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“McCall Smith’s depictions of the
sights and sounds of Botswana and his overarching theme of compassion make this
novel radiant…Humor runs rampant, as always, except in the darkest situations…Calling
Precious Ramotswe, owner and chief investigator of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective
Agency in Botswana, a detective doesn’t do her justice. ‘Problem solver
extraordinaire’ would be much better. Mma Ramotswe takes on one or two true
mysteries per novel, it’s true, but she also treats a whole range of human
difficulties as they come her way, finding good solutions through her wisdom,
kindness, and tact.”
— Booklist (starred review)
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“As usual, the problems that
Precious Ramotswe tackles in Smith’s enjoyable fifteenth No. 1 Ladies’
Detective Agency novel are more the province of a therapist-counselor than of a
cop. Mma Ramotswe’s longtime assistant, Grace Makutsi, now a partner in their
detective agency, hopes her good fortune will transfer to a new business
venture…Series fans will be moved by a supporting character’s growth, and
newcomers will be charmed by the gentle humor.”
— Publishers Weekly
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“Botswana’s peerless investigator Precious Ramotswe returns to consider more
mysteries of human nature in her fifteenth adventure…As always, everyone’s
worries are smoothed over with ample doses of red bush tea and ‘the old
Botswana morality.’ Verdict: A welcome addition to McCall Smith’s bestselling
series, this latest installment brims with the author’s signature warmth and
charm. Fans of cozy reads won’t be disappointed.”
— Library Journal
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“A slow mystery season in
Botswana—there’s only one proper case for the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective
Agency—leaves its employees free to pursue all manner of adventures on their
own. The official case, as so often, involves no obvious crime…[and] Charlie,
rescued from despair by Mma Ramotswe…provides the comic high point of this
gentle tale. It’s not giving too much away to say that things don’t exactly
work out as planned for Charlie—or for Mma Ramotswe’s partner Grace Makutsi,
whose venture into the hospitality business, The Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café,
runs into sadly predictable problems. If only her husband had drawn up a
strategic plan. Thanks to that sturdy deus ex machina, Orphan Farm matron Mma
Potokwane, all’s well that ends well in perhaps the most tranquil and unruffled
entry in this renowned series.”
— Kirkus Reviews
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“Listeners seeking a warm, cozy
mystery can comfortably settle into Lisette Lecat’s narration of this latest in
the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series…The comic exchanges between Grace and
Charlie, with Precious striving to maintain the peace, are delivered spot-on by
Lecat. Equally enjoyable are Precious’s quiet reflections on the benefits of
following traditional ways, her application of which, once again, results in a
satisfying solution to all the problems at hand.”
— AudioFile
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“Amusing…An escape from life’s woes [as well] as a suggestion for how to
make the whole deal more palatable.”
— Boston Globe, praise for the series
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“McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan
customs and culture…Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will
endure.”
— Cleveland Plain Dealer, praise for the series