Alexander McCall Smith is a British writer who mainly writes fiction. His works have been translated into forty-six languages to date. Mostly, he is known for his ongoing series called The no. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. The series has sold over 20 million copies in English editions alone. Although the title promises to be a detective story, the books provide a rather chill story that can be considered a cozy tea-time mystery with a hint of “slice of life”. They are not super mysterious or action-packed stories following the detective. Instead, they are warm stories following the main character as she solves small cases and gives lessons on love and life.
If you are looking for mysteries that will make you think and force you to question things, then let us inform you that these books won’t satisfy you. These aren’t your typical “whodunit” sort of mysteries. This is a book you can read when you are seeking comfort or if you want to read books from different countries of the world. Alexander writes these books very well, and if you are a reader who is just starting with these books, then you can follow this reading order for all his books.
Also Read: How To Read Jeffrey Archer Books In Order?
- No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency Series
The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Precious Ramotswe has started her own business as Botswana’s No. one and only lady private detective. Sitting in her office, she has a secretary and clients as well. She is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man and follow a wayward daughter all at once. But, when an 11-year-old boy goes missing, who may have been taken by the witch doctors, she finds herself in grave danger.
Tears Of The Giraffe
Precious Ramotswe, the sassy woman, is the owner and private detective of Botswana’s sole Ladies’ detective agency. Among her cases right now are wayward wives, immoral maids, and a lost boy. In addition to that, her secretary has been promoted, and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has proposed to Ramotswe. Follow Ramotswe as she uncovers these new mysteries and climbs the stairs in both her personal and professional lives.
Morality For Beautiful Girls
Precious Ramotswe is back again, and this time she is investigating the alleged poisoning of the brother of a rather important government official. Along with that, there’s another case to investigate as well. They must establish the moral character of the four beauty contestants. Additionally, Ramotswe’s fiancé is suffering from a bout of depression, and her own business is facing money-related issues. How will she overcome every problem and solve these cases too?
The Kalahari Typing School For Men
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency has been established, and now, Precious Ramotswe can look upon her life with pride. She is in her late thirties, which is the finest age to be. But it’s not just that. She now has a house, countless satisfied customers, a good fiancé, and even two children who complete her life. However, as it is, life is never without its problems, and Ramotswe’s life is no exception. She will soon learn her adopted son is responsible for a dead hoopoe bird, and her rival is opening a detective agency across town. The only question is, will she be able to save the day or not?
The Full Cupboard Of Life
Precious Ramotswe has been engaged to her fiancé for a long time, but she doesn’t want to pressurize him about the wedding. She knows they both have other important matters to handle as well. She has been approached by a wealthy lady to check up on suitors who seem to be interested in her money. Meanwhile, her fiancé Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has some work requested of him by Mma Potokwani. Once again, will Ramotswe’s personal life take a back seat while she focuses on her work?
In The Company Of Cheerful Ladies
Precious Ramotswe finds herself overly beset by problems when a visitor arrives, forcing her to confront a secret from her past. Work has been busier than usual lately for her. Additionally, she is concerned about a strange intruder in her house on Zebra Drive. Her husband has been overburdened with work as well. With everything that seems to plot up against her, what will Ramotswe do?
Blue Shoes And Happiness
Precious Ramotswe has a lot of work to do right now. A cobra has been found in her office, and a nurse from a local medical clinic reveals something shocking. Furthermore, Botswana has a new advice columnist whose advice doesn’t suit her taste. On top of all this mess, Precious Ramotswe is considering beginning a proper diet. It seems like work and life are all burdening our sassy woman this time.
The Good Husband Of Zebra Drive
Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s premier lady detective, navigates her professional and personal life with wisdom, good humor, and the occasional cup of tea. But with so much happening in her life on both fronts, will this good humor and wisdom suffice? First of all, she is facing staffing issues after her assistant decides to leave the agency. Then, her husband asks her to be put in charge of a case that involves an errant husband but will it do the job efficiently?
Additionally, she must also look into other cases, such as an unexpected series of deaths at the hospital in Mochudi and missing office supplies at a local printing company. Life might be getting tricky for her, but she knows that no matter what, she can always count on Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, her husband who is her rock in an unsteady world.
The Miracle At Speedy Motors
Precious Ramotswe can always find something to do to help someone. This time, she finds herself assisting a woman looking for her family, but it’s not that simple. The woman in desperate need of help doesn’t even know her real name or whether her family members are still alive. This is a rather peculiar problem for Ramotswe, who wants to help her.
Meanwhile, her husband has reached Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. A doctor promised a miracle cure to Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni for his daughter’s condition, but Ramotswe doesn’t trust this doctor. However, when it comes to her, it’s obvious that Ramotswe will handle it all in her natural compassionate way, accompanied by her cup of tea.
Tea Time For The Traditionally Built
Precious Ramotswe’s beloved tiny white van has recently developed a disturbing noise seemingly out of nowhere. She turns to her husband for help, who also happens to be one of the most talented mechanics in Botswana. However, she suspects that Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni might condemn her van and simply replace it with something new and modern. Ramotswe is also hired to help a local football team. She has never seen a football match in her life, yet she must help the team to explain the dreadful losing streak. Ramotswe has a lot of work to do and she will surely succeed once she puts her mind to them.
The Double Comfort Safari Club
Precious Ramotswe finds herself in the remote and striking Okavango Delta of Botswana. One of the former guests at the safari camp has left a large sum of money with one of the guides, and she must find out what is actually going on. She will soon learn that something is quite not right at the camp. Later, a local priest and his wife independently approach her with their concerns about infidelity. She finds herself in a tricky situation, but with patience, kindness, and good sense, everything will certainly work out.
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
Precious Ramotswe is hired by a cattle farmer whose two cows were maimed to investigate these killings. Meanwhile, her secretary Grace Makutsi plans her long-awaited wedding to Phuti Radiphuti and deals with a greedy uncle. Ramotswe’s husband, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, is facing his own problems. His apprentice has run away under pressure to wed, so what will he do now? Also, Violet Sephotho is running for the Botswana Parliament this time. Things are about to get really crazy for these people.
The Limpopo Academy Of Private Detection
Precious Ramotswe has been busy nowadays since her personal and professional lives have become entangled. The best apprentice at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors is in trouble, and her own assistant is building the dream house with her husband, but their builder isn’t very good. Moreover, Mma Potokwani has been dismissed from her post. Ramotswe won’t sit back and watch her friends being mistreated, so with the help of her loved ones and an unexpected visitor, she will bring justice to the people who have been wronged.
The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon
Precious Ramotswe has been hired for two different cases. The first case revolves around a man who might be falsely claiming to be a farmer’s nephew just to inherit his inheritance. While the other case focuses on the Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon. The salon’s opening has been shadowed by misfortune and there’s a rumor swirling about the place as well. Also, Makutsi might be pregnant. Ramotswe can’t be sure of it since Makutsi isn’t telling her anything. How will Ramotswe confront Makutsi while managing her cases too?
The Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café
A woman with no memory has been taken in by a pair of kindhearted siblings. Precious Ramotswe, along with her new co-director, must discover the woman’s identity that is only known as “Mrs.” Mma Makutsi, the co-director of the agency now, has launched her new enterprise as well but she might not be as prepared as she believed herself to be. Precious Ramotswe will solve the cases while helping her loved ones and learning what true friendship really is.
The Woman Who Walked In Sunshine
For the first time, business is slow for Precious Ramotswe to the point that she has reluctantly agreed to take a holiday from work. What should have been a week of uninterrupted peace turns into work when she meets a young boy named Samuel. The boy screams troublemaker but soon, she discovers that he himself is in some trouble. Ramotswe is determined to help him out of his situation. Additionally, she is worried about her agency and how it is faring in her absence. When she learns Makutsi is handling a complicated case, she is worried more than ever. However, in the end, she is only human, and there’s only so much she can do.
Precious And Grace
Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi have taken an unusual case this time. A young Canadian woman who spent her early childhood in Botswana is looking for the house she lived in, and she has arrived at the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency seeking help. But, with only a faded photograph to guide them, will they be able to help the woman?
The House Of Unexpected Sisters
Precious Ramotswe is confused when she hears of a local nurse named Mingie Ramotswe. She doesn’t know this mystery lady who happens to share the same last name as her. Soon, she is informed that an unpleasant figure from her past has been spotted in the town. She doesn’t want to meet him and does her best to avoid him, but it’s difficult to do so when the man specifically seeks her out. This is the time Ramotswe will re-learn the meaning of the family one is born with, and the family one chooses.
The Colours Of All The Cattle
One day, Mma Potokwane suggested that Precious Ramotswe run for a seat on the Gaborone City Council. Reluctant at first, she is easily persuaded when she learns that the developers plan to build a hotel next to a graveyard. She doesn’t want to guarantee anything, and it’s showcased in her slogan that says she can’t promise anything, but she shall do her best. Meanwhile, she has a new case to work on as well. Her new client happens to be one of her late father’s old friends. The good-natured Ramotswe will do everything to help her community once again.
To The Land Of Long Lost Friends
Precious Ramotswe reconnects with an old friend who opens up about her problems with her daughter. She wants to help, but she very well knows that family matters are a delicate affair. It seems that the young woman is involved with a preacher, but it’s not sure whether his ministrations are entirely of a godly nature or what. This time, Ramotswe will find herself reminding everyone around her what love and family mean.
How To Raise An Elephant
Precious Ramotswe, along with the rest of the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, finds herself taking care of and raising a pipsqueak pachyderm. They say it takes a village to raise a child, so what will it take to raise this pipsqueak pachyderm? It appears that Ramotswe must call upon her maternal instincts in this case.
The Joy And Light Bus Company
Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi are hired by a concerned son. He recently learned that his aging father’s nurse would be inheriting the family home. The son is worried and doubts the nurse’s intentions. Seeking help, he has now reached the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Meanwhile, Ramotswe’s husband wants to begin a new business venture. Ramotswe as always, will ensure that everyone involved finds the happiness they deserve and proper justice is served.
A Song Of Comfortable Chairs
Precious Ramotswe appears uncomfortable with Makutsi’s behavior, but she doesn’t complain. This time, Makutsi currently has two problems to deal with. One includes a troubled teenage son of one of her old friends, while the other includes problems related to her husband’s business. But as always, Ramotswe along with Makutsi and Potokwani, will solve these problems and set all things on the right path.
Professor Dr. Von Igelfeld Entertainment aka Portuguese Irregular Verbs
- Portuguese Irregular Verbs
- The Finer Points Of Sausage Dogs
- At The Villa Of Reduced Circumstances
- Unusual Uses For Olive Oil
- Your Inner Hedgehog
Isabel Dalhousie
- The Sunday Philosophy Club
- Friends, Lovers, Chocolate
- The Right Attitude To Rain
- The Careful Use Of Compliments
- The Comforts Of A Muddy Saturday
- The Lost Art Of Gratitude
- The Charming Quirks Of Others
- The Forgotten Affairs Of Youth
- The Perils Of Morning Coffee
- The Uncommon Appeal Of Clouds
- The Novel Habits Of Happiness
- A Distant View Of Everything
- The Quiet Side Of Passion
- The Geometry Of Holding Hands
- The Sweet Remnants Of Summer
44 Scotland Street
- 44 Scotland Street
- Espresso Tales
- Love Over Scotland
- The World According To Bertie
- The Unbearable Lightness Of Scones
- The Importance Of Being Seven
- Bertie Plays The Blues
- Sunshine On Scotland Street
- Bertie’s Guide To Life And Mothers
- The Revolving Door Of Life
- The Bertie Project
- A Time Of Love And Tartan
- The Peppermint Tea Chronicles
- A Promise Of Ankles
- Love In The Time Of Bertie
Corduroy Mansions
- Corduroy Mansions
- The Dog Who Came In From The Cold
- A Conspiracy Of Friends
The School Ship Tobermory
- School Ship Tobermory
- The Sands Of Shark Island
- The Race To Kangaroo Cliff
- The Secret Of The Dark Waterfall
Paul Stuart
- My Italian Bulldozer
- The Second-Worst Restaurant In France
Detective Varg
- The Department Of Sensitive Crimes
- The Talented Mr. Varg
- The Man With The Silver Saab
Akimbo
- Akimbo And The Lions
- Akimbo And The Crocodile Man
- Akimbo And The Elephants
- Akimbo And The Snakes
- Akimbo And The Baboons
Harriet Bean
- The Five Lost Aunts Of Harriet Bean
- Harriet Bean And The League Of Cheats
- The Cowgirl Aunt Of Harriet Bean
Max & Maddy
- Max & Maddy And The Chocolate Money Mystery
- Max & Maddy And The Bursting Balloons Mystery
Precious Ramotswe’s Very First Cases
- Precious And The Monkeys
- Precious And The Mystery Of Meerkat Hill
- Precious And The Mystery Of The Missing Lion
- Precious And The Zebra Necklace
The Big-Top Mysteries
- The Case Of The Vanishing Granny
- The Great Clown Conundrum
Other Books For Adults
- La’s Orchestra Saves The World
- Trains And Lovers
- The Forever Girl
- Fatty O’Leary’s Dinner Party
- The Good Pilot Peter Woodhouse
- The Pavilion In The Clouds
- The Exquisite Art Of Getting Even
Children’s Books
- The Perfect Hamburger And Other Delicious Stories
- Calculator Annie
- The Popcorn Pirates
- The Doughnut Ring
- Paddy And The Ratcatcher
- The Muscle Machine
- The Bubblegum Tree
- Teacher Trouble
- Freddie Mole, Lion Tamer
- Max Champion And The Great Race Car Robbery
Also Read: The Legend Of Bigfoot: The Mystery Of Its Existence?
