THE FORGOTTEN AFFAIRS OF YOUTH

The latest in Alexander McCall Smith's charming Isabel Dalhousie series gives us Isabel and friends, beautifully narrated by Davina Porter, attempting to resolve the philosophies of familial relations. Isabel, full-time philosopher and part-time sleuth, is introduced to Jane, a fellow philosopher who is visiting Edinburgh from Australia. Jane is attempting to discover the identity of her father—and asks for Isabel's help. Alongside this delicate investigation, Isabel ruminates on her own family life—her fiancé, Jamie, and small son, Charlie; her irascible niece, Cat; and her thoroughly Scottish housekeeper, Grace. Porter’s accomplished performance is soothing but never dull as she thoughtfully renders each voice in this most amiable of novels. K.O. © AudioFile 2011, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2011]