In the hinterland of Queensland’s Sunshine Coast lies Maleny, a small town with a big reputation. Artists, writers, craftspeople, woodworkers live and exhibit here. Tonight Alexander McCall Smith spoke in the Maleny primary school hall, a venue chosen for its capacity to hold numbers. This Scotsman appeals to ladies on the bus as well as academics. International readers seek him out. Seeking respite from frenetic lives, people can enjoy the moment in his stories. He is like a warm comfortable intelligent cup of coffee. Prompted by the success of his original novel, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, he gave…