" I have read every book in this series, and with each one, my disappointment grows, although this book was better then the last (The Careful Use of Compliments). I tend to be wary of books written by men from a woman's perspective, but McCall Smith did so well initially. My main dissatisfaction stems from Charlie, Isabel's baby, and the unrealistic way he is characterized. Since Charlie was born, he apparently has only cried once. Otherwise, he is the most easy-going, pleasant baby... Either McCall Smith has no experiences with babies or he is totally disinterested in how a baby will actually fit in a busy woman's life. I would much rather see Isabel experience the reality of children, or not have had a child at all. She was a fantastic character without her unplanned pregnancy. "
— Carrie, 2/13/2014