Alexander McCall Smith

Ah, the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Don't let the name fool you, these are neither sweet nor particularly mysterious. Instead they are small gems that introduce you to an African culture and land from an insider's point of view. And makes very clear that the cultures on the continent vary drastically. Mma Ramotswe, our lady detective loves Botswana unreservedly, the people, the government, and especially the land. She is a woman of a traditional build and decided temperment. The books are almost like Victorian-set novels, the mores and ways of thinking are so different from that of jaded American culture. The books are slight, and warm and just the cure for a reader tired of too much blood and complications.

The admirable Mr. Alexander McCall Smith has written many other books, See him tonight at Hoyt Sherman, 7 PM. And hope he talks about Mma Precious Ramwotse.

The Titles, in order:
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (1998)
Tears Of The Giraffe (2000)
Morality for Beautiful Girls (2001)
The Kalahari Typing School for Men (2002)
The Full Cupboard of Life (2004)
In The Company of Cheerful Ladies (2004 - also known as The Night-Time Dancer)
Blue Shoes and Happiness (2006)
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (2007)
The Miracle at Speedy Motors (2008)