For seven-year-old Bertie Pollock life in Edinburgh's most celebrated fictional street has
just got immeasurably better. The enforced absence of his endlessly pushy mother Irene -
currently consciousness-raising in a Bedouin harem (don't ask) - has manifold and immediate
blessings: no psychotherapy no Italian lessons and no yoga classes. Bliss.For Scotland
Street's grown-ups life throws up some new dilemmas. Matthew makes a discovery that could make
him even richer but also leaves him worried. Pat makes one that could make her poorer and her
father miserable - unless that uber-narcissist Bruce can help her out. And the Duke of
Johannesburg we discover isn't exactly who he says he is.From what happens behind Edinburgh
Airport's luggage carousel to Machiavellian manoeuvrings at the Association of Scottish Nudists
Alexander McCall Smith guides us through the brighter lighter and frankly unexpected side of
Edinburgh life. As ever with his 44 Scotland Street series his readers will make their own
discovery: that its blend of wit and wisdom mark it out as a comedic tour de force.
