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Alexander McCall Smith's A Promise of Ankles (2020) is the 14th installment in his 44 Scotland Street series, a light-hearted soap opera about the people who live in a building at that address in Edinburgh. The title, which may suggest ladies in floor-length gowns in an earlier age, refers instead to Angus Lordie's dog, Cyril, who cannot always resist the urge to nip at a tempting ankle.

The novel, like others in the series, has no plot, just numerous subplots. As in a typical Seinfeld episode, these subplots often intersect, creating a pleasing whole. I didn't find A Promise of Ankles as pleasing as others in the series, however, probably because Matthew, possibly the least interesting of the continuing characters, dominates this time. Two days after finishing the novel, I have trouble recalling what his particular subplot is about.

Much more interesting is the excitement of Bertie, the precocious seven-year-old boy who gets the opportunity to live in Glascow for a month with his friend Ranald. Bertie is also happy because his oppressive and progressive mother, Irene, has run off to Aberdeen with her therapist. Irene hates all things Glascow, so Bertie assumes it must be a fine place.

Meanwhile Stuart, Bertie's caring father, finds his excitement with Katie, a young woman totally unlike Irene — until she runs off with another man, as well. She cannot resist the handsome Bruce, just as Cyril cannot resist a good-looking ankle.

Meanwhile there is the discovery, by Cyril, of what may or may not be a Neanderthal skull and a phony duke being held prisoner by someone trying to teach him Gaelic.

If you have never read a 44 Scotland Street novel, do so. Just don't start with this one.