Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over one hundred books. He was formerly Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh before becoming a full-time writer. He has recently completed volume 24 in his series of novels set in Botswana, The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Last year saw the publication of a collection of poetry, In a Time of Distance (Birlinn, 2020). He is a librettist for composers of operas and song cycles. He has received awards throughout the world for his work. He lives in Scotland.