Book Reviews of Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2)

Another of the wonderful Mme. Ramotswe and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, full of McCall Smith's gentle philosophy and humor! In this one, the detective agency must track a wayward wife and deal with a coniving maid while trying to discover what happened to a young American man who disappeared years ago. Then Mr. J.L.B Matekoni, Ramotswe's fiance', finds sudddenly that he has agreed to keep two children from the Orphans' Home, and he wants to be kind but doesn't know how to tell Mme. Ramotswe the "good" news!

This book was charming. The main characters, Mma Ramotswe, owner of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency and her fiance Mr J. L. B. Matekoni, are a little old fashioned in their idea of politeness and respectability, but refreshingly so. The mysteries that Mma Ramotswe solves are pretty straightforward to the reader; there are no twists in the solving of the crimes, but this is what is so charming about the book. Life in Mma Ramotswe's world is straightforward and full of moral fiber. Her story of what happens in the day to day in Botswana is so different from life in the west, but has its strengths and I can see how much Mma Ramostwe loves her country. I would recommend this book just for the insights it gives about a different culture and way of living.

This is the second book in Alexander McCall Smith’s series, “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”. On the cover of this book is a quote from The New York Times Book Review, “The Miss Marple of Botswana.”

As someone who is only vaguely familiar with either Miss Marple or Botswana, I’m surprised that I’ve so far enjoyed the books in this series. The reading is light, the characters are engaging, the humor is character driven, and the country of Botswana is endlessly interesting.

I’m looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.

Have gotten absolutely hooked on the series.

I love this series, though the writing is a bit slow the characters are rich. When I read his writing I can feel the heat and sun of Africa and the slow life of the culture.

This is the second in the series I've read, although it may be the third in the series. I find the simple prose and storytelling pleasant, the main characters likable, their relationships engaging and the depiction of Botswana, a place I don't know, interesting. I'd catagorize these mystery novels as "cozies." The detective, Precious Ramotswe, solves her cases via intelligent conversation and intuition.

Precious Ramotswe is the eminently sensible and cunning proprietor of the only ladies' detective agency in Botswana. These books are a joy to read. They flow with imagery and leave a nice feeling when completed. Precious is so wise and so real. She is the friend you wish you could talk things over with, and have her help coping with life. "McCall Smith has an easy command of storytelling and a gift for describing dusty, sunbaked Botswana. His books are also gentle but incisive commentaries on Africa, men and women, and life in general." The Seattle Times

I just finished this book up and enjoyed it as much as the first. It is a quick read and I enjoyed the fresh perspective of Precious Ramotswe and her world view (the books are set in Botswana). If you haven't read the Ladies Detective Agency series, I recomend trying them. In this book (the 2nd in the series), she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. For me it was a nice change from my usual commuter reading of romance novels.

I tried this series when it first came out and was not that impressed...I do not know what has changed in me , but I love it now and am devouring the first 2. This is the second. I love Precious!! Cannot wait to start the next. It is an absolute delight to read!

Wonderful series. The characters in Alexander McCall Smiths books are very believable and they draw you into the story. You won't want to put this one down.

This is a great series of books. They take you to a different world and have a different pace of life than many of us are use to.

An excellent series - good plot, fine characterization

Book #2 in the wonderfully addictive No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Spunky Precious Ramotswe, proprietor of Botswana's first ladies detective agnecy, finds her family unexpectedly increased by two while she ponders her impending marriage.

Beautifully written series - Mr. Smith continues the story of Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi and Mr. JLB Matakoni. These characters become all but real as the story progesses. Delightful and memorable books that everyone should read!

In this second book, Precious promotes her secretary to assistant detective, and her fiancee takes in two foster children from the orphanage. I really like the characters and reading about Africa. Quick read...done in one night.

Nice book,easy read. Smith is doing a good job developing the main characters.

I could hardly wait to see what was next...just a fun light read. I'm off to order the next two in the series.

The second book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series - a fun read.

Love this series!

Loved it. The characters are so lovable and comical. A beautiful read.

The story continues: same characters, similar problems...but still warm and familiar. Like welcoming old friends.

Precious has a couple of challenging detecting jobs to complete. This book was interesting in the way it combined practicality, compassion for others, and a little trickery. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.

This is really fun to read.

I really enjoy this detective series. Nice and easy read!

The second in the series finds Precious Ramotswe's detective agency flourishing as is her romance with Mr. JLB Matekoni as she gets involved with a 10 year old missing person case and a philandering wife.

Botswana and its people come to life in this series as Precious and her secretary, who has earned a promotion to assistant detective, must ponder the question of being honest to their clients with causing grief and unhappiness. An enjoyable and different kind of mystery. A cosy in the English tradition, but set in Africa. Her views of other countries on the continent are refreshing and biting.

wonderful as usual. This mystery kept me wondering who and what really happened. Excellent.

I love all the books in this series. They are a quick easy read.

Thought it was a great book. Neat characters

Another great journey through Africa...

Almost like new

Interesting...

2nd in McCall Smith's series, "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency."

good book. enjoyed it a lot

Mme Ramotswe does it again---- I love the mind of the Botswanaian(SP)

Relaxing, amusing read.

A good follow up to No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Precious Ramotswe is presented with some ethical dilemas and handles them with her beloved Botswana style. I think this is a great series for those not looking for your typical mystery.

Great read! The second in the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series. No spoilers, but some expected things don't happen in this book and some unexpected ones do!

Alexander McCall Smith (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) offers the second and third installments of his dignified, humorous Botswanan series. In Tears of the Giraffe, PI Precious Ramotswe tracks a missing American man whose widowed mother appeals to Ramotswe; meanwhile, the imperturbable detective is endangered at home by her fianc‚'s resentful maid.

this is a good series. can't wait to read next one

This is the second book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. A fun, enjoyable story which continues the adventures of Precious Rambanawee (sp?) in Botswanna.

Another entertaining book by Smith. This is the second book in the series and like the first is a quick read. This book focuses on the search for a missing American son, lost over 10 years ago.

Very good - I'm enjoying reading the series

Loved it. Easy to read and kept my interest throughout the book.

I always enjoy this series!

Excellent book!

A very enjoyable read!

Wonderful read, the heroine is spunky and a wonderful surpirsing person! Very good summer fun!

Delightful and funny. Mma Ramotswe and her cohorts give the audience the gift of innocence and naivete.

This is the second in the series of No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books. It tells a lot about the people of Botswana, as well as details of a couple of Mma Ramotswe's cases. She also gets engaged!

As usual another great #1 Ladies Detective Agency book!

I enjoyed the whole series. They are a quick read, entertaining, and transport the reader to Africa. A mini vacation to a simpler place.

A charming book in an extremely charming series.

Who doesn't love Precious Ramotswe and her gentle adventures in Botswana. This is a particularly good one in the series - includes the story of her and Mr. J.L.B.'s adoption of the two children. A lovely read.

In excellent brand new condition. Great sequel to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

The #1 Ladies Detective Agency is set in Botswana, where Mma Ramotswe has opened the first woman owned detective agency. It is knowing human nature that allows Mma Ramotswe to solve her cases. This is a down to earth book, that allows you to think you could actually do the same thing she is doing. Very believable characters. I have enjoyed each of the books in the seies so far.

Another gentle, humorous, yet simply told story of life in Africa through the eyes of a wise woman detective.

Simple, easy book that is refreshing to read.

one of my favorites!!

Set in Africa, this book gave me a whole new perspective on African living.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is a wonderful series. It's nice to read a book where good things happen and even when bad things occur, it always works out in the end. This series is perfect summer reading.

Another one to enjoy

Second book in the series. Just as good as the first. A quick read - "Smart and sassy...Precious' progress is charted in passages that have the power to amuse or shock or touch the heart, sometimes all at once." - Los Angeles Times

This is the second book in the Series by McCall Smith. She continues to weave interesting stories of life in Botswana as a female detective agency is a small community. In this book, she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the planins many years ago.

Precious Ramotswe is the Miss Marple of Botswana, Africa. Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is a breath of fresh air in the mystery genre. In this book, Mma Ramotswe uncovers an unscrupuous maid and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. I am looking forward to reading more of his works.

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