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Search - The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Bk 1)
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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Bk 1) Author: |
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Book Information
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Other Versions of this Book: Hardcover, Audio Cassette (Unabridged), Audio CD, Hardcover
Book Description:
This first novel in Alexander McCall Smith's widely acclaimed The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series tells the story of the delightfully cunning and enormously engaging Precious Ramotswe, who is drawn to her profession to "help people with problems in their lives." Immediately upon setting up shop in a small storefront in Gaborone, she is hired to track down a missing husband, uncover a con man, and follow a wayward daughter. But the case that tugs at her heart, and lands her in danger, is a missing eleven-year-old boy, who may have been snatched by witch doctors.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency received two Booker Judges' Special Recommendations and was voted one of the International Books of the Year and the Millennium by the Times Literary Supplement.
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency received two Booker Judges' Special Recommendations and was voted one of the International Books of the Year and the Millennium by the Times Literary Supplement.
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Top Member Book Reviews
Elizabeth B. (
11 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
7 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
I have no idea how this series has gotten so popular. I enjoy a quick mindless read as well as the next person, but this book is beyond simplistic. However, I think it would be something that I may have liked in 6th grade. I think this should be categorized as "young adult" readers.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
A different kind of cozy mystery set in Botswana. Precious Ramotswe is a delightful detective.
5 member(s) found this review helpful.
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.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
the cover copy claims it to be "one of the best, most charming, honest, hilarious and life-affirming books to appear in years." personally, that was not my experience and, in fact, i put it aside in favor of the next book in my stack as i simply did not find it particularly engaging. it's a little too polly-ann-ish and, surprisingly, emotionally detached. definitely do not think you have any insight into any part of africa having read this book. but don't let me put you off -- others obviously enjoy this book very much.
4 member(s) found this review helpful.
This is the first of the series about Mma Ramotswe and her detective business. It is a marvelous book, the start of a wonderful series, which you will never forget. The characters jump from the page, nearly as true as in the flesh, and they develop from book to book. I highly recommend these stories to anyone!
3 member(s) found this review helpful.
There were some interesting and evocative passages about Africa, but I found the writing style too aggressively simplistic (reminiscent of Dick and Jane books, to be honest) and the mysteries so inconsequential that I don't remember them 20 minutes after finishing the novel. If I don't think of these as mysteries I might at some point pick up another, but probably not.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
I enjoyed reading this first book out of the series. The writing is incredible and very well done-you can see all the characters and the environment that they are in. Very well done.
2 member(s) found this review helpful.
Very charming book. A good relaxing read.
Please Rate these Book Reviews
This book is a delightful read! The excellent writing weaves a tale that engages many emotions at once.
Diana M. (Sorry, but I couldn't get far into this one. Yes, I read all the reviews, but this book was just too precious for me. Pun intended.
You have to start reading these easy to read, interesting mysteries. You won't be sorry. The newest book is on the NYtimes bestseller list.
Dianne S. (Good book with an unusual story line. Fun and entertaining.
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