A Conspiracy of Friends (Corduroy Mansions Book 3)

I love getting caught up in these characters lives. When I finish the book, I want to read more but I always feel happiness!Yvonne

William French, a character in this novel and in the other two “Corduroy Mansion” novels, says of author Iris Murdock’s novels. “They all merge into one for me - one circle of rather clever people dealing with personal torment.” The same could be said of the Corduroy Mansions novels.” Except these novels are much lighter in spirit. In this, the final book of the series, Barbara can’t decide if she should let Rupert have her flat. The decision to keep her flat proves disastrous when Rupert schemes to get clients away from her. Caroline has a new roommate and boyfriend; Eddie and a famous interior decorator are turning Merle’s house into a hotel where famous authors supposedly stayed and wrote masterpieces. Terrance gives up studying ley lines long enough to compete in a car race; Oedipus Snark is caught in a tunnel and changed forever. Hugh tells Barbara about the time he was kidnapped and forced to serve as a sex slave on an ocean liner. Freddie de la Hay, one of the best canine characters in literature, digs his way into a rabbit warren, gets lost and then is rescued and featured in a dog food ad. Corduroy Mansions is more a series of interlocking short stories than a novel, but the characters are so wonderful, and their exploits so comic that one does not mind. It’s joy to spend time with all of them. Freddie de la Hay seems to get younger. It seems every time I buy one of these novels, the dog on the cover is younger.

I just finished this book last night. It took me about 3 days. It was so good that when I woke up during the night, I read from it because I could not wait to see what happened next. I really think this is one of the best in this series. Maybe it is because by book #3 you are so involved with the characters that you feel that you know them. That is really the hallmark of a good writer. Freddie (the dog) goes missing, Oedipus Snark is transformed, William is on the verge of being transformed, and Barbara (well, she has some revelations that are not to be believed), and that is just for a start. The characters are quirky and I found myself laughing through most of the book. This is one series that certainly I cannot hardly wait for the next installment. I would make one suggestion if you are new to this series, read the first two as this will enhance your enjoyment of this one. I'm sure that they all can stand alone but I think you miss something when you do not have the background of all the adventures that these crazy characters from Corduroy Mansions have experienced.

Condition of book-gift

I love all Alec McCall Smiths books, they are so funny, quirky, unusual and at the same time have insight into the Human condition.These are not "War and Peace', they are for light, cosy reading with a cup of tea. None the worse for that! They are very addictive!I come from Edinburgh, so I can practically walk these streets he mentions, in my head."A Conspiracy of Friends" does not disappoint!!. A Conspiracy of Friends: A Corduroy Mansions Novel (3)

McCall Smith has a special way of adding subtle satire and suspense to his witty, charming stories. There were quite a few cliffhangers in this third installment that only leaves me begging for a sequel! I recommend the first 2 books in this series as well. The Corduroy Mansions books may not become the next No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency or Isabel Dalhousie, but they are definitely worth the read, with interesting characters and not-too-off-the-wall mini-mysteries packed inside.

Alexander McCall Smith continues with the lives of his odd and eccentic characters. Even if you haven't read the first two books, you will still enjoy these. Sometimes I find it tedious the way McCall Smith rembles, but it does add to the story and enlivens the characters. When he circles back to the plot, it's a pleasant surprise. Throw in the dog and you can't help but be charmed.

Another entertaining story from McCall Smith. But the slow unfolding of the plot underlines the serialized nature of his books; I would have liked a little more drama. I read all his various series, and some concepts have a little too much crossover; however, I appreciate that his books seem to be written with a "do no harm" motto--nothing too dark or violent--and can be read by all ages.

Set 2 yeara after the first book, some of the characters from the previous books have moved on mirroring the comings and goings of flat mates. Some great new characters introduced whilst a few main characters remain. The links between Cheltenham and the few streets around Couduroy Mansion in Pimlico, London and some central characters has developed in a masterful way, showcasing how small the world can be even in the Capital. William and Freddie's relationship has certainly developed. And as for Oedopus Snark...... I couldn't help laughing at his change - we can only hope it is permanent though perhaps not!!

Loved the first two volumes and was delighted that this one has maintained previous high standards. Fell back into the comfort of familiar characters and stories very quickly. If you liked/loved the previous books, you will love this one

I read all of the 44 Scotland Street series and this is the 3rd in the Corduroy Mansions series I have read. The characters are as well drawn as ever but somehow the book did not flow as well as before. The story of Hugh 's abduction in Colombia stretched credibility just too far.I also became impatient with the author's habit of allowing the characters' private thoughts and ruminations to interrupt the story. For the first time I actually found myself skipping or glancing down the page to get back to the point. I was also surprised at the abrupt ending.

I loved this book! I read it on holiday after having read a really 'frothy' typical summer read and the quality of Alexander McCall Smith's writing was such a welcome relief! It is brilliantly written with great attention to detail which makes the characters believable, likeable and funny. There isn't much of a storyline or plot but it just gently meanders along, introducing new and interesting characters along the way. I would definitely recommend this to anyone who likes a well written light-hearted read. I'll now read the others he's written in this series.

I like this author very much as he has a very neat outlook on the world and its many mad inhabitants and their weird ways. He shows in this book how we can relate to dogs in a different way to the norm, and also lets us see how the dog may well relate to our world and ourselves as being slightly potty and unpredictable. Freddie de la Hay of course, is a very different dog!