Emma, I love that series (of books) -- I was half-afraid to order the tv show, but did - and I'm pretty pleased with it. Hard when I had Mma Ramotswe completely defined in my head - but I like what they've done with it. I wish they had skipped the stereotypical hairdresser; he isn't in the books and I don't think he adds a lot to the tv show.
Alexader McCall Smith has at least two more series, both set in Scotland. They are also easy, gentle reads, and probably excellent after the kind of reading you describe! Not much happens but you get to know the characters, and he's good at describing places as well.
