Alexander McCall Smith

"...great things may come from moments of nothingness."

Alexander McCall Smith is one of the world’s most prolific and most popular authors. His career has been a varied one: for many years he was a professor of Medical Law and worked in universities in the United Kingdom and abroad. Then, after the publication of his highly successful No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, which has sold over twenty million copies, he devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty languages and become bestsellers through the world.

The series include the Scotland Street novels, first published as a serial novel in The Scotsman, the Sunday Philosophy Club series starring Isabel Dalhousie, the von Igelfeld series, and the new Corduroy Mansions novels.

Alexander is also the author of collections of short stories, academic works, and over thirty books for children. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including the British Book Awards Author of the Year Award in 2004 and a CBE for service to literature in 2007. He holds honorary doctorates from nine universities in Europe and North America.

Alexander McCall Smith lives in Edinburgh. He is married to a doctor and has two daughters.

What genres and types of books does Alexander McCall Smith write?

He writes fiction across several recurring series (cozy mysteries, character-driven novels and comic fiction), short stories, academic works and over thirty books for children. Notable series include The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, 44 Scotland Street, the Sunday Philosophy Club (Isabel Dalhousie), von Igelfeld and Corduroy Mansions.

Which book or series is the best place to start?

Most readers start with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by beginning the series with the first book, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. If you prefer contemporary Edinburgh-set novels try starting with 44 Scotland Street (first book: 44 Scotland Street) or the Isabel Dalhousie/Sunday Philosophy Club series for more philosophical fiction.

How should I read his series — is there a recommended reading order?

Read each series in publication or chronological order, beginning with the first book of that series (for example, start the LDA series with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and the Scotland Street books with 44 Scotland Street). His series are largely self-contained but follow character development across books.

What themes and writing style can I expect from his books?

Expect warm, character-driven stories with gentle humour, moral and philosophical reflection, and readable prose. His work often focuses on everyday life, community and human relationships, sometimes with light mystery or comic situations.

Has Alexander McCall Smith received notable awards or recognition?

Yes. He won the British Book Awards Author of the Year in 2004, was appointed a CBE for services to literature in 2007, holds honorary doctorates from nine universities, and his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series has sold over twenty million copies and been translated into more than forty languages.

Popular Books By Alexander McCall Smith

Akimbo and the Snakes - Alexander McCall Smith

$18.99

17%
OFF

Precious and the Zebra Necklace

A New Case for Precious Ramotswe

Paperback

RRP $20.99

$16.75

20%
OFF

A Promise of Ankles : A 44 Scotland Street Novel - Alexander McCall Smith

$13.75

40%
OFF

Love in the Time of Bertie

44 Scotland Street: Book 15

Paperback

RRP $22.99

$22.75

A Song of Comfortable Chairs

No. 1 Ladies' Detective: Book 23

Paperback

RRP $29.99

$28.99

The Enigma of Garlic

44 Scotland Street : Book 16

Paperback

RRP $22.99

$13.75

40%
OFF

The Perfect Passion Company

The Perfect Passion Company Series (Book #1)

Hardcover

RRP $39.99

$33.75

16%
OFF