Rating: 
Summary: Had potential
Review: In consideration of the book's title I must admit that I was somewhat suprised and excited when reading the first few chapters because there was a glimpse of the culture of Mme Ramotswe's Africa. We learned about customs and acceptable and unacceptable social practices and those items that are "taboo." Unfortunately, as the author continues with Mme Ramotswe's journey as a detective I found that the author could have indulged us more with an exploration into the "whys" rather than teasing us with shallow information.
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Summary: Ashley & Mary Kate all grown up in Botswana
Review: If this was listed as "junior reading" and eliminated the minor sex references, I'd probably give this book a couple of more stars. The cases do not have much complexity and the stories are not rich in Africa life.
Rating: 
Summary: Original and Fun
Review: It is not often that an old established genre like "Mystery" has a new and original character and story. It is a bit slow at times but it is always fun, life afirming, and warm. Don't miss it.
Rating: 
Summary: Moments of brilliance
Review: Moments of brilliance mixed with a nice gentle story. Quite a change from the average "mystery" or "detective" novel.
A good read, but don't expect a fast pace.
Rating:
Summary: No. 1 Pleasure to Read
Review: This is a lovely, lovely book. It's extremely readable, with deceptively simple prose. If you've ever visited Africa...or just dream of going...this book is for you. Mma Ramotswe is my new hero...a self-described "fat lady detective"...the only one in Botswana. The author's love of this lovely African country and its people is apparent in every lyrical phrase. It's a jewel of a book, and shouldn't be missed.
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Summary: A warming, wonderful read
Review: The mysteries aren't all that mysterious--but within a few pages, you realize how unimportant that is. This book is really about its characters, particularly the sensible, moral, and very likeable Precious Ramotswe, founder of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. It's also very much about Botswana--"a place of peace"--with its kind and caring people, acacia trees, deadly snakes, and limitless blue skies. Smith tells the varied stories contained in this book in a simple, almost folk-talish fashion, with flashes of humor, cultural insight, and political observations. I'm hooked, and I can't wait to read the sequels.
Rating: 
Summary: Whats the hoopla about?
Review: Interesting book with nice written style by the author. The language and style ring true and the Stories are interesting snapshots of life in africa but I really couldnt figure out what the big noise is all about? maybe I need to go to the today website (this was their selection for book of the month) and see what other people thought. I think V.S Naipal or Chinua Achebe are better options if you want to learn a little about africa. This is a sweet gentle book and i agree with other reviewers about it but this is no earthshaking examination of africa.
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Summary: A real charmer.
Review: This is a beautiful little book. Its presentation is lovely and almost childlike at times. There are genuine mysteries to be solved here, but even though the individual stories are short, this is not "mystery light." The author creates some really memorable characters and presents an interesting sense of place (with Africa's Kalahari as the background), but more like a soft, fuzzy dream than a detailed picture. This is a place where witch doctors rule, where cobras nonchalantly climb into cars. The author uses simple language full of wisdom. One chapter is titled "Mma Ramotswe Thinks About the Land While Driving Her Tiny White Van to Francistown" -- and that's exactly what it's about! Here's more: "They taught us ... a language which is good for telling people what to do. There are many words for push, take, shove, carry, load, and no words for love, or happiness, or the sounds which birds make in the morning." and "So for many years, nothing at all happened. It was a good system of government, because most people want nothing to happen. That is the problem with governments these days. They want to do things all the time; they are always very busy thinking of what things they can do next. That is not what people want. People want to be left alone to look after their cattle." READ THIS BOOK! It's full of joy. I'm going to read the next in the series.
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Summary: Wholesome. Wonderful. A great story.
Review: There is nothing not to like about this little book. It is well written, colorful and unique. From the moment we meet Mma Ramotswe and follow her story from girlhood, through an abusive marriage and into her ambitious foray as the proprietor of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, she earns our respect and admiration-just as she shows respect and admiration for everything around her. Alexander McCall Smith captures the character and culture of Gaborone, a village in Botswana, and tells a sweet and entertaining story. I've noticed other reviewers label it a mystery; however, in my opinion it is a series of mysteries--one about a missing boy kidnapped by witch doctors winds through the book, and others unfold in each chapter where new cases are presented to the fledgling agency. A wonderful and charming book, which I highly recommend. From the author of "I'm Living Your Dream Life: The Story of a Northwoods Resort Owner."
Rating:
Summary: Oh, Wow!
Review: Alexander McCall Smith has done it again with "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The protagonist Precious is, well, precious. A wonderful character! The humor displayed in this book cannot be surpassed. I really love the locale and characters in this book. A fun read you will not want to put down. This one I highly recommend.
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