological depths of the characters she reads and bring them convincingly to life. In 2006, she won the prestigious Audie Award for Best Female Narration and in 2004 for Best Inspirational Literature Narration. She has been honored as an AudioFile Golden Voice and has won nineteen AudioFile Earphones Awards. As an actress, she has appeared on stage at the Vineyard Playhouse and the Square One Theater, among others.