Alexander McCall Smith's charming invention Isabel Dalhousie returns for another Edinburgh-based adventure in the delightful The Right Attitude to Rain. Although not as immediately quirky and accessible as his Botswana-based Ladies' Detective Agency series, McCall Smith's Dalhousie novels contain a quaint and subtle rhythm that match his offbeat storytelling. Isabel's cousin Mimi has arrived in Edinburgh from Dallas and she quickly introduces Isabel to the larger than life Texan, Tom. Unsettingly, Tom appears interested in Isabel even-though he is engaged to a young minx with a roving eye. But with Isabel smitten with the ever-reliable Jamie, Tom's amore appears misguided. Surely with all these complications of the heart Ms Dalhousie's part-time sleuthing will be sidelined? No chance! Polite and polished, The Right Attitude to Rain is a perfect edition to the charming chronicles of Ms Dalhousie.

Chris Zeiher (Dead Write)