Customer Reviews: Read 66 more reviews...
 A Cozy Gossip Over Tea Cups August 16, 2008
2 out of 3 found this review helpful
Were this any other writer and any other mystery series, this novel would earn a low rating for its slender plot. Hardly anything "happens". No new ground is broken, however, like all the previous books in this series, I found myself enchanted by the characters and the setting. Alexander McCall Smith writes with great charm about small things: a ruined bed, a series of threatening letters and information gleaned from gossip over numerous cups of bush tea.
Mwa Ramotswe helps a woman who is looking for her family. She tracks down the author of the threatening letters; the high speed chase with grocery carts is unique in literature. The author weaves his small minutiae into a mighty tapestry that is the mystery of Life. I can't say this is a good mystery but it comes close to great literature. I am reminded of the charming series by "Miss Read" which covered life in a small British village over a period of several decades. Hardly anything else can compare.
great book August 14, 2008
I enjoy almost all of Alexander McCall Smith's books. I especially love the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. although I love murder mysteries, this series very rarely deals with murders however the mysteries of human nature. Precious Ramotswe, the main character and owner of the Agency is delightful in her assessment of the character of others. Splendid reading.
Try the audio version July 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
If you enjoy reading about the #1 Ladies detective agency, but would like to putter in the garden or house at the same time - or listen while commuting - try the audio version. They're even more hilarious than reading!
 Too slow and repetitive July 5, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I have enjoyed this series but this last book I found slow and rather boring. I still appreciate the nuggets of wisdom that eventually come to light as the story develops but overall I didn't enjoy this book much. I was getting so frustrated with the repetition... seemed like a third of the book was describing once again the white van, the large glasses, the traditionally built woman, and the landscape.
Absolutely Charming, As Always July 4, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
If you have not listened to the Ladies Detective Agency books on CD, narrated by the incomparable Lisette Lecat, do yourself a favor and get one immediately! I love these books, but when I listen to the pronounciations (e.g., Pooh-tee Rah-tah-POO-tee), I feel like I am right beside Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi in Botswana.
This tale is as lovely as all the rest, and one of my favorites in the series. The two lady detectives are hard at work on some difficult cases, but something is up with Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni; we fear he has been taken in by a medical charlatan, who has promised a "miracle" in curing the couple's wheelchair-bound daughter. So evocative is this situation, you find yourself talking aloud: No, Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni, please don't do it!!
Then we have the Adventures of the Bed with the Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Headboard--I won't do a spoiler here, but let us just say that the bed has captured Mma Makutsi's heart. (could not resist the pun) I was laughing aloud in my car more than once!
Yes, the lothario apprentice Charlie is very much in evidence, and actually inadvertently helps on a case!
Do yourself a favor, and read or listen to this fabulous book, perfect for summer, perfect for any time you want the gentle kindness that permeates this series.
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