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This series, which seemingly has no end (there's a new book that seems to come out every year or two!) starts with this book, which so COMPLETELY paints the picture that is Southern Africa (in this case, Botswana). It's especially dear to me because I lived and served an LDS mission in South Africa in the late 80's, so I really relate to the great descriptions of the 'traditionally built' Mma Ramotswe and her associates. Makes me want to have a cup of Rooibos every time I read! (She refers to dr
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Jul 14, 2009
Margaret
rated it
really liked it
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review of another edition
Shelves:
thriller-mystery-suspense,
audio-books
A lovely reading by narrator Lisette Lecat of a lovely little book. What I like about Mr. Smith's writing is that he does not aspire to things lofty or even hair-raising, given that the book is a mystery or, rather, is comprised of little mysteries. Mr. Smith writes in gentle, clever fashion about Mma (Precious) Ramotswe of Botswana, who uses her inheritance to start The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. He recently issued #11 in this series - he writes at blazing speed and now has three mystery s
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Alexander McCall Smith has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I've already written about 44 Scotland Street and Corduroy Mansions. However, his most well-known and popular series is the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. It has even been turned into an HBO TV series (which I have not seen).
This book introduces Precious Ramotswe, who at the beginning of the story has just gained an inheritance from her father and plans to set up the first ladies private detective agency in her native Botswan ...more
This book introduces Precious Ramotswe, who at the beginning of the story has just gained an inheritance from her father and plans to set up the first ladies private detective agency in her native Botswan ...more

I am in love with the character of Mma Ramotswe who runs the detective agency in Botswana in this series. She is smart, compassionate, ambitious, and thorough in her investigations. Her cases are very interesting, too. I like how we learn about Africa and African customs and lifestyle through the story. But also, we see how all human nature embodies the same motivations and contentments. Very good. Can't wait to read another.
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I had previously read Baking Cakes in Kigali and thought that it was a very unique book but then I read this and realized that Baking Cakes was pretty much a replication of a series of books that we quit a bit older. Both books talk about the difficulties that women have to deal with in Africa. Different countries, same problems. But told in a light hearted, humorous way.

I read this upon recommendation from my friend VXR, and I have to say it was not at all what I expected and that I was pleasantly surprised. This is the story of Mma Ramotswe, a woman from Botswana, who uses her inheritance to start her own detective agency. The book has charm, as do the characters, and I will most likely continue on to read the whole series.

This was a great book, fun and quick to read.