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leda00's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
3.5
alidottie's review
4.0
Detective Varg is just so sweet and the stories are typical McCall-Smith. Always a pleasant experience.
mammamio's review
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
rose_64's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
corriespondent's review
funny
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf might be one of my favorites of Alexander McCall Smith’s books! Part of the Detective Varg series, which can be described as “Scandinavian Blanc” instead of Nordic Noir (dark, bleak crime novels set in Scandinavia - like Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), this installment was heartwarming, funny, and sweet. Detective Varg has become one of my favorite characters after reading this book, which involves an investigation into a missing house, Varg getting pressured by his girlfriend into an expensive surgery for his dear, deaf dog Martin, and the looming stress of departmental budget cuts. I will always find the references to the Moderate Extremist political party hilarious (not to be confused with the Extreme Moderates), and the layers of internal dialogue that are part of every book by Smith are always amazing.
nicholeigh's review
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0