The Winds from Further West

From the beloved author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series comes a dazzling and uplifting novel of new beginnings and endless possibilities, in which a slew of personal and professional disasters cause a young researcher to upend his seemingly stable life in Edinburgh and move to a remote island off the Scottish coast.

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.

Not long after his arrival, a ship comes in to the harbor whose cargo--two wolf cubs--will drastically change the course of his life yet again. These cubs spark controversy on the island, leading Neil to Katie, the island's resident veterinarian, and bring with them the possibility of new beginnings and a budding romance.

Author: Alexander McCall Smith
Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Pantheon Books
Published: 07/29/2025
Pages: 256
Weight: 1.07lbs
Size: 9.46h x 6.32w x 1.04d
ISBN: 9780385551410


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 05/01/2025 pg. 1
Publishers Weekly 05/12/2025
Booklist 05/01/2025 pg. 32
Shelf Awareness 07/27/2025

About the Author
ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH is the author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novels and of 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. He lives in Scotland.