Books by Alexander McCall Smith

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Book SynopsisA detective in the wild. Young Precious gets a very special treat.  She gets a trip to visit her Aunty Bee at a safari camp.  While there she makes a new friend, a boy named Khumo, and meets an actor-lion named Teddy, who is starring in a film.  When Teddy disappears, Khumo and Precious will brave hippos and crocodiles as they search for the missing lion. With a Reader's Guide

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Book SynopsisNATIONAL BESTSELLER • Fans around the world adore the bestselling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and its proprietor, Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s premier lady detective. In this charming series, Mma  Ramotswe—with help from her loyal associate, Grace Makutsi—navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, good humor, and the occasional cup of tea.This first novel in Alexander McCall Smith’s widely acclaimed The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series tells the story of the delightfully cunning and enormously engaging Precious Ramotswe, who is drawn to her profession to “help people with problems in their lives.” Immediately upon setting up shop in a small storefront in Gaborone, she is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man, and follow a wayward daughter. But the case that tugs at her heart, and lands her in danger, is a missing eleven-year-old boy, who may have been snatched by witchd

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Book SynopsisISABEL DALHOUSIE - Book 1  Nothing captures the charm of Edinburgh like the bestselling Isabel Dalhousie series of novels featuring the insatiably curious philosopher and woman detective.  Whether investigating a case or a problem of philosophy, the indefatigable Isabel Dalhousie, one of fiction’s most richly developed amateur detectives, is always ready to pursue the answers to all of life’s questions, large and small.In this first installment, Isabel is attending a concert in the Usher Hall when she witnesses a man fall from the upper balcony. Isabel can’t help wondering whether it was the result of mischance or mischief. Against the best advice of her no-nonsense housekeeper Grace, her bassoon playing friend Jamie, and even her romantically challenged niece Cat, she is morally bound to solve this case. Complete with wonderful Edinburgh atmosphere and characters straight out of a Robert Burns poem, The Sunday Ph

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Book Synopsis44 SCOTLAND STREET - Book 1 The residents and neighbors of 44 Scotland Street and the city of Edinburgh come to vivid life in these gently satirical, wonderfully perceptive serial novels, featuring six-year-old Bertie, a remarkably precocious boy—just ask his mother.  Welcome to 44 Scotland Street, home to some of Edinburgh's most colorful characters. There's Pat, a twenty-year-old who has recently moved into a flat with Bruce, an athletic young man with a keen awareness of his own appearance. Their neighbor, Domenica, is an eccentric and insightful widow. In the flat below are Irene and her appealing son Bertie, who is the victim of his mother’s desire for him to learn the saxophone and italian–all at the tender age of five.Love triangles, a lost painting, intriguing new friends, and an encounter with a famous Scottish crime writer are just a few of the ingredients that add to this delightful and witty portrait of Edinburgh society, which was first published as a serial in The Scotsman newspaper.

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Book SynopsisMysteries of love, romance and truth-telling lie at the heat of Isabel Dalhousie''s concerns in Alexander McCall Smith''s new Sunday Philosophy Club novel. Isabel''s niece Cat is still worshipped by the young musician, Jamie, but Cat has a new and unsuitable love-interest. Meanwhile Isabel''s Texan cousins have arrived in Edinburgh and are provoking a quite separate set of dilemmas. In between these events and complications, Edinburgh life continues, calmly sailed through by Isabel, her housekeeper, Grace, and, of course, that cautious resident of Isabel''s garden, brother Fox. His alone is the uncomplicated existence.Trade ReviewBrimming with discreet charm * Mail on Sunday *Like [Barbara] Pym, McCall Smith believes that the small stuff in life matters * Scotsman *** 'Delightful ... McCall Smith is a writer who celebrates kindness, in short supply in the world today * SUNDAY TELEGRAPH *** 'Isabel is an appealing character, always trying to work out the right thing to do, and McCall Smith presents her with a series of dilemmas. One is personal, the ethics of beginning an affair with a younger man who used to be her niece's boyfriend, and * SUNDAY TIMES *

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Book SynopsisThe twelfth instalment in the Isabel Dalhousie series . . . It is summer in Edinburgh and Isabel Dalhousie is once again caught between ''gossip'' and significant rumour. It is none of her business that Patricia, the mother of her son Charlie''s little friend Basil, is estranged from Basil''s father, or that the woman has a somewhat brazen attitude to childcare. And yet, it is curious.Isabel, however, has much else on her mind as editor of the Review of Applied Ethics. Along with the work involved for its impending next issue, she really needs to get her house in order and tend to the demands of her niece, Cat. Thankfully, the arrival of Antonia, the exuberant Italian au pair, will take care of urgent chores. And the hiring of Claire, a diligent if unsettlingly beautiful new assistant at the Review, surely means that Isabel can breathe, at least a little.But her sharp observation and assured role as confidante soon have Isabel doubTrade ReviewIsabel Dalhousie's charm is undeniable * Sunday Times *Delightful * Sunday Telegraph *McCall Smith's greatest gift as a writer - and God knows this is just one of many - is that he can write likeable characters * New Statesman *This touching, humorous, tale proved an extremely enjoyable read * Women Together *A delight of a book by a master storyteller * People's Friend *

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Book SynopsisThe latest installment from THE NO. 1 LADIES DETECTIVE AGENCY seriesMma Ramotswe''s friend will persuade her to stand for election to the City Council. ''We need women like her in politics,'' Mma Potokwani says, ''instead of having the same old men every time . . .'' To be elected, Mma Ramotswe must have a platform and some policies. She will have to canvas opinion. She will have to get Mma Makutsi''s views. Her slogan is ''I can''t promise anything - but I shall do my best''. Her intention is to halt the construction of the Big Fun Hotel, a dubious, flashy business near a graveyard - an act that many consider to be disrespectful. Mma Ramotswe will take the campaign as far as she can, but lurking around the corner, as ever, is the inextinguishable Violet Sephotho.

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Book SynopsisThe second book in Alexander McCall Smith''s new DETECTIVE VARG series . . . ''Reading the novel feels like a form of meditation . . . There is much to enjoy'' Scotsman''Wonderfully soothing and relaxing'' Telegraph''Heaven is in the detail with this sort of escapist writing. It''s like AA Milne meets Karl Ove Knausgaard'' Financial Times Spring is coming slowly to Sweden - though not quite as slowly as Detective Ulf Varg''s promised promotion at the Department of Sensitive Crimes. For Varg, referred by his psychoanalyst to group therapy at Malmö''s Wholeness Centre, life now seems mostly a circle of self-examination, something which may or may not be useful when it comes to the nature of his profession and the particularly sensitive cases that have recently come to light.All in a day''s work for Detective Varg, except that one of his new investigations Trade ReviewHighly enjoyable . . . [Alexander McCall Smith] has a supreme talent for sketching truly likeable characters. His novels are full of human quirks and the bizarre minutiae of everyday life * Independent *This offering is the second in Alexander McCall Smith's 'Scandi Blanc' series. The Edinburgh-based author created the genre not only as an antidote to the violent crime novels Scandinavia has become known for but also the sometimes terrifying realities of modern life * Sunday Post *Reading the novel feels like a form of meditation. That said, McCall Smith's deceptively sharp wit is ever-present. There is also a real sense of immediacy to the interactions between characters - at times, it is almost as if you are personally involved in the conversations between Varg and his colleague, Blomquist. There is much to enjoy in this book * Scotsman *

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Book SynopsisThe latest instalment from the beloved THE NO. 1 LADIES'' DETECTIVE AGENCY seriesCatch up on the latest from Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi and other favourites in this new instalment of Alexander McCall Smith''s The No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency series.As the temperature rises in Gaborone, Precious Ramotswe, founder of the No. 1 Ladies'' Detective Agency, wonders whether the heat could be the reason that business is particularly slow. Luckily, a slower pace in life is her natural preference, unlike her colleague Mma Makutsi, who is alert to every passing observation and inclined to making snap decisions. With fewer cases to handle, Precious has time to contemplate her new neighbours, a couple who, by the sounds of it, have a rather volatile relationship . . .But then a distant cousin of Mma Ramotswe''s comes to the agency with a plea for help, and the ladies decide to pursue the issue together. Armed with Mma Ramotswe''s circuTrade ReviewBlake may have been able to see the world in a grain of sand, but McCall Smith can encapsulate the human condition in a plate of stewed pumpkin. His talent is to see the god in small things * Sunday Times Scotland *Nothing will dim the charm of McCall Smith's series, with its portraits of goodness, its sorrow over greed and its profound love of Africa. They are among the greatest comfort-reads of all time, written in plain, elegant prose * Sunday Times *The hypnotic ease of McCall Smith's style makes everything clear almost instantly . . . Throughout the Botswana landscape is richly evoked. Happiness and quiet wisdom prevail * Daily Telegraph *Everything about [McCall Smith] is appealing. He's just full of delight - it just bubbles out of him * Sunday Herald *

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Book SynopsisThe third novel in Alexander McCall Smith's new DETECTIVE VARG series

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Book SynopsisThe latest instalment from the beloved THE NO. 1 LADIES'' DETECTIVE AGENCY seriesMma Ramotswe knows she is very lucky indeed. She has a loving family, good friends and a thriving business doing what she enjoys most: helping people. But the latest mystery she is called upon to solve is distinctly trickier than it initially appears, and, of course, there''s plenty to handle in her personal life between Charlie and his new bride and Mma Makutsi and her talking shoes.In the end, Mma Ramotswe''s patience and common-sense will win out, and, without a doubt, all will be the better for it.Trade ReviewEverything about [McCall Smith] is appealing. He's just full of delight - it just bubbles out of him * Sunday Herald *The hypnotic ease of McCall Smith's style makes everything clear almost instantly * Daily Telegraph *McCall Smith's familiar tone of wry amusement permeates the narrative, as does the detective's wisdom . . . hugely enjoyable * Sunday Times *Mma Ramotswe is a glorious creation, a character likely to prove every bit as enduring as Miss Marple or Hercule Poirot * Mail on Sunday *An ultra-smooth ride . . . almost more blissful than even McCall Smith's millions of regular devotees could pray for or hope * Scotsman *Blake may have been able to see the world in a grain of sand, but McCall Smith can encapsulate the human condition in a plate of stewed pumpkin. His talent is to see the god in small things * Sunday Times Scotland *Equally as brilliant as the previous editions. . . . McCall Smith writes with deceptive simplicity, yet his work is laced with worthy insight, and dry, yet charming, humour. * Scottish Field *

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Book SynopsisOur favorite moral philosopher is caught up in a delicate dispute between members of a prominent family as her husband, Jamie, is dragged into his own internecine rivalry.Isabel accepts an invitation to serve on the advisory committee of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, but soon finds herself swept up in an all-too-familiar dilemma. David is the grandson of a Scottish clan chief and is supportive of Scottish nationalism. But his fervent beliefs are threatening family harmony, especially because his sister Catriona''s socialist views put her at odds with her brother. When their mother, Laura, a fellow committee member, asks Isabel to intervene, she tries to demur. But always one for courteous resolutions to philosophical disagreements, Isabel can''t help but intercede.In the meantime, Jamie, having criticized Isabel for getting involved in the affairs of others, does precisely that himself. Jamie is helping to select a new cellist for his ensemble, but hTrade ReviewThe moral centre of the novel is stated with restraint and elegance... For all its gentle humour, this latest novel shows Alexander McCall Smith to be a steely moralist -- Stuart Kelly * Scotsman *A gentle exploration of morality... cosy and effortlessly charming * Herald *McCall Smith delves into the inner machinations of a modern-day philosopher whose nuanced approach stands in stark contrast to the fiery rhetoric of the day... While touching on a variety of topics, the tone is never preachy or pedantic but instead is an open examination of how to lead a moral life... Hand this title to those looking for a more contemplative approach to their mysteries * Library Journal *An intriguing and rather beguiling book that is by turns humorous and thought-provoking * Undiscovered Scotland *

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Book SynopsisDuring WW2 there was a rumour that German spies were landing by parachute in Britain, dressed as nuns...''Spy-masterful storytelling'' Sunday Post''Delightfully old-fashioned and prudent of prose, McCall Smith unspools his tales'' Daily Mail''[Adds] another treasure to McCall Smith''s already glittering library'' New York Journal of BooksConradin Muller was an unusual spy. He was recruited in Hamburg in June 1943, much against his will, and sent on his first, and only, mission in late September that year. He failed to send a single report back to Germany, and when the War came to an end in May 1945, he fell to his knees and wept with relief.From a highly reluctant German spy who is drawn to an East Anglian nunnery as his only means of escape, to the strange tale of one of the Cambridge spy ring''s adventures with a Russian dwarf, these are Alexander McCall Smith''s intriguingTrade ReviewSpy-masterful storytelling * Sunday Post *Marvellous... shows off Alexander McCall Smith's accomplishment as a storyteller as its very best * Undiscovered Scotland *There's nothing not to like about Alexander McCall Smith when you read his latest collection of six short stories on the business of spying... These are a half dozen beautifully shaped, delicious morsels, which I devoured even faster than McCall Smith could write them... full of character and detail * Australian *Massively entertaining and thought-provoking * Booklist (starred review) *Based on extensive research and with a fine grip on the slippery nature of the world of espionage, these underhand dealings range from Algeria in 1924 to a modern-day clerical cabal in the Vatican... Delightfully old-fashioned and prudent of prose, McCall Smith unspools his tales * Daily Mail *Taken together, the two parts echo each other. Each story provides a unique cast of characters and distinctly different plots, each offers a gentle portrait of people and society. And each is guided by the mastery of a consummate storyteller, offering another treasure to his already glittering library * New York Journal of Books *

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Book SynopsisDuring WW2 there was a rumour that German spies were landing by parachute in Britain, dressed as nuns...Conradin Muller was an unusual spy. He was recruited in Hamburg in June 1943, much against his will, and sent on his first, and only, mission in late September that year. He failed to send a single report back to Germany, and when the War came to an end in May 1945, he fell to his knees and wept with relief.From a highly reluctant German spy who is drawn to an East Anglian nunnery as his only means of escape, to the strange tale of one of the Cambridge spy ring''s adventures with a Russian dwarf, these are Alexander McCall Smith''s intriguing and typically inventive stories from the world of espionage.''Spy-masterful storytelling'' Sunday Post''Delightfully old-fashioned and prudent of prose, McCall Smith unspools his tales'' Daily Mail''[Adds] another treasure to McCall Smith''s already glTrade ReviewSpy-masterful storytelling * Sunday Post *Marvellous... shows off Alexander McCall Smith's accomplishment as a storyteller as its very best * Undiscovered Scotland *There's nothing not to like about Alexander McCall Smith when you read his latest collection of six short stories on the business of spying... These are a half dozen beautifully shaped, delicious morsels, which I devoured even faster than McCall Smith could write them... full of character and detail * Australian *Massively entertaining and thought-provoking * Booklist (starred review) *Based on extensive research and with a fine grip on the slippery nature of the world of espionage, these underhand dealings range from Algeria in 1924 to a modern-day clerical cabal in the Vatican... Delightfully old-fashioned and prudent of prose, McCall Smith unspools his tales * Daily Mail *Taken together, the two parts echo each other. Each story provides a unique cast of characters and distinctly different plots, each offers a gentle portrait of people and society. And each is guided by the mastery of a consummate storyteller, offering another treasure to his already glittering library * New York Journal of Books *Spy-masterful storytelling * Sunday Post *Marvellous... shows off Alexander McCall Smith's accomplishment as a storyteller as its very best * Undiscovered Scotland *There's nothing not to like about Alexander McCall Smith when you read his latest collection of six short stories on the business of spying... These are a half dozen beautifully shaped, delicious morsels, which I devoured even faster than McCall Smith could write them... full of character and detail * Australian *Massively entertaining and thought-provoking * Booklist (starred review) *Based on extensive research and with a fine grip on the slippery nature of the world of espionage, these underhand dealings range from Algeria in 1924 to a modern-day clerical cabal in the Vatican... Delightfully old-fashioned and prudent of prose, McCall Smith unspools his tales * Daily Mail *Taken together, the two parts echo each other. Each story provides a unique cast of characters and distinctly different plots, each offers a gentle portrait of people and society. And each is guided by the mastery of a consummate storyteller, offering another treasure to his already glittering library * New York Journal of Books *

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Book SynopsisAn irresistible bind-up edition of two infectiously entertaining adventure mysteries, Spaghetti Tangle and Teacher Trouble, from the bestselling author of the No.1 Ladies'' Detective Agency series, Alexander McCall Smith, and with amazing illustrations by Kate Hindley throughout. Spaghetti TangleJohn and Nicky would give anything in the world for a bowl of chips or a piece of chocolate cake, but they live with their strange aunty and she won't let them eat anything that's not raw! One day they sneek out and slurp down a plate piled high with spaghetti. Now they want more ... Lucky for them, there's a competition to visit the spaghetti factory and eat as much as you like. What will aunty say? Teacher TroubleIt's Jenny's first day at a new school and she looks very grown-up her mum has made sure of it. But when she arrives at the school, she looks so smart that the rest of her class think she is their new teacher! Soon Jenny finds

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Book SynopsisStart your engines and get in gear for an action-packed story from the bestselling author of The No.1 Ladies'' Detective Agency series, Alexander McCall Smith, with fun and energetic illustrations by Kate Hindley.When Max finds an old car that has his last name Champion on the bonnet, he learns that his grandfather used to make some of the best cars around ... and race them! That is, until his ideas book and his favourite car, Arabella, were stolen by greedy rival Mr Grabber.Can Max find a way to get back what Grandfather Gus lost? And will Arabella ever be seen again?Trade ReviewA charming and witty story about achieving what you wish for -- Julia Eccleshare * Guardian on FREDDIE MOLE, LION TAMER *Fizzingly illustrated by Kate Hindley, Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer is a tale of bravery rewarded, positively a-thrum with human decency in the face of adversity -- Kitty Empire * Observer *Beautifully written * Children’s Books Ireland on FREDDIE MOLE, LION TAMER *A fun read with positive messages about working hard, helping others and never giving up hope * Children’s Book Council of Australia on FREDDIE MOLE, LION TAMER *Full of hope and bravery * Reading Zone on Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer *

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Book SynopsisIt's full-time monkey business on the high seas in this new family adventure from Alexander McCall Smith, the bestselling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Noah can’t believe it when he finds out his uncle owns a zoo! But the zoo is closing down, and there are animals who need homes. Before he knows it, Noah and his family are setting sail on a round-the-world trip returning the zoo animals to the places they were born. But when they try to return one very cheeky monkey, they’re in for a whole boat-load of trouble!Trade ReviewA racy tale with a positive message that will keep young readers turning the pages * Creative Steps on MAX CHAMPION AND THE GREAT RACE CAR ROBBERY *A heart-warming tale about an ordinary boy performing an extraordinary feat. The super illustrations enhance this charming story * Ed on the Web on MAX CHAMPION AND THE GREAT RACE CAR ROBBERY *Superb! * Books Monthly on MAX CHAMPION AND THE GREAT RACE CAR ROBBERY *A charming and witty story about achieving what you wish for -- Julia Eccleshare * Guardian on FREDDIE MOLE, LION TAMER *Fizzingly illustrated by Kate Hindley, Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer is a tale of bravery rewarded, positively a-thrum with human decency in the face of adversity -- Kitty Empire * Observer on FREDDIE MOLE, LION TAMER *

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Book SynopsisAlexander McCall Smithis the author of the highly successfulNo. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyseries, which has sold over twenty-five million copies. Since then he has devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty-six languages and become bestsellers throughout the world. These include the44 Scotland Streetnovels, first published as a serial novel in theScotsman, theIsabel Dalhousienovels, theVon Igelfeldseries and theCorduroy Mansionsnovels.

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Book SynopsisA beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. From internationally bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith. High quality cream paper and a special easy-to-read font ensure a smooth read for all. A beautiful, heartwarming story set in Africa about a young boy and his yearning for a pet dog. From internationally bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith. Timo and his mother do not have much money – in fact, they have almost none. But that does not matter too much, because Timo has his mother and she has him. They have their little house. They have friends and neighbours. They have the world about them. All of that can be enough for happiness. There is one more thing, though, that Timo would like to have …A dog! High quality cream paper and a special easy-to-read font ensure a smooth read for all.

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Book SynopsisRoll up! Roll up! The Shortbread Family Circus is in town! Introducing the first tale in The Big Top Mysteries, an exciting new series from Alexander McCall Smith and illustrator Sam Usher. Billy, Fern and Joe Shortbread are the stars of their family circus, but they also have another talent … they're experts at solving mysteries! When their circus moves into a new town they soon make friends with a young boy named Tom. But Tom can't enjoy the circus because his granny has disappeared and he's worried he'll never see her again. With the help of their astonishing circus skills can the Shortbread circus stars crack the clues and find Tom's granny? A brilliant McCall Smith adventure story, brimming with wit, wisdom and larger than life characters.Trade Review"An exciting and enjoyable read, pitched just right for those who are starting to access books independently" – Roaring Reads, Blog "A fast paced adventure that will definitely entertain and keep the interest of early chapter readers and reluctant readers too … The Greatest Showman meets Scooby Doo" – Book-Bound, Blog "Brimming with McCall Smith’s trademark wit, wisdom and larger-than-life characters, this is an exhilarating and clever story for youngsters as well as a fascinating behind-the-scenes glimpse into the realities of being part of a circus family" – Lancashire Evening Post "A lovely story and as ever filled with the all-embracing sense of kindness and integrity that is characteristic of McCall Smith’s writing" – LoveReading4Kids "Has all the hallmarks of a great new series … Great characters and an exciting story combine to make an enjoyable and compelling read, with drawings by Sam Usher to enhance enjoyment and understanding" – Parents in Touch

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Book SynopsisDream Angus comes to you at night and bestows dreams. Just the sight of him may be enough to make you lose your heart, for he is also the god of love, youth and beauty.In this mesmerising retelling of the Celtic myth, Alexander McCall Smith unites dream and reality, leaving us to wonder: what is life but the pursuit of dreams?The Myths series brings together some of the world's finest writers, each of whom has retold a myth in a contemporary and memorable way. Authors in the series include Karen Armstrong, Margaret Atwood, A.S. Byatt, David Grossman, Natsuo Kirino, Alexander McCall Smith, Philip Pullman, Ali Smith and Jeanette Winterson.Trade ReviewAn enchanting tale * * The Times * *A gem-like piece of work * * Daily Telegraph * *McCall Smith brings to the Angus story a sly and deceptive simplicity, combined with a charm that has a line of tight, sharp wire running all the way through it . . . A book that is full of small marvels . . . Resonant and deeply unsettling -- John Burnside * * Guardian * *Perhaps the finest I have read from the McCall Smith pen * * Scotsman * *Reads like a fairytale for adults, a light, rose-tinted book . . . Well-written and smartly contemporary * * The Skinny * *

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