Alexander McCall Smith Bücher

Der New-York-Times-Bestseller als deutsche Erstausgabe! Ihr neuester Auftrag führt Mma Ramotswe in ein Safaricamp im wunderschönen Okavango-Delta. Eine amerikanische Touristin hat nämlich einem der dortigen Führer eine stattliche Geldsumme hinterlassen – doch leider ist komplett unklar, welchem. Die Kodetektivin Grace Makutsi ist währenddessen mit einem großen persönlichen Problem konfrontiert: Ihr Verlobter hat einen schweren Autounfall erlitten. Seine Tante kommt, um ihn zu pflegen – allerdings mit nicht ganz lauteren Absichten ...

Neue Fälle stehen an für Mma Ramotswe, die traditionell gebaute Chefin der ersten und einzigen Frauendetektei Botswanas. Eine Frau, die im Waisenhaus aufgewachsen ist, bittet sie, ihre Familie aufzuspüren. Ein äußerst schwieriges Unterfangen, wie sich schnell herausstellt. Noch beunruhigender allerdings sind die hasserfüllten Drohbriefe, die in der Detektei eingehen. Doch so leicht ist Mma Ramotswe nicht aus der Bahn zu werfen.

Mma Ramotswe ist traditionell gebaut, sie trinkt Unmengen Rotbuschtee – und löst dabei die heikelsten Fälle. Was etwa hat es mit dem Unglücksbett im Krankenhaus von Mochudi auf sich? Wer stiehlt Büromaterial aus der Druckerei? Und hat die unhöflichste Frau Botswanas einen Ehebrecher zum Mann? Zum Glück finden Mma Ramotswes scharfer Verstand sowie ihre tiefe Menschenliebe für alles eine Lösung.

Mma Ramotswe betreibt die einzige Frauen-Detektei Botswanas, wo sie sich mit Intuition und Menschenkenntnis der heiklen Fälle ihrer Klienten annimmt. Der britische Erfolgsautor setzt mit diesem Roman seine 'New York Times“'-Bestseller-Reihe fort und stellt 'sein außerordentliches Talent zum Geschichten erzählen und seine bestechende Kenntnis des afrikanischen Alltags unter Beweis' (Los Angeles Times). Nicht selten drehen sich die Fälle von Precious Ramotswe um Untreue – ein Feld, auf dem ihr keiner mehr etwas vormacht. Doch eines Morgens steht in ihrem kleinen Büro über der Autowerkstatt ihres Mannes eine Frau mit einem anderen Problem: Unfreiwillig ist die junge Köchin der Universitätskantine in eine Erpressung verwickelt worden und braucht nun Hilfe. Wenig später wird Mma Ramotswe auch noch darum gebeten, herauszufinden, was für ein düsteres Geheimnis seit einiger Zeit das Klima im Wildreservat Mokolodi vergiftet, ob der liebenswürdige ugandische Doktor Lugeba in seiner Praxis Medikamentenmissbrauch betreibt und, nicht zuletzt, ob der frischgebackene Verlobte ihrer Assistentin auf Abwege geraten ist. Aber viel heißer Rotbuschtee, Ausdauer und ein ausgeprägtes Gespür für die Widersprüche zwischen Modernität und Tradition im Botswana des 21. Jahrhunderts führen die couragierte Detektivin am Ende immer zur Lösung.

Precious Mma Ramotswe, intelligent, pfiffig, und mit einem Hang zu philosophischen Betrachtungen, hat nach dem Tod ihres sehr geliebten Vaters genug Geld, um eine Detektivagentur aufzumachen. Dort sitzt sie oft mit ihrer Sekretärin, trinkt heißen Tee und wartet stundenlang auf Kunden. In diesem Buch, "Der zweite Fall der ÝNo 1 LadiesÔ Detective AgencyÜ", kommt eine Weiße in das Detektivbüro, eine Amerikanerin, die ihren vor 10 Jahren in der Wüste spurlos verschollenen Sohn sucht. Dieser Fall fordert von Mma Ramotswe ganzes detektivisches Können. Leichter dagegen ist schon der Fall des unglücklichen Ehemannes, der seine Frau der Untreue verdächtigt. Hier kommt Mma Makutsi zum Zuge, die Mma Ramotswe als hochmotivierte Hilfsdetektivin unterstützt. Zum Glück, denn auch Mma Ramotswes Privatleben hat so einige Überraschungen zu bieten ...

Erneut lässt McCall Smith seine liebenswerten Figuren die Höhen und Tiefen des Alltags durchleben: Während Studentin Pat auf Wolf trifft, der seinem Namen alle Ehre macht und sich als ernsthafte Gefahr für ihr Gefühlsleben erweist, soll Bertie an einem Konzert in Paris teilnehmen. Doch der hochintelligente Sechsjährige amüsiert sich lieber als Straßenmusiker und bringt damit seine Mutter an den Rand eines Nervenzusammenbruchs.

Mma Ramotswe, intelligent, pfiffig und mit einem Hang zu philosophischen Betrachtungen, hat vor einiger Zeit ein Detektivbüro am Rande der Kalahari aufgemacht. Ihr neuster Fall: Sie wird von einem hohem Regierungsbeamten mit der Auflösung eines Vergiftungskomplotts beauftragt - und stellt plötzlich an sich selbst Vergiftungserscheinungen fest. Unterdessen versucht Hilfsdetektivin Mma Makutsi herauszufinden, welche dunklen Geheimnisse die potenziellen Schönheitsköniginnen von Botswana umgeben. Klar, dass alle Fälle von den beiden Detektivinnen souverän, mit viel Einfühlungsvermögen und Humor gelöst werden.

Wenn es etwas gibt, womit sich botswanische Detektivinnen weniger auskennen als Männer, so ist es Fußball. Daher ist es ein leidiger Zufall, dass sich Mma Ramotswe in ihrem neuen Fall ausgerechnet mit den Kalahari Swoopers beschäftigen muss: Deren mächtiger Boss fürchtet, dass ein Verräter im Team absichtlich Spiele sabotiert. Ein äußerst heikler Fall also, bei dem unglücklicherweise auch die Ko-Detektivin Grace Makutsi wenig helfen kann, da ihr privat eine Katastrophe droht ...

Mma Ramotswe hat Konkurrenz bekommen. Bisher betrieb sie das einzige Detektivbüro in Garbarone, der Hauptstadt Botswanas. Ein paar Straßen weiter stellt nun jedoch ein ehemaliger Polizist ebenfalls seine Dienste als Privatermittler bereit. Und dieser Mann macht Mma Ramotswe das Leben schwer: Ein Macho, wie er im Buche steht, einer, der in Johannisburg und New York gelebt hat und somit glaubt zu wissen, was die Welt bewegt.

Mma Ramotswe und ihr Beruf sind einzigartig. In Afrika, am Rande der Kalahari in Botswana, betreibt sie die einzige Detektivagentur des Landes. Witz, subtile Menschenkenntnis, die atmosphärisch dichte Schilderung des Alltags in Botswana und wunderschöne Landschaftsbeschreibungen machen diese ungewöhnliche Detektivgeschichte zu einem höchst vergnüglichen Leseerlebnis.

Mma Ramotswe und ihr Beruf sind einzigartig. In Afrika, am Rande der Kalahari in Botswana, betreibt sie die einzige Detektivagentur des Landes. Witz, subtile Menschenkenntnis, die atmosphärisch dichte Schilderung des Alltags in Botswana und wunderschöne Landschaftsbeschreibungen machen diese ungewöhnliche Detektivgeschichte zu einem höchst vergnüglichen Leseerlebnis.

Die charmant neurotischen Bewohner der 44 Scotland Street sind zurück! Wieder gibt es kleine Katastrophen, große Alltagsdramen und bittersüße Glücksmomente. Alexander McCall Smiths Romane verkaufen sich in den USA millionenfach. Nach seiner Serie "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency„ entwickelt sich auch seine neue Serie “44 Scotland Street" zu einem Bestseller.

Wohlhabend, attraktiv, liebenswert - und dennoch einsam: Isabel Dalhouise weiß einiges über Sehnsüchte zu erzählen. Doch anstatt ihr eigenes Glück zu suchen, fühlt sich die Philosophin dem ihrer Mitmenschen verpflichtet. Isabel, 41, Erbin eines großen Vermögens, das sie durch anonyme Spenden laufend verkleinert und in ihr Werk - die 'Zeitschrift für angewandte Ethik' - einbringt, ist nicht etwa neugierig. Vielmehr leitet sie aus jeder Begegnung mit anderen, und sei sie noch so flüchtig, eine gewisse moralische Bindung ab. Als sie bei einer Vernissage in Edinburgh auf ein ungewöhnliches Paar aus den Vereinigten Staaten trifft, spürt sie eine seltsam bedrohliche Spannung zwischen den beiden Besuchern. Sie beschließt, das Geheimnis zu lüften, das zwischen den Eheleuten zu schweben scheint. Und die Liebe gibt ihr noch mehr Rätsel auf. Warum sieht ihre engste Vertraute und Nichte Cat nicht, dass ihr neuer Verehrer sie enttäuschen wird? Und wie soll sie ihrem vierzehn Jahre jüngeren Weggefährten Hugo ihre Liebe gestehen, ohne die Freundschaft aufs Spiel zu setzen? In einer Stadt wie Edinburgh scheint es den Katzen vorbehalten zu sein, moralische Zwickmühlen und emotionales Chaos zu vermeiden. Denn sie kümmern sich nur um ihr eigenes Leben. Das dürfte Isabel nie gelingen.

So skurril wie Monty Python und so deutsch wie Loriot, Professor von Igelfeld, Verfasser des unverkäuflichen Standardwerks 'Portugiesische unregelmäßige Verben', gibt nicht auf. Mit zwei linken Händen und donquichottischem Eifer kämpft er gegen seine Bedeutungslosigkeit, niederträchtige Kollegen und die Tücken des Alltags. In fünfzehn vor Aberwitz sprühenden Episoden entlarvt Bestsellerautor Alexander McCall Smith den albernen Ernst und den hölzernen Hochmut, den wir Deutschen oft mit Tiefsinn verwechseln. Professor Dr. Moritz-Maria von Igelfelds Lebensmotto lautet: „Alles, was ich will, ist Liebe – und ein bisschen Anerkennung von den Portugiesen.“ Als komischer Ritter, beflügelt von Selbstüberschätzung und tragikkomischer Naivität, strauchelt er hoch erhobenen Hauptes ins Verderben. Auf der Hut sein muss er vor den Ränken seiner Regensburger Kollegen, die keine Gelegenheit auslassen, ihn zu diskreditieren. Auf seinen Reisen von Kongress zu Kongress lauert Ungemach, das ehrbaren Akademikern das Leben schwer macht. So wird er in Arkansas fälschlicherweise mit einem Veterinärprofessor verwechselt und muss über den deutschen Dackel referieren. Zudem gerät er in einen Guerillaüberfall in Kolumbien, hat eine unglückliche Liebe zu seiner Zahnärztin und verfasst versehentlich eine Studie über altirische Pornografie. Ein Genuss für Liebhaber britischen Humors à la P. G. Wodehouse.

Die kleine große Welt der Scotland Street in Edinburgh: Hier wie überall ereignen sich Katastrophen und Glücksfälle, Dramen und Märchen. Die junge Pat sucht nach ihrer Bestimmung, der schöne Bruce glaubt, sie gefunden zu haben, und der Galerist Matthew hat längst aufgehört zu suchen. Was Armistead Maupins „Stadtgeschichten“ für San Francisco sind, ist „44, Scotland Street“ für Edinburgh.

Hobby-Detektivin Isabel Dalhousie lernt einen Psychologen kennen, der ein ungewöhnliches Problem hat: Seit man ihm ein neues Herz transplantiert hat, leidet er an Visionen von einem Mann, den er nicht kennt. Miss Isabel spürt instinktiv, dass dieser Unbekannte den Tod des Organspenders verschuldet hat, und beginnt auf eigene Faust nachzuforschen.

Der vor allem für seine Krimis um Mma Ramotswe bekannte Schotte (vgl. "Schweres Erbe für Mma Ramotswe") startet eine neue Reihe, die im schwedischen Malmö angesiedelt ist. Der Titel dieses 1. Teils umschreibt dabei schon recht genau, worum es geht, nämlich um "heikle", bisweilen skurrile Fälle. Zunächst spüren Kommissar Varg und sein Team einen Täter auf, der seinem Opfer ins Knie gestochen hat. Später müssen sie sich mit dem vermeintlichen Verbrechen an einem verschwundenen Studenten beschäftigen, der jedoch nur der Fantasie einer einsamen jungen Frau entsprungen ist. Und schliesslich gehen sie nächtlichem Wolfsgeheul in einem Hotel nach. Man ahnt es, es handelt sich um ein Exemplar der sogenannten Cosy Crimes, ohne Leichen oder Gemetzel. Im Vordergrund stehen die Ermittler, allen voran Ulf Varg, der heimlich in seine Kollegin verliebt ist. Seit seiner Scheidung in Psychotherapie entdeckt er auch bei seinem Hund Martin depressive Züge. Ein überaus sympathischer Reihenstart, in dem sowohl Ermittler als auch Verbrecher irgendwie liebenswert sind. Weitere Bände werden folgen. Gern empfohlen

Isabels philosophische Betrachtungen ganz alltäglicher Todesfälle Alexander McCall Smith hat seinen Kant gelesen - und dennoch seinen britischen Humor nicht verloren, wie dieser geistreiche und höchst amüsante Roman beweist.

Die besondere Magie Afrikas, dessen Vielfalt und Reichtum - in diesem Erzählband wird all dies von dem berühmten Autor der Mma-Ramotswe-Serie auf wunderschöne Weise eingefangen. In dem ihm eigenen Tonfall, voller Überraschungen und Humor, gibt Alexander McCall Smith die Volkserzählungen Botswanas wieder, und wir lernen eine Welt von weisen Tieren und geheimisvollen Kräften kennen, deren oberstes Gebot die Harmonie zwischen Mensch und Natur ist. Ein Lesegenuss - und eine Liebeserklärung an den afrikanischen Kontinent!

Mma Ramotswe, die einzige Detektivin Botswanas, nutzt ihr großes Herz und ihre Lebenserfahrung, um vermissten Personen nachzuspüren. Ohne Kampfsport oder Waffen löst sie ihre Fälle mit Menschenkenntnis und einem Handbuch, während sie die Landschaft und den Alltag Afrikas präsentiert.

Miss Isabel erwartet einen schönen Opernbesuch, doch ein junger Mann stürzt vor ihren Augen in den Tod. Neugierig beschließt sie, den Fall zu klären. Ihre Ermittlungen führen sie in die feine Gesellschaft Edinburghs, wo sie ein bedrohliches Komplott entdeckt.

Gegen diesen Kommissar haben selbst die absurdesten Verbrechen keine Chance: Teil 2 der humorvollen Krimi-Reihe aus Schweden von Bestseller-Autor Alexander McCall Smith Kommissar Ulf Varg hat es nicht leicht bei seinen neuesten Ermittlungen: Neben der Depression seines ebenso treuen wie taubstummen Hundes Marten stört auch Kollege Bloomquist die Konzentration seines Chefs mit hochnotpeinlichen Gesundheitstipps. Dabei muss das »Dezernat für heikle Fälle« um Kommissar Varg nicht nur einen mysteriösen Fall von Erpressung lösen, in den Schwedens berühmtester Schriftsteller verwickelt scheint. Außerdem benötigt die hübsche Kollegin Anna Ulfs Hilfe, und dann ist da noch ein gewitzter Betrüger, der Hunde als Wölfe verkauft – warum auch nicht? Immerhin bringen die Tiere so deutlich mehr Geld ein! In Alexander McCall Smiths humorvoller Krimi-Reihe wird garantiert nicht gestorben – dafür bieten die absurden Fälle und das liebevoll-verschrobene Personal allen Fans von Cosy Crime jede Menge Anlass, herzlich zu lachen. Seinen ersten Fall löst Kommissar Ulf Varg aus Schweden im humorvollen Krimi »Das Dezernat für heikle Fälle«.

'The whole world has become a prison, and Alfred Furnace is its master. Monsters rule the streets, beasts of pure fury that leave nothing but murder and madness in their wake. I have to find a way to use my powers to destroy Furnace, but in doing so I risk becoming the very force that kills us all.'

The gripping third instalment in Alexander Gordon Smith's epic series about Furnace, a terrifying underground prison for teenagers - now with the bestselling US cover. We had one last shot at freedom and we failed.

Anonymous photography has a magic all of its own. The intriguing images assembled here by collector and curator Robert Flynn Johnson are all mysterious, but their appeal is undeniable.

Precious Ramotswe's early years as a precocious detective continue in the fourth book in this delightful series.

"Precious Ramotswe is a kind, warm-hearted and large African lady. She is also the only female private detective in Botswana. Her agency - the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency - is the best in the country. With the help of her secretary, Mma Makutsi, and her best friend, Mr JLB Matekoni, she solves a number of difficult - and sometimes dangerous - problems. A missing husband, a missing finger and a missing child - she will solve these mysteries in her own special way"--Back cover

Once upon a time in Botswana in Africa there was a little girl who would later grow up to be a famous detective: Precious Ramotswe of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Having already cracked the case of the missing cakes at school, she now has a new mystery to solve.

As the countdown to Mma Makutsi's wedding begins, all is not as it should be at the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency. While investigating unpleasant occurrences on a southern cattle-post, Mma Ramotswe, always on the side of the weak against the strong, has reason to reflect on Rule No.3 of The Principles of Private Detection: never lie to the client. Apprentice mechanic Charlie seems to be avoiding certain important responsibilities. And as Mma Makutsi's big day approaches, her nemesis Violet Sephotho is casting her net wider: by standing for election which could spell trouble for the entire nation. But as friends and family gather under starry African night skies, it turns out that even the most perplexing of apparitions - and the most shocking of crimes - may yield to rational explanation. And, of course, to Mma Ramotswe's inimitable way with love, intuition and redbush tea.

"In the microcosm of 44 Scotland Street, all of life's richness is found in the glorious goings-on of its residents. There's Domenica, whose anthropological training has honed her observations of her neighbors; Matthew, whose growing triplets are more than a handful; Bruce, whose challenge as ever is thinking of anything but himself; and Big Lou, who may just have found her shot at romance. And of course, there's young Bertie Pollock, whose starry-eyed explorations of Edinburgh's New Town are a touching reminder that life itself is an adventure and there's joy to be found wherever you choose to look"-- Provided by publisher

Asked by a Swiss banker to investigate a series of bank robberies committed by dogs, young detectives Max and Maddy Twist travel to Switzerland, where they discover that the man behind the robberies is none other than Professor Sardine. Reprint.

The first three books in Alexander MCCall Smith's beloved bestselling series, featuring Mma Precious Ramotswe, the traditionally built, eminently sensible, cunning proprietor of the only ladies' detective agency in Botswana, are now available in a beautifully designed boxed set.

The gripping fourth installment in an epic series about Furnace - a terrifying, underground prison for teenagers - now with a stunning new cover treatment. Alex thought that escape was impossible.

The second book in Alexander Gordon Smith's no-holds-barred teen series, where the terror has only just begun - now with the bestselling US cover. We thought we'd made it, we thought we were free.

The story follows young Precious as she visits her Aunty Bee at a safari camp, where she encounters Teddy, a lion with a flair for acting. When Teddy escapes from the film crew, Precious teams up with her clever friend Khumo to embark on a detective adventure to find him. Their journey is filled with excitement and teamwork, showcasing the themes of friendship and bravery. The book features vibrant full-color illustrations, enhancing the adventurous spirit of their quest.

Life for Bertie seems to be moving at a pace that is rather out of his control. In Drummond Place gardens it seems that Olive has their future together all planned out. Meanwhile, upstairs at 44 Scotland Street, Bertie's father Stuart is powerless to stop over-bearing Irene and her motion for Bertie to travel to Aberdeen on a three-month secondment. And, further up in the New Town, while Bruce Anderson plots with old-school chums, love blossoms in Big Lou's Cafe. Warm hearted, humorous and wonderfully wise, Love in the Time of Bertie offers philosophical insight as well as sartorial elegance. Catch up once again with the extended family at No 44, in this the latest instalment in the Scotland Street series.

Jane has always been just a little bit different - she has springs in her knees! A brilliant tale with a spring in it's step from global bestseller Alexander McCall Smith, now in a hi-lo, dyslexia-friendly format for the struggling middle grade reader.

The 2nd installment of the School Ship Tobermory Adventures

Wayward daughters. Missing Husbands. Philandering partners. Curious conmen. If you've got a problem, and no one else can help you, then pay a visit to Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's only - and finest - female private detective. but she's got warmth, wit and canny intuition on her side, not to mention Mr J.L.B. Maketoni, the charming proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. And Precious is going to need them all as she sets out on the trail of a missing child, a case that tumbles our heroine into a hotbed of strange situations and more than a little danger... captivating glimpse of an unusual world.

Will Bertie ever get away from his overbearing mother? And will we say goodbye to a Scotland Street resident Angus Lordie and his gold-toothed dog Cyril as a jaunt to the hills of Tuscany beckons? They star alongside the familiar cast of favourites, as we follow their daily pursuit of a little happiness.

Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi have always relied on the advice of the classic guide to their trade, The Principles of Private Detection. But who is the eminent author, Mr Clovis Andersen, and what if he were to come to Botswana? That seems a very unlikely possibility, and yet . . . When Mr Andersen visits Botswana on holiday, he is delighted and intrigued to stumble across a roadside sign that reveals the existence of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Professional courtesy suggests that he call and announce himself. Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi and Phuti Radiphuti are embarking on married life and building a new house - a tricky business under any circumstances but especially hazardous when the name of the contractor is the Joy and Light Building Company.

THE NO. 1 LADIES’ DETECTIVE AGENCY - Book 2 Fans around the world adore the best-selling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series and its proprietor, Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s premier lady detective. In this charming series, Mma Ramotswe—with help from her loyal associate, Grace Makutsi—navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, good humor, and the occasional cup of tea. Precious Ramotswe is the eminently sensible and cunning proprietor of the only ladies’ detective agency in Botswana. In Tears of the Giraffe she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. In the midst of resolving uncertainties, pondering her impending marriage to a good, kind man, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, and the promotion of her talented secretary (a graduate of the Botswana Secretarial College, with a mark of 97 per cent), she also finds her family suddenly and unexpectedly increased by two.

When international detectives, Max and Maddy, tackle the Bursting Balloons mystery, they're onto a tough case. Someone wants to sabotage a hot-air balloon race across America and they'll stop at nothing - bursting balloons, stealing sandbags, breaking baskets and guzzling gas!

Grace Makutsi's husband, Phuti, is in a bind. An international firm is attempting to undercut his prices in the office furniture market. Phuti has always been concerned with quality and comfort, but this new firm seems interested only in profits. To make matters worse, they have a slick new advertising campaign that seems hard to beat. Nonetheless with Mma Ramotswe's help, Phtui comes up with a campaign that may just do the trick. Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi is approached by an old friend who has a troubled son. Grace and Phuti agree to lend a hand, but the boy proves difficult to reach, and the situation is more than they can handle on their own. It will require not only all of their patience and dedication, but also the help of Mma Ramotswe and the formidable Mma Potokwani in order to help the child. Faced with more than her fair share of domestic problems, Mma Makutsi deals with it all with her usual grace. That, along with the kindness, generosity, and good sense that the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is known for, assure us that in the end, all these matters will be set right

It's not that poor Bertie Pollock is wishing his life away, but having anticipated his 7th birthday for so long he's now longing to be 18. But there's a lot of living to do and Bertie isn't alone amongst the residents of Scotland Street in trying to do just that - with mixed fortunes.

Book 17 in the hugely popular 44 Scotland Street series by worldwide bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith

Even down to its well-set Georgian townhouses, Edinburgh is a hymn to measure and harmony. But on Scotland Street, domestic accord is in short supply. Matthew and Elspeth welcome three new arrivals, though the joys of multiple parenthood are somewhat lost due to sleep deprivation and the difficulties of telling their brood apart. Angus and Domenica are to marry, and Domenica has ambitious and disturbing plans for their living arrangements, especially when it appears that Antonia, in Italy recuperating from Stendhal Syndrome, may not return. And little Bertie, feeling blue, puts himself up for adoption on eBay. Can Edinburgh's most deliciously dysfunctional residents forsake discord and learn to dance to the same happy tune?

Akimbo loves his life in Africa and the animals that live there. In this story, Akimbo finds out all about baboons, and comes closer than he would like to a much more dangerous animal.

A humorous look at the ups and downs of life for the residents of 44 Scotland Street.

Caught in a web of family disputes, Isabel Dalhousie is drawn into a delicate arbitration when Laura, a woman from a prominent family, seeks her help to resolve a conflict between her husband and son. Despite Jamie's concerns about the time commitment, Isabel feels compelled to assist. Simultaneously, Jamie faces his own challenges while selecting a new cellist for his ensemble, questioning the conductor's motives. As both navigate these emotional dilemmas, they must rely on their tact and goodwill to find resolutions.

If you are the founder and Managing Director of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency you may expect complete strangers to approach you with their problems when they see you having dinner with your husband in a peri-peri restaurant. And if you are Precious Ramotswe, you are a kind and helpful person who will be willing to take on a quest to find the relatives of a man who, many years ago, left the country for the uncertainties and dangers of a distant conflict. While that is going on, though, there may be other things that claim your attention - such as the shocking news that a club that calls itself the Cool Singles Evening Club is encouraging married men to pretend to be single and meet women under false pretences. Who can be behind such a distasteful venture? Mma Ramotswe is cleary going to have to employ the utmost tact in dealing with such a delicate situation. And all the time, she and her assistant, Grace Makutsi, are getting on with their normal lives - which, includes birthdays and the buying of birthday presents. A new dress makes a fine present, but not if, when being tried on, it spilts in a way that is thought to be irreparable. If ever an emergency call for the problem-solving skills of Mma Potokwani this is it. But, despite these rumbles, life in Botswana, that far and lovely country, continues relatively smoothly. That, after all, is what Mma Ramotswe and her friends want- and most certainly deserve.

"The Department of Sensitive Crimes is downsizing in light of a recent downturn of sensitive crime, and staff members are wondering who among them will be transferred elsewhere. As the bickering between colleagues intensifies, Ulf tries his best to stay above the fray. But when Anna, a longtime friend and coworker, appears to blame him for an old case that went sideways, it seems she may be putting her own job prospects above their friendship. In the midst of all this, Ulf embarks on an important inquiry: a man's cabin has mysteriously disappeared and Ulf is tasked with finding out what happened. How exactly does one steal a house? And, more to the point, how does one track down a stolen house?"--

Perplexing, unfathomable, and perhaps unimportant, the cases that Malmo's Department of Sensitive Crimes take on will test them to their limits. Life--and crime--is not always as it seems for Ulf Varg and the other fearless detectives in Malmo's Department of Sensitive Crimes. There are always surprising new cases to take on, and the latest batch is no exception. And that's not to mention Ulf's struggle to contain his feelings for his colleague Anna Bengsdotter. All in all, things are distinctly difficult in Malmo, and it seems up to Ulf and the Department to set them right.

The thirteenth novel in Alexander McCall Smith's much-loved Isabel Dalhousie series.

In Pianos and Flowers we are invited, through the medium of sepia images, to glimpse a world long departed. In these stories, inspired by long-lost photographs, the lives of the people in the frame are imagined and then explored, layer by layer. What must have it like to be them? We hold our breath for them. Our heart beats faster for them. We look again at the photograph in a new light, and say Yes, it might have happened just like that.This journey of exploration takes us to some exotic places. We share the lives of three sisters, brought up in Penang. We read of what happened to them, and to their Chinese neighbours caught in the tides of war. We see a group of small boys in a Glasgow slum, their young lives stunted by poverty, and hear how life worked out in contrasting ways for them. We follow a young woman's search for love in the unlikely realm of Egyptian antiquities. And through all of these photographs, and all of these stories, there runs the same refrain: the possibilities of love, of friendship, of happiness lie before us.There are big stories in these simple pictures. At first glance the photographs may seem unexceptional: the mere freezing of a moment in time. But delve deeper and you will realise that these photographs speak volumes.

It is summer in Scotland Street (as it always is) and for the habitués of Edinburgh's favourite street some extraordinary adventures lie in waiting. For the impossibly vain Bruce Anderson - he of the clove-scented hair gel - it may finally be time to settle down, and surely it can only be a question of picking the lucky winner from the hordes of his admirers. The Duke of Johannesburg is keen to take his flight of fancy, a microlite seaplane, from the drawing board to the skies. Big Lou is delighted to discover that her young foster son has a surprising gift for dance but she is faced with big decisions to make on his and her futures. And with Irene now away to pursue her research in Aberdeen, her husband, Stuart, and infinitely long-suffering son, Bertie, are free to play. Stuart rekindles an old friendship over peppermint tea whilst Bertie and his friend Ranald Braveheart Macpherson get more they bargained for from their trip to the circus. And that's just the beginning . . .

Mma Ramotswe is asked to help the proprietor of the Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon, who is having trouble with her business. The salon has suffered some unfortunate events, including face cream that burns the skin. Could someone be trying to put the salon out of business? Meanwhile, on the home front, Mma Makutsi is going to have a baby. But in Botswana - a land where family has always been held above all else but which is on the crossroads between old and new - this may be cause for as much controversy as celebration.

The new Botswana book from bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith, this is Mma Ramotswe's nineteenth wonderful adventure.

The twelfth novel in the 44 Scotland Street series, the longest running serial novel in the world.

Mma Ramotswe knows she is very lucky indeed. She has a loving family, good friends, and a thriving business doing what she enjoys most: helping people. But the latest mystery she is called upon to solve is distinctly trickier than it initially appears, and, of course, there's plenty to handle in her personal life between Charlie and his new bride and Mma Makutsi and her talking shoes.

Bertie's respite from his overbearing mother, Irene, is over. She has returned from the middle-east, only to discover that her son has been exposed to the worst evils of cartoons, movies and Irn Bru, and her wrath falls upon her unfortunate husband, Stuart. Meanwhile, Bruce has fallen in love with someone other than himself; Big Lou wants to adopt her beloved Finlay; Matthew and Elspeth host the Duke of Johannesburg for supper and Bertie decides he wants to move out of Scotland Street altogether and live with his grandmother, Nicola. Can Irene and Stuart's marriage survive? Will Bruce's newfound love last? And will Bertie really leave Scotland Street? Find out in the next instalment of this charming, beloved series.

For seven-year-old Bertie Pollock, life in Edinburgh's most celebrated fictional street has just got immeasurably better. The enforced absence of his endlessly pushy mother Irene - currently consciousness-raising in a Bedouin harem (don't ask) - has manifold and immediate blessings: no psychotherapy, no Italian lessons and no yoga classes. Bliss. For Scotland Street's grown-ups, life throws up some new dilemmas. Matthew makes a discovery that could make him even richer but also leaves him worried. Pat makes one that could make her poorer and her father miserable - unless that uber-narcissist, Bruce, can help her out. And the Duke of Johannesburg, we discover, isn't exactly who he says he is. From what happens behind Edinburgh Airport's luggage carousel to Machiavellian manoeuvrings at the Association of Scottish Nudists, Alexander McCall Smith guides us through the brighter, lighter and frankly unexpected side of Edinburgh life. As ever with his 44 Scotland Street series, his readers will make their own discovery: that its blend of wit and wisdom mark it out as a comedic tour de force.

The House of Unexpected Sisters is the latest instalment from Botswana's leading No. 1 ladies' detective agency: Mma Ramotswe's eighteenth adventure.

The olive harvest is drawing to a close in the town of Dendra, and when Hermes Diaktoros arrives for the celebratory festival he expects an indulgent day of food and wine. But as young men leap a blazing bonfire in feats of daring, one of them is badly burned. Did he fall, or was he pushed? Then, as Hermes learns of a deep-running feud between two families, one of their patriarchs dies. Determined to find out why, Hermes follows a bitter trail through the olive groves to reveal a motive for murder, and uncovers a dark deed brought to light by the sin of gluttony.

It's full-time monkey business on the high seas in this new family adventure from Alexander McCall Smith, the bestselling author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.Noah can't believe it when he finds out his uncle owns a zoo! But the zoo is closing down, and there are animals who need homes. Before he knows it, Noah and his family are setting sail on a round-the-world trip returning the zoo animals to the places they were born. But when they try to return one very cheeky monkey, they're in for a whole boat-load of trouble!

From a small town outside Edinburgh comes the news that a young boy has been recounting vivid recollections of a past life: a perfect description of an island off the coast of Scotland which he couldn't possibly know, and a house there, where he claims to have spent his former life. When the boy's mother asks Isabel to investigate his claims, she feels she must help them learn the truth, and she and her husband, Jamie, set off for the island. But finding the house the boy described only leads to more complicated questions.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency is faced with an unusual case: helping a woman known only as “Mrs.”, who has lost her memory and identity. Precious Ramotswe and her co-director, Grace Makutsi, take on the challenge of uncovering her past. Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi embraces her new role as a partner at the agency and ventures into entrepreneurship by opening the Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café, aimed at Gaborone’s trendiest diners. However, she soon encounters the chaos of managing temperamental chefs and unruly waiters, leading her to consider asking for help despite her pride. Next door, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni faces his own business dilemmas, culminating in a difficult decision that will impact both Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and the detective agency. This situation demands Mma Ramotswe’s characteristic finesse and patience. Throughout these challenges, Mma Ramotswe and her friends navigate significant changes, ultimately revealing the true essence of friendship and support. With warmth and humor, they confront their trials together, showcasing the strength of their bonds.

In this engaging mystery, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi investigate a series of troubling incidents at The Great Hippopotamus Hotel, where food poisoning, missing laundry, and a scorpion sting suggest foul play. As they delve deeper, they uncover unexpected complexities, particularly involving the enigmatic Violet Sephotho. Simultaneously, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni navigates a delicate situation with a client seeking a secretive sports car purchase. Through humor and compassion, the detectives aim to restore the hotel's reputation and resolve the unfolding dilemmas.

In this installment of the series, Grace Makutsi faces dual challenges: her husband, Phuti, is struggling against a profit-driven international firm threatening his office furniture business, while she also tries to support an old friend with a troubled son. As they navigate these delicate situations, Grace's persistence and the couple's kindness come into play, requiring unexpected help to achieve resolution. The narrative highlights themes of generosity and community, ensuring that, despite the difficulties, a positive outcome is within reach.

The story of Bertie and his dysfunctional family continues in this fifth instalment alongside the familiar cast of favourites - Big Lou, Domenica, Angus Lordie, Cyril and others - in their daily pursuit of a little happiness. With customary charm and deftness, Alexander McCall Smith has again given us a clever, witty and utterly delightful new novel.

Come and discover The Enigma of Garlic and join the delightful denizens of Edinburgh's most famous address. This latest instalment of the much-loved 44 Scotland Street series is wise, witty, and full of warmth.

Our favorite moral philosopher is caught up in a delicate dispute between members of a prominent family as her husband, Jamie, is dragged into his own internecine rivalry. Isabel accepts an invitation to serve on the advisory committee of the Scottish National Portrait Gallery, but soon finds herself swept up in an all-too-familiar dilemma. David is the grandson of a Scottish clan chief and is supportive of Scottish nationalism. But his fervent beliefs are threatening family harmony, especially because his sister Catriona's socialist views put her at odds with her brother. When their mother, Laura, a fellow committee member, asks Isabel to intervene, she tries to demur. But always one for courteous resolutions to philosophical disagreements, Isabel can't help but intercede. In the meantime, Jamie, having criticized Isabel for getting involved in the affairs of others, does precisely that himself. Jamie is helping to select a new cellist for his ensemble, but he suspects that the conductor may be focused on something other than his favoured candidate's cello skills. With so many factors complicating matters, Isabel and Jamie will have to muster all their tact and charm to ensure that comity is reached between all these fractious parties

For the residents of 44 Scotland Street, life in Edinburgh's intriguing New Town is a thing to be relished. After all, there are new faces to excite Domenica's anthropological imagination, precious moments with his triplets for Matthew to savor, and the prospect of a trip to the promised land of Glasgow for young Bertie. But there are mysteries that need solving too. Could Angus Lordie's dog, Cyril -- the only dog in Scotland with a gold tooth -- have unearthed a Neanderthal skull? Does the long-suffering Stuart have any hope of kindling a new relationship when Bruce, ever the navel gazer and consummate seducer, effortlessly steps into his pas de deux? And how will the patrons of Big Lou's cafe react to the menu's imminent culinary transformation?

Little, Brown/Abacus has sold more than 12 million copies of Alexander McCall Smith's books. This is the twenty-first book in the perennially adored The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.

Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are called to a safari lodge in Botswana's Okavango Delta to carry out a delicate mission on behalf of a former guest. The Okavango makes Precious appreciate once again the beauty of her homeland: it is a paradise of teeming wildlife, majestic grasslands and sparkling water. However, it is also home to rival safari operators, fearsome crocodiles and disgruntled hippopotamuses. What's more, Mma Makutsi still does not have a date for her wedding to Phuti Radiphuti and is feeling rather tetchy herself. But Precious knows that with a little patience, just as the wide river will gently make its way round any obstacle, so will everything work out for the best in the end . . .

Precious and Grace is a story about life at Botswana's leading No. 1 Ladies' detective agency.

The third in a new series of adventure books from the creator of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

When Aunt Bat announces that she has to sell up her banana plantation, her niece Patty comes up with an invention to make their bananas so unusual that everyone will want to buy them. Suggested level: primary.