The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, #1) in Around the World in 80 Books

Dec 08, 2006 Elizabeth rated it liked it

Shelves: africa, fiction

These books are sweet.

Precious Ramotswe sets up shop in a small detective shop in a storefont in Gaborone, Botswana. She's a lady detective who solves all sorts of country crimes:track down a missing husband, uncover a con man and follow a wayward duaghter. Great quick read and there are a ton in the series. ...more

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Mar 24, 2012 superawesomekt rated it really liked it

Shelves: mystery, cozy

January 2024 update:

It's been many years since I first read this series, but I remember reading several of them ... 5? 10? I can't remember. It was a delight to revisit this first introduction to placid, indomitable Precious Ramotswe.

Precious is honest, practical, resilient, and clever. A wonderful character and I am thinking I will reread the next books as well. It's not all fun detective hijinks, there is a quiet humor and a tender heart to this series, too.

Original review:
Fun quick read. Lo ...more

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Apr 18, 2016 Katie rated it it was ok

Shelves: ___africa, male-author, listened-to

Interesting enough to listen to while spending a lot of time in my car. Don't think I'll continue with the series. ...more

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Feb 19, 2012 Anie rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: male-author, fiction, mystery, 2012, female-protagonist, borrowed

A cute story, giving glimpses into a culture with which I am very unfamiliar. (As far as I can tell, it seems respectful of that culture; however, I simply don't know enough to be able to say that with any surety.) It was, at times, overly cutesy; this was not exactly a deep story, nor does it have much in the way of an overarching plot.

Overall nice bit of fluff set in a locale unfamiliar to the average American reader, and therefore a nice read when you need some time to just chill with a bit ...more

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Jan 29, 2009 Steph S rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks, novels, 2009, library

While this certainly wasn't a brilliant novel, it was just the right level of engaging to listen to on long drives. The reader, though slow and slightly annoying at first, grew on me. However, the ending was dissatisfying, and seemed hurriedly slapped on. I doubt I'll pick up the next book in the series, unless my life continues in this vein and I need something more light-hearted to read.

Number of times I cried while reading this book: 2 or 3ish. ...more

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Jul 24, 2007 Sarah rated it liked it

Shelves: junk-food, owned

The most interesting part of this book was the picture it paints of living in modern-day Africa. I think it would be better if the books focused on one mystery, though, rather than several cases which are tied up quickly and neatly.

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