The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency: Five Novels

by Alexander McCall Smith

Boxed set of first five. Botswana Mma Precious Ramotwse solves mysteries, caring for reputations of all involved.
1 The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
2 Tears of the Giraffe
3 Morality for Beautiful Girls
4 The Kalahari Typing School For Men
5 The Full Cupboard of Life

Genres: Fiction, Mystery, Africa, Detective, Botswana, Book Club

Paperback

First published November 1, 1995

About the author

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 is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.

Reviews

[Friederike Knabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

The inspiration for the No.1 Lady Detective, Ma Ramotswe, came to McCall Smith while he observed a "traditionally built and cheerful" woman chasing a chicken in a yard in Botswana. Precious Ramotswe became the heroine of this delightful and engaging series. The box set contains the first three volumes and, as an extra treat, an African folk tale from a forthcoming collection. If you, as I did, just bought the first volume on its own, keep it to lend or give to friends and get the set right away. Mm Ramotswe's charm, humanity and her special sense of fairness will keep you entertained and your heart warmed. You will feel like the author who could not leave Ma Ramotswe at the end of the first book - "it would have been like leaving in the middle of a conversation".

The diverse cases handled by the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, while providing a thread through the books, are not really the main theme. The stories provide the reader with an insight into social aspects of one African society rarely offered in such a caring and empathic way. With great sensitivity McCall Smith explores rising conflicts between the traditional values of Botswana society and the modern influences brought from the cities across the border in South Africa. Of course, there are also the usual domestic conflicts that are the bread and butter of private detectives. Mma Ramotswe solves these with aplomb and wit, using common sense and her own version of justice. It is sometimes more important to teach the culprit a lesson and change his ways than to hand him (or her) over to the police authorities...

Through all the descriptions of her cases and daily goings on in her life, McCall Smith reveals his love for Botswana, her people and the environment. With each volume, we get more intimately involved with the main characters. In addition to Precious, her fiancé, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, her assistant Mma Makutsi and her father, the late Obed Ramotswe who continues to play an important role in her life are major players. One would love to sit down with Precious on the veranda of her house on Zebra Drive to watch the sun set behind the trees and, drinking her favourite bush tea, reflect on life and its quirky sides. Fortunately there are more stories on the way in this highly entertaining and winning series.

[Clair · Rating 5 out of 5]

My most recent fascination has been with The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. I finished all 9 books too quickly and am anxiously awaiting the publication of the 10th! I highly recommend these books!

Here's the story... Using the inheritance (a fine herd of cattle) left her when her father dies, Precious Ramotswe sets up a one of a kind detective agency in Botswana, Africa. There are many ups and downs and twists and turns as she helps her clients solve some of life's problems. These mini-mysteries carry you through the book and are resolved by the end. But along the way is a compassionate look at the simple life with lots of tidbits of wisdom scattered here and there. For instance, "one should not look uninvited at the papers of another, even if they have been discarded." That just cracked me up. And there's lots of serious advise too: "If only people would say sorry sooner rather than later...much discord and unhappiness could be avoided."

The characters all become real, each with their own lovable quirks. From Mma Makutsi weakness for shoes, Mr J.L.B. Matekoni's soft heart that can't say no, and Charlie's preoccupation with girls- it's a case of "you gotta love 'em" just as they are. And the main character, Mma Ramotswe, is a woman that has it together. She is smart and she is kind. She makes no apologies for her body of "traditional build." In fact, she doesn't see the point in showing off our skeletons as everyone knows they are already there.

Anyway, I think most will enjoy the straight forward and lighthearted writing style of this often humorous collection. It's a candid looks on the human heart and hooks the reader with a smattering of suspense.

[Melissa B. · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm only giving this series three stars because they are fluff. Brain-candy. But such pleasant, fluffy brain-candy. I don't think there are many books out there that just make you feel nice and happy inside after you read them, and these do that for me. They don't make me think, or question the way I view the world. They don't make me cry--which is practically my top criteria for what makes a good book--or say "wow." They are just happy little books that are nice to read.

[Sue Gilbert · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is just a fun series of books. Set in Africa, about 'traditionaly built' women who opens her own detective agency and sets about on an interesting life in her middle years and solves a number of mysteries. The setting in Botswana and her love of the land adds a wonderful dimension to the stories. Once you start the series, you can't stop since you grow to love the characters and enjoy following thier normal and not so normal life adventures and challenges.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series of books is totally light hearted and fun. I love the African setting and the characters are so enjoyable. It is not deep reading, but it is uplifting and relaxing. The main character, Ma. Ramostwa is so lovable and it almost makes me want to go and visit Botswana! The humor is very dry and the stories are almost like watching a TV drama of "Murder She Wrote" with Angela Lansbury-- however the mysteries are not about murder.

[Karen Arnold · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read seven of the series of eight, and look forward to reading the last one. They deliver finely detailed portraits of everyday life in Botswana, along with engaging stories replete with insights into human nature. A real pleasure in light reading.

[Peggy MacDonald-Finley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lighthearted, totally enjoyable books. Loved them all..

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read individually. Wonderful, lovely, fun reading!

[Laura Showalter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I only read the first book of the series but will probably read more. The plot isn't gripping, but the writing is entertaining.

[Jeanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although the author is a male, Alexander McCall Smith really gets inside the female psyche in these delightful stories of a woman who walks out of the African jungle and opens The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, in a grass hut in the rural village. The way she thinks and solves all manner of crimes and misdemeanors is wonderfully different from the way any male counterpart would think or function, and she always comes up with a win-win resolution for all parties concerned, and in a most interesting manner. You'll love these stories ~ especially if you're any kind of lawyer or detective yourself, and wondering how to resolve an important case.

[David Loewen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read every book in this series as far as I know. After living four years in West Africa as a boy, I can relate somewhat to the way Africans think, and the pace of life. Even though I've never been to Botswana, reading these books is a little like going home for me. These books have no real climax other than Mma Ramotswe's occasionally solving a problem for one of her clients, Mr. J L B Matekoni doing another good deed for the orphanage after being bribed with fruit cake, or another run-in between Mma Makutsi and the apprentices. Gives a glimpse into the warm depth of the African heart and into the warm heart of Africa.

[cindy · Rating 4 out of 5]

these books were a pure delight. mystery in botswana, a mirthful and sage series that revolves around the no. 1 ladies detective agency. with a name like that, it's not difficult to be charmed by the simple and straight forward writing of alexander maccall smith of his lady detectives and the stories/people they encounter, the moral and ethical questions they are posed with, in addition to the engaging stories of their own lives. all of the books are real page turners that won't take you much more than a day to finish, if even that.

[Judie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a charming series that takes place in Botswana. It is filled with interesting insights into the culture and daily life. It is a polite look at another culture. It's good to try one of these books on CD to get the feel for the language and pronunciation. Read past the first book as it lays the background, but isn't necessarily my favorite. They are making a movie about at least one of these books.

[Mindy · Rating 1 out of 5]

I cannot figure out what the big deal about this book is. Pretty much everyone I've talked to loves them but I thought it was totally stupid. The parts most people are think are cute and funny, I thought were dumb. This book was so boring. The only reason I even finished it was because we read it for book club and I felt obligated. Reading the rest of the books in this series would be nothing short of torture.

[Deb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read all in series (so far), through book nine "Miracle at Speedy Motors. // I love these books. When you read them, you're taken to a place where people are calm and considerate. I find it very soothing - like a vacation to a relaxing place. Not too taxing; no major plot developments - just a niiiice read. It's like "How To Cope With Difficult People 101"! McCall Smith's first-hand knowledge of Botswana makes for a very genuine setting.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

These books really need to be rated as a set. I love the characters who are often both intelligent and funny (Mma. Makutsi's 97% cracks me up, but makes me cheer for her at the same time), and the dialog is always interesting. I love the way Botswana is portrayed. I love the relationships between the main characters. I also love a good mystery. Stories, characters, landscape, mystery, love...these books have everything!

[Sandie Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you've never read any of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency books, you really should buy this set because when you finish the first book you will want to keep reading! Having the next four books at hand will save you time, because you will be compelled to keep reading! In fact, Alexander McCall Smith cannot write and publish the next edition in this series fast enough to satisfy his followers. The best series of books in this century.

[Robyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like these as they are set in Africa, they are slow-paced, but kept my interest as they about a unique culture to me, have a mystery, and always have a smart life's lesson to teach. I love the main character and his quiet wisdom. Africa is so interesting to me, so different than the U.S. The focus on people and relationships (instead of money, business, and busy=ness) attracts me to it.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series. The books are gentle but still maintain my interest. The descriptions of the people and the land are amazing (free travel!) and make me feel like I am there. The books are my security blanket in the middle of a horrible semester. I only need to be careful I don't read all night long.

[Joann Brinton · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm on book 3 and have been enjoying these informative, and light-hearted mysteries. Its been informative to read about life in Botswana and see a different way of looking at the world. They get a little redundant as the author retells about things in case one picks up a random book and doesn't follow the series, but I just skim through those parts.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun series to read. My Mom and I both enjoyed them. The second in the series was the most complete and sound all around.
It gives a good sample of life in Africa and what women are like there. I feel that it is fairly accurate as the author lived in Africa for a few years off and on.

[Pam Hess · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read the first three books of the set and currently reading the last. These books are light and amusing reading that I find are teaching me much about African life. I have read other books with an African setting that are more political and rife with sadness but this series seems like a more typical simple life story of a wonderful every day heroine.

[Keeley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a wonderful series about everyday life and extraordinary women in Africa. Wonderful characters and descriptions of the area- I feel like I have lived in Africa and knew these people. Few authors seem able to accomplish that, even if it is their intent.

[Christy Ross · Rating 4 out of 5]

The one I'm reading now ("The Full Cupboard of Life") actually has a chapter entitled "Tea is always the solution." Enough said! These books really carry you away from your everyday life in such a pleasant way.

[Tim Merriman · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters in Smith's book are totally charming and the setting in Africa is wonderful. The humor and flavor are unique and earthy in ways hard to describe. I love to recommend this to people who have traveled in Africa and enjoy the unique and varied cultures there.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read this series up to number 5. I enjoyed all of them. They are very interesting books, giving you a look into the culture of Botswana, where the books take place. The main character is fun and witty. These are fun good books.

[Christy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book is difficult to get through, but the others are great. Very entertaining and clever in writing style. It reminded me a lot of the style many of my international friends communicated in. Mma Ramotswe is just a joy to follow.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are delightful books. The setting, Botswana, is beautifully described. The main character is a strong centered African woman with a practical and moral view of life. I love the way the author portrays simple people in a rich and understanding way.

[Julieanndixon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good series of mysteries solved by a kind and very sensible lady-while giving such a sense of place as to make you think you've been to Botswana & are starting to understand the traditional way of going about things.

[Trena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love them all. Whenever I want to clear my head, feel hopeful, and believe that life's less complicated than I make it to be. I pick up one of these delightfully lighthearted books about a female detective solving crimes in Africa, Africa, Africa.