Reviews

A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith

angelbabe_cj's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted mysterious relaxing

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

motherofladybirds's review against another edition

3.0

I always enjoy this series. What they lack in plot, this one did not have a case, they make up for in cosy relationship advice. It is like self care to read.

alidottie's review against another edition

4.0

I always have to adjust to the slower pace of these books, but once my brain gets there I totally enjoy my visits with Precious. I found myself looking up how old McCall-Smith is (74) because I want there to always be another book in this series—another visit to Botswana in my future. I can’t believe there have been 23 already!

weebulls's review

lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes

5.0

andrewspink's review

hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

As always, a deleight to read a book in this series. The characters are all such great people. A real comfort read.

shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition

I'll never forget hearing McCall Smith at a National Book Festival - such a charming, self-deprecating speaker. He said he couldn't understand why his books were popular because basically nothing ever happens in them. Truth in humor and all that. If an author could ever write an entertaining novel about chairs, McCall Smith is the one. The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency of Botswana quietly goes about making the world a better place - all while being imperfect themselves. Another charming entry in the series.

kschmoldt's review against another edition

4.0

This was a very satisfying read, and gave me all the warm fuzzies that I normally get from these books. However, the book was more about situations with friends and there was not a mystery to be solved per se. Still, I found it very enjoyable.

smalltownbookmom's review against another edition

4.0

Another feel-good cozy mystery from one of my favorite authors! All of the regular Botswana crew is back in this story focused on the growing office tension between Precious and Grace. Grace keeps overreaching her position in the agency and Precious is increasingly tired of trying to defend her right as the No. 1 owner of the Detective agency. I really related to the career burnout and general feeling of depression Precious experiences in this book! Full of all the trademark philosophical quandaries we've come to expect plus a side story that sees the Double comfort furniture store being threatened by a competitor. Good on audio, if you love this series/these characters you are sure to not be disappointed. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early audio copy in exchange for my honest review!

caityy's review against another edition

funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

deborahlaura's review against another edition

lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

1.0