Elizabeth B. (Cattriona) - reviewed on 11/13/2007 + 200 more book reviews

Helpful Score: 2

While I have enjoyed all of McCall Smiths books up to now (the Ladies Detective Agency, 44 Scotland St, etc), this is the first one I not only did not on enjoy, but was unable to finish. Some of you will note in the book's description, "He ends up operating on a friend's dachshund to dramatic and unfortunate effect." While the scene was no doubt intended to add to the comedic irony of the protagonist's situation, and only a fictional dog was operated upon (yes, it is only a book, and fiction at that), this particular scene was so distasteful and distressing to us that both my husband and myself no longer wished to continue reading. McCall Smith has a creative mind and wicked sense of humor which he puts to good use, but if you are a lover of "sausage dogs" or other animals, you may not find this to your taste.

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