I just love these books. Alexander McCall Smith almost goes to sentimental, his series almost become formulaic, and yet somehow he stops short of anything but wise and witty. His characters are so full of human foibles and yet I'm routing for them. Their problems and triumphs are often small in the scheme of things, but still manage to be compelling. Of course my favorite is Bertie, with his thinks-she's-aware but is so unaware mum. But all the members of the Scotland St community make for fun reading.