The seventh entry in McCall Smiths series featuring moral philosopher Isabel Dalhousie finds the fortysomething Edinburgh resident drawn into an investigation of three candidates vying for the headmaster position at a local boys school.It seems that the selection committee has received an anonymous letter alleging that one of the three candidates has engaged in behavior that would cause the school serious embarrassment.

But which one?As Isabel makes discreet inquiries about the candidates backgrounds, she learns that her much younger lover, Jamie, is anxious to give up his bachelor pad, marry Isabel, and move in with her and their toddler son, Charlie.But Isabel suspects that Jamie is not telling her everything about his sudden desire to make a mad dash for the altar.

For Isabel, no decision is straightforward; there are always complications and nuances that must be given their proper due.With Isabels shrewd and frequently funny assessments of people and McCall Smiths heady quotations from W.H.

Auden, among others, the Isabel Dalhousie series continues to instruct and amuse.HIGH-DEMAND BACKSTORY: McCall Smith is best known for his No.1 Ladies Detective Agency novels, but the Isabel Dalhousie series, showcasing the authors native Scotland, also has its devotees.