Alexander McCall Smith is the author of the highly successful No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, 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 the 44 Scotland Street novels, first published as a serial novel in the Scotsman, the Isabel Dalhousie novels, the Von Igelfeld series and the Corduroy Mansions novels.
'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 *