The Colours of all the Cattle

Alexander McCall Smith

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.