It is also the name of the first novel in the series, and an informal talking group founded by the main character Isabel Dalhousie.
[1] The series includes: There are also three novellas, published only as ebooks:[2] The Sunday Philosophy Club marked a departure from the gentle Botswana setting of McCall Smith's previous series: in an interview in May 2004, McCall Smith said, "I’m enjoying it immensely, writing about a different milieu.
"[8] In comparison to The No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, the Sunday Philosophy Club series is "a little bit more tilted in the mystery direction.
[3] Time Out’s website describes the main character Isabel thus: "If you combine the nosey interfering of Austen’s Emma with the relentless self-analysis of Carrie Bradshaw you have a fair idea of the protagonist.
"[8] The repeated presence of a female protagonist who tries to do the right thing demonstrates McCall Smith's "underlying sympathy for women and fundamental generosity of spirit.
Often-mentioned is W. H. Auden, McCall Smith's favourite poet,[14] whose "marvellously humane" poetry is "a constant inspiration".