From the Bookshelf of Q&A with Alexander McCall Smith

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What Members Thought

Ruth
Jun 18, 2008 rated it really liked it
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 ...more
Margaret
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 ...more
Sarah
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
Elizabeth
Oct 18, 2009 rated it really liked it
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. ...more
WK
Mar 05, 2009 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
I absolutely love this series, there is an easy simple magic woven into them. The reader is PERFECT!
Kay
Jun 17, 2009 rated it really liked it
Given to me by a friend. I loved it.
Kristine
Apr 01, 2009 rated it really liked it
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.
Tracy
Nov 20, 2008 rated it really liked it
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.
Readstoomuch
Oct 30, 2008 rated it it was amazing
Just started this and am already hooked!
Noel
This was a great book, fun and quick to read.
Pat
Apr 18, 2008 rated it it was amazing
Michelle
Apr 19, 2008 rated it it was amazing
Jennifer
Apr 24, 2008 rated it it was amazing
Vickie Rinn
Apr 28, 2008 rated it really liked it
Sarah
May 08, 2008 rated it really liked it
Cheryl
May 20, 2008 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Rebecca
Jul 26, 2008 rated it liked it
Shelves: past-book-group
Tascha
Jul 31, 2008 rated it really liked it
Gloryseeker33
Aug 06, 2008 rated it really liked it
Shelves: mystery
Kristen
Dec 31, 2008 rated it really liked it
North
Feb 13, 2009 rated it it was amazing
Sarah
Feb 13, 2009 rated it really liked it
Ashley
Mar 31, 2009 rated it it was amazing
Alisa
Apr 13, 2009 rated it it was amazing
Shinta_read
Jun 11, 2009 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Kyndal
Jun 16, 2009 rated it it was amazing
Pam
Jun 29, 2009 rated it liked it
Snowflake
Aug 16, 2009 rated it really liked it
Nicole Naunton
Sep 10, 2009 rated it really liked it
Jamie
Dec 01, 2009 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition