Tickets flying off the shelf for Sir Alexander’s Scarborough's Books by the Beach event

The Scarborough literature festival at Queen Street Methodist Central Hall from Friday June 5 to Sunday 7 and Sir Alexander's event is on the Sunday at 3pm.

He was born in 1948 and brought up in Southern Rhodesia, present-day Zimbabwe, before moving to Scotland at the age of 17 to study at the University of Edinburgh. For many years he was a professor of medical law and worked in universities in the UK and Botswana before turning his hand to writing fiction.

The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series made him a household name. These novels have contributed towards a more positive world-view of Botswana and encouraged thousands of people to fall in love with this beautiful country. Sir Alexander visits it often.

His various series of books also include the 44 Scotland Street novels; the Edinburgh-set Isabel Dalhousie novels; the von Igelfeld series and the Ulf Varg series of Scandi blanc novels set in Sweden.

A new series, The Perfect Passion Company, was released two years ago. with immediate impact in the media and trade. He also writes stand-alone novels, short stories, poetry and children’s books.

Sales of Alexander’s books are close to 28 million copies in 47 languages. Stage, screen and radio adaptations have delighted readers of all ages the world over.

Heather French, festival organiser, said: “We are honoured that Alexander is appearing at this year’s Books by the Beach as he is such a sought-after speaker. Scarborough will be treated to an afternoon of sheer delight when the master storyteller entertains us.

“Alexander will also be celebrating the publication of the latest Isabel Dalhousie novel, The Subtle Pleasures of Indiscretion, and reading poems from his new poetry collection.

He will be in conversation with our festival patron and former head of BBC Radio Helen Boaden.

Tickets are available online at booksbythebeach.co.uk and in person at the YMCA Theatre box office, St Thomas Street, Scarborough.