The latest installment of Alexander McCall Smith's perennially popular and irresistibly charming 44 Scotland Street series.
When Pat accepts her narcissistic ex-boyfriend Bruce's invitation for coffee, she has no idea of the complications in her romantic and professional life that will follow. Meanwhile, Matthew, her boss at the art gallery, attracts the attention of the police after a misunderstanding at the local bookstore.
Whether caused by small things such as a cup of coffee and a book, or major events such as Stuart's application for promotion and his wife Irene's decision to pursue a PhD in Aberdeen, change is coming to Scotland Street. But for three seven-year-old boy—Bertie Pollock, Ranald, and Big Lou's foster son, Finlay—it also means getting a glimpse of perfect happiness.
Alexander McCall Smith's delightfully witty, wise and sometimes surreal comedy spirals out in surprising ways in this new installment, but its heart remains where it has...

I love the character of Bertie. This, book #12 is as much the warm, lovely book as the other 11. We follow Bertie as he learns about so many things that really matter in life... decency...the character of persons and places...what little boys are really "made" of... respect...taking pains... the look of the sea and sky...how good bacon rolls smell...and how much his family and friends mean in his life. This is the final book in the series and I'm going to miss Bertie. I am not going to miss Irene, whom Bertie has the misfortune to have as a mother. What a snob she has been from book 1. She refuses or just cannot see what a fool she is making of herself or the neglect she is causing when it comes to Bertie's childhood. It is good to have the satisfaction in this final book, to know she has gone, and I say good riddance. We can leave Bertie to enjoy his life in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. ( )

Many changes are afoot. Angus and Domenica are settling into their marriage, Bertie's father is up for a promotion while his mother contemplates taking a PhD course in Aberdeen, Matthew and Elspeth are seeking help with their triplets and Big Lou contemplate her life. Entertaining and touching.

The 12th novel in the “44 Scotland Street” series, and hooray! This one is really concentrated on Bertie, the most loveable 7-year-old boy you will ever want to meet. Bertie’s perfectly awful mother decides to move to Aberdeen to pursue a PhD and Bertie’s father chuck’s his job as a statistician for the Scottish government. One hopes this means that life will finally hold happiness for both of them.

Meanwhile, Pat is considering a relationship with Bruce to which everyone asks, “Why, why, WHY?” Dominica and Angus prattle on about their nonsense, but I have to admit that I skim their chapters because they don’t interest me. And the Duke of Johannesburg finds a “manny” for Matthew & Elsbeth’s triplets.

Once again, Alexandre McCall Smith provides the reader with a perfect world in which to forget what’s going on in the real one outside. ( )

Series gets better and better. Not sure why Pat would re-connect with Bruce. Matthew helps her end that toxic relationship quickly. And Pat helps Matthew out of an embarrassing situation.

This is the saddest novel in the series because of situation between Stuart and Irene coming to a head. Domenica feels a restless uncertainty about the direction of her life. And the Duke tells Matthew why he's "sick at heart." The last paragraph on page 125 can be viewed as oddly prescient of what is happening worldwide now, in 2020!

Thankfully Domenica 'sees the light' and acknowledges she is grateful for her fulfilling and good life, and how Angus has added much love to it. while most of the series' characters are good people, Angus and Bertie are the most exceptionally 'good' and loving characters in the series.

I was glad to learn about the poetry (and life) of Hamish Henderson, strikingly beautiful and moving.

I'm sad to be nearing the end of this series. Hope McCall Smith continues adding to it.

Please read this fine book!