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A Promise of Ankles

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Robert Ian Mackenzie
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Publisher's summary

The latest, delectably witty installment of Alexander McCall Smith's sumptuous 44 Scotland Street series.

For the residents of 44 Scotland Street, life in Edinburgh's intriguing New Town is a thing to be relished. After all, there are new faces to excite Domenica's anthropological imagination, precious moments with his triplets for Matthew to savor, and the prospect of a trip to the promised land of Glasgow for young Bertie.

But there are mysteries that need solving, too. Could Angus Lordie's dog Cyril - the only dog in Scotland with a gold tooth - have unearthed a Neanderthal skull? Does the long-suffering Stuart have any hope of kindling a new relationship when Bruce, ever the navel gazer and consummate seducer, effortlessly steps into his pas de deux? And how will the patrons of Big Lou's cafe react to the menu's imminent culinary transformation?

The stories of this wonderfully vibrant cast may take unexpected turns, but the warmth and humor at Scotland's most recognizable address will ultimately affirm the joy life brings us all.

©2020 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2020 Recorded Books
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What listeners say about A Promise of Ankles

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Always Entertaining

I love how the story progresses with new characters and not usually what you expect. And like life, we learn some new things along with the characters of this series.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Such a comfort

The characters are as lovable and complicated as ever
I especially loved that Bertie gets to go to Glasgow
The settings compelling and comforting
I could listen to this reader forever
Pleat more and more!

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Missing pieces of the puzzle

I have thoroughly enjoyed this series, but I'm starting to wonder about abandoned storylines. What happened to Bruce Anderson's doppelganger? How about Bertie and Ranald's puppy? There are more loose ends, but those two, in particular, are driving me crazy! That's not to say I'm not going to buy every book, because I will. They're thoroughly entertaining, and I'm sad I'm now caught up to the most recent release. How am I expected to listen to a book that doesn't include all of my 44 Scotland Street friends? Hurry up, Alexander McCall Smith!

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One of the best in this series

The narrator makes wonderful use of his genius level ability to bring all the Scotland Street folk alive.
I enjoyed every story as the book unwound in its civil, thoughtful, humorous way. Intelligent conversations among good-hearted people are rare these days, but not in this book. Along its well described paths we are given stunning glimpses of uniquely beautiful Scotland. Love, poetry, music, good food, child-rearing, art, dogs, heartbreak, and simple pleasures abound. I was happy to discover that nothing was overdone in this book. The previous book in the series seemed somewhat strained and borderline misogynistic. I'm relieved that this book shows McCall Smith is once again in fine form - in fact, better than ever.

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Worth reading all his books

Extremely entertaining, humorous and well written and narrated. I highly recommend Mr. McCall Smith’s books! Superb!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Another wonderful 44 Scotland Street novel

Really enjoyed the continuing story of Edinburgh's residents on Scotland Street. The Duke returns and the coffee shop gets an upgrade.

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A lesson in language

An excellent book with great narrative and the plot flowing smoothly. Every time you listen to yes Siri’s you tend to learn a lot of different words and you find out the history of Scotland. Really enjoy and will listen listen to again.

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Does AMS Review his Plot Lines

I am in the middle of this installment of 44 Scotland Street and thoroughly enjoying it. I took a break just now to read the reviews to see if any other readers of the series notice the huge mistake about where Matthew and Elspeth spent their honeymoon. No one has mentioned it. I am a bit aghast, and while this is a snafu in my opinion, it will not stop me from enjoying the book as much as all the rest in the series.

To cut to the chase, after those two marry they set off for a honeymoon the destination of which Matthew keeps secret from Elspeth. She dreams of Venice, Paris etc. But he has booked a long honeymoon in Australia. A huge dramatic event takes place there with Matthew being swept out to sea by a riptide, and is saved by a dolphin. They did not spend a honeymoon in Jamaica!

I recommend that A M-S employ an aid or an editor to fact check his story lines. I volunteer for the task, having listened to all of the novels in the series much more than once. And I am surprised none of the readers who have written reviews have noticed, or reported on this major error.

Now back to this second honeymoon and further enjoyment with the series.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Charming as usual!

But there are some inconsistencies with earlier parts of the story that detract a bit.

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Delightful, as ever

Where else can I find stories that lift us up, poke gentle fun, infuse the place and the characters with understanding and compassion without any saccharin effect? These qualities abound in Alexander McCall Smith’s stories, from Africa to Scotland.

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