Novel is set in Edinburgh, Scotland, and introduces Isabel Dalhousie, editor of 'The review of applied ethics" and part-time detective. Isabel witnesses a young man plunge to his death from the upper balcony of the Edinburgh Concert Hall.

Series order: 1."Sunday philosophy club" -- 2."Friends, lovers, chocolate" -- 3."The right attitude to rain" -- 4."The carful use of compliments" -- 5."The comforts of a muddy Saturday" -- 6."The lost art of gratitude" -- 7."The charming quicks of others".