A CONSPIRACY OF FRIENDS It's a conspiracy! Everyone at Corduroy mansion - that crumbling but beloved mansion in London's Pimlico - is struggling with their nearest and dearest.  In the 3rd volume of life at Corduroy Mansions, Alexander McCall Smith's genius for storytelling, eye for human foibles and joy in the absurdities of modern life conspire to produce page after page of witty entertainment and beautufully observed characters. With friends like these, who needs, well, anything else?