Alexander McCall Smith Books in Order

This reading order guide provides the complete list of Alexander McCall Smith books in order, from the very first to the latest, so you won’t miss anything!

Alexander McCall Smith, often affectionately called “Sandy” by friends and fans alike, is a storyteller like no other. Born on August 24, 1948, in the colonial town of Bulawayo—then part of Southern Rhodesia, now Zimbabwe—his early life in Africa left a deep and lasting impression on him. That influence can be felt in many of his novels, particularly in the rich settings, the rhythm of the language, and the humanity of the characters that fill his pages.

Though born in Africa, McCall Smith holds British citizenship and is widely celebrated in the United Kingdom, especially in the literary and academic circles of Edinburgh, Scotland, where he now resides. He shares his home with his wife Elizabeth, a physician, and they have two daughters, Lucy and Emily. His life in Scotland is a quieter one these days, but it’s still filled with the music he loves—he plays the bassoon as part of the delightfully named Really Terrible Orchestra, which he helped to found. This blend of charm and wit carries into much of his writing.

McCall Smith is not just an author, but also an academic. He is currently Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh, where he previously taught for many years. His contributions to the fields of medical law and bioethics are as respected as his fiction, and he has served on several influential national and international committees, including UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee. But even as he built a serious and commendable academic career, the storyteller in him was never far behind.

His journey into writing began with a competition—he submitted two manuscripts, one a children’s book and the other for adults. To his delight, he won in the children’s category. That moment opened the door to a writing life that would grow into something truly remarkable. During the 1980s and 1990s, McCall Smith published more than thirty books, ranging from academic texts to whimsical tales for young readers.

But it was the creation of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series that truly brought Alexander McCall Smith into the hearts and homes of readers around the world. First published in 1998, the series introduces us to Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s first female private detective. Intelligent, warm-hearted, and deeply rooted in her African culture, Mma Ramotswe became an instant icon. The series paints a vivid picture of life in Botswana—its landscapes, traditions, challenges, and joys—through a lens of gentle humor and quiet wisdom.

Precious Ramotswe’s character was inspired by McCall Smith’s time teaching law in Botswana, where he helped co-found the country’s law school at the University of Botswana in the early 1980s. During his time there, he also co-authored The Criminal Law of Botswana, still considered a key reference in the country’s legal system. His time in Botswana clearly left its mark, and in many ways, his fiction can be seen as a love letter to the land and its people.

While many know McCall Smith for The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, that’s far from the full scope of his literary work. He has penned several other successful series, including 44 Scotland Street, a delightful serialized novel that captures life in Edinburgh through quirky and relatable characters, and The Sunday Philosophy Club, featuring the curious and thoughtful amateur philosopher Isabel Dalhousie. Each series offers something different, yet they all share a common thread: a focus on the quiet intricacies of everyday life, told with warmth, empathy, and a gentle humor that’s become McCall Smith’s trademark.

Beyond fiction, his love for storytelling continues in his children’s books, many of which are filled with imagination and adventure. Whether writing for adults or children, McCall Smith’s style remains uniquely his own—simple, elegant, and deeply human.

Today, Alexander McCall Smith continues to write prolifically, adding new titles to his beloved series while also exploring standalone novels and other creative projects. Though he has stepped back from many of his academic duties, his passion for law, ethics, music, and storytelling continues to shape his work.

From the heart of Africa to the streets of Edinburgh, Alexander McCall Smith has lived a life rich in culture, learning, and connection. His stories speak to something timeless—our desire to understand others, to find meaning in the small moments, and to celebrate kindness in an often-complicated world. For readers new and old, exploring his books is like sitting down for a conversation with an old friend—wise, warm, and always worth your time.