Ticket 2 Ride

I had no idea what this book was about, but I’m well read on books by the author, Alexander McCall Smith. The Winds From Further West (2024) introduces a new chapter, and hopefully a new book series.

The publisher’s synopsis:

Dr. Neil Anderson has just started a new position at the University of Edinburgh when he meets Chrissie, an intelligent and ambitious colleague at the institute. Before long, the two move into a gorgeous flat on the south side of the city. Things seem to be going well for Neil, until an accusation of insensitive comments lands him in hot water with the university and he discovers a troubling secret about his relationship. Suddenly feeling as though his life is unraveling, he leaves everything behind for the remote and secluded beauty of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland.

Poor Neil, his personal and professional worlds suffer major setbacks at the same time. Coincidence? Hardly.

Neil leaves his problems behind in Edinburgh and travels to Mull, where life is easy and he can sort through where to go now. Soon, he seems to find his footing, among old and new friends. While it might seem that he is running away from his problems and has refused to fight the wrong(s) he has encountered, he explains that he decided not to give in the temptation to let it control his life and become anger and vindictive. As things play out, that becomes a very sensible response, the motives and culpability of those responsible for his current situation, are exposed and Neil then confronts them, on terms he is more comfortable.

What I enjoy about Alexander McCall Smith’s books are how everyday characters with interesting problems can become so intriguing, in a realistic and relatable way. Solutions often reveal themselves, and the biggest challenges are in managing our own response to them.

I have written about a number of Smith’s books as I read several of his book series. This book is very much in the spirit of his other series, the main character is presented with a challenge, usually personal, but also one they are working on behalf of a friend or client. Neil Anderson has many of the characteristics of Smith’s other series main characters. While this book is classified as a “standalone” and there is no indication of a continuing series, my hope is that more stories of Neil Anderson will follow.

ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH is the author of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels and a number of other series and stand-alone books. His works have been translated into more than forty languages and have been best sellers throughout the world.