Friends, Lovers, Chocolate by Alexander McCall Smith is the charming second book in the Isabel Dalhousie series, a thoughtful blend of cosy mystery and philosophical fiction. Set in the genteel streets of Edinburgh, this bestselling novel follows the curious and kind-hearted Isabel Dalhousie, an amateur sleuth and philosopher, as she becomes embroiled in a most unusual mystery. Known for his warm, character-driven storytelling, McCall Smith delivers another engaging tale filled with wit, reflection, and gentle intrigue.
When Isabel agrees to manage her niece Cat’s delicatessen while she is away, she meets a man who confides an unsettling experience. Following a heart transplant, he finds himself haunted by memories that feel foreign—memories that hint at the circumstances surrounding his donor’s death. Unable to resist the lure of a philosophical puzzle and moral quandary, Isabel embarks on a quiet investigation, navigating Edinburgh’s close-knit community and uncovering unexpected connections along the way.
