TheNo. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over one hundred books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities.

The first book in the multi-million copy bestselling No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series

'Among the greatest comfort-reads of all time' Sunday Times
'Jolly and exhilarating' Sunday Telegraph
'The Miss Marple of Botswana' New York Times Book Review
'A publishing phenomenon' Guardian

Mma Ramotswe is the proud proprietor of the finest ladies' detective agency in all Botswana (also the only one). She spends her time, with a cup of redbush tea beneath the acacia tree, waiting for clients. When they come along, whether it is to enquire after a missing spouse or check the identity of a long-lost father, it is not The Principles of Private Detection that helps her to solve cases but old-fashioned common sense and a warm-hearted understanding of the fallibility of human nature - especially that of men.

The one where it all begins

Mma Ramotswe is the proud proprieter of the finest ladies' detective agency in all Botswana (also the only one). She spends her time, with a cup of redbush tea beneath the acacia tree, waiting for clients. When they come along, whether it is to enquire after a missing spouse or check the identity of a long-lost father, it is not The Principles of Private Detection that helps her to solve cases but old-fashioned common sense and a warm-hearted understanding of the fallibility of human nature -especially that of men.

'Jolly and exhilarating' Sunday Telegraph
'Delightful' Sunday Times

Discover the world of Alexander McCall Smith and his other books at alexandermccallsmith.co.uk

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The first book in the bestselling and beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency seriesAmong the greatest comfort-reads of all timeThe Miss Marple of BotswanaA rare pleasureA publishing phenomenonI haven't read anything with such alloyed pleasure for a long timeImmersing yourself in Precious Ramotswe's life seems to slow your heart rate while sharpening your sensesHugely enjoyableA small slice of heavenA unique setting and range of characters... the vivid descriptions of Botswana means it becomes, in essence, another character... A lovely read with a gentle pace that will transport you to a whole other worldPrecious Ramotswe is so kind, wise and good, and Alexander McCall Smith such a charming and elegant writer... you could read 300 pages of her simply stirring a pumpkin stew and gazing out benevolently at the sandy road in front of her Botswana porch and feel happyFull of warmth, fun, heat and dustOne of the most memorable heroines in any modern fiction