In the Company of Cheerful Ladies

No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #6

by Alexander McCall Smith

Mma Ramotswe's normally unshakable composure is rattled when a visitor forces her to confront a secret from her past.

In the newest addition to the universally beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the charming and ever-resourceful Precious Ramotswe finds herself overly beset by problems. She is already busier than usual at the detective agency when added to her concerns are a strange intruder in her house on Zebra Drive and the baffling appearance of a pumpkin. And then there is Mma Makutsi, who decides to treat herself to dance lessons, only to be partnered with a man who seems to have two left feet. Nor are things running quite as smoothly as they usually do at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. Mma Ramotswe’s husband, the estimable Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, is overburdened with work even before one of his apprentices runs off with a wealthy woman. But what finally rattles Mma Ramotswe’s normally unshakable composure is a visitor who forces her to confront a secret from her past. . . .

All this unfolds against the sunlit background of Mma Ramotswe’s beloved homeland, Botswana–a land of empty spaces, echoing skies, and an endless supply of soothing bush tea.

Genres: Mystery, Fiction, Africa, Botswana, Crime, Audiobook, Cozy Mystery

233 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2004

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

[Anne Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

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," said Mma Ramotswe quietly. "I do not always resist it. I am not a strong woman in that respect." "I am glad you said that," said Mma Potokwane. "I am not strong either. For example, right at the moment, I am thinking of cake." "And so am I," confessed Mma Ramotswe. Mma Potekwane stood up and shouted to the girl outside. "Two more pieces of cake, please. Two big slices.""

[Laurel · Rating 4 out of 5]

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, every so often I am struck by how much I miss my grandparents, and reading one of these books takes the edge off. There is a little magic to these books.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

****Seventh read****

This is still my favorite of the series, with the very last sentences being the best of the lot. Several important characters introduced here, and some heartwarming moments. A lot of laughter too, although Mma Ramotswe confronts her past in this and some dark events from two characters’ backgrounds come to the fore at times. So, not all light and happy, but soulful and wonderful.

AMS, you’ve stolen my heart so many times. Luckily, you’ve stolen my husband’s heart too, so he’s not the least bit jealous (lol). I’m rereading this series this time with my husband and it’s making me appreciate these books on an entirely different level, seeing them from a man’s perspective. It’s been wonderful and we’re looking forward to the next book!



****Sixth read****

Kindnesses exchanged, and friendships made and cemented. That’s what this book is about. I just love it. Every time I read it. ❤️

***Fifth read***
These books feel like my children. Hard to pick a favorite but if I had to, this would be it. Special people come into play here and some terrific things happen. I love this series so much. It has become part of my soul. I want to live in Botswana with Mma Ramotswe and the rest of the crew; now, more than ever. If it weren't so hot there, I might be making tentative plans, just in case America hasn't come fully to its senses in November. 😉

AMS, I hope to meet you one day. You are on my bucket list. You're a special man and you've got me through some tough times. You are proof that art heals, that literature is priceless, and that sensitive souls are the great recyclers. Thank you for your wonderful work. I can't wait for the newest book in this series, due out in November! Hopefully some other great changes due in November, too.

Vote like your life, and your democracy, depend upon it, my American friends. Thank you. 💙🌊💙


***Fourth read***
Every time I read this book, I enjoy it more. Two key characters are added to the series with this volume, which is why I'm picking up my fourth reading of the series with this sixth book. One of the new characters is a firm favorite. They are both very kind men.

I love this series. In a very unsettled time in America, these books bring laughter and peace. The audiobooks are absolutely some of the best among the hundreds of audiobooks I've experienced in my lifetime. I can't stress this enough. Please do yourself a favor and listen to this series!

***Third read***
And even better the third time through! Soft, sweet tears of happiness. That's what I experienced as this book ended.

Two characters are introduced into the series in this book, and they are two of my favorites. I can't recommend this series highly enough. If you've never tried audiobooks, or if you already love them, I beg you to try listening to any volume in this series. Lisette Lecat does an amazing job and can't be bested. Truly, she is a gem in the narration world.

Alexander McCall Smith, I love you and your wonderful books so much. Words don't exist to describe how your books make me feel. It's a calm, happy, settled feeling that I am guaranteed to experience every time I pick up a book in this series that keeps me coming back, time after time. Thank you, from the bottom of this reader's heart.


***Second read***
This one was even better the second time through. It's the characters and the author's appreciation for Botswana and the natural world that make this series. I just love these people and would enjoy spending time with them in real life. They make me laugh, warm my heart, and sometimes surprise me. I love that they grow and develop throughout the series, and bring attachments into their lives (without giving anything away) that broaden the series and enhance the reader's enjoyment further.

But I think what I appreciate most about this series is the civility with which the main characters interact with others, even people who have done them grievous harm. There is something to be said for that, and Mma Ramotswe has quite a few things to teach the world. I wish everyone would read this series; I love it that much. And thoroughly enjoying rereading it.

If you are an audiobook listener, this series really cannot be beat. Lisette Lecat narrates each and every book, and she does so magnificently. There are many characters of both sexes, and she changes voices for each person, and does so convincingly and movingly. She knows exactly when to pause, and when to change her tone, and I feel I am watching the book on a movie screen as I listen. She is priceless and really makes these books even better with her delightful and poignant narration.

I can't praise Alexander McCall Smith or Lisette Lecat highly enough. Please give this series a try.


***First read***I just love this author. His books are charming, and make you think and wonder about human nature. Mma Ramotswe is a wonderful woman, and I love JLB Matekoni's new assistant too. And Mma Makutsi's new friend. This series just keeps getting better.

I have to add that the audio version of this series is especially enjoyable.

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 admitting that she idolizes her father and Seretse. Oooh- she is sooo cute. I wish I could meet her. I have the feeling I could be a better person just to know her!

[Darla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come spend some time in Botswana with the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. This series is like visiting an old friend and learning about a new place. Each installment adds to the store of knowledge one accumulates about this part of Africa. The characters become more defined. Mma Ramatswe and Mma Makutzi are indeed cheerful ladies for the most part. As they help their clients and assist Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni with the workload of the car repair business, we are reminded of Mma Ramatswe's traditional build and Mma Makutzi's desire to be a better dancer, buy new shoes, and perhaps get married someday. Hopes and dreams abound. Not a quickly paced book, but the character-building and sense of place more than make up for it.

[Metodi Markov · Rating 2 out of 5]

Позарязвам поредицата, която за съжаление върви устремно надолу... То и българското издателство май също се е отказало, както гледам.

Много безсмислен пълнеж и повторения, на моменти се отегчих здраво, пречи и нулевото развитие на героите - каквито са в първата книга, такива са и в шестата.

Най-малко от маа Макутси съм очаквал да пристане на някакъв мухльо на име Фути Радифути, дето има магазин за маси и столове... За какво и бяха ония прословути 97%, a?

P.S. Липсва нова колоритна личност, да пораздвижи нещата - може би, някой като небезизвестния нам Путко Мафани от съседна РЮА! 🤪

Сериалът по първите няколко книги е добре направен, приятен е за гледане. Жалко, че е останал със само един сезон.

[Isis · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 criminal, to the end, where people prove their worth despite their unprepossessing appearances - and vice versa.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 ethics are important.

[Jessaka · Rating 3 out of 5]

No, maybe, yes

I have a friend who started a school in Africa and has been after me from time to time to try this series. The other day when I asked her if she knew of books about Africa, Again, this series was mentioned.

This is the 3rd time that I have tried reading this series. They were so boring that I gave up. This time I told myself that I would finish it. The 1st half of this book was so boring that I said to myself, no. But I continued. Then the book picked up and I said to myself, maybe. Last part of the book was so good that I decided that the series was a big, yes.

I believe it is that you have to get to know the characters in order to like the book because the book is rather slow. And by slow I mean it's not really a big adventure, the kind of books I like. But it was relaxing and delightful. I think you have to read them in the order they were published if you want to follow the lives of these characters.

A note to myself About this story. So far I cannot get down the names of the people. So bare with me.1 of the ladies came home and solved a drawer in her kitchen was open and a ball of string was on the counter.... Believed the sun buddy was in her house so she looked around. She should have called the police here. Another lady in this story, could be the same, joins a dance class and then felt rather awkward.

Notice. This review was dictated.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 wonder if some might feel that the characters are just bufoons, and they might take issue with that. Also, I would be naive to pretend to know about cultural authenticity for this book--so I'm not even addressing that issue. For me, the constant repetition of themes and descriptions is a nod to folklore and the oral tradition of storytelling. And the situations are, well, sweet and lightly humorous. I really enjoyed this one.

[Lynn · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always wonderful to return to Botswana in the company of Precious Ramotswe and friends. The slow pace of life and the kindness which permeates the pages are soothing. The crime solving is a small portion of these novels, the wisdom is what makes them special.

[Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

My time with Mma Ramotswe is never wasted:

“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.”

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"... 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."

A beloved new favorite of mine!

I have greatly enjoyed all the previous books, of course, but this one was truly remarkable.

The book introduces two new faces, which are Mr. Polopetsi and Phuti Radiphuti. Both of these men have proven themselves to be great additions to The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. My heart melted at the end for Phuti and Grace Makutsi. I'm so happy for them both!

[Wren · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 Botwana once a year to conduct research for each subsequent book in the series. These books are slow-paced, domestic, charming and educational. I am learning a bit about Botswana, which makes me feel less guilty about reading genre fiction.

[Una Tiers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely prose, gentle clever people.

[Nicole Marble · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!The more I read McCall Smith, the more I look forward to reading more.

[Holly R W · Rating 3 out of 5]

Upset by all of the chaos in the world, I was looking for something lighter to read when I selected this book. I remembered how my mother, now deceased, had loved the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. It's approaching her birthday and I'm thinking of her strongly.

I'm at the halfway mark in the book, but am putting it aside. It's like reading about Andy Griffith's Mayberry, but it's set in Botswana with African characters. For a detective with a detective agency to run, there is not much mystery or suspense here. The characters are gentle and likeable. I can see why Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi, and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni attract so many fans.

As of today, the corona virus has killed over 100,000 people in my country, the U.S. Also, we had violent protests this weekend throughout the nation, protesting the brutal murder of George Floyd, an unarmed black man, by police in Minneapolis. There have been too many unconscionable murders like this. In my city, Tamir Rice (a 12 year old) was killed by a police officer five years ago.

The book, for all its charms, can not hold my attention. It seems too out of touch for today. This would be an interesting conversation to have with my dear mother, who was so intelligent and aware.

[Trace · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is such a treat and a delight to read these books. I indeed feel like I am in the company of cheerful ladies, sharing a cup of tea with Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. Highly recommend this wonderful series!

[Friederike Knabe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Precious Ramotswe, Botwana's No.1 Lady Detective, is usually concerned with other people's problems and mishaps. She handles these with aplomb, common sense and, sometimes a little pressure... Her usual cheerfulness is rarely put to the test. Yet, when it comes to difficulties in her own life, she is not so well prepared. She has, after all, a position to maintain and this limits her options. Mma Makutsi is her junior in the agency, which makes her unsuitable as a confidante. And Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, she feels, has enough on his plate already to be burdened with more. On one of her regular visits with Mma Potokwani, the pushy matron of the orphan farm to "just sit and talk", she is advised of the reappearance of somebody from her past. Calamity looms for her and her new marriage.

This latest, sixth, instalment of the delightful series, brings us more of life's ups and downs of the small community of Precious' family and friends. Charlie, the young apprentice, seems to be getting into trouble. A minor accident with the tiny white van brings a surprisingly interesting new character into the circle, Mr Polopetsi. He turns out to be quite an asset, quietly working away, and even assisting Mma Ramotswe with her private problems. The white van breaks down, then disappears, leaving Mma Ramotswe in disarray. In the meantime, Mma Makutsi moves into new circles, and takes exploratory steps towards a new life - literally with new shoes.

McCall Smith has a unique style that wraps around the reader like a comforting blanket. We follow the flow and participate in the daily routines and any disruptions of them. McCall Smith's main subject of interest of this as it was in his previous instalments, are the people. The surroundings are beautifully described as a backdrop. With each episode we learn more about the main characters. New aspects are revealed about their personalities that we did not see before. We think we can imagine what might happen next but then, life has its own ways to proceed, often with unexpected results. When, please, is the next instalment?

[Lillian Carl]

This one has a bit more plot that some of the previous ones. The apprentice Charlie is up

to no good, as usual, and when Grace and Precious follow him, they not only discover a

problem with Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's old house, they also, quite by accident, pick up Mr.

Polopetsi, a new assistant for both the garage and the agency.


Also, Precious has to confront a difficult part of her own past, while Grace, who starts

attending a dancing school, finds her future completely re-written. Of course everything

ends positively, which is one reason I enjoy the series so much.

Another reason is Precious' philosophy:


"There were many selfish people about these days, people who seemed not to care if

they scraped the cars of others or bumped into people while walking on the street. Mma

Ramotswe knew that this was what happened when towns became bigger and people

became strangers to one another; she knew, too, that this was a consequence of

increasing prosperity, which, curiously enough, just seemed to bring out greed and

selfishness."


"If you knew what it was like to be another person, then how could you possibly do

something which would cause pain? The problem, though, was that there seemed to be

people in whom that imaginative part was just missing. It could be that they were born

this way---with something missing from their brains---or it could be that they became like

that because they were never taught by their parents to sympathize with others. That

was the most likely explanation, thought Mma Ramotswe. A whole generation of people,

not only in Africa, but everywhere else, had not been taught to feel for others because

the parents simply had not bothered to teach them this."

[Anne Hawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 of my childhood. There seemed no better place to be. Life was filled with troubles, but there was always the land and free and easy friendships to help me along. I think that may be what we all are relating to, or at least it is to me.

I also am reminded of a time in our lives where we were not so mobile and people lived in areas where we weren't homogenized. We had to learn to not only get along with some of the more unique and prickly members of our community, but often come to value them. I feel like my life was made much richer by relating to a local alcoholic who got saved at least twice a year, or the man who named all his sons after himself and called them each by nicknames to keep them straight. (I'm not kidding. There were four and they all had the same names.) We visited with people of varying ages and classes and our lives were made richer in a way that watching television in the evening never could. Maybe that is why these books appeal. I'm tired of Hollywood's two dimensional characters and long for what Mma Precious Ramotswe has.

[Blaine DeSantis · Rating 4 out of 5]

Things have gotten better in this, the 6th book of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Some of my frustrations of book 5 got resolved and there was more mystery and more matters that held our attention in this book. It began early with Mma. Ramotswe having a feeling there was an intruder in her home, and then there was the episode with the the pumpkin that mysteriously arrived on her porch. Mma. Makutsi plays a prominent role, once again in the book and we are also introduced to two new characters, Mr. Polopetsi and Mr. Phuti Radiphuti (maybe the best name I have heard in a while). Nothing too serious or exciting happened in the book and yet it is a quite satisfying read, as small matters now begin to consume the Agency. A person from Mma. Ramotswe's past shows up, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has tenant issues and Mma. Makutsi takes dancing lessons. Daily life really encroaches on the Agency and no matter how big or small, the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency is ready to tackle any case - even if we do have to wait until almost the very end to find out how that pumpkin got onto Mma. Ramotswe's verandah. The more you read this series, the more these characters become fleshed out and by the end of the book you are ready for the next book in the series to see how your friends at the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency are faring in the day to day adventures of life in Botswana.

[Amber Scaife · Rating 3 out of 5]

Mma Ramotswe deals with a half-naked house intruder, nearly hitting a man on a bicycle with her van, the theft of that van which is so dear to her, and the return to town of her abusive first husband, all while working to solve the case of a man who stole a great deal of money from his employers. Her assistant, Mme Makutsi, also has a lot on her plate: braving a room full of haughty, pretty girls at her new dance class, the introduction of a new teapot to the detective agency (and introducing Mma Ramotswe to the idea that she, Mme Makutsi, doesn't actually like bush tea), and entertaining thoughts of marriage and new shoes...
Another enjoyable addition to this comfy series. I always look forward to spending some time with these lovely people in Gabarone.

[Faith Spinks · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another trip to Botswana so couldn't let it pass without another glimpse into the world of Mma Ramotswe. As always it was a delight. I love getting to be on location as I read as the books are so visual already and being there just brings it even more to life. Can't help but adopt the Botswanan accent as I read as well. :)

[Richa Bhattarai · Rating 3 out of 5]

Reading a McCall Smith book is like meeting an old friend, filled with a softness, a gentleness, and a quiet belief in the goodness of the world. I enjoyed it just like I’ve enjoyed every other of this series.

[Jacqueline · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so comforting. In the beginning of this book (I think each of them), there is a time when you ask, what is the point of this story?! But when all wrapped up it is just so heartfelt and warm. When I’m not sure what to read next, I go for The #1 Ladies Detective Agency.

[Cheryl Fontes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book. All the problems were solved. This is the best out of the first 6 of the series.

[Roy McDine · Rating 5 out of 5]

The 6th of this series and they keep getting better and better.

[Ruthiella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Number six in the series. As sometimes is the case, there are some dips into serious matters in this episode of the series. Mma Ramotswe is confronted with some painful details of her past, the tiny white van is stolen, Mma Makutsi is embarrassed at a dance class, etc. But I don’t think it is a spoiler to say that most of the wrongs are righted by the end. Nothing much happens in these books, they are very repetitive I couldn’t read more than one in a row. But .interspersed with other books, I find them very soothing to read/listen to. I mostly listened to this on audio as narrated by Lisette Lecat who is marvelous.

[Shirley Daniels · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.