The Private Life of Spies and The Exq..., Alexander McCall Smith
The Private Life of Spies and The Exq..., Alexander McCall Smith
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The Private Life of Spies and The Exquisite Art of Getting Even
Stories of Espionage and Revenge

Author: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrator: David Rintoul

Unabridged: 10 hr 45 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 06/13/2023


Synopsis

From the beloved author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series comes a new short story collection: half spy stories, half tales of revenge, all highlight the kinder, funnier, and gentler side of espionage and retribution.

In this dual collection of short stories, Alexander McCall Smith brings his trademark humor and warmth to inventive tales of spying and vengeance. In one story, a spy dropped deep into enemy territory manages to disguise himself--quite convincingly--as a nun. In another, an invitation to join the Vatican Secret Service sends a
prospective operative down a rabbit hole of controversy and confusion. A third story finds an author, on the brink of public ruin, seeing the error of his ways after an act of kindness saves the day.

A keen observer of humanity imbued with a sparkling imagination, Alexander McCall Smith illustrates throughout that transparency is paramount and forgiveness is restorative. With surprising insight and a healthy helping of humor, these stories remind us that, in the end, the high road is often the better one for all involved.

About Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over one hundred books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities. He was knighted by the King in 2024.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Barbara on February 18, 2024

3.5 stars Author Alexander McCall Smith is a Scottish legal scholar and prolific fiction author, perhaps best known for his 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series and his 'Isabel Dalhousie' series. This amusing two-part book is a departure. 'The Private Life of Spies' contains tales about espionage,......more

Goodreads review by Ranjini on May 11, 2023

This a collection of soft, thoughtful stories around either spies or forms of revenge. Because of my own preferences, the four stories on revenge far outranked the spy stories but they’re all well written. I just found them to be a tad boring. I’ve always enjoyed this author and his ladies detective......more

Goodreads review by Kieran on November 03, 2024

These short stories, half about different kinds of spies and half about revenge in various settings, are McCall Smith’s best work. I tend to see his books as enjoyable but ultimately not too meaningful or deep; I read him to relax, the way you might watch a reality show. These stories are so much bet......more

Goodreads review by Mercedes on July 22, 2024

Absolutely wonderful collection of stories with the author’s trademark charm and wit, exalting the mundane actions and speeches and upholding kindness. The narrator of the audio book was superb.......more

Goodreads review by Dalia on August 10, 2023

All of McCall Smith's books are essentially a series of stereotypes, though they used to be written with more depth and affection. At it's best, this book felt like it was a series of character studies for future books (especially Sam the writer ). At it's worse, it was just stereotypes of many peop......more