Reviews
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
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
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
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
About the Book
The characters in this delicious book are pushed to the point of no return and seek retribution. But how we get even is not always the best road to redemption. On the island of Mull, it takes an incomer to make the locals realise that they need to take matters into their own hands to maintain the community’s reputation. In ‘The Principles of Soap’ the value of friendship overcomes adversity and opportunistic nepotism. In suburban Edinburgh opposing neighbours find out the hard way that the best method of dealing with a canine disturbance is not to bury one’s head in the sand. And in the final tale we meet an author on the brink of public ruin who sees the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day.
These four tales show that the exquisite art of getting even is a skill that sees kindness win over malice. Tantalising and amusing, these stories show off a darker side but carry with them the author’s trademark warmth and humour.
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