But when Bertie Pollock - six years old and impatient to be seven - mislays his meddling mother Irene one afternoon a valuable lesson is learned: that wish-fulfillment is a dangerous business. Warm-hearted wise and very funny The Importance of Being Seven brings us a fresh and delightful set of insights into philosophy and fraternity among Edinburgh's most loveable residents (less)

Meanwhile sage psychiatrist Berthea Snark under normal circumstances the voice of reason finds herself called away to protect her brother from a band of scheming New Age fraudsters seeking to insert themselves into the bosom of the family. Hilarious and affectionate The Dog Who Came In from the Cold rejoins Alexander McCall Smith's delightful London tribe of loveable misfits and hopefuls in a new set of adventures in life love and philosophy (less)

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When Mr Andersen visits Botswana on holiday he is delighted and intrigued to stumble across a roadside sign that reveals the existence of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Professional courtesy suggests that he call and announce himself. Meanwhile Mma Makutsi and Phuti Radiphuti are embarking on married life and building a new house - a tricky business under any circumstances but especially hazardous when the name of the contractor is the Joy and Light Building Company (less)

Because for Isabel ethics are not theoretical at all, but an everyday matter of life and death. As she attempts to unravel the truth behind Dr Thompson's disgrace, Isabel's patient intelligence is also required to deal with challenges in her own life.

There is her baby son Charlie; Cat's deli to look after, not to mention her vulnerable assistant Eddie; and a mysterious and unlikeable composer who has latched on to Jamie, making Isabel fear for the future of her new family. Isabel treads a difficult path between trust and gullibility, philanthropy and interference, while keeping in her sights the small but certain comforts of family, philosophy and a fine Saturday morning (less)

And soon enough Irene Pollock is shocked to learn that her small son Bertie harbours a highly unsuitable ambition; the gloriously vain Bruce discovers a wrinkle and confronts rejection; and Angus finds himself facing the grave consequences of unbridled bliss, not to mention a large Glaswegian gangster bearing gifts . .

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While investigating unpleasant occurrences on a southern cattle-post Mma Ramotswe always on the side of the weak against the strong has reason to reflect on Rule No.3 of The Principles of Private Detection: never lie to the client.

Apprentice mechanic Charlie seems to be avoiding certain important responsibilities. And as Mma Makutsi's big day approaches her nemesis Violet Sephotho is casting her net wider: by standing for election which could spell trouble for the entire nation.

But as friends and family gather under starry African night skies it turns out that even the most perplexing of apparitions - and the most shocking of crimes - may yield to rational explanation. And of course to Mma Ramotswe's inimitable way with love intuition and redbush tea (less)

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? (less)

Major body systems such as digestion and the skeleton are explored and 'curiousity' quizzes keep enquiring young minds interested. You'll never look at yourself in the same way again! Full of bite-sized facts, curiousity quizzes and special 'weird-or-what' features kids will love getting their teeth into, there's lots to see and explore.

Perfect for homework or just for fun. Go ahead; let your child explore the human body! (less)

Isabel's niece Cat has another new boyfriend who seems too good to be true. And when a pretty cellist with a tragic story takes a fancy to her husband-to-be Isabel finds herself contemplating an act of heroic and alarming self-sacrifice (less)

Siblings turned rivals the Salvatores compete for Katherine's affection only to discover that her sumptuous silk dresses and glittering gems hide a terrible secret: Katherine is a vampire. And she is intent on turning them into vampires so they can live together--forever.

: (less)

Major body systems such as digestion and the skeleton are explored and 'curiousity' quizzes keep enquiring young minds interested. You'll never look at yourself in the same way again! Full of bite-sized facts, curiousity quizzes and special 'weird-or-what' features kids will love getting their teeth into, there's lots to see and explore.

Perfect for homework or just for fun. Go ahead; let your child explore the human body! (less)

. .

When Mr Andersen visits Botswana on holiday he is delighted and intrigued to stumble across a roadside sign that reveals the existence of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Professional courtesy suggests that he call and announce himself. Meanwhile Mma Makutsi and Phuti Radiphuti are embarking on married life and building a new house - a tricky business under any circumstances but especially hazardous when the name of the contractor is the Joy and Light Building Company (less)