Looking for You

Alexander McCall Smith writes so many books and so many series that I can barely keep up with him, just as a reader! But I enjoyed the first volume in this little series so I thought I'd try the second one too. Maybe because I've been in the mood for some gentler reads lately in antidote to all my mystery reading, this one suited. 

Katie Donald is still running her cousin's matchmaking company in Edinburgh, and starting to get the hang of it. Her cousin Ness is still in Canada. And her business neighbour Will is now un-engaged, but their relationship is still undefined, beyond friendship. 

It's told in a series of client stories, in which Katie and William help a range of people find a match, or at least try to. We meet a crashing snob who only wants someone with his level of social caché, which strains Katie's professionalism a bit. And there is a woman who met 'the perfect man' at a supermarket but didn't give him her name or contacts, or get his - and now hopes they can find him again. And there are others, with McCall Smith's trademark musings, asides and philosophical additions. Lots of small observations of the minutia that make up daily life, which enrich the narrative. 

If you're in the mood for a slower paced, charming read that is just easy and gentle, I'd recommend this series as a good pick. Just perfect for a peaceful read.