The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, a National Bestseller written by Alexander McCall Smith is the first in a series of 6 books about the first lady detective in the African country of Botwsana.  This is delightful fiction at its' best.  My attention was drawn to this series by some good friends who thought I would enjoy it having grown up in West Africa.  Although, this tale is set is southern Africa, lovers of all that is good and wholesome in the African continent who are indigenes or expatriates will delight in the homespun wisdom and humor as this intelligent African lady with a "traditional figure" uses common sense (which unfortunately is no longer common) to find creative solutions to human dilemmas. 

I warn you, if you start the 1st one, you will not want to put this series down.  This series is charming and heartwarming, offering the reader a wonderful look into what provides heart & soul in African life and culture.  You can preview this book on-line at:

http://www.amazon.com

Enjoy!

PS. Other Books in the series include"

"The Tears of the Giraffe"

"Morality for Beautiful Girls"

"The Klahari Typing School for Men"

"The Cupboard of Life"

"In the Company of Cheerful Ladies"