Alexander McCall Smithis the author of the highly successfulNo. 1 Ladies' Detective Agencyseries, which has sold over twenty-five million copies. Since then he has devoted his time to the writing of fiction and has seen his various series of books translated into over forty-six languages and become bestsellers throughout the world. These include the44 Scotland Streetnovels, first published as a serial novel in theScotsman, theIsabel Dalhousienovels, theVon Igelfeldseries and theCorduroy Mansionsnovels.
'Cancel culture, given its possibilities, has strangely few literary outings. Thank goodness, then, for Alexander McCall Smith, who here kicks off the action with a spectacular de-platforming... while I loved the city-country contrast and the trademark gentle wisdom, the shocking academic skulduggery was my favourite [aspect]' * Daily Mail * 'a captivating page-turner... With his signature lightness of touch and humour' * Sunday Post * 'Neil takes a thoughtful, understated and deeply humane approach to matters of the heart... gently subversive' -- Roger Hutchinson * The Scotsman * 'His latest book is something of a departure. It encompasses very present issues in the UK: cancel culture, workplace bullying, and the changing world of academia... an exploration of character... a call to arms for better society' * BBC Radio 4 Front Row * 'in McCall Smith's friendly narration... all is well in the curative Hebrides.' * West Highland Free Press * 'lovely stuff from the world’s favourite author' * Saga magazine, latest 'must reads' *