Tears of the Giraffe (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #2)

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Tears of the Giraffe (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #2)

by Alexander McCall Smith (Goodreads Author)

3.91 of 5 stars 3.91 · rating details · 23,853 ratings · 1,439 reviews

Precious Ramotswe is the eminently sensible and cunning proprietor of the only ladies' detective agency in Botswana. In Tears of the Giraffe she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. In the midst of resolving uncertainties, pondering her impending marriage to a good, kind man,...more

Paperback, 217 pages

Published 2003 by Abacus (first published 2000)

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May 19, 2013 aPriL MEOWS often with scratching rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: literary, humor, cozy

I think a lot of the reviews appear to ignore this is a series written as a tea cozy mystery genre type. Genres follow commonly accepted rules of plotting and characterization depending on the type of genre. Every once in awhile critics get excited over a "genre bending" book because a book didn't follow the rules. This series is NOT genre bending. What it is is an extremely well written, warm, amusing, tea cozy that lightly touchs on many aspects of African life, VERY lightly. A light touch is...more

8 likes · like · see review

Jul 28, 2012 Osho rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: botswana-south-africa, 2012

Better than the first in the series, or perhaps, now having been to Botswana, the images are more vivid and the relationships more culturally nuanced. The parallelism is a bit thick, but I was entertained. Audiobook narrator Lisette Lecat does a lovely job of differentiating characters not only by vocal tone but by how they pronounce Setswana words.

2 likes · like · see review

Aug 20, 2012 Alan rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-abroad, 2012

I read "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" several years ago. I remember it being fun and fresh and quirky, but it didn't grab me and I wasn't desperate to carry on with the series. Having now read "Tears of the Giraffe", I am eager to find out what happens next. This is, simply put, an exceptionally good book. Every person in the western, "civilised" world should read it and be humbled.

This time around, Alexander McCall Smith delivers a simple and heart-warming story, which is concerned far mo...more I read "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" several years ago. I remember it being fun and fresh and quirky, but it didn't grab me and I wasn't desperate to carry on with the series. Having now read "Tears of the Giraffe", I am eager to find out what happens next. This is, simply put, an exceptionally good book. Every person in the western, "civilised" world should read it and be humbled.

This time around, Alexander McCall Smith delivers a simple and heart-warming story, which is concerned far more with the characters and community than with the little mysteries therein. I'll admit that I was counting the pages and wondering when he would get back to the cases (what little there is of them), but not at all because I was bored - if anything, I wanted the novel to be a hundred pages longer. Nevertheless, this tiny book packs a punch - and I, for one, could almost imagine jumping on the next available plane and visiting Botswana, just to experience the people and the environment for myself.

The writing style is deceptively simple, but it's easy to read between the lines. The author manages to find a balance where he can introduce you to a different way of life without causing you to feel like an outsider. The setting is both worlds-apart and surprisingly familiar, and the characters come right off the page. There are also some cute moments where things are lost in translation; a little discussion about Dr Freud springs to mind and after all, why shouldn't a little boy love his mother?

What stands out the most, and in stark contrast to the majority of western crime and mystery writing, is the all-encompassing sense of hope that Mma Ramotswe brings to the fore. Far from a jaded, cynical, troubled protagonist - this is a large woman with a large heart, who somehow always manages to come across as brave and insightful, where a weaker character might have been painfully naive. She bounds into all sorts of adventure and mischief, taking it all in her stride and never letting the badness rub off on her or wear her down.

I am very much looking forward to reading the rest of the series, and will be recommending this book to everyone I know. It strikes me as a wonderful place to start - and I would probably advise people to give the first book a miss, at least until they've really gotten into the series.(less)

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Apr 15, 2011 Tiara rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, book-turned-series, no-1-ladies-detective-agency

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. 2nd book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. I was trudging my way through Twilight (still only half done with that book after two weeks--a shame) when I decided to shift my focus to this instead. I breezed through this book. The story picks up right where the last one left off and is just as personable and easy to read. Along with a fiance, Precious has picked up an adopted son and daughter. Some may think she went along with that too readily, but it seemed in character for her to me....more

2 likes · like · see review

May 19, 2011 Dusty rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: read-in-2009

I don't seek out Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, and yet when I run across them in a clearance rack I can't help but pick them up. Tears Of The Giraffe is the second in the series, and it is just as charming, just as gently comic, as the first installment.

My only problem with the book -- and it's little more than a nagging feeling in the back of my head -- is that the author's depiction of his protagonist, the exceedingly down-to-earth, compassionate and somewhat...more

6 likes · like · see review

Dec 09, 2008 Graham rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: literature, mystery, africa

I absolutely adored the first in Smith’s Botswanan stories, so after a while I set about tackling the sequel. I wasn’t disappointed.

TEARS OF THE GIRAFFE is the better book purely because Smith doesn’t have to carefully set up the situation and characters; we already know all about them, so he can just get on with it.

The best thing about this novel is all of the different ingredients thrown into the mix. We have another missing child, with a much more complex story this time around; we have a h...more

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Nov 14, 2011 Nicola rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: crime, cultural, books-i-own, awful-cover, mystery

I liked this one so much more than I liked The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Probably because there was a lot less character introduction and much more actual plot and events. Precious is so very likeable and I think she's highly amusing with some of her thoughts on women, men and the world in general. I love the setting and think it's very unusual and captivating. I really enjoy all the little stories that run through these books and the pearls of wisdom that everyone seems to have on offer....more

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Aug 23, 2008 Janice (Janicu) rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was charming. The main characters, Mma Ramotswe, owner of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency and her fiance Mr J. L. B. Matekoni, are a little old fashioned in their idea of politeness and respectability, but refreshingly so. The mysteries that Mma Ramotswe solves are pretty straightforward to the reader; there are no twists in the solving of the crimes, but this is what is so charming about the book. Life in Mma Ramotswe's world is straightforward and full of moral fiber. Her story of...more

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May 11, 2009 Harun Harahap rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: punya, fiksi, terjemahan

pas kemaren ketemu ni buku tuh seneng banged..coz ni buku yg daku cari2...cuma pernah baca buku seri ketiganya seh...tapi gw dah suka banged..jadi penasaran sama buku seri pertama dan keduanya..

masih menceritakan Mma Ramotswe sebagai detektif wanita no.1 di Botswana dan tunangannya Mr Matekoni..sebenernya cerita detektif ni ringan banged..kasusnya ga ngejelimet..bahkan bisa dibilang biasa banged..

tapi sisi lebihnya adalah di buku ni diceritakan tentang kebudayaan afrika..dan juga banyak moralita...more

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Apr 04, 2009 Kimberly rated it 3 of 5 stars

This story took me deeper into the traditions of Botswana and their many gentle people, and gave some insight into the broader African conflicts - but mostly it was a wonderful story of Mma Ramotswe and her Detective Agency. The result of the cases that Mma Ramotswe takes on very often end up helping others in a very sensible way, and in the midst of her investigations we are also pulled in to her lovely life, where she is engaged to a very kind man who has surprisingly taken in two orphan child...more

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Mar 30, 2009 Liz rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2009, reviewed

The second book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series finds Mma Precious Ramotswe (still the only female detective in Botswana) happily accepting Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's proposal of marriage. After a disastrous first marriage to a trumpet-playing scoundrel, Precious swore she would never remarry. But Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, the proprietor of a successful car repair shop, is everything she could ask for in a man...kind, considerate and worshipful of the ground Precious walks on. However, not ev...more

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May 13, 2013 Gale rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, spunky-heroines

Skullduggery and New Beginnings in Botswana

The story of Mma Precious Rabotswe, founder of the Ladies' No. 1
Detective Agency, continues in this second book of the series, taking up after she has accepted the proposal of a kind and patient mechanic, Mr. Matekoni. The only biographical flashbacks reference the honored Memory of her long-deceased father; thus the sequence of events is easier to follow and the plot reduced to a brief time span. Her fiancé's movements are chronicled in greater detail...more Skullduggery and New Beginnings in Botswana

The story of Mma Precious Rabotswe, founder of the Ladies' No. 1
Detective Agency, continues in this second book of the series, taking up after she has accepted the proposal of a kind and patient mechanic, Mr. Matekoni. The only biographical flashbacks reference the honored Memory of her long-deceased father; thus the sequence of events is easier to follow and the plot reduced to a brief time span. Her fiancé's movements are chronicled in greater detail, as readers' attention shifts between the engaged protagonists. Maketoni reveals both his love for her and his genuine compassion for those in need--while secretly longing to train a competent and eager successor for his automotive repair shop.

Although the couple is not married by the conclusion of the book, there is plenty of activity to capture the reader's interest. An ambitious secretary seeks to advance to assistant detective; a vicious maid learns the harsh lessons of betrayal; a womanizer is drastically reduced in his self-esteem. Then too, various moral and ethical dilemmas are raised by the conscientious women of this All-female detective agency, as they wrestle with their obligations to the Client versus those to the Law. As in the debut novel there is also an underlying mystery, which increases literary tension throughout the chapters dealing with both the engagement and other cases.

A grieving mother begs for justice or failing that--information to put closure on her son's death. Emancipated Botswana--a region remote to most Americans--is depicted with compassionate respect and optimism by an author who grew up appreciating this continent and its struggle to emerge as a modern nation, while retaining traditional values. The book's unique title is explained at the very end: How much can a giraffe--or a human being for that matter--truly give? Smith's African characters give their all to the delight of readers the world over, revealing the universality of the human condition.

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Apr 20, 2013 Harini Padmanabhan rated it 3 of 5 stars

This book picks up right where the first one ended. Precious is happily engaged and by a strange twist of fate inherits two children.Before i go further with the review let me first state that this part rankled me for though she might be kind and understanding, I really don't understand how a woman can really be ok with a man thrusting two children on her without consulting her. I am all for adoption but I am all for equality and partnership in life too.

The secretary gets promoted while solving...more

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Apr 08, 2013 Mike Cook rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: detective-fiction

I liked this book a lot. It is a window into another world, a multifaceted portal into a third-world country. Alexander McCall Smith is to Botswana what Tony Hillerman was to the American Southwest. As the mystery unfolds, the reader is introduced to the culture, religion, superstitions, prejudices, living conditions, societal norms and the land of this small country in Africa. It made me think that I would like the people there and would enjoy a visit. The story revolves around a death and illi...more

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Jan 16, 2013 Hanna rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Everyone

Recommended to Hanna by: My mom

Shelves: 2012

Tears of the Giraffe
Alexander McCall Smith

This is the second book in the series about the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. Botswana´s only - and finest - female detective, Mma Ramotswe, takes on more cases, some that seems impossible to solve. On top of that, she just got engaged to Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni - owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. And suddenly, after her fiancé´s trip to the orphanage to fix an old machine, Mma Ramotswe is mother of two children. Let´s just say that the Matron at the o...more Tears of the Giraffe
Alexander McCall Smith

This is the second book in the series about the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency. Botswana´s only - and finest - female detective, Mma Ramotswe, takes on more cases, some that seems impossible to solve. On top of that, she just got engaged to Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni - owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. And suddenly, after her fiancé´s trip to the orphanage to fix an old machine, Mma Ramotswe is mother of two children. Let´s just say that the Matron at the orphanage can be quite persuasive.

The short book, with only a little more than 200 pages, is filled with wonderful descriptions, great characters and smart reflections on life. It´s especially one person - Mma Makutsi, Mma Ramotswe´s secretary - that I really can see before me and hear her slightly irritating voice in my head. I think that is why I like the book as much as i do, it´s like watching a movie rather than reading a book. The author also captures feelings. When Mma Ramotswe is doing something dangerous, I feel afraid for her. And when she eats dinner with her new family, I feel so happy for her.

Alexander McCall Smith was born in Zimbabwe, and you can tell that he is in love with Africa. If I ever felt unsure if I wanted to go there before, I´m definitely sure I want to, now. How he describes the landscape - the Kalahari and how different it can look if it´s the rain period or not - is just wonderful. It´s great to pick up a book at home, at the bus or in the library and get transported to warm Botswana. I´ll say it again, the book has amazing descriptions.

When Mma Ramotswe gets a case, she doesn´t use modern equipment. She talks to people, and if I`ve learnt something while reading this book is how everyone has something to say about everyone, and they want to say it even if it´s bad things. Mma Ramotswe also reads people. And it´s super cool, because since I am reading her thoughts it feels like I can read people too.

I loved this book, mainly because I like how a cup of tea can solve most things. (less)

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Aug 01, 2012 Renee Braverman rated it 5 of 5 stars

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
by Alexander McCall Smith

There are now 13 books in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I was introduced to this series when I happened to pick up the 6th book in the series, In the Company of Cheerful Ladies. It was the title that grabbed my attention; it was the contents that kept my attention. This book was so delightful that I had to read the series from the beginning.

Africa is the backdrop for this series, Botswana in particular, which is a landloc...more

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May 17, 2012 Anjali rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, read-in-2012, women-protagonists

Having liked the first book in the series, I picked up the second one, hoping to read more about Mma Ramotswe’s adventures. While the book does have its dose of African culture and lifestyle with Mma Ramotswe’s adventures, it fails to touch the reader’s heart the same way the first book does.

The story continues from where we left off in the first book. Mma Ramotswe is engaged to Matekoni and this is the talk of the town of Botswana. All of them agree this is a great match, except for Matekoni’s...more

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May 12, 2012 Jamilla Rice rated it 3 of 5 stars

Did I say that I was hooked? Understatement. So after I finished the first book in the series, I couldn't wait to read the next volume. I looked up the author on the library's website, went out in the pouring rain right before the library closed, and checked out the next two books in the series, this one, and Morality for Beautiful Girls.

This one, I liked more than the first book in the series because I detected a definite theme of the struggle between "progress" and the maintenance of the trad...more

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May 02, 2012 Remo rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2005, novela

Éste es el segundo libro de la serie sobre Mma Ramowtse. Leí el primero hace poco y estoy enganchado a la serie. Hay dos más (cuatro en total), según me comunica mi especialista en literatura (gracias, Diego, hermanito). Son libros fáciles de leer, muy sencillos en su planteamiento y redacción, pero en los que se puede intuir el amor por África del autor y alguna crítica o alabanza, según el caso, a los estilos de vida africano y occidental. Me encanta la sensación de inocencia que transpiran lo...more Éste es el segundo libro de la serie sobre Mma Ramowtse. Leí el primero hace poco y estoy enganchado a la serie. Hay dos más (cuatro en total), según me comunica mi especialista en literatura (gracias, Diego, hermanito). Son libros fáciles de leer, muy sencillos en su planteamiento y redacción, pero en los que se puede intuir el amor por África del autor y alguna crítica o alabanza, según el caso, a los estilos de vida africano y occidental. Me encanta la sensación de inocencia que transpiran los personajes, únicamente preocupados en ser felices y procurar felicidad a los que les rodean. En este segundo libro de la serie hay un diálogo que rescato al completo porque merece la pena. En el orfanato, hablan la directora -mma Potokwane- y el Sr. Maketoni, que ha ido a arreglarles el motor de la caldera:

- Hay gente a la que le cuesta dar dinero a los huérfanos -afirmó Mma Potokwane-. Tiene que ver con la manera en que sus madres les educaron. Hay un médico muy famoso, el doctor Freud, que ha escrito muchos libros sobre esas personas.
- ¿Vive en Johanesburgo?- preguntó el señor Maketoni.
- Creo que no. El libro es de Londres. Pero es muy interesante. Dice que todos los niños están enamorados de sus madres.
- Natural -repuso el señor Maketoni-. ¡Está claro que los niños quieren a sus madres! ¿Por qué no iban a quererlas?
Mma Potokwane se encogió de hombros.
- Eso mismo pienso yo. No veo qué hay de malo en que un niño quiera a su madre.
- Entonces, ¿por qué el doctor Freud está preocupado por eso? -prosiguió el señor Maketoni-. Lo que tendría que preocuparle es que no las quisieran.
Mma Potokwane parecía pensativa.
- Sí, pero aún así le preocupaban estos chicos y creo que intentaba impedírselo.
- Eso es absurdo. Seguro que tendría cosas mejores que hacer con su tiempo.
- Seguro que sí -afirmó mma Potokwane-, y a pesar de este doctor Freud, los niños siguen queriendo a sus madres, como debe ser.

Mi nota: Altamente recomendable, al igual que el anterior.
(less)

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Feb 17, 2012 Adrienne rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Reason for Book’s Selection: The book is the second in the series, and as I greatly enjoyed the first and could easily digitally download the next, I just kept reading!

Plot: Precious Ramotswe continues her work at Botswana’s first and only detective agency run by women, and her fiancé makes a life-changing decision without consulting her.

Characterization: Mma Ramotswe remains consistently and wonderfully drawn in this second novel. There is more character growth in this installment, and severa...more

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Sep 16, 2011 Manussawee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The story of Mma Ramotswe is getting better! I really enjoyed the book and the way the author chose to attack some morality questions. I felt strong sense of community was portrayed in the book, along with strong female characters--Mma Romotswe, Mma Makutsi (her asst detective/secretary), and Motholeli. Like how the American lady was touched when someone called her "sister." Or how Motholeli reflected on her good fortune of being adopted by Mr J.L.B. Metekoni:

[Mr Jameson] was a good man, who tho

...more

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Sep 02, 2011 Gina rated it 4 of 5 stars

I was looking to this book to be a light-hearted but not trifling break from some other reading that I've been doing. It did not disappoint, and in fact exceeded expectations. I read the first of the series and will now have to track down the rest, ideally to be held as trusty go-tos when I'm looking for something more than a murder mystery, something less than "literature".

I like the mix of events in the characters' lives with detective agency cases. One part of me wishes the cases had more dep...more

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Aug 18, 2010 Norma rated it 3 of 5 stars

This is a segment of the ongoing story of Precious Ramotswe, Smith's character whose experiences are described in The No. 1 Ladies' dective Agency series. Her story in this book is about her engagement to Mr. L.J.B. Matekoni, the local mechanic and garage owner, and her detective work in finding out what happened to a young American man 10 years ago. All the series stories are set in Botswana and inhabited by the ordinary people of Gabrone. The stories are generally charming, if somewhat formula...more

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Dec 07, 2009 Tim rated it 4 of 5 stars

Smith's concerns and methods are more directly on display in this engaging novel than in some of his other Precious Ramotswe novels. He cares about Africa. He thinks that women may be or even must be the development engine and moral compass of the continent. He thinks that the life well lived is a moral life and vice-versa. Moral life as Smith portrays it involves posing moral questions and working out practical answers. Morality may be abstracted from the mundane matters of daily life. But it i...more

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Nov 22, 2009 Ann rated it 4 of 5 stars

I love the way the book makes you feel you are actually part of Botswana, especially the cultural distinctions between Botswana and other countries, many of which we Americans just lump together as "somewhere in Africa." It feels almost like a different language, even though it's English--a formal way of dealing with others such as engaged people who refer to their fiancee by his or her full name, an acceptance of weather, and of class/status. Unwritten on every page is, to quote an Americanism,...more

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Oct 21, 2009 Lori rated it 4 of 5 stars

Mma Ramotswe is at it again! The No. 1 Ladies Dectective Agency has taken on some new and interesting cases. In this story things are not as clear cut as they seem and Precious Ramotswe ponders the morality of telling the truth, telling lies and in general the imperfection of the human condition. Her insights into the psyche of human nature are all to true. Alexander McCall Smith has again created a wonderful vignette of stories that delight the reader with their simple storyline, yet complex im...more

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May 08, 2009 Visha Burkart rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I felt that this book suffered from sequel-syndrome, although not as bad as it could have. The first book was far more character-driven, while this one has already established the characters and continues on without skipping any time between books (it practically picks up the day after the first book left off), thus all the weight is put upon plot. And since this book is a mystery novel involving several cases to be solved by Mma Ramotswe, well...

I felt that Mma Ramotswe, as a character, is put...more I felt that this book suffered from sequel-syndrome, although not as bad as it could have. The first book was far more character-driven, while this one has already established the characters and continues on without skipping any time between books (it practically picks up the day after the first book left off), thus all the weight is put upon plot. And since this book is a mystery novel involving several cases to be solved by Mma Ramotswe, well...

I felt that Mma Ramotswe, as a character, is put on the back-burner for this book, and more attention is paid to other character who may or may not warrent it. There's more about JLB Matekoni, Precious' fiance, and two orphans who join the family - warrented; but there's a lot of backstory for Matekoni's maid, whose plan to frame Ramotswe is built up heavily and then deflated before it really jumps.

The cases were not as interesting to me in this book - the formula has already been established and there wasn't anything special that was done - Ramotswe, level-headed and fair, uses her intuition and detective-book learning to smooth out misunderstandings/mysteries. There were a few times that I wanted to see her get fired up about something - really bring home the thunder on someone, but although she had plenty of opportunities, she doesn't rise to take anyone's bait. The main mystery in this book was the case of a missing American man/boy whose mother has returned to Africa to try and get closure. Well, the boy wasn't murdered, so no one is really to blame, and the South African tart that is the mother of his son (although she was also screwing around with the "evil" guy who "kind of" caused his death) (oh, and yes, McCall-Smith's agenda of disliking South Africa/Africans is quite evident here, in case you didn't pick up on it in the first book), is forgiven by the mother who enjoys an afternoon of catching up with her and the grandchild. So.... if you understood anything in that last sentence, pat yourself on the back.

I finished this book in a day. But despite the things that I didn't like about it, it was a pleasant read that was vaguely satisfying and not at all taxing. Also, there was a nice cliffhanger at the end of the book, when the grandchild notices that Mma Ramotswe's engagement ring is cubic zirconium. (less)

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Feb 13, 2013 Connie N. rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: africa, detective, feel-good

The feeling of the books in this series (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) is warm and comfortable, like Mma. Ramotswe herself. She is careful and thoughtful and comfortable in her own person. And she makes the reader feel that way too. I think that is McCall Smith's gift.

This is such a happy book. There is a deep love of Africa that is mentioned frequently, and the characters all have their own wisdom and thoughts that make so much sense, in a simple and uncomplicated way. I am in love with M...more

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Aug 15, 2011 Brittany rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery

I got a little worn out reading all endangered-species policy books and wanted a fluffy mystery for a break. I've been meaning to read these book. The library didn't have The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency on the shelf when I dropped by, but they did have this book, the second in the series. I don't get too caught up in reading things in order, so I picked it up. I'm really glad I did, because it was exactly what I was looking for: a lovely, character-driven (in a non-naval gazing way) story, dr...more

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Oct 02, 2009 Shade added it

Tears of the Giraffe

I have read the book Tears of the giraffe I personally thought it was a great book on a female detective in Africa. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read suspense books that deal with real life challenges and solving mysteries and crimes
In TOTG my favorite character was mma Ramotswe, the main character of the book. Mma R was a detective who lived in Garbone Africa, working as detective in town, better yet the only one in the whole country of Africa. She is...more Tears of the Giraffe

I have read the book Tears of the giraffe I personally thought it was a great book on a female detective in Africa. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes to read suspense books that deal with real life challenges and solving mysteries and crimes
In TOTG my favorite character was mma Ramotswe, the main character of the book. Mma R was a detective who lived in Garbone Africa, working as detective in town, better yet the only one in the whole country of Africa. She is very independent woman living on her own, having a fun a great life. She was all around a great honest woman who didn’t want anything more out of life than to simply have fun and live a full life.
My least favorite would have to be Mma Rawotswe, she runs the orphans in town. I dislike her not because of her personality but because she is forceful upon people and pushes things upon them that they really don’t want. Such as one day Mr. J.L.B matekoin who is engaged to be married to mma R, stops by one day to see how everything is. He goes with no intention of adopting a child, but when he gets there she makes him adopt two. Even though he did not want to, she didn’t even give him time to consult with his fiancé.
The portion of the book that was when a American woman came into the detective agency with the first case ever and the biggest case they thought they would ever have her husband was an imbassored working in Africa. Their son was there with them and he was interested in working on a farm when time came for them to go home he didn’t want to go so. He was an adult and his parents knew he could stay by his self so they left him there. He would write to his mom and call her every day, then one day she didn’t receive anything, and the next day, and the next day. Then on the fourth day she received a knock on her door, it was an official from the ambassadors office coming to tell her son has gone missing. Towards the end of the book we find out that her son was eaten by a wild animal.
I kept reading this book because I love read suspense books and I could not wait to find out what happened to the boy. I was able to somewhat predict the ending of the book because they were looking for bones in the forest and they kept seeing wild animals so my common sense told me that he was eaten.
If this book were made into a movie I think I would play the role of Mma Ramotswe simply because she’s cool and i can relate to her personality. Also, because I think I could be a pretty good detective
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About Alexander McCall Smith

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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“A life without stories would be no life at all. And stories bound us, did they not, one to another, the living to the dead, people to animals, people to the land?” — 33 people liked it

“Mma Ramotswe sighed. 'We are all tempted, Mma. We are all tempted when it comes to cake.'

That is true,' said Mma Potokwane sadly. 'There are many temptations in this life, but cake is probably one of the biggest of them.” — 21 people liked it

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Tears of the Giraffe (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #2)

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