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From The Times
April 17, 2008

The 50 Greatest Crime Writers, No 42: Alexander McCall Smith

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McCall Smith was born in Rhodesia - now Zimbabwe - and worked as a university lecturer in Botswana, the setting for his bestselling series of novels featuring the redoubtable Precious Ramotswe. The latter has been described as an “African Miss Marple” and the good sense and unshockable demeanour characteristic of Christie's lady detective are also to be found in McCall Smith's creation. But although his novels have been praised for their charm and humour, they do not eschew darker aspects. Murder, adultery and fraud are routinely confronted by Mma Ramotswe and her assistant, Grace Makutsi, and HIV - although never named - is an ever-present menace. The Isabel Dalhousie novels, set in Edinburgh- now home to the author, who is Emeritus Professor of Medical Law at the university - have proved almost as popular.

One to Read: The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (1998)

Tim Teeman interviews Alexander McCall Smith, The Times

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