Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series takes place in Botswana.
The books follow Mma Precious Ramotswe, a Motswana woman who establishes a private detective agency in Gaborone, Botswana's capital. She uses her understanding of people, patience, and practical wisdom to solve personal and criminal mysteries for her clients.
The first novel was published in 1998 and introduces Ramotswe's life, her father Obed, secretary Grace Makutsi, and mechanic J. L. B. Matekoni. Although the stories are mysteries, the series is equally concerned with Botswana's communities, customs, family relationships, and changing society.
A common mix-up is confusing the setting with neighboring South Africa, where many characters have connections through work or travel. The television adaptation was also filmed on location in Botswana, giving viewers the country's landscapes and urban settings described in the books.