McCall Smith Alexander

Isabel Dalhousie thinks often of friends, sometimes of lovers, and on occasion of chocolate. As an Edinburgh philosopher she is certain of where she stands. She can review a book called In Praise of Sin with panache and conviction, but real life is... well, perhaps a bit more challenging — particularly when it comes to her feelings for Jamie, a younger man who should have married her niece, Cat. Jamie's handsomeness leaves Isabel feeling distinctly uneasy, and ethically disturbed. 'I am a philosopher', she thinks, 'but I am also a woman'. And more disturbance is in store. When Cat takes a break in Italy, Isabel agrees to run her delicatessen. One of the customers, she discovers, has recently had a heart transplant and is now being plagued by memories that cannot be rationally explained and which he feels do not belong to him. Isabel is intrigued. So intrigued that she finds herself rushing headlong into a dangerous investigation. But she still has time to think about the things that possess her — things like love and friendship, and, of course, temptation. The last of these comes in many forms — chocolate, for example, or seductive Italians...

Precious Ramotswe is the only female private detective in Botswana. Her agency — the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency — is the best in the country. She solves a number of difficult — and sometimes dangerous — problems. A missing husband, a missing finger and a missing child — she will solve these mysteries in her own special way.

The second in the series of Alexander McCall Smith's daily novel about the residents of 44 Scotland Street.

As the countdown to Mma Makutsi's wedding begins, all is not as it should be at the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency. While investigating unpleasant occurrences on a southern cattle-post, Mma Ramotswe, always on the side of the weak against the strong, has reason to reflect on Rule No.3 of The Principles of Private Detection: never lie to the client. Apprentice mechanic Charlie seems to be avoiding certain important responsibilities. And as Mma Makutsi's big day approaches, her nemesis Violet Sephotho is casting her net wider: by standing for election which could spell trouble for the entire nation. But as friends and family gather under starry African night skies, it turns out that even the most perplexing of apparitions — and the most shocking of crimes — may yield to rational explanation. And, of course, to Mma Ramotswe's inimitable way with love, intuition and redbush tea.

Precious Ramotswe, that cheerful Botswanan private investigator of traditional build, is now married to Mr J.L.B. Matekoni of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. The Agency is busy, but Mma Ramotswe cannot ignore the plea which is made by a woman who comes to her with a tale of particular misfortune. Unfortunately, her attempts to help are interrupted by a close encounter between her tiny white van and a bicycle, and by a spectacular disagreement between her assistant, Mma Makutsi, and one of the apprentices at the garage. This apprentice has found a fancy girlfriend who drives a Mercedes-Benz. How can he be rescued from his folly? And as for Mma Makutsi, she has found a dancing class, and a man who may not be able to dance very well, but who admires her greatly. And all of this happens against a background of quiet sessions of bush tea, and of a land that stretches out forever under mile upon mile of empty sky...

Fans of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency can now share Alexander McCall Smith with their children An enchanting collection of simple, accessible tales introduced by the author, with integrated hand drawn illustrations High profile marketing campaign promoting both the illustrated children and the adult editions, including national advertising How can a girl possibly have married a lion? How can a man have a tress growing out of his head? And how can a woman have children made of wax? The stories in this collection make these questions seem simple, everyday ones — then supplies simple, everyday answers. Illustrated throughout, these delightful tales will enthrall and captivate children of all ages.

In this fourth volume of the bestselling series — The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, the ever-popular Precious Ramotswe — Botswana`s leading, and only, female private detective — faces a new and unwanted problem: competition.

Highly original `detective` stories with unique setting and characters.

In this third volume of highly original `detective` stories with a unique setting and characters, the irrepressible, Precious Ramotswe faces supreme problems at home and at work.