A very popular event today was Mr Alexander McCall Smith, chaired by David Robinson. A packed audience promptly entered the Baillie Gifford Main Theatre for an hour of book talk, laughter and an unexpected mystery guest.
Mr McCall Smith is extremely funny with such an infectious laugh. It was intriguing to hear about his many books and characters. From 44 Scotland Street to The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. Today was the day Mr McCall Smith saw the copy of his latest book A Time Of Love And Tartan, book twelve in the 44 Scotland Street series for the first time.
We were treated to a reading by Mr McCall Smith which included Little Bertie and you could have heard a pin drop. Every audience member, including myself hanging on to every word and savouring in the dulcet tones of Mr McCall Smith. It was a moment of pure magic.
Mr McCall Smith was fastidious on his introduction to Mr Iain McIntosh who illustrates his novels beautifully.
Next, we had a world wide exclusive as we were introduced to the mystery guest. Mr Graham Weir a former member of the band O.M.D. It was announced that in the works are a No1 Ladies Detective Agency Musical. Yes, you heard rightly as musical. We were treated to an array of samples of the songs. I found the Dig Deep song deeply moving and it touched my heart. I simply am itching at the bit to see the musical come to fruition
A wonderful hour with copious delights for the ears and soul. I came away with a spring in my step as the songs played in my head.
A gloriously sunny day in Edinburgh and it shined down on all the people gathered together at The Edinburgh International Book Festival 2017.
Book Jacket
Catch up with the delightful goings-on in the fictitious 44 Scotland Street from Alexander McCall Smith . . .
‘A joyous, charming portrait of city life and human foibles, which moves beyond its setting to deal with deep moral issues and love, desire and friendship’ Sunday Express
If only Pat Macgregor had an inkling of the embarrassment romantic, professional, even aesthetic that flowed from accepting narcissistic ex-boyfriend Bruce Anderson’s invitation for coffee, she would never have said yes. And if only Matthew, her boss at the art gallery, hadn’t wandered into his local bookshop and picked up a particular book at a particular time, he would never have knocked over his former English teacher or attracted the attentions of the police.
Whether caused by small things such as a cup of coffee and a book, or major events such as Stuart’s application for promotion and his wife Irene’s decision to go off and study for a PhD in Aberdeen, change is coming to serial fiction’s favourite street. But for three seven-year-old boys Bertie Pollock, Ranald Braveheart Macpherson, and Big Lou’s foster son Finlay – it also means a getting a glimpse of perfect happiness.
Alexander McCall Smith’s delightfully witty, wise and sometimes surreal comedy spirals out to include tennis-playing Rwandan Forest People, researches into levitating Celtic saints, bogus headhunters in Papua New Guinea and primary school performances of Beckett. But its heart remains where it has always been true to life, love and laughter in Edinburgh’s New Town.
Order your copy here ~
For more information on the Edinburgh International Book Festival 2017 and to book tickets please visit ~ website.
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Kelly Lacey & Love Books Tours 
Oh, my! I am so jealous! ; ) I hope you all are having a lovely time!
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Not read a Scotland Street book for a while but love wee Bertie – such a great character!
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