Search - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 1)

I love the way McCall Smith builds his primary characters in this series; they feel very real, and his details make it very easy to feel as if you, too, are seated with a mug of bush tea, brainstorming ways to drum up business. Highly recommended for those interested in mysteries and/or African culture.

This book was a breath of fresh air. The author has succeeded in conveying the feeling of the culture, their pace of living and struggle to integrate its old-time values with the new technologies and influence of Western cultures. I found this book highly enjoyable and refreshing to the spirit.

I just started this series because my parents got hooked. After one page I was too. I've read the second book and am starting on my third by this author. If you want to live in Africa for a couple days and get fascinated by the warmth and pride of "Precious" the No. 1 Lady detective of Botswana--this is a gift to yourself.

Really enjoyed this light read about an African woman who opens her own detective agency. The author includes interesting facts about Africa - its terrain, people, customs, history. The "mysteries" are uncomplicated and solved rather easily by this generous, big-hearted woman. If you're looking for a light, quick read for an airplane flight, this is it. I'll definitely check out the other books in the series.

Just the beginning of a wonderful series of 12 (so far!). We can all learn from Mma Ramotswe--a sweet but strong character who naturally embodies common sense, common decency, and loyalty. The stories, dialogues, and characters are so dear, and McCall's descriptions of the African countryside will have you taking in all it's beauty and feeling the sweet air as the rain approaches. My sister-in-law travelled to Botswana just because of these books. She reported that the people and places are just like Alexander McAll Smith presents them here: a true village of decent folk in a beautiful country.

I absolutely loved this book and ordered Bk. 2. Fascinating insight into Botswana everyday life. Makes the everyday dilemmas of ordinary people, in Botswana or anywhere in the world, something you can feel personally.