Customer Reviews:
 another great read in a terrific series August 31, 2008
I have read all of the books in this series, as well as all of the other books this author has written. While I tend to like his other series slightly more, especially his satire, The #1 Ladies' Detective Agency is top of my list for a gentle and engaging read. The characters here are filled out with more detail than some of the earlier books in the series, and the plot somewhat more complex. As always, one can easily forget living in the midst of hectic suburban America and be transported to a land of cattle and tradition, where the day to day nuances of life remind one of what is important, and what is not. Highly recommended!
 Enjoyable August 31, 2008
Like returning to an old friend. This is the kind of stories we enjoy from Mr. Smith.
Another Winner! August 27, 2008
I fell in love with the first book of the series (No. 1 Ladie's Detective Agency) and its mellow heroine. So much so, that I've bought each succeeding book in the series as they were published. This one, like all the others, is simply a winner.
The little mysteries are engaging and how they are solved are always entertaining. But what makes me love them is that the heroine, a 'traditionally built woman' of Botswana is so in love with her country, its customs and the traditional values of goodness, decency and caring. She simply draws you in to a reflective and calming mood as she goes about her life and her work. You finish each book feeling entertained and feeling good about the world. The stories go down as good as the red tea the heroine loves to drink!
A Cozy Gossip Over Tea Cups August 16, 2008
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Were this any other writer and any other mystery series, this novel would earn a low rating for its slender plot. Hardly anything "happens". No new ground is broken, however, like all the previous books in this series, I found myself enchanted by the characters and the setting. Alexander McCall Smith writes with great charm about small things: a ruined bed, a series of threatening letters and information gleaned from gossip over numerous cups of bush tea.
Mwa Ramotswe helps a woman who is looking for her family. She tracks down the author of the threatening letters; the high speed chase with grocery carts is unique in literature. The author weaves his small minutiae into a mighty tapestry that is the mystery of Life. I can't say this is a good mystery but it comes close to great literature. I am reminded of the charming series by "Miss Read" which covered life in a small British village over a period of several decades. Hardly anything else can compare.
great book August 14, 2008
I enjoy almost all of Alexander McCall Smith's books. I especially love the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series. although I love murder mysteries, this series very rarely deals with murders however the mysteries of human nature. Precious Ramotswe, the main character and owner of the Agency is delightful in her assessment of the character of others. Splendid reading.
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