Even down to its well-set Georgian townhouses, Edinburgh is a hymn to measure and harmony. But on Scotland Street, domestic accord is in short supply. Matthew and Elspeth welcome three new arrivals, though the joys of multiple parenthood are somewhat lost due to sleep deprivation and the difficulties of telling their brood apart. Angus and Domenica are to marry, and Domenica has ambitious and disturbing plans for their living arrangements, especially when it appears that Antonia, in Italy recuperating from Stendhal Syndrome, may not return. And little Bertie, feeling blue, puts himself up for adoption on eBay. Can Edinburgh's most deliciously dysfunctional residents forsake discord and learn to dance to the same happy tune?

Following a distinguished career as a Professor of Medical Law, Alexander McCall Smith has turned to writing full-time. He is the author of over eighty books on a wide array of subjects, and his books have been translated into forty-six languages. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife.

Alexander McCall Smith: Alexander McCall Smith, Dozent für medizinisches Recht in Edinburgh, verlebte seine Kindheit in Simbabwe und lehrte später als Rechtsdozent in Botswana. Der Autor hat all seine Liebe zu Afrika in seine sympathische Heldin Mma Ramotswe gepackt. Dunkler Zauber – Mma Ramotswe und ihr erster Fall wurde von The Times Literary Supplement zu den "Büchern des Jahres“ gewählt und von zwei Juroren des Booker Prize Committee empfohlen. Mit seinem Terrible Orchestra tritt er regelmäßig beim Edinburgh-Festival als Bassist auf.