To find out more about the new novel click here, but here’s Alexander McCall Smith’s own summary of what lies in store for fans:

‘The Limpopo Academy of Private Investigation’ features the visit of an extremely important person – a hero, as it happens, of our two heroines. This is a great treat for the ladies as they have much to say to him. And he, it transpires, has things to tell them too. And as for the apprentices, I’m sorry to say that Fanwell gets himself into deep water, which is extremely unfair, as if anybody deserves to get into trouble it must be Charlie.’

Those who subscribe to the Alexander McCall Smith newsletter will have read an exclusive extract from the new book already – if you haven’t signed up yet, then just enter your name and email address into the boxes towards the bottom of the right-hand column on this page, and you’ll receive regular news and updates, all written by the author himself.

And if you still have to catch up with the previous title in the series (in which Mma Makutsi’s big day approaches), then now is the perfect time  – with the paperback also published today!