We are thrilled to announce that bestselling author Alexander McCall Smith will be travelling from Edinburgh to be a guest of this year’s Auckland Writers Festival. One of the world’s most prolific and popular authors, McCall Smith’s No 1 Ladies’ Detective Series – now in its 15th year – has sold more than 20 million copies worldwide. His other series include the Scotland Street novels, the Sunday Philosophy Club starring the delightful community-minded detective, Isabel Dalhousie, the von Igelfeld series and the new Corduroy Mansions novels.

He is the author of numerous short story collections, academic works and more than 30 books for children. The multi award-winning writer was honoured with a CBE for services to literature in 2007. A professor of Medical Law until devoting his time to writing books, he has honorary doctorates from nine universities in Europe and North America.

As delightful in person as his books are to read, McCall Smith is a must-see and is on form as ever, with three new books that coincide with his visit: The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon; Trains and Lovers; and What WH Auden Can Do For you.

Information about his events will be available when our programme launches on Tuesday 18 March. To receive a printed programme in the post sign up here.

McCall Smith will also travel to Christchurch and Dunedin with the help of Auckland Writers Festival.