44 SCOTLAND STREET

Alexander McCall Smith modeled this book on the evergreen hit TALES OF THE CITY, by Armistead Maupin, which were published serially in the SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE. Smith's appeared in an Edinburgh daily; the title refers to an address in Edinburgh where several of the main characters live. It's a great device, imposing specific challenges to the storyteller, working in little chunks of uniform length, all with intriguing endings. The only thing that could be more fun than reading each installment in the paper is hearing Robert Ian Mackenzie's thoroughly droll and versatile performance. You won't soon forget the Conservative Party's fundraising ball, with only six in attendance, one of whom forgot to wear underpants under his kilt. Mackenzie's touch is flawless. B.G. © AudioFile 2005, Portland, Maine [Published: DEC 05/ JAN 06]