Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific author, who I believe writes his own books. According to the book jacket, he currently has five series going. I have read only one title in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and didn’t go back for more. Although very popular, I just couldn’t relate to the main character, Precious Ramotswe. On the other hand, I really like the Isabel Dalhousie series. Set in Edinburgh, Isabel Dalhousie is the editor of a journal of philosophy and always seems to get involved in other peoples’ lives.
“Trains and Lovers” is a stand-alone novel. Four strangers met on a train traveling from Edinburgh to London. One by one they relate important events in their lives. All of them, in one way or another, have been affected by trains. Not necessarily train travel, but trains themselves.
McCall Smith is a great storyteller. Each character has a very human story to tell and the reader is drawn into their worlds. If you like this title, also read another of his independent novels “La’s Orchestra Saves the World.”