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What Members Thought
This is the first in a series of detective novels set in Botswana. The heroine, Precious Ramotswe, is strong, traditional African woman -- engaging, intelligent and with more than her share of common sense. She solves her cases ala Sherlock Holmes/Monk and treats her reader to insights into the culture and people of Botswana.
We meet Precious Ramotswe for the first time, and learn about her love of her country Botswana, her love of her Daddy, and the opening of the Detective Agency. Even though Precious faced many hardships in the early years, she stayed true to herself, and moved forward instead of stayling in the past.
Listened to the book on CD version while commuting to and from work. I enjoyed the story, the lessons, and the narrator, once I tuned in to the dialect. A good series.
FIrst in a series of books set in Africa. Precious Ramotswe wakes up one day and decides to be a lady detective.
The book group at the asst. living facility loved the book. These older women thought McCall Smith's insight into women is perceptive. It's been years since I first read the book, so it was interesting to go back and be reintroduced to the characters. I had missed, and don't think it's mentioned again that Mma. Makutsi was the widow of a teacher. Did the author forget this tidbit about her, will it be brought up later in the series, or did he just decide this wasn't relevant?
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A book for people who love cozy mysteries and especially Africa. If you're looking for deep ideas and symbolism, look elsewhere. But if you want to love a wise and clever character in a setting the author obviously knows and loves, you will love this series.
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The Number One Ladies Detective Agency series is a delight. I find myself smiling broadly while I'm reading. McCall Smith's depictions of Africa and her people are accurate and nuanced - I can heartily recommend all the tales of Mma Ramotswe and friends.
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This was the first book in a series and I am loving it. The story is inviting and the heroine is believable. I love the way he writes about her hopes and dreams.
