Alexander McCall Smith, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
Featured Book
McCall Smith’s novels have become something of a cottage industry (there are 10 available on eMusic), complete with an HBO show starring Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe, the series’ crime-busting heroine. The only female private detective in Botswana, Ramotswe is both proud and precise. Not content to merely solve crimes, she also must restore the honor of clients. Though sometimes the writing can tread a fine line between folksy and hokey, Ramotswe is an everywoman with spirit and common sense. Less bloody than the other books on our list, No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency would also be fun for a family road trip.
