Precious Ramotswe is the eminently sensible and cunning proprietor of the only ladies' detective agency in Botswana. In Tears of the Giraffe she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. In the midst of resolving uncertainties, pondering her impending marriage to a good, kind man, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, and the promotion of her talented secretary (a graduate of the Botswana Secretarial College, with a mark of 97 per cent), she also finds her family suddenly and unexpectedly increased by two.
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"I enjoyed this even more than the first novel in the series, if that is possible. The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency had a couple of interesting cases to investigate, and we learn more about Mma Ramotwse's kind-hearted fiance, her secretary (now promoted to assistant detective) and Botswana."
— Isabel (5 out of 5 stars)
" I love the main character. She goes about solving crimes in a unique way. "
— Waynemiddleton, 2/12/2014" REading this book was like catching up with an old friend. "
— Tamar, 1/21/2014" Loved it so much I'm moving on the Morality for Beautiful Girls - the next in the series. I miss the HBO TV show starring Jill Scott and Anika Noni Rose. It was a great show based on wonderful series of stories! "
— Casi, 1/21/2014" Really enjoyed this one. He captures the essence of the country and the nature of his characters. Such a gentle quality to this writing. "
— Jemathomp, 1/20/2014" Glorious, evocative, heart-warming and always makes me want to go to Botswana! "
— Kim, 1/15/2014" This was an enjoyable, light mystery. I liked the Botswana setting and the glimpses of the culture. "
— Laura, 1/8/2014" so mysterious ;) "
— Mistie, 12/24/2013" This second books of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series is my favorite. I simply like being in this book. "
— Curtiss, 12/23/2013" The series made me more intereted in the African continent "
— Margaret, 12/20/2013" Another great book of Smith's. I loved the ending of this one. "
— Susan, 11/3/2013" Just a really fun book that transplants you in Africa "
— Mollie, 10/8/2013" Listened to this one on tape. The woman's British accent made it even more enjoyable. The characters ate so fun in these books "
— Michelle, 9/16/2013" It's a cute story. I don't feel like I HAVE to read it though, like some other books. I may get to the other ones at some point. "
— Miko, 6/21/2013" I like this book for a nice easy read. The characters are likable and the cases are clever. Sometimes the way she gets information out of people seems a little to easy but overall I like her and enjoyed the book. "
— Teresa, 5/28/2013" Learning about Botswana. "
— Laurel, 12/16/2012" I liked this best of the 4 No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series I have read. "
— Lucie, 4/18/2012" Love this series. It is light, short and interesting. Especially considering it is written about a black african woman and written by a white man. "
— Liz, 10/7/2011" Another fun read. Love Mma Ramwotse! "
— Vanessa, 9/1/2011" Alexander McCall Smith's stories of the Ladies No.1 Detective Agency always make a very entertaining read. I've read most of them at least twice and have never been disappointed. "
— Sandy, 6/21/2011" As good as the first one. Which is to say, very good. "
— Graham, 2/20/2011" I liked this one less than the first one - there's less mystery, more general story about the main characters, and the political subtexts are a lot less subtle - but it's still a thoroughly pleasant read. "
— kasia, 2/6/2011" My second book in this series, really enjoy them. Fabulous series, like a step back in time to a whole different world. "
— Tracy, 2/3/2011" This series is fantastic. It has everything! Humor, heart, & even some mystery. The characters are so precious I loved them all & it was hilarious how they interacted with each other. Flawless series really. "
— Rose, 9/12/2010" I loved these, because of the voice of the main character, the setting, and the humorous and clever vignettes. "
— Leslieww, 8/29/2010" I read all three, the first one I really enjoyed. It game me insight as to what life in Africa might be like. By the time I read the 3rd book, the story line was overdone.<br/> "
— Livia, 1/29/2010" I have read almost all of the books in the series and have really enjoyed them. "
— Dianne, 1/15/2010" Self-image, the importance of honesty and respect, pride in ones-self and the place they live, loyalty, how to enjoy a cup of hot tea, how to focus on nature; the importance of family and giving...and much more "
— Deejay, 10/15/2009" I enjoyed every last one of these books. I wish Precious was my next-door neighbor. "
— Tammy, 8/7/2009" Every book in this series is a gem. I met the author and he signed one of his books for me! "
— Carol, 7/23/2009" I will be honest book one was the hardest to get into, but after that it's been one after the other. They are clean and very fun! "
— Dawn, 7/22/2009" Individually, it's easy to think, "What's the big deal?" They're just so simple and unassuming. But as a whole I just adore them. "
— Julie, 6/29/2009" This series of books is so unbelievably charming and wise that I barely know where to begin. They are deep without FEELING deep. They are humorous not in a knee-slapping way, but in a warm, feel-good way. I can't recommend them enough, and I look forward to more from this author. "
— Lensylinda, 2/10/2009" Loved these books. They're good clean fun! "
— Angela, 12/9/2008" These books really hit my funny bone. Mma Ramotswe is so down to earth, and it's funny to be inside her head. While I'm reading these books, I can hear the narrator from "The Gods Must Be Crazy" movies. I would recommend the whole series to anyone. "
— Laura, 9/4/2008" These books give an intersting picture of life in Botswana, the start-up and maturation of the no 1 ladies detective agency, and the personal life of Mma Ramatswe. "
— Linda, 5/30/2008Alexander McCall Smith is the New York Times bestselling author of numerous novels, including the No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie series, 44 Scotland Street novels, Corduroy Mansions series, the Perfect Passion Company novels, and more. He has also written stand-alone novels, books for children, and nonfiction works. In 2004 he was named the British Book Awards Author of the Year and Booksellers Association Author of the Year. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served with many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana.