Alexander McCall Smith Books In Order

Book links take you to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn money from qualifying purchases.

Publication Order of No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Books

Publication Order of No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Collections

Publication Order of Professor Dr. Von Igelfeld Books

Publication Order of Isabel Dalhousie Books

Publication Order of Isabel Dalhousie Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of 44 Scotland Street Books

Publication Order of Myths Books

Publication Order of Corduroy Mansions Books

Publication Order of The School Ship Tobermory Books

Publication Order of The Perfect Passion Company Books

Publication Order of Paul Stuart Books

Publication Order of Detective Varg Books

Publication Order of Detective Varg Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Akimbo Books

with LeUyen Pham

Publication Order of Harriet Bean Books

Publication Order of Max & Maddy Books

Publication Order of Precious Ramotswe's Very First Cases Books

Publication Order of Young Corgi Books

Publication Order of The Big-Top Mysteries Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Children's Books

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Austen Project Books

Publication Order of Mysterious Profiles Books

Publication Order of Writers on Writers Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

Alexander McCall Smith also known as Sandy was born in 24th August in 1948. He was born in Africa, Bulawayo Rhodesia present day Zimbabwe. He holds a United Kingdom citizenship and is a British National.

Alexander McCall Smith is an academic who writes Fiction books specifically crime fiction. He also writes children’s books and academic non-fiction books. Alexander McCall Smith’s Life The author was born in Bulawayo, which was a British colony at the time.

The country was known as Southern Rhodesia. Alexander McCall Smith’s father worked as a public prosecutor in British colony of Southern Rhodesia. He was raised in a Christian family and grew up a God loving son. Most of his books have an African depiction in them with the covers showing his African heritage.

All these were influenced by his early life in Africa and his interaction with the natives. The author lives in Scotland. Alexander McCall Smith lives in Edinburgh Scotland with his wife Elizabeth. Elizabeth is a physician. They have two daughters Lucy and Emily.

He is currently an Emeritus professor at the University of Edinburgh University School of law. The academic is known to be an amateur bassoonist and a founding member of the really terrible Orchestra. He has played a significant role in developing the future of Botswana both as a lawyer and through his social skills. 

The author is a Rhodesian born British writer who lived in Zimbabwe before moving to the United Kingdom. He spent most of his lifetime in Africa. He is currently an emeritus profession of medical law. He is a professor at the University of Edinburgh where he still dispenses academic service.

In United Kingdom Alexander McCall Smith is a respected medical law and bioethics professional. He has served in various capacities in his profession including being in the British and International committees that tackle issues relating to medical law and bioethics. In addition to being a professor in these two fields, he is a fiction writer.

Alexander McCall Smith education journey started in Zimbabwe where he studies at the Christian Brothers College. He then moved to Scotland where like his father, He studied law at the University of Edinburgh. He earned his PhD in law from the university and started his teaching career. Alexander McCall Smith taught at law Queen’s University Belfast.

While a teacher at the university, he participated in a literary competition. He entered two books, which were a children’s book and a novel for adults. He won the children’s category in the competition. After winning, Alexander McCall Smith went ahead and published around thirty books between the 1980s and the 1990s.

In 1981, Alexander McCall Smith returned to Southern Africa where he taught law at the University of Botswana which he co-founded. In Botswana, Alexander McCall Smith is credited for co-authoring the only academic book in Botswana’s legal system.

The book is called The criminal law of Botswana. The book was published in 1992. After a remarkable life in Botswana, the author retuned to Scotland in 1984 where he lives today. Alexander McCall Smith was the former chairperson of the British Medical Journal ethics committee until 2002.

He is the former vice chairperson of the Human Genetics Commission in UK. He is also a former member of UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee. Currently, the author has relieved himself of these responsibilities and is focusing on his career as a writer.

Alexander McCall Smith’s writing career As earlier indicated, Alexander McCall Smith has around thirty books to his name. Once he became an avid writer he focused on writing and published many books during that period.

His first popular book was the White Hippo. The White Hippo is a children’s novel that was published in 1980. A stream of Children’s book followed as the author relieved himself from academic scripts that he use to write.

Alexander McCall Smith has also done a number of series such as 1. Ladies Detective Agency series that has fourteen books, 44 Scotland street series that has nine books, and the Sunday Philosophy Club series. He also has a number of novels and short stories to his name.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency The book is based on the life of the people of Botswana. It is about a Precious Ramotswe. Precious Ramotswe is a thirty five year old lady who is intelligent and observant. It is the first book in The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.

The book takes you through a journey of life in Africa. It is more of a contest between contemporary medicine and the witchdoctors who still offer medical solutions to people in Africa particularly Botswana. Mma Ramotswe’s father dies.

She inherits the cattle that he owned. Amazingly, she sells the cattle to open a detective agency. It is an agency that is run by a woman. His business is tracking missing husbands, daughters, sons, and witch doctors. The book also depicts the conflict in religion between Christianity and Africa traditional sects. The main protagonists in the book Precious Ramotswe, is a detective.

She solves crimes that have been committed in the Southern African country through her intellect and detailed analysis of events. She is a genius who cannot let any crime evade her intellect. The Kalahari Typing School for Men The book The Kalahari Typing School for Men is the fourth book in The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. The story is still about Precious Ramotswe.

Precious Ramotswe has been the leading and the only female detective around. However, in this book, she faces competition. Her position as a leading detective is challenged as another detective agency is opened. This time, a man leads it. Not just any other man, but a man that has international experience. She has to do something about it otherwise her legacy fades.

In the book, the author brings an intimate part of Precious Ramotswe. The book ends well. In the book, McCall Smith brings out the characters in his typical simple fashion. Nevertheless, the books nourish the soul as you get to know the characters intimately. He portrays Africa as a beautiful place with descriptive words that take you there.

Book Series In Order » Authors » Alexander McCall Smith

20 Responses to “Alexander McCall Smith”

1. Mary Mathieu: 1 year ago

   I’ve read every book available in the library by Alexander McCall Smith. Now I am rereading them and enjoying them all over again. Thank you so much Mr. Smith for the wonderful characters and stories. Cannot thank you enough for giving me such pleasure in reading. Mary.

   Reply
2. Rani Khan: 1 year ago

   I have all the series and still collecting. Love reading Alexander McCall Smith’s books. I was very lucky to receive an video voice message from the great author while I was flying back from Spain. My daughter was at the Hay-On-Wye Book Festival and that’s how she met Alexander McCall Smith and said that I was No.1 fan. I have not deleted the message and keep on reading over and over again. I watched the film too No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. Just love the your books Alexander it brings all the memories back as I am from Africa.

   Reply
3. Judy: 2 years ago

   I’ve read all the #1 Detective Agency books several times on Audible Books. I fall asleep listening to them. They are very relaxing.

   Reply
4. Madeleine L Green: 2 years ago

   I have read all the books in each series, as well as his individual books and some children’s books.
   Love them all Waiting for some new ones. How does he find the time to do so much writing?

   Reply
5. Sandy tenorio: 2 years ago

   His books are extraordinary. When I am going through a bad day his books help more than I could imagine. I have cancer and a stroke and can only type with one finger. His books are extraordinary. Sensitive, kind, and so appreciative of goodness in each other. I hope I live long enough to read most of these books. God bless you, Alexander McCall Smith❤️

   Reply
6. Dervilla Wynne: 2 years ago

   Alexander McCall Smith is without doubt a philosopher similar to CS Lewis……He lifts my spirit & always encourages hope. I love his characters & his descriptions of grub make my mouth water. He “gets” the magic of art, music, poetry, nature & celebrates the idiocentric. His descriptive style is like an open fire – no pretense or formulaic stuff – comfort & all about kindness – the currency flows….
   A million thanks Sandy – come back to ireland soon 🙋‍♀️

   Reply
7. colin walters: 3 years ago

   ive become an addict, reading his books keep me sane in this crazy times. How does one man know so much about his fellow man womanchild dog. keep us happy dont stop. many thanks colin

   Reply
8. Joan Mildenstein: 3 years ago

   I am trying to read the No. 1 Detective Series by MacCall Smith in order. I read At the Villa of Reduced Circumstances as the second book. Now I can’t even find it on your list. Can you help solve this mystery?

   Reply
   • Graeme: 3 years ago

     Yep 🙂 That book isn’t part of that series. It is the third book in the Professor Dr. von Igelfeld series.

     Reply
9. Doreen Sherlaw: 3 years ago

   Just finishing the Cordury Mansions series. Dare I hope for a fourth book in this series?

   Reply
10. Vikki Belling: 3 years ago

    I am a massive fan of A McCall Smith and am trying to locate everyone of his books. Thanks for the help. Wish me luck!

    Reply
    • Graeme: 3 years ago

      Good luck 🙂

      Reply
11. Amy Stephen: 3 years ago

    Sending out kudos to Alexander McCall Smith. Just finished reading all the all the books in the ladies detective agency series. Love Precious and her determination to help those in need. Just started the Isabel Dalhousie series. Currently on book 6 Can’t get enough of this delightful character and Jamie. I also appreciate the use of words unfamiliar to me. We’re never too old to learn and the author does keep me on my toes. This series evokes many memories from my childhood in the 50s. Please keep writing and writing and writing. I promise to keep reading and reading and reading.

    Reply
12. Laurel Dunbar: 3 years ago

    I discovered AMcS’s books in the 90’s beginning with The No 1 Ladies Detective Series which I listened to on CD on my way to work every day and have read every book in every series (incl children’s books) and love, love, love all of them!! My 2 favorite characters are Precious & Bertie. Had the opportunity to see the charming Mr M Mr Mc-Smith prior to Covid epidemic at the Akron, OH library where he gave a wonderful interview and afterwards conducted a delightful q&a with the audience, wearing, of course, his classic tartan “skirt”. Everyone there (packed house) was excited throughout and all were sorry to see the afternoon end. Afterwards anyone who wanted to meet him (who wouldn’t?) lined up. The friend I was with made a beautiful large quilt depicting scenes from the No.1 Ladies series and the library had it on display for quite awhile. A McCall-Smith was very touched by it and spoke at length as well as photographed himself with the maker of the quilt!! She was thrilled. Thank you AMcS for all the joy you’ve brought to your avid readers.

    Reply
13. William Wandell, PhD: 4 years ago

    I have ALL of Alexander McCall Smith’s books and have read them all (some several times, being 93 years old) I have also donated several “extra” copies to those who do not yet know and value this man. I really appreciate all of the wonderful comments others have made here. I was fortunate to experience him here in Houston a few years ago. What a man!!

    Reply
14. jeannie hall: 4 years ago

    Hurray for Alexander Mccall Smith – long may he write. Books by this wonderful man, and TV concerts by Andre Rieu have kept me sane in these difficult times.

    Reply
15. Sally Straot: 4 years ago

    To A. McCall Smith
    A short story in two or three pages? Amazing! Delightful! You are a genius. Thank you, Alexander, for enriching my life.
    Sally Strait

    Reply
16. Nancy Stephenson: 4 years ago

    I am 91 years old and have read everyone of this delightful author’s books. Currently, I am reading The Inner Hedgehog – what a hoot!! In this time of Covid, it is fantastic to be able to transport your mind to pages of humour and love. Thank God for Alexander McCall Smith. May he make us laugh for many years to come!

    Reply
17. Patricia Grace: 4 years ago

    I’ve read many of Alexander McCall Smith’s books in the past and have loved reading every one of them. Recently, having suffered from depression due to COVID isolation, I went to the library and picked up several more of his books. I’m now on a path, armed with the list provided here (and which I am about to print) of reading every single one of his books! Reading books by this author is lifting my spirits more and more as each day goes by. God Bless Him and God Bless his publishers who apparently recognize his healing genius through works of art. I am 83 years of age.

    Reply
18. Dolores Molello: 4 years ago

    I am on the second book of the series. I find them delightful and can’t wait to read the rest!

    Reply