This is the ninth book in the 44 Scotland Street series. As with the earlier volumes, it interweaves the stories of a diverse set of characters: the highly likable 6-year-old Bertie; his far less likable mother; Big Lou, a kind-hearted owner of a coffee shop, and a dozen others. I note that in this volume I especially liked the thread with Big Lou and, as ever, Bertie. The book is easy reading, lightened by humor. The author's generosity of heart helps me feel some sympathy even for characters--such as Bertie's mother--whom I would normally purely dislike. While it doesn't give me the same joy as McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, it is nonetheless very agreeable company. Recommended.