Enjoy this companion to The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party, the twelfth novel in the wonderful No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, from master storyteller Alexander McCall Smith.

As the countdown to Mma Makutsi’s wedding begins, all is not as it should be at the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. In anticipation of so long-awaited a celebration, upsets and obstacles are to be expected. But not, perhaps, in such numbers.

While investigating unpleasant occurrences on a southern cattle-post, Mma Ramotswe, always on the side of the weak against the strong, has reason to reflect on Rule No.3 of The Principles of Private Detection: never lie to the client. Apprentice mechanic Charlie seems to be avoiding his responsibilities with regard to Prudence Ramkhwane’s twin babies. And as Mma Makutsi’s big day approaches, her nemesis Violet Sephotho is casting her net wider: no longer merely the enemy of wives-to-be, now that she is standing for election the Mata Hari of the Botswana Secretarial College could spell trouble for the entire nation. Then, sightings of the ghost of Mma Ramotswe’s beloved tiny white van are unsettling to say the least.

But as friends and family gather under starry African night skies, it turns out that even the most perplexing of apparitions – and the most shocking of crimes – may yield to rational explanation. And, of course, to Mma Ramotswe’s inimitable way with love, intuition and redbush tea.


This is Alexander McCall Smith's official iPhone app. It features exclusive video of the author discussing key characters in the series and locations throughout the country of Botswana. You can also read sample chapters from the books in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, including The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party. And find out about 20 of Alexander's favourite songs and his inspiration for the series. Look out for further updates this year, which will include Alexander McCall Smiths other series.