The first book in the multi-million copy bestselling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series

The one where it all begins

Mma Ramotswe is the proud proprietor of the finest ladies' detective agency in all Botswana (also the only one). She spends her time, with a cup of redbush tea beneath the acacia tree, waiting for clients. When they come along, whether it is to enquire after a missing spouse or check the identity of a long-lost father, it is not The Principles of Private Detection that helps her to solve cases but old-fashioned common sense and a warm-hearted understanding of the fallibility of human nature - especially that of men.

'Among the greatest comfort-reads of all time' Sunday Times

'Jolly and exhilarating' Sunday Telegraph

'The Miss Marple of Botswana' New York Times Book Review

'A publishing phenomenon' Guardian

* A highly original 'detective' novel with unique setting and characters, this is the first of four 'Botswana' titles are both beautiful and charming.

About the Author
Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over one hundred books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities.

Reviews
Among the greatest comfort-reads of all time * Sunday Times *
The Miss Marple of Botswana * New York Times Book Review *
A rare pleasure * Daily Telegraph *
A publishing phenomenon * Guardian *
I haven't read anything with such alloyed pleasure for a long time * Sunday Telegraph *
Immersing yourself in Precious Ramotswe's life seems to slow your heart rate while sharpening your senses * Scotsman *
Hugely enjoyable * Sunday Times *
A small slice of heaven * Scotsman *
A unique setting and range of characters... the vivid descriptions of Botswana means it becomes, in essence, another character... A lovely read with a gentle pace that will transport you to a whole other world * Independent *
Precious Ramotswe is so kind, wise and good, and Alexander McCall Smith such a charming and elegant writer... you could read 300 pages of her simply stirring a pumpkin stew and gazing out benevolently at the sandy road in front of her Botswana porch and feel happy -- 20 Best Books to Boost Your Brain and Mood * The Times *
Full of warmth, fun, heat and dust * Daily Mail *
One of the most memorable heroines in any modern fiction * Newsweek *



Book Information
ISBN 9780349116754
Author Alexander McCall Smith
Format Paperback
Page Count 240
Imprint Abacus
Publisher Little, Brown Book Group
Weight(grams) 200g
Dimensions(mm) 196mm * 126mm * 20mm