A Promise of Ankles, 44 Scotland Street (14)

The latest,delectablywitty installment of Alexander McCall Smith's sumptuous 44 Scotland Street series.For theresidents of 44 Scotland Street,life in Edinburgh's intriguing New Town is a thing to be relished. After all, there are new faces to excite Domenica's anthropological imagination, precious moments with his triplets for Matthew to savor, and the prospect of a trip to the promised land of Glasgow for young Bertie.But there are mysteries that need solving too. Could Angus Lordie's dog, Cyril—the only dog in Scotland with a gold tooth—have unearthed a Neanderthal skull? Does the long-suffering Stuart have any hope of kindling a new relationship when Bruce, ever the navel gazer and consummate seducer, effortlessly steps into hispas de deux? And how will the patrons of Big Lou's cafe react to the menu's imminent culinary transformation?The stories of this wonderfully vibrant cast may take unexpected...