Rating: 
Summary: Miss Marple, move over!
Review: Precious Ramotswe is a comfortable size-22 African lady (none of your Euro/American size 6's for her, thank you very much) with a fund of mother-wit and a penchant for minding other people's business. Having survived a disastrous, abusive marriage and the death of her infant son, she turns a small legacy from her late father, whom she adored, into "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency", the only one of its kind in Botswana, or maybe in all of Africa. From shaky beginnings with non-paying clients and chauvinistic male attitudes ("Who ever heard of a woman detective?" demands a border policeman; "Haven't you ever heard of Agatha Christie?" Mma Ramotswe shoots back, not missing a beat), she builds up a small but solid clientele that brings her problems to solve concerning cheating husbands, wayward daughters, malingering employees trying to commit insurance fraud; and a spectacularly sinister case involving a missing eleven year old boy who may or may not have been murdered for witchcraft purposes. Giving Mma Ramotswe quiet but ever-present moral support, while keeping her old car from falling apart, is Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who loves every inch of Mma Ramotswe's ample frame and is patiently waiting for the brick wall of her resistance to marriage to crumble, so she can make him the happiest man on earth.Smith has written an enchanting book that is can be described as a cross between an engaging detective story and a love poem to Africa. Mma Ramotswe is as warm and as solid as the red earth of Botswana; she loves every inch of the Africa she knows and identifies with and wouldn't live anywhere else. She embodies the African traits of deep ties to family and community, concern for one's neighbors, and respect for tradition. She commands respect and she gets it. Smith has added a delightful and enduring creation to the pantheon of famous detectives in fiction. Jane Marple, move over. Or rather, make a separate space for Mma Ramotswe. She deserves a pedestal of her own.
Rating:
Summary: Enchanting
Review: The dry, endless land of Botswana is the unlikely backdrop of Alexander McCall Smith's detective novel (the first in a series) and the beloved home of his creative, unorthodox P.I. Precious Ramotswe. The resilient Mma Ramotswe, having survived a brief, abusive marriage, the loss of her child, and the death of her father, sells the cattle she inherits to start the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency (wryly noted as the only one of its kind in the country) and proceeds to deftly handle a string of seemingly disparate domestic cases before getting caught up in the sinister circumstances surrounding an abducted boy. Smith crafts more than a detective in the character of Precious, however, as Precious defies cultural expectations by being a one- woman community service, a confidante for those who need somehow to reclaim their own lives. The novel subtly presents a landscape of changing cultural and gender roles as well as the tensions that arise between those citizens who honor the traditional African family bonds and those parasites that would give the old traditions a bad name. But Smith's hand isn't heavy, and his humor is like a warm desert breeze. Finally, his work is a vibrant celebration of Africa and those Africans who strive for a good, peaceful life. The heart of the book is contained in the epigrammatic shape:
africa
africa africa
africa africa africa
africa africa
africa
The shape of the continent--Precious--Mother Africa--- a good, fat woman!
Rating:
Summary: Quite simply, a quick and charming read
Review: Precious Ramotswe truly is precious, and the book is a quick, funny, quirky and captivating read. I found myself laughing out loud while reading passages about lawyers and people suffering from constipation. The Botswana culture, albeit stereotypical, came alive through the author's brief but colorful depictions of roads travelled, snakes and bugs, witchcraft, foods eaten, and personalities encountered. The lore of Botswana through the eyes of Precious and the variety of cases she solves in her trusty "little white van," is quite a fun and relaxing read. Be sure to share this one with your friends, family and favorite attorney.
Rating:
Summary: The Ladies' No. 1 Detective Novel
Review: I highly recommend that you read The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, by Alexander McCall Smith. The author was born in Africa, taught law at University of Botswana and is a professor of medical law at Edinburgh University. I feel confident he draws a realistic picture of life in Botswana. It is one of the emerging African nations, a landlocked country about the size of Texas, located just above South Africa. The Kalahari is right next-door. The author writes about Africa as seen through the loving eyes of Mma Precious Ramotswe, who establishes the first detective agency in Botswana. This is a business she feels will fill a need in the community because people are always wanting to know something. Mma Ramotswe is proud of her country, proud of the first President of her country even though no one remembers him now. Mma Ramotswe is about 35 years old when we meet her--a very likeable woman in control of her life. She is a fine figure of an African woman, not one of these skinny sticks of girls you see nowadays (in her words). The clients who come to her agency each have a story of his or her own. They are told in a simple and direct way and are all the more powerful for their simplicity. For instance: an old man shows up claiming to be a woman's long lost Daddy. She would care for him and gladly give him a home, as is her duty-if he really is her Daddy. Mma Ramotswe is hired to find out. You'll have to read the book to find out for yourself! She had been married when she was young, but the man was gone now, leaving nothing but pain behind. She has no dearth of suitors now, but she is an independent woman with a business, and thinks she does not need a husband. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, a good man and owner-operator of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, is one of her many admirers. He wants to marry her. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni says, "Yes, a country needs Government men, it needs doctors and nurses and teachers. But it also needs mechanics for the cars of these important people." He visits the local orphanage to keep its water pump in good working order and tune up or repair its vehicle. The stories told in this little book are at once shocking and familiar. They are stories of human nature. It is easy to find similarities to her stories in our own lives. These are good people and their stories will draw you right in.
Rating:
Summary: 5 Stars is not enough!
Review: I absolutely loved, loved, loved this book. It's technically classified as a mystery because the heroine, 30ish Precious Ramotswe, operates Botswana's first female-owned detective agency, The Ladies No. 1 Detective Agency.But to pigeonhole this sublime,wonderful book as just a mystery is to unjustly limit its appeal. Mma Ramotswe does solve a few cases, a lot of them involving matters of the heart, during the course of the book. She does so with integrity, a gentle sense of humor , compassion and just plain common sense. The mysteries are fun but what makes this book so special is the author's ability to weave together the themes of African tradition, nationhood, pride, simplicity and independence without being the least bit preachy . The writing is just so simple and beautiful and I found myself thinking about this book long after I finished it. It just stays with you. I've already read the second installment in this series, Tears of the Giraffe, and there is no doubt in my mind now that these books are destined to become classics. Anyone who likes mysteries, or anyone who enjoys just plain good writing will fall in love with Mma. Ramotswe. A superb book.
Rating: 
Summary: Great book, but where's the plot?
Review: This book shows the mysteries of Mma Ramotske, an African detective. She solves case after case of fellow villagers. These cases involve a man who's accused of stealing a car, a daughter who might be involved in a relationship, and a mysterious disappearance of an 11-year old boy. Although the story was enjoyable, I thought it was very low on plotline. It just switches from case to case. The book might have been better if each case was a short story and had its own chapter. Otherwise, if you enjoy reading mysteries, you may like this book.
Rating:
Summary: One of the most exciting and readable series in decades
Review: This series, about delightful people in the beautiful country of Botswana, is simply one of the very best new literary series in decades - and if you buy the whole set (which I have - and given it to lots of people), then you will see what I mean. This is just the kind of enlifting, enjoyable, wholesome, delightful and utterly wonderful series of books that make ideal reading in troubled times. Lynne Cheyne, Laura Bush are just among the many many people world wide who have discovered the joys of this fabulous series (and - good news, this, folks): THERE ARE MORE TO COME! Christmas is coming and as my wife and I have discovered, this is THE ideal Christmas present to give to all the members of your family. Buy ten sets today to give one each to all your friends and family - and keep collecting them as new volumes appear in 2004. Not only that, but Alexander McCall Smith is one of the nicest imaginable people to have this unexpected good luck as an author - and he is every bit as funny in real life as he is in print. Make his day, make a great day for all your friends and buy as many sets of this series as possible. Christopher Catherwood, BIG TIME Alexander McCall Smith fan and author of CHRISTIANS MUSLIMS AND ISLAMIC RAGE (Zondervan 2003) and THE BALKANS IN WORLD WAR TWO (Palgrave 2003)
Rating:
Summary: What a fun book to read!
Review: "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," introduces the reader to "Precious Ramotswe, citizen of Botswana, daughter of Obed Ramotswe who died because he had been a miner and could no longer breathe." Instead of calling her Precious Ramotswe, everyone commonly addresses the story's heroine as Mma. Ramotswe. We read about Mma. Ramotswe life growing up and that of her father who worked as a miner and later became a prosperous cattle owner. When her father passes away, being the only child, Mma. Ramostswe becomes the recipient of a sizable amount of money. She decides to use the funds to establish what will become the first detective agency in Botswana (in the southern part of Africa). This decision will make her "the first and only lady private detective in the whole of Botswana..." When others scoff at or try to dissuade her about the idea of female detective, Mma. Ramotswe deftly points to the well-known mystery writer, Agatha Christie who solved many mysteries through popular characters such as Hercule Poirot and Miss Jane Marple. This portly, intelligent and amusing woman is an unlikely character, in an unlikely setting - Africa. But why not? There are mysteries to be solved everywhere and by anyone. Mma. Ramotswe's cases are amusing - they range from imposters, missing husbands, lost children, to stolen property and more. What is interesting is the way the premier lady detective solves her cases and handles herself in particular situations and with others. Author Alexander Mc Call Smith, who is also a law professor, was born in Zimbabwe (southern part of Africa) and educated in that country as well as in Scotland. He successfully captures the true essence, mannerisms, greetings and culture of Africa and its characters that are proud to come from that continent. In addition to Botswana and South Africa, other countries such as Ghana, Nigeria (countries in West Africa), Lesotho, Mozambique, and Malawi (countries in the southern part of Africa, not to be confused with South Africa) are mentioned as well. If you are unaware of these countries, it is a nice learning experience. After reading "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency," you'll feel as if you've been to Botswana and solved a few cases, yourself! Read it, you'll enjoy it! Fafa Demasio
Rating:
Summary: This book is truly number one!
Review: This book is just great fun. And on top of that, it's well written--two things that rarely go hand-in-hand nowadays. Like McCrae's BARK OF THE DOGWOOD or that other stellar read--TEARS OF THE GIRAFFE--this book is one you'll want to share with friends. Having originally come across McCall Smith purely by accident and not through advertisements or word of mouth, I felt as if I'd discovered something really different and spectacular. What a pleasure it was to find that others had already found out what a great writer Smith is. I just can't say enough good things about this book.
Rating:
Summary: The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Review: It seems as though every time I finish a book, I take the book and cradle it to my chest, and close my eyes and reflect upon all that I have read, and if it is a good one, and in some way has changed the way I feel about life, I will have a smile on my face, and a sense of accomplishment. This is how I felt when I finished this book :o) It was open, honest and educational, and left me with a sense of calmness.....and a bit closer in touch with spirituality. It was very easy to read and to follow along with. Also a nice glimpse into a part of Africa :o)
I liked the way the author Mr. Alexander McCall Smith developed his main character Mma (Mrs) Ramotswe. In some incidences along the way, he had her "get caught" which to me, made her seem more human, and not some character that is always perfect. Also there was a nice little twist when she encountered the young and clever Nandira. The book also gave me a deep craving for some "Red Bush Tea" ~ I would give this book a five star rating, and I will read more of Mr. Smith's books in the near future. Also I would love to meet Mr. Smith in person if he ever comes close to any of the bookstores in my area~ I was also surprised that he knew so much about how the female mind works :o)
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