As a mother wife employer & editor of the Review of Applied Ethics Isabel Dalhousie is aware that to be human is to be responsible. So when a neighbour brings her a new & potentially dangerous puzzle to solve once again Isabel feels she has no option but to shoulder the burden. A masterpiece painting has been stolen from Duncan Munrowe old-fashioned philanthropist father to two discontented children & a very wealthy man. As Isabel enters into negotiations with the shadowy figures who are in search of a ransom a case where heroes & villains should be clearly defined turns murky: the list of those who desire the painting
- or the money
- lengthens & hasty judgement must be avoided at all cost. Morals it turns out are like Scottish clouds: complex changeable & tricky to get a firm grip on; they require a sharp observational eye a philosophical mindset & the habit of kindness. Fortunately for those around her Isabel Dalhousie is in possession of all three.