Uncommon Appeal of Clouds

In bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith's ninth tale of Isabel Dalhousie, Edinburgh philosopher and sleuth, the victim of an important art theft appeals to her for help.

As a philosopher, mother, employer and resident of Edinburgh - the birthplace of moral philosophy - Isabel Dalhousie is aware that to be human is to be responsible. But morals, it turns out, are rather like clouds: complex, changeable and tricky to get a grip on. As she enters into ransom negotiations over a stolen painting on behalf of wealthy philanthropist Duncan Munrowe, a case where heroes and villains should be obvious turns murky. The list of those who desire the painting - or the money - is long, and hasty judgement must be avoided. Isabel has tact, lively intelligence and a sharp eye, and she'll need them all if she is to see the culprit clearly.

As a mother, wife, employer and editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, Isabel Dalhousie is aware that to be human is to be responsible. So when a neighbour brings her a new and potentially dangerous puzzle to solve, once again Isabel feels she has no option but to shoulder the burden.

A masterpiece painting has been stolen from Duncan Munrowe, old-fashioned philanthropist, father to two discontented children, and a very wealthy man. As Isabel enters into negotiations with the shadowy figures who are in search of a ransom, a case where heroes and villains should be clearly defined turns murky: the list of those who desire the painting - or the money - lengthens, and hasty judgement must be avoided at all cost. Morals, it turns out, are like Scottish clouds: complex, changeable and tricky to get a firm grip on; they require a sharp observational eye, a philosophical mindset, and the habit of kindness. Fortunately for those around her, Isabel Dalhousie is in possession of all three.