Alexander McCall Smith is a British-Zimbabwean writer and Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh. He was born in Zimbabwe and spent his growing years in Africa. Therefore, he has a sense of belonging and fondness for more than one location of homeland, and that is evident in his many series.
44 Scotland Street is set in Edinburgh, as is the nosy Scottish philosopher detective series featuring Isabel Dalhousie. The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is set in Botswana. I love how he includes insider information and little nods to politics and places and cultural habits of both Scottish and African locales. I’ve never been to Scotland but his series makes me feel like I know Edinburgh a little, and makes me want to visit when that becomes possible again. I did live in Africa myself for 20 years, and if I were ever to teach a course about African culture, I would be tempted to use his No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series as a textbook.
My favourite thing about this author, besides his astute philosophical points, is that he plays the bassoon and co-founded the Really Terrible Orchestra, revealing both his delightful sense of humour and his celebration of the amateur (doing something you love even if it’s messy and you are not terribly good at it).
I’m extremely chuffed to say I finally got to the end of one of his lengthy series, this being the last instalment of 44 Scotland Street to date. This author is prolific, and I’ve always said McCall Smith writes books faster than I can read them! In this latest instalment Bertie and Stuart catch a break with Irene moving to Aberdeen, Ranald Braveheart Macpherson and Bertie have a secret adventure to the circus and come back with a remarkable souvenir, Bruce messes up his love life once again, and Matthew brings a number of different people together in interesting ways!
One of my greatest pleasures when I lived in the UK was an annual trip to Daunt Books, my favourite bookstore in London, when the author would do an evening talk. Listening to him chuckle and chat about his many endearing characters was pure bookish pleasure. This interview gives you an idea of 44 Scotland Series and the author:
Joanne's Reading Blog 
What’s the best one in the series 44 Scotland? I love the No 1 Ladies series.
Hi Nandy!
So there are two series I think you might like. The Sunday Philosophy Club is the first instalment in a series featuring Isabel Dalhousie. She lives in Edinburgh and is an unusual combination of philosopher and amateur detective. In the midst of solving crimes she entertainingly ponders the mysteries of life and of course as the series progresses her own character grows and develops. (https://www.alexandermccallsmith.com/series/sunday-philosophy-club-series)
44 Scotland Street series begins with an instalment of the same name. The series follows a number of different people who live in a fictitious apartment block in Edinburgh. My favourite character is Bertie, a five year boy who has an annoyingly overbearing mother and a friend named Tofu (his parents are vegan). (https://www.alexandermccallsmith.com/series/44-scotland-street)
I needed to read an Alexander McCall Book!! I checked Libby and fortunately I could borrow an ebook audio copy of Peppermint Tea. What treat!
Now ready for Canada reads books- Again Libby to the rescue! After listening to Tom Power’s interview this morning with Paul Sun-Hyung an
Copy of Hench .
Looking forward to your review of Johny Appleseed.
Hi Joan! Thanks for this. Yes, McCall Smith is always a treat! Glad you liked it! I have a couple more from other series to finish and then I’ll be all caught up. Yes, Canada reads. I’ve already finished Jonny Appleseed and soon will start Midnight Bargain. I was lucky to get them from the library quickly. Will definitely listen to today’s Q! Thanks for the reminder. I listened to Robert Jones Jr. at the start of Q this morning, which was very interesting (Black Queer story) because there are a lot of parallels with Jonny Appleseed (Indigenous Queer story). But then I left, forgetting about Hench! I’ll go back and find it in the podcast. Thanks! Happy Canada Reads reading!