Domenica Macdonald has left for the Malacca Straits to research the domestic economy of contemporary pirate households. Meanwhile, back in Edinburgh, painter Angus Lordies dog, Cyril, has been dog-napped, and Pat gets herself caught up in a potential love triangle. Bertie, the six-year-old prodigal son of the insufferable Irene, is accidentally left behind in France.

"a 44 Scotland Street novel"