A Morning with Alexander McCall Smith

We are delighted to welcome Alexander McCall Smith to Bath this autumn for a celebration of his two latest books: the new No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novel The Great Hippopotamus Hotel and the new standalone novel The Winds From Further West.

Alexander is the author of over one hundred books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities. He was knighted by the King in 2024.

The value of your event voucher will be redeemable against either of these two featured books, and we will have signed copies available on the night!

The Great Hippopotamus Hotel

Mma Ramotswe has a deft hand in delicate cases, and never allows an act of injustice to pass unanswered. So, when it comes to her attention that a matter involving dubious motives has arisen, and that it will require the utmost discretion to resolve, she has no choice but to lend her skills in the arts of detection and reconciliation. She is, after all, head of Botswana’s premier detective agency, but that doesn’t mean she can’t use the help of Mma Makutsi and Mma Potokwane. Meanwhile, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has found himself in complicated circumstances of his own, requiring not a little of Mma Ramotswe’s time and expertise.

In the end, as each of these predicaments comes untangled, Mma Ramotswe draws on her goodwill and generosity to bring important truths to light: of friendship, honesty, and love.

The Winds From Further West

Almost everything starts in a small way. Often it is a very small and apparently insignificant event that ends up moulding the whole shape of our lives.

And so it was for Dr Neil Anderson who had barely been in his new post at the University of Edinburgh for three months when he meets Kirsty. After no time at all, they move in together to a beautiful Georgian flat in the south side of the city and start their life together. Everything seems to be working out well for Neil. But after a throw-away comment lands him in a difficult situation, his principles are put to the test. He ultimately has no choice but to rethink his career and his life. He leaves his job, Kirsty and Edinburgh far behind for the seclusion and remote beauty of the Isle of Mull off the west coast of Scotland.

No sooner has he started to piece the bits of his shattered life together when a ship comes into Tobermory harbour whose cargo – two wolf cubs – changes the course of his life yet again. These cubs divide opinion on the island and introduce Neil to Katie, a vet on the island, and soon love once again blossoms.

Please note that this is a daytime event, with doors opening at 10.30am for an 11am start. There will be tea and coffee available for purchase from Elim Church's cafe.