Precious Ramotswe's attention is focused on a pesky disciplinary problem at her adopted daughter's school, while Grace Makutsi adjusts to wedded bliss and the famed Clovis Andersen arrives in Botswana looking for more than bush tea. 13th in the series.
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"Another comfortable addition to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. At this point, I can practically finish McCall Smith's sentences, and it is that cozy familiarity with the characters and what they will think, say and do that makes me love reading these novels. I never imagined, however, that the great Clovis Anderson would turn out to be American. Any self published writer will develop a soft spot for that great detective in the course of this book. This installment does not involve working for clients. Instead, the ladies find themselves helping good friends get out of trouble. I think that is why this is one of the best novels in the series. We really care about the resolution of the cases, because they involve characters we have come to care about. I may be wrong, but I think this is the first time Mma Ramotse and Mma Makutsi actually break down in tears about their cases. It's nice to see a series that is this mature hit a new high. When can I pre order the next one?"
— David (5 out of 5 stars)
“Part of the brilliance of this series is that what may seem like tiny cases expand into considerations of virtue, love, ambition, greed, and evil…McCall Smith’s novels are both very meditative and laugh-out-loud funny. If you’ve never read a No. 1 Ladies’, now’s the time.”
— Booklist (starred review)“Smith wisely doesn’t tamper with his winning recipe for literary comfort food in his thirteenth excursion to Gaborone, Botswana, in the company of bighearted PI Precious Ramotswe…As always, the detection is secondary to Smith’s continuing exploration of the rhythms and social dynamics of smalltown African life.”
— Publishers Weekly" I loved it! The same wonderful warm book as the rest of the series. "
— Rachel, 2/20/2014" Another pleasant story of mysteries, warmth, and surprises in the life of Mme Ramotswe, private detective in Botswana. "
— Bobbi, 2/17/2014" As always, a does of peaceful, preciousnes in Botswana. These always make me want to visit Africa. "
— Audra, 2/10/2014" This is another great book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Precious Ramotswe is more problem solver than detective although her detecting skills are put to a much greater test than usual in this book. If you want high suspense and action this series is probably not for you. If you like a thoughtful plot with endearing characters you should try it. This book even more than the others presents Mma Ramotswe with a challenge that threatens the well being of friends and family alike. She is aided by an unexpected helper, the author of the book on detecting that first launched her career as a detective. Things are not exactly what they seem but as always I finish the book feeling uplifted and refreshed. Africa! "
— Sharla, 1/24/2014" You know, I really liked it. Either it's been awhile since I read the previous book in the series or McCall Smith changed things up just enough with his new character that it read really well. It's always nice to visit Botswana from the comfort of my favorite reading spot. "
— Holly, 1/19/2014" As usual McCall Smith weaves a tale of wit, and gentle but firm morals. His story is set in Botswana, Africa. It's a nice blend of mystery, fun, character study, with abit of foreign culture.I love all of McCall-Smith's "No. 1 Ladies Detection Agency novels and urge you to try one ! "
— Chris, 1/18/2014" My favorite one in the series so far. "
— Diane, 1/18/2014" I love this series and this was like a visit from an old friend! "
— Tracey, 1/14/2014" Mr. Smith has redeemed himself with this latest installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. The previous book did not contain the intimate and insightful observations of the human spirit the are expected, but the warmth has been rekindled. Adventures and surprises await everyone. "
— Jim, 1/11/2014" Another good one from the series. "
— Terry, 1/4/2014" I've enjoyed all of this series of books by Alexander McCall Smith, they were full of warmth and gentle humour . The author shows a great love of Africa and its' people. "
— Jae, 12/29/2013" I really like to listen to audio books when reading the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. I love the sound of the names mostly. Anyhow, this was an interesting story in the bigger continuing story of our ladies and their men. So glad they got to meet the famous, or not, Clovis Anderson. "
— Joanna, 12/9/2013" Pretty much just comfort food. "
— Sarah, 11/28/2013" Lovely fluff. Perfect beach read. =-) "
— Ashlie, 11/22/2013" This man is my idol. His books defy categorization. They are unique in many ways. So admirable. They give me hope and a sense of the global community of mankind (which is run by womankind). : ) "
— Carolyn, 9/16/2013" I've read all his books in this series. They're just all lovely stories about a gentle lady. "
— Debbie, 6/23/2013" I adore this series. It helps that I've been to Botswana. VEry well written and engaging. A delightful slice of life in an African country. "
— Gary, 6/13/2013" Another delight. I love this always predictable series. It's like grabbing a favorite blanket when I pick up any of these books. "
— Yvette, 11/8/2012" Just what I needed ~ a lovely, gentle story. But . . . will Mma Makutsi get two cookers in her new kitchen or only one?!! "
— Lorene, 9/24/2012" Not up to the usual standard (which is indeed a very high standard). The same warm feeling about Mma Ramotswe and her friends and family, but the plot lines were not really credible, even in the forgiving context of this series. I hope the next effort is better. "
— Al, 9/17/2012" I am grateful for McCall-Smith's focus on the goodness at the heart of the Botswana way. Goodness and kindness are rarely the essence of best sellers! "
— Judith, 7/4/2012" Always enjoy time spent with Mma Ramotswe. Human nature accurately observed with gentle humour "
— Penny, 6/12/2012" Another good relaxing book by McCall Smith that subtly tells the reader what the world is like today and what it was before. People are alike in all parts of the world. "
— Patsy, 6/1/2012" It is always fun to go back to Botswana with Mma Makutsi, Mma Ramatowe and Rra J.L.B. Matekoni. Such fun. I laughed out loud a few times. "
— Maureen, 4/16/2012" a little slow in places "
— Julie, 3/16/2012" I love this series. I love encountering the same characters again and again as they go through life and solve problems that are far short of the kind of crimes you find in other fiction, but still very critical to their lives. This is as good as all the rest. "
— Ken, 3/14/2012" I always love his books! I was in the wrong mood to read it today and I still enjoyed it anyway! "
— Jellybelly, 3/6/2012Alexander 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.
Christina Moore is an actress and Earphones Award–winning audiobook narrator. As an actress, she is best known for her roles in the television series That ’70s Show, Hawthorne, and 90210. She is a founding member of Bitches Funny, an all-female sketch group that has performed in New York City and Los Angeles.