Alexander McCall Smith Books in Order is a rich collection of fiction, mystery, and literary novels that have gained wide popularity among adult readers around the world. His books are especially loved for their gentle storytelling, thoughtful humor, and strong sense of place.
Many of his stories explore themes such as morality, everyday relationships, kindness, culture, and human behavior, making them both comforting and meaningful to read. Best known for The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Alexander McCall Smith has created memorable characters and long-running series that reflect real-life values and social observations.
Today, he is regarded as one of the most respected contemporary authors in modern literature.
Alexander McCall Smith was born on 24 August 1948 in Bulawayo, Southern Rhodesia (now Zimbabwe). He later moved to Scotland, where he studied law at the University of Edinburgh and went on to earn a PhD in medical law. In the early part of his career, he worked as a law professor and played an important role in helping establish the law faculty at the University of Botswana.
Before becoming a full-time author, Alexander McCall Smith worked in academia and legal studies, building a strong foundation that later influenced his thoughtful and ethical storytelling. He currently lives in Edinburgh, Scotland, and is best known for writing The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. His books often explore themes of morality, kindness, everyday relationships, and human behavior, earning him worldwide recognition.
Publication Order of No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Books
This is the first novel from this novel series that have a total of 22 books, including this one. As Alexander lived his early life in Africa, this novel series from Alexander McCall Smith’s books order shows us the reflection of his life there. The books are about Precious Ramotswe, a thirty-five-year-old lady who is intelligent and observant and lives with the people of Botswana.
The book tells us about the journey of life in Africa. In Botswana, some witch doctors still practice against contemporary medicines. In such an incident, Precious, aka Mma Ramotswe’s father, dies. She inherited the cattle he owned but sold it to an open detective agency run by a woman. She finds great help in the loyal assistance of Grace Matuski. Ramotswe is known for her intelligence, observance, and humorous ways of solving any case.
Tears of Giraffe
It is the second book from the famous No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. The book continues to show the adventures of only lady detective Precious Ramotswe and her loyal assistant Grace Matuski.
As the saga continues, Mma Ramotswe gets the chance to solve the cases of a wayward wife, finds an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who lost many years ago. During these investigations, she found a suitable man named Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni for marriage and got the news of the promotion of her loyal secretary.
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
This is the 12th book from the novel series No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith books in order. This book shows us the detective tales by Botswana’s first and only lady detective Precious Ramotswe.
As usual, Precious, aka Mma Ramotswe, gets busy with investigations in Botswana. In her first case, two cows have been killed in remote cattle from the southern region. Their much-frightened owner needs Mma to solve the case for him that suspects many, including her old client.
Along with this, both Mma and her secretary Grace Matuski are haunted by the vision of her old white van that is resting in a junkyard. They suspect something fishy in this case. Meanwhile, one of the trainees of her beloved husband has been accused of impregnating one girl from the town and is on the run, and Mma is asked to solve the case.
Mma Ramotswe is also sandwiched between Violet Sephotto’s new run for parliament and search for perfect wedding shoes for her beloved secretary Grace’s wedding with Phuthi Radiputi. With so much on her plate, Mma yet again solves every bit of her investigations calmly and intelligently.
Precious and Grace
It is the 17th novel from the famous No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novel series by Alexander McCall Smith. This book shows the graciousness, sympathy, and compassion of Precious, aka Mma Ramotswe, and her loyal assistant, Grace Matuski.
After her recent promotion, Grace is pursuing Mma Ramotswe for the renovation of her long-due office. Midst of this, they both were forced to pay attention to a particular case offered by a Canadian woman. This woman has spent her childhood in a part of Botswana and needs them to find out some missing pieces with the help of one faded photo.
While investigating, Mma Ramotswe and her assistant find the house she used to live in along with her old caretaker. But some things should better be kept a secret. Also, Mma is known for caring and helping nature as far as friends are concerned. Be it helping Mr. Polopetsi, an ill-advised businessman who always attracts some serious troubles, a mechanic next door who is unusually attached to stray dogs that are causing many troubles; she does it all with much greatness.
Conclusion – Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander uses his life experiences and knowledge of medical laws to write some interesting mystery and thriller novel series in Alexander McCall Smith’s books in order. He interestingly uses his life experiences in Africa in his bestselling novel series, No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series.
Top Faq on Alexander McCall Smith
Who is Alexander McCall Smith?
Alexander McCall Smith is a Scottish author, academic, and lawyer, best known for creating The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. He is widely admired for his gentle storytelling, warm humor, and thoughtful exploration of everyday life.
What is Alexander McCall Smith’s most recent book?
One of his most recent releases is In the Time of Five Pumpkins (2025), part of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series.
Does Alexander McCall Smith have upcoming books?
Alexander McCall Smith regularly publishes new books, and while specific titles may vary by region, new releases are expected nearly every year.
