About the Author

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served with many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland."

Reviews

McCall Smith s depictions of the sights and sounds of Botswana and his overarching theme of compassion make this novel radiant . . . Humor runs rampant, as always, except in the darkest situations . . . Calling Precious Ramotswe, owner and chief investigator of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency in Botswana, a detective doesn t do her justice. Problem solver extraordinaire would be much better. Mma Ramotswe takes on one or two true mysteries per novel, it s true, but she also treats a whole range of human difficulties as they come her way, finding good solutions through her wisdom, kindness, and tact. Booklist (starred review)
Enjoyable . . . Series fans will be moved by a supporting character s growth, and newcomers will be charmed by the gentle humor. Publishers Weekly
Amusing . . . An escape from life s woes [as well] as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable. The Boston Globe
McCall Smith s accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities. Newsday
McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan customs and culture . . .Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will endure. The Plain Dealer
Endearing . . . The long-running series has lost none of its gentleness or its love for Botswana. The Christian Science Monitor

Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific, popular, and wonderfully peculiar writer. His capacity to deliver quality new installments . . . is unrivalled by any other modern writer. The Independent(London)"

"McCall Smith's depictions of the sights and sounds of Botswana and his overarching theme of compassion make this novel radiant . . . Humor runs rampant, as always, except in the darkest situations . . . Calling Precious Ramotswe, owner and chief investigator of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, a detective doesn't do her justice. 'Problem solver extraordinaire' would be much better. Mma Ramotswe takes on one or two true mysteries per novel, it's true, but she also treats a whole range of human difficulties as they come her way, finding good solutions through her wisdom, kindness, and tact." --"Booklist" (starred review)
"Enjoyable . . . Series fans will be moved by a supporting character's growth, and newcomers will be charmed by the gentle humor."--"Publishers Weekly"
"Amusing . . . An escape from life's woes [as well] as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable." "--The Boston Globe"
"McCall Smith's accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities." "--Newsday"
"McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan customs and culture . . . Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will endure." "--The Plain Dealer"
"Endearing . . . The long-running series has lost none of its gentleness or its love for Botswana." "--The Christian Science Monitor
"
"Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific, popular, and wonderfully peculiar writer. His capacity to deliver quality new installments . . . is unrivalled by any other modern writer." "--The Independent (London)"

"Amusing . . . An escape from life's woes [as well] as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable." "--The Boston Globe"
"McCall Smith's accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities." "--Newsday"
"McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan customs and culture . . . Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will endure." "--The Plain Dealer"
"Endearing . . . The long-running series has lost none of its gentleness or its love for Botswana." "--The Christian Science Monitor
"
"Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific, popular, and wonderfully peculiar writer. His capacity to deliver quality new installments . . . is unrivalled by any other modern writer." "--The Independent (London)"