Tears of the Giraffe

Rating:
Summary: A fantastic story
Review: A fast flowing story set, Tears of the Giraffe is one of the best books I have read. With good values expressed through characters that are lively, this book showed a beautiful side of Africa, where commitment is held sacred, where love is deep and hospitality is the norm. Fast paced and hilarious, this book hooked me all the more to the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Also recommended: The Usurper by Janvier Tisi, The Full Cupboard of Life, Disgrace

Rating:
Summary: I can't believe this has not been reviewed
Review: As good as the rest. Quick, funny in a self-deprecating way, and serious about the important issues in life. The main characters are flawed, but in the nicest way. If they were your neighbors, you would be delighted. The crimes are relatively tame, hence the detective here is seeking to solve the mystery of a missing item, not a violent murder or horrible crime.
I can see readers of all ages taking on this book. With its short length, and easy writing style, you will be awazed how quickly the book ends. Then, like me, I suspect you'll buy the other three novels about the garage mechanic who is to be married to the woman detective.

Rating:
Summary: I can't believe this has not been reviewed
Review: As good as the rest. Quick, funny in a self-deprecating way, and serious about the important issues in life. The main characters are flawed, but in the nicest way. If they were your neighbors, you would be delighted. The crimes are relatively tame, hence the detective here is seeking to solve the mystery of a missing item, not a violent murder or horrible crime.
I can see readers of all ages taking on this book. With its short length, and easy writing style, you will be awazed how quickly the book ends. Then, like me, I suspect you'll buy the other three novels about the garage mechanic who is to be married to the woman detective.

Rating:
Summary: An Audio Treat
Review: Popping one of these cassettes into my tape player is like an instant trip to a warm and wonderful land where I am reacquainted with all my old friends. Lecar's reading enhances the gentle rhythm of Smith's prose and helps bring to life these fascinating characters. I am addicted to these stories.

In this volume the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency tackles an old murder and a philandering spouse. While hardly unusual issues in the mystery genre. The setting and characters are the real story here. What fun it is to escape into this world if only for a little while. The series reminds me of Lillian Jackson Braun's Cat Who series but without the cats, the endless descriptions of twenty or so town resdents, and the unnecessarily detailed descriptions of the various gourmet foods eaten by the characters. Smith's characters eat stew and drink bush tea, and they will make your mouth water for this simpler way of life.

Rating:
Summary: Africa Comes Alive
Review: This series of African stories is a wonderful read, but an even more enjoyable listen. While reading these books, I sometimes become distracted and skip over some of the rich descriptions of the African landscape and people. But these tapes are wonderful! They are narrated by Lisette Lecat, a native South African, who is absolutely perfect for the job. We took them along on vacation and played them in the car while driving 7 hours. Initially, my 11 year old son made fun of Mma Ramotswe and said the tape was "lame" but by the end of our trip he was hooked on the stories too. Definitely worth purchasing, even if you have read the books. You will finally know how to pronounce all of the African names!