From one of the world’s favourite authors comes a beautifully atmospheric novel set in the Hebrides and Nepal. The writing is irresistible – tender – as this master storyteller leads us through a literary world where happiness might, possibly, be found where it is least expected. Mary is a logical soul; a much-loved teacher and […]

Book 27 in the multi-million copy bestselling and perennially adored No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series “I am a fortunate woman to have such an eventful life,” observes Mma Ramotswe of the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Perhaps, but there are times when rather too much seems to be happening, and a quieter life might […]

The 26th volume in  the multi-million copy bestselling and perennially adored, No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series    ‘No matter how unhappy the world may be, there is always an oasis of courtesy and peace in that special place in southern Africa’   The rains are coming, but not just yet. When they do, there will […]

Big Lou, owner of the Dundas Street coffee bar now known by its simplified name, Big Lou’s, had always believed in breakfast. She knew that there were those who boasted of indifference to that particular meal, claiming to be satisfied with a slice of toast – and sometimes only a half-slice – washed down with black coffee. Could such people, she asked herself, really be happy? She thought not. Even it it were the case that they were not actually hungry, they were still denying themselves the sheer please that came from eating the sort of foods enjoyed by those who had regular breakfasts. They were, she decided, deprived – unhappy ascetics who worshipped some unsatisfying and elusive god of self-denial.

Bertie’s Theory of Ice Cream – the EIGHTEENTH volume of the 44 Scotland Street novels. “It’s like ice cream, Mr Flynn,” Bertie continued. “When you have ice cream, you need to eat it straight away, otherwise it melts. If there are people who haven’t got any, you should share it, if you can.” When despair […]

The Private Side of Friendship – an exquisite stand-alone novel of unforgettable friendship, personal growth and societal change. It is 1984, and the UK is experiencing a moment of great significance: the miners’ strike. In mining communities throughout the country, passions run high as the confrontation between the Government and the miners is notched up. In the […]

The Subtle Pleasures of Indiscretion is the 15th book in the Isabel Dalhousie series. ‘A genial, jolly Edinburgh genius… For my money, the recently knighted Sir Alexander is second only to PG Wodehouse for lightening your mood. If you read him on the train from Glasgow to Edinburgh, I guarantee you’ll feel happier than when […]

The Lost Language of Oysters is the latest book in Alexander McCall Smith’s entertaining and hilarious Professor von Igelfeld Entertainments series.   Professor Moritz-Maria von Igelfeld is not just any German professor – he is the author of that great work of scholarship, Portuguese Irregular Verbs. His eminence in language studies is widely recognised, even […]

‘The Kind Company of Others’ is the much anticipated third poetry collection from Alexander McCall Smith. A poet’s skill lies in their ability to distil complex themes into a few paragraphs; to pick out the fundamental quality in people that make us unique; they can describe nature in a way that makes us see its […]

  Looking for You – A second Perfect Passion Company novel   In Looking for you, the newest instalment in The Perfect Passion Company, Katie Donald, with the help of her enigmatic neighbour, William, continues her unwavering endeavour to help lonely hearts find love. After facilitating a handful of successful romances, Katie Donald is eager […]

This Great Tapestry of Scotland book is a truly gorgeous gift, showing every panel in the award-winning artwork in detail and in full colour. Every panel picture is accompanied by the names of the stitchers who worked on it and the story from history that it depicts. The text is by people’s historian and BAFTA […]

Join us on an adventure of the heart. Alexander McCall Smith starts a brand new series, The Perfect Passion Company. The Perfect Passion Dating Company at No. 24 Mouse Lane in Edinburgh’s New Town is run by Katie Donald who has an innate instinct for bringing people together. She is ‘standing in’ while the owner […]