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In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #6)
by
Alexander McCall Smith (Goodreads Author)
In this latest, widely praised addition to the beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the charming and ever-resourceful Precious Ramotswe finds herself faced with new challenges—and intriguing surprises.
Precious is busier than usual at the detective agency when she discovers an intruder in her house on Zebra Drive—and perhaps even more baffling--a pumpkin on her po...more
Precious is busier than usual at the detective agency when she discovers an intruder in her house on Zebra Drive—and perhaps even more baffling--a pumpkin on her po...more
Paperback, 256 pages
Published
March 14th 2006
by Anchor
(first published January 1st 2004)
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There is something so comforting about this series. Even though life in Botswana is most likely very different than life in Canada, there is something about the tone or writing style that reminds me of life at my grandparent's house. I love the traditional values, the respect for people/property/manners. And most of all, I love that it is important to slow down and really be in the moment with those important to you. I know that the future installments become a little formulaic. However, ev...more
I found this one to be more entertaining than some of the books in the series. I wouldn't recommend the "No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series to just anyone, but I admit I have enjoyed it. The landscape of Botswana is depicted beautifully, lovingly throughout.
I think some folks might NOT appreciate the idyllicism, the simplicity of characters, the repetition. The people and situations are charmingly simple (the style has been called utopian)and it really worked for me but I won...more
I think some folks might NOT appreciate the idyllicism, the simplicity of characters, the repetition. The people and situations are charmingly simple (the style has been called utopian)and it really worked for me but I won...more
On page 110 and 111 I was very much able to relate to the issue Mma Ramotswe and Mma Potekwane discussed, I wrote the quotes from those pages down, for your entertainment:)
"Mma Ramotswe sighed. "We are all tempted, Mma. We are all tempted when it comes to cake." "That is true," said Mma Potekwane. "There are many temptations in this life, but cake is probably one of the biggest of them.""
""Temptation is very difficult,"...more
"Mma Ramotswe sighed. "We are all tempted, Mma. We are all tempted when it comes to cake." "That is true," said Mma Potekwane. "There are many temptations in this life, but cake is probably one of the biggest of them.""
""Temptation is very difficult,"...more
The entire #1 Ladies Detective Agency series is the most unique set of books I have ever read. I really believe McCall deserves all of the hype he gets for this series, as it has universal appeal.
Mma Ramoswe ponders the questions in life that so many of us do, (or would, if we would just slow down a bit!) But she is so human, too, and some of my favorite parts of this recent addition are the instances in which she muses about Mma Makutsi's "97 percent", but stops just shy of ad...more
Mma Ramoswe ponders the questions in life that so many of us do, (or would, if we would just slow down a bit!) But she is so human, too, and some of my favorite parts of this recent addition are the instances in which she muses about Mma Makutsi's "97 percent", but stops just shy of ad...more
I don't know whether the books are getting better as the series continues, or if I have simply slid into the comfort zone they create for me, with all their repetition and rambling and familiarity, but it seems to me that they are becoming more thematically focused and cohesive. This book's intertwining plots center on appearance and reality, on expectations and prejudgment and how they may obscure the truth: from the book's beginning, where Mma Ramotswe, trying to stop a crime, is taken for a ...more
Whenever I am stressed, have too many deadlines, or simply have been reading too much heavy, sad stuff, I look for another in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. It is just relaxing, pleasant reading to imagine myself sitting under an acacia tree in the hot Botswana sun drinking bush tea... Although a totally different climate and history, Botswanna in a way reminds me of rural Costa Rica 20 years ago. The slow pace of life, everyone knows each other, and honesty and reputation and et...more
this is a most enjoyable little novel about a large african lady who uses her inheritance to set up a detective agency. she solves small, human, mysteries in a clever way. warm, funny and thoroughly enjoyable stuff. the 6th in the series. humane, whimsical, and humorous as always. in this one, mme Ramwatsi has trouble with her 'ex', Note, and mma Maccutse finally finds a good man.
I love the characters of Mma Precious Ramatswe, Mma Grace Makutsi and Mr J.L.B. Matekoni and have gained appreciation for Botswana and the respectful attitudes of its traditional way of life. The books in this series have brightened my evenings.
Delightful!The more I read McCall Smith, the more I look forward to reading more.
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Since so many people are writing reviews about these wonderful books and discussing the plot, I think I will talk about Africa and especially the way Mma Ramotswe feels about her home and her people. Reading these books has given me the same feeling I got from the beginning of Out of Africa and Cry, the Beloved Country. There is such a deep love of the land in these characters and I find myself wanting to be there with them. I also find myself remembering how I felt in Mississippi in the days...more
In this sixth entry in McCall Smith's consistently delightful series, Botswana detective Precious Ramotswe, the traditionally built—and newly married—owner of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, is saddled with a surfeit of challenging cases and personal crises.
"One might have all the things which the modern world offered, but what was the use of these if they destroyed all that which gave you strength and courage and pride in yourself and in your country?"
Ther...more
"One might have all the things which the modern world offered, but what was the use of these if they destroyed all that which gave you strength and courage and pride in yourself and in your country?"
Ther...more
Even as I was reading this Alexander McCall Smith No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency book, I wondered why I like reading these books so much. Nothing much every happens in them and often mysteries get left unsolved. But what I do find myself caught up in the slow pace and mannered relationships of the characters. Also, Smith conveys the landscape of Botswana so well that it's easy to imagine oneself in the middle of the scene.
In this book, Precious has to come face to face with her troub...more
In this book, Precious has to come face to face with her troub...more
I like how in this particular book of the series, that detective work and Mma Ramotswe’s personal life are merging. Last time I complained that there is not enough mystery in the novel. Now, many things happen to her that are actual mysteries! I also liked how she got sentimental with her "tiny white van". They're so connected! When something happened to it, she took it personally. That is so with me and my "tiny green car"! When an automobile has been with you for so l...more
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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This is what I wrote about the book at my blog after finishing it a few years ago:
I do love to read about Precious Ramotswe, the No. 1 Lady Detective of Botswana! So when book six arrived I had to have it ;) Alexander McCall Smith tells his story with warmth and humor. I laugh out load at several occasions and love the way he makes me feel like I’m a little bit there together with them all. Even though I never been to Botswana my self....more
This time Mma Ramotswe have to solve
I'm easing through the series and found this one to be absolutely riveting. I don't recommend beginning with this book if you're starting out because it is a little out of the norm for the series. The stories of Mma Ramotswe are gentle, almost mythical in their unfolding. Nothing alarming happens, generally, but you are entranced by the events in each book, finding yourself reading slower in order to remain in the locale as long as possible. They are charming.
"In the Company of ...more
"In the Company of ...more
Book 6 is much more a character driven plot than a mystery driven story. We are invited inside the lives of the characters and take a journey that is both fun and scary. Alexander McCall Smith even push one of his character into a corner, digged a hole and found a way for the character to bring himself or herself out of the trouble. I was a bit worried I admit when the got to that part but I shouldn't have. This is Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makusti, which I just love, especially in this, M. J.L.B Mateko...more
This was first book from this series that I picked in the library trully randomly They had this one on CDs. Sounded like a good thing to listen to on our long drive back from east coast. It truly was a pleasure. Incredibly beautiful full of good will and funny. If you ever need something to lift your spirits , this is great book. It is a mystery series so it has nice plot while also situated in Africa, which adds a nice character to the book.
I was told that it really does not matter what ...more
I was told that it really does not matter what ...more
Keli Wright
rated it
·
review of another edition
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review of another edition
Recommends it for:
everyone
Recommended to Keli by:
my aunt
if you have not started to read this series then go get book number one of this and start reading them right now. These books are great feel good books. This was number six in the series and a great book. I liked all the stories and loved the way things were handled. I don't want to say anything else without there being spoilers. what I can say is in case you don't know these books are about a lady in Africa that has a detective agency. She is married to a mechanic and has an assistant. The boo...more
All the books in the series have been enjoyable but this one is my favorite of the moment. More actually happens in this book than usual -- the appearance of Mma Ramotswe's ex-husband, the no good trumpet player -- but still what I like the most are the quiet reflections by the characters, the notice given to daily rituals, the landscape. My favorite parts may have been the conversation about cake ("There are many temptations in life but cake is probably one of the biggest of them.") ...more
"There are many mysteries developing in our lives, Mma Makutsi, what with these rich ladies in silver cars, bicycles, pumpkins and all the rest, and we shall have to sort them all out."
Pumpkins? You might say..Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi certainly have their hands full in this instalment, although the only real case that they were hired to investigate is to track a certain Zambian financier who embezzled some money.
As usual being the concerned citizen of Botswa...more
Pumpkins? You might say..Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi certainly have their hands full in this instalment, although the only real case that they were hired to investigate is to track a certain Zambian financier who embezzled some money.
As usual being the concerned citizen of Botswa...more
After a few years break, I picked up the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series with installment six In the Company of Cheerful Ladies. This reunion with Lady Detective Precious Ramotswe immediately brought me to the warm and famiiar characters stories that originally attrscted me. This story is no less compelling, though it has that Botswana pace where everything takes the time it needs and one must just wait. As the story unfolds, we have apprentices acting up, a gambling financier to find, dan...more
Five cheers for Alexander McCall Smith and his series!!!!! In this story, the plot does not focus entirely on the traditionally built Mma Ramotswe, but weaves in the experiences of the other characters in one of the most entertaining books of the series.
Reading this series is like returning to a familiar neighborhood to meet old friends. In a simple, direct and leisurely pace, the author recreates the colorful lives of a repeating set of characters who treasure relationships, treat ea...more
Reading this series is like returning to a familiar neighborhood to meet old friends. In a simple, direct and leisurely pace, the author recreates the colorful lives of a repeating set of characters who treasure relationships, treat ea...more
Another of Alexander McCall Smith's optimistic and old-fashioned philosophy books, packaged through the very appealing fictional characters of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (and Klokwane Road Speedy Motors), and we meet some new men as well.
Here Mma Ramotse conquers old demons, loses her tiny white van, and does a good deed that turns out very well. Mma Makutsi solves a couple of mysteries (proving her worth as Assistant Detective), offends Charlie the apprentice (who was offen...more
Here Mma Ramotse conquers old demons, loses her tiny white van, and does a good deed that turns out very well. Mma Makutsi solves a couple of mysteries (proving her worth as Assistant Detective), offends Charlie the apprentice (who was offen...more
Weer een lekker deeltje in de serie No 1. Ladies' Detective Agency. Dit keer heeft een van de stageairs van Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni het aangelegd met een rijke vrouw. Hij denkt daardoor dat hij het zich wel kan veroorloven te stoppen met zijn opleiding in de garage. Maar wat moet die rijke vrouw met deze jonge jongen? Mma Makutsi en Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni besluiten op onderzoek uit te gaan. Ondertussen rijdt Mma Ramotswe een fietser aan en neemt ze degene die ze aangereden heeft in dienst. En Mma Makut...more
This is probably one of my more favorite books in the series so far. It takes a different approach. The story, instead of following the mysteries that Mma Ramotswe is hired to solve, delves more into the personal lives of the main characters. I liked it because for what seems like the first time, you learn that the MC, Mma Ramotswe herself, isn't perfect like everyone (including herself LOL) think she is. She has faults and flaws just like other people. It made me like her more (but I also disli...more
I always enjoy the exploits of the No 1 Ladies Detective agency! This particular look into their exploits finds them with their hands full - looking for an extortionist that has slipped through the hands of the law, while Mma Ramotswe finds herself dealing with some unfinished business from her past and Mr J L B Matakone has employee and rental property problems. It never rains but it pours it seems!
My favorite part of about these books is how the problems are handled. The probl...more
My favorite part of about these books is how the problems are handled. The probl...more
These are cozy little reads that are really more about the characters' relationships to each other than about any mysteries taken on by the detective agency. I recently saw a documentary about Alexander McCall Smith. He confesses that he wants to present books about Africa that are not tragedies. He sets the pace slowly (as per the "cozy mystery" genre conventions). He likes to imagine himself as grounded and wise as Mma Ramotswe. He also explains how he travels from Scotland back to ...more
I was given this as a Not So Secret Crhistmas present in 2009 so how appropriate that I have just read this before Christmas 2010! as usual with this series it is a relaxed and relaxing story that still covers some really deep themes. These include the way the world is changing and becoming less honest and caring. I always feel a little humbled by the lack of materialism and yet great joy in life the characters in the books bring to their lives- a lesson to us all. Oh and I now read it in the v...more
Sometimes I wish I hadn't decided to review every book I read this year because I invariably end up procrastinating and then having to write up three reviews at a stretch. Besides, I don't think I'll ever really hate a No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency book, so all my comments will be a little repetitive.
In any case, I was hooked onto the book right away. Two words: mysterious pumpkins and disappearing pants. Okay, five words. I do wish, though, that particular mystery had been solved. In ...more
In any case, I was hooked onto the book right away. Two words: mysterious pumpkins and disappearing pants. Okay, five words. I do wish, though, that particular mystery had been solved. In ...more
| topics | posts | views | last activity | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SPSV Mrs. Rodgers...: Malia Forbert.2 | 1 | 3 | Dec 08, 2011 09:21pm | |
| Life in Botswana, human relationships, goodness | 12 | 20 | Sep 24, 2011 08:29pm |
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Alexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what...more
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“She had so much love to give - she had always felt that - and now there was somebody to whom she could give this love, and that, she knew, was good; for that is what redeems us, that is what makes our pain and sorrow bearable - this giving of love to others, this sharing of the heart.”
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