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No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #3
Τεστ ηθικής για όμορφα κορίτσια
Στο τρίτο βιβλίο της πετυχημένης σειράς, η "Αφρικανή Μις Μάρπλ", Πρέσιους Ραμότσουε, ερευνά δύο παράξενες υποθέσεις: τη δηλητηρίαση του αδελφού ενός σημαντικού κυβερνητικού προσώπου και την ηθική τεσσάρων φιναλίστ ενός διαγωνισμού ομορφιάς. Όπως συνήθως η Πρέσιους θα ανακαλύψει πως τα φαινόμενα απατούν... Η τρίτη ιστορία της πετυχημένης σειράς του βραβευμένου και δημοφιλούς συγγραφέα θα σας κεντρίσει το ενδιαφέρον με τις ίντριγκες και το εξωτικό της φόντο.
308 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 2001
889 people are currently reading
8,555 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
614books12.4kfollowersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at , on , and on .
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 2,274 reviews
October 9, 2021
Reading these books is more like visiting with friends. If you are looking for action and plot, this will not really appeal to you, especially if you have read some of the others. These books are more of a slice of life.
This was one of my favorites because of the depression that overcomes Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni. It comes over him so gradually and the people who love him are so concerned for him. I could almost feel myself becoming concerned for him also. Since I suffer from depression from time to time (not just the blues) I found the characterization very good. It's hard to portray how abnormal a person's thinking becomes and Smith does a great job. It's easy to stand on the outside and tell the depressed person to get out and visit friends, but the sick person feels that no one would like to be around him and that he is a burden to his friends; he thinks they would all sigh with relief if he got out of their lives.
And that brings up another thing I like about these books. The people are not perfect. They are a combination of the good and the bad and they all struggle to get along in the best way possible. They don't just walk away from each other either.
This was one of my favorites because of the depression that overcomes Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni. It comes over him so gradually and the people who love him are so concerned for him. I could almost feel myself becoming concerned for him also. Since I suffer from depression from time to time (not just the blues) I found the characterization very good. It's hard to portray how abnormal a person's thinking becomes and Smith does a great job. It's easy to stand on the outside and tell the depressed person to get out and visit friends, but the sick person feels that no one would like to be around him and that he is a burden to his friends; he thinks they would all sigh with relief if he got out of their lives.
And that brings up another thing I like about these books. The people are not perfect. They are a combination of the good and the bad and they all struggle to get along in the best way possible. They don't just walk away from each other either.
June 10, 2020
4�
“There were people who made it their business to remember the affairs of the community, and this was obviously one. Today they called them oral historians, she believed; whereas in reality, they were old women who liked to remember the things that interested them most: marriages, deaths, children. Old men remembered cattle.�
We met Mma Ramotswe and her secretary/“Assistant Detective� Mma Makutsi in the first two instalments of the delightful No. 1 Ladies� Detective Agency. As before, there are a number of problems that present themselves just as the two women are wondering where their next job will come from and how they will keep the business afloat.
Precious Ramotswe is now engaged to Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, owner of a local garage and a good man. Not all of the men in Botswana are as kind and courteous as Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who is never referred to as anything other than his full name. Mma Ramotswe’s first husband was a jazz musician and a thoroughly rotten character.
Mma Ramotswe and her fiancé Mr J.L.B. Matekoni at his garage (from the TV series, )
“Mma Ramotswe accepted her large slice of cake and looked at the rich fruit within it. There were at least seven hundred calories in that, she thought, but it did not matter; she was a traditionally built lady and she did not have to worry about such things.�
She is beautiful and Botswana is beautiful. Still hot and dry with men who are obscenely (my word) wealthy, wearing white shoes, while so many others are frighteningly poor and barefoot. Mma Ramotswe is generally suspicious of the former and inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to the latter, and she has some fixed ideas about how the world works.
“Men were good at business, thought Mma Ramotswe, but women were just as good. Women were thriftier by nature; they had to be, trying to run households on a tight budget and feed the ever-open mouths of children. Children ate so much, it seemed, and one could never cook enough pumpkin or porridge to fill their hungry bellies. And as for men, they never seemed happier than when eating large quantities of expensive meat. It was all rather discouraging.�
But she and Mr J.L.B. Matekoni stretch their income to help others, particularly a couple of orphans who have moved in with her as well as the woman and her family who live there as housekeeper/cook/nanny. It is a way of life that is common in many parts of the world but foreign to many “Western� cultures, I think, where people pride themselves on being self-sufficient and doing everything themselves.
“if you were in a well-paid job and had a house of the size which Mma Ramotswe did, then not to employ a maid—or indeed not to support several domestic servants—would have been seen as selfishness.�
There are always a few stories in each book, not necessarily connected, other than through the agency, but each is an opportunity for Mma Ramotswe to give Mma Makutsi (and us readers) her philosophy about right and wrong. Sometimes, she’s only just putting it into words for the first time, and I always enjoy watching her think. She is funny and charming and addictive.
There’s a small wild boy who smells of lions; there’s a wealthy beauty pageant operator who wants to make sure the contestants are ‘good� girls; there’s a rich city-dweller who suspects foul play on the family farm, managed by his younger brother; and of course, there’s the orphanage and Mr J.L.B. Matekoni who seems be feeling a bit low.
His two apprentices and Mma Matekutsi have many funny exchanges, and Mma Matekutsi comes into her own as a detective!
The whole series is a quiet, comfortable retreat. I think of them as leisurely reads. I don’t want to hurry � just revel in ’s Botswana for a while.
“There were people who made it their business to remember the affairs of the community, and this was obviously one. Today they called them oral historians, she believed; whereas in reality, they were old women who liked to remember the things that interested them most: marriages, deaths, children. Old men remembered cattle.�
We met Mma Ramotswe and her secretary/“Assistant Detective� Mma Makutsi in the first two instalments of the delightful No. 1 Ladies� Detective Agency. As before, there are a number of problems that present themselves just as the two women are wondering where their next job will come from and how they will keep the business afloat.
Precious Ramotswe is now engaged to Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, owner of a local garage and a good man. Not all of the men in Botswana are as kind and courteous as Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who is never referred to as anything other than his full name. Mma Ramotswe’s first husband was a jazz musician and a thoroughly rotten character.
Mma Ramotswe and her fiancé Mr J.L.B. Matekoni at his garage (from the TV series, )
“Mma Ramotswe accepted her large slice of cake and looked at the rich fruit within it. There were at least seven hundred calories in that, she thought, but it did not matter; she was a traditionally built lady and she did not have to worry about such things.�
She is beautiful and Botswana is beautiful. Still hot and dry with men who are obscenely (my word) wealthy, wearing white shoes, while so many others are frighteningly poor and barefoot. Mma Ramotswe is generally suspicious of the former and inclined to give the benefit of the doubt to the latter, and she has some fixed ideas about how the world works.
“Men were good at business, thought Mma Ramotswe, but women were just as good. Women were thriftier by nature; they had to be, trying to run households on a tight budget and feed the ever-open mouths of children. Children ate so much, it seemed, and one could never cook enough pumpkin or porridge to fill their hungry bellies. And as for men, they never seemed happier than when eating large quantities of expensive meat. It was all rather discouraging.�
But she and Mr J.L.B. Matekoni stretch their income to help others, particularly a couple of orphans who have moved in with her as well as the woman and her family who live there as housekeeper/cook/nanny. It is a way of life that is common in many parts of the world but foreign to many “Western� cultures, I think, where people pride themselves on being self-sufficient and doing everything themselves.
“if you were in a well-paid job and had a house of the size which Mma Ramotswe did, then not to employ a maid—or indeed not to support several domestic servants—would have been seen as selfishness.�
There are always a few stories in each book, not necessarily connected, other than through the agency, but each is an opportunity for Mma Ramotswe to give Mma Makutsi (and us readers) her philosophy about right and wrong. Sometimes, she’s only just putting it into words for the first time, and I always enjoy watching her think. She is funny and charming and addictive.
There’s a small wild boy who smells of lions; there’s a wealthy beauty pageant operator who wants to make sure the contestants are ‘good� girls; there’s a rich city-dweller who suspects foul play on the family farm, managed by his younger brother; and of course, there’s the orphanage and Mr J.L.B. Matekoni who seems be feeling a bit low.
His two apprentices and Mma Matekutsi have many funny exchanges, and Mma Matekutsi comes into her own as a detective!
The whole series is a quiet, comfortable retreat. I think of them as leisurely reads. I don’t want to hurry � just revel in ’s Botswana for a while.
Want to read
September 2, 2015Spotted this afternoon in the philosophy section of a Berlin bookshop. I didn't dare ask if it was an imaginative interpretation of the content or just a mistake.
December 9, 2022
I had to take another trip to Africa to get my cup of sunshine. It’s almost like taking a drug, needing more stories from Botswana to keep my spirit alive. Now I feel rejuvenated again and can start my day.
April 24, 2020
Great read.
May 7, 2017
Everyone knows all about Mma Ramotswe and her No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. It's delightful, set in Botswana, and filled with the local flavours. In this book, Mma Ramotswe gets an important client from the government, JLB Matekoni is suffering from depression, Mma Makutsi gets her first solo triumph by solving a case for a huge fee. The bankrupt company is flush again!
My two facourite quotes:
This sad truth was hilariously put - "Women, as usual, were expected to behave better than men, and inevitably attracted criticism for doing things that men were licensed to do with impunity. It was not fair; it had never been fair, and it would probably never be fair in the future. Men would wriggle out of it somehow, even if you tied them up in a constitution. Men judges would find that the constitution really said something rather different from what was written on the page and interpret it in a favour of men. All people, both men and women, are entitled to equal treatment in the workplace became Women can get some jobs, but they cannot do certain jobs (for their own protection) as men will do these jobs better anyway."
Another brilliant piece of observation - "She was a traditionally built lady, after all, and she did not have to worry about dress size, unlike those poor, neurotic people who were always looking in mirrors and thinking that they were too big. What was too big, anyway? Who was to tell another person what size they should be? It was a form of dictatorship, by the thin, and she was not having any of it. If these thin people became any more insistent, then the more generously sized people would just have to sit on them. Yes, that would teach them! Hah!"
These books have to be read to be experienced. Reviews are not sufficient to do justice to their delightfulness.
My two facourite quotes:
This sad truth was hilariously put - "Women, as usual, were expected to behave better than men, and inevitably attracted criticism for doing things that men were licensed to do with impunity. It was not fair; it had never been fair, and it would probably never be fair in the future. Men would wriggle out of it somehow, even if you tied them up in a constitution. Men judges would find that the constitution really said something rather different from what was written on the page and interpret it in a favour of men. All people, both men and women, are entitled to equal treatment in the workplace became Women can get some jobs, but they cannot do certain jobs (for their own protection) as men will do these jobs better anyway."
Another brilliant piece of observation - "She was a traditionally built lady, after all, and she did not have to worry about dress size, unlike those poor, neurotic people who were always looking in mirrors and thinking that they were too big. What was too big, anyway? Who was to tell another person what size they should be? It was a form of dictatorship, by the thin, and she was not having any of it. If these thin people became any more insistent, then the more generously sized people would just have to sit on them. Yes, that would teach them! Hah!"
These books have to be read to be experienced. Reviews are not sufficient to do justice to their delightfulness.
March 22, 2025
Like I have done so many times before, I didn’t start this book series until seeing the tv show that was cancelled after just one season. Seems the show wasn’t as good as the books, which is what a lot of the reviews declared. I haven’t made up my mind yet, but I will say that I am really enjoying the book series.
The gangs all back for this third installment which includes Precious, her assistant, Grace, and her new fiancé, JB, the local mechanic, along with the two orphaned children that JB agreed to foster. Precious and JB decided that the kids should live with Precious and they would all live together after she and JB married. It was also decided that JB would create space for Precious’s detective agency on the property next to his auto shop. This would be more beneficial for Precious in being able to keep her business going. Precious is struggling with the financial strain of the running a business.
The book summary is pretty vague and hardly does more than the brief paragraph of the storylines. It’s pretty early in the story when Precious begins to suspect that JB may be suffering from depression and is starting to let things go, like his relationship with Precious, the kids and his business. Fortunately, Precious immediately picks up the slack and installs Grace in the shop as Acting Manager to get on top of the business affairs as well as those two lackey apprentices.
There are also the secondary storylines of Precious’s cases. One is about getting rid of a new wife, who is suspected of poisoning her husband in an effort to get rid of him and his parents so that she can inherit the husband’s estate. I loved the passage where Precious was pondering the difference between morality and existentialism and not in just the matter of beautiful girls either, because she has a whole other opinion of beautiful girls. Love Precious!!!
There is also the storyline of Grace working on a case in determining the character of the four finalist of a local beauty contest. A well-known journalist who covers the contest has been having issues with some of the contestants being disreputable women. Loved Grace’s musings on the inequality between men and women, especially in how they are raised and the harmful ways that parents exasperate the issues of inequality in the way they raise their sons and daughters.
McCall Smith packs a lot in 240pgs and I enjoyed the continuing character development of Precious and JB and their relationship as well as that of Grace in her new role. The pacing of this series can be slow at times, but so much of it is spent on continuing character development and a lot of introspection with Precious and the reader and all her thoughts as she travels through her days in early 21st century Botswana. I’m a character driven reader and I enjoy these types of development because a reader can get a better sense of who the character is and what is going through their mind. The storyline was in line with the moral of the story and the writing was well done. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
The gangs all back for this third installment which includes Precious, her assistant, Grace, and her new fiancé, JB, the local mechanic, along with the two orphaned children that JB agreed to foster. Precious and JB decided that the kids should live with Precious and they would all live together after she and JB married. It was also decided that JB would create space for Precious’s detective agency on the property next to his auto shop. This would be more beneficial for Precious in being able to keep her business going. Precious is struggling with the financial strain of the running a business.
The book summary is pretty vague and hardly does more than the brief paragraph of the storylines. It’s pretty early in the story when Precious begins to suspect that JB may be suffering from depression and is starting to let things go, like his relationship with Precious, the kids and his business. Fortunately, Precious immediately picks up the slack and installs Grace in the shop as Acting Manager to get on top of the business affairs as well as those two lackey apprentices.
There are also the secondary storylines of Precious’s cases. One is about getting rid of a new wife, who is suspected of poisoning her husband in an effort to get rid of him and his parents so that she can inherit the husband’s estate. I loved the passage where Precious was pondering the difference between morality and existentialism and not in just the matter of beautiful girls either, because she has a whole other opinion of beautiful girls. Love Precious!!!
There is also the storyline of Grace working on a case in determining the character of the four finalist of a local beauty contest. A well-known journalist who covers the contest has been having issues with some of the contestants being disreputable women. Loved Grace’s musings on the inequality between men and women, especially in how they are raised and the harmful ways that parents exasperate the issues of inequality in the way they raise their sons and daughters.
McCall Smith packs a lot in 240pgs and I enjoyed the continuing character development of Precious and JB and their relationship as well as that of Grace in her new role. The pacing of this series can be slow at times, but so much of it is spent on continuing character development and a lot of introspection with Precious and the reader and all her thoughts as she travels through her days in early 21st century Botswana. I’m a character driven reader and I enjoy these types of development because a reader can get a better sense of who the character is and what is going through their mind. The storyline was in line with the moral of the story and the writing was well done. I’m looking at an overall rating of 4.2 that I will be rounding down to a 4star review.
June 23, 2021
I would love to learn about Alexander McCall Smith’s experience with Botswana, for the Scotsman’s series has arisen from certainly knowing the people and place. Whenever we open books, there should be no expectations except that they will tell us their stories. There are stories that surprise us by not having familiar structures and they are a gift. “The No. 1 Ladies� Detective Agency� enduring series is a fictional cultural portrait first, peppered with mystery cases for Precious� career. This creates a constantly active canvas in full colour upon which the diverse peoples, lifestyles, beliefs, and interactions are portrayed; from the wilderness, countryside, and cities. Like most readers, I sought mystery adventures but now am happy to absorb any rich tableau of African life that these warm characters impart to me.
The first three novels did not hit five stars but I am a fan who is glad this series continues. �Morality For Beautiful Girls� got three stars for the unexciting state of a segue gap. It organized characters, premises, and settings like a game board, ready to move again in the succeeding volumes. Precious & J.L.B. are not wed yet but their adopted children are in her house and her detective agency shares his mechanics offices, to reduce business expenses. Her fiancé & children took a backseat, except for a spotlight on depression in him. It seems like an old, already well known topic for 2001 but I am unfamiliar with the land’s psychology.
I generally liked these tales, except an unconnected one about a wild boy, which I felt was in superfluity. My favourite storyline was Mma Makutsi’s: flourishing in her co-detective, garage bookkeeping, and managing roles. She goaded two lazy workers into respecting their jobs and J.L.B’s customers. Precious� investigation of a poisoning family was also engaging.
The first three novels did not hit five stars but I am a fan who is glad this series continues. �Morality For Beautiful Girls� got three stars for the unexciting state of a segue gap. It organized characters, premises, and settings like a game board, ready to move again in the succeeding volumes. Precious & J.L.B. are not wed yet but their adopted children are in her house and her detective agency shares his mechanics offices, to reduce business expenses. Her fiancé & children took a backseat, except for a spotlight on depression in him. It seems like an old, already well known topic for 2001 but I am unfamiliar with the land’s psychology.
I generally liked these tales, except an unconnected one about a wild boy, which I felt was in superfluity. My favourite storyline was Mma Makutsi’s: flourishing in her co-detective, garage bookkeeping, and managing roles. She goaded two lazy workers into respecting their jobs and J.L.B’s customers. Precious� investigation of a poisoning family was also engaging.
March 5, 2018
I enjoyed being back with these lovely characters and seeing their lives and careers progress. Mma Ramotswe continues with her work although she is more of a life coach and counsellor with philosophical advice to her clients than a detective. The mysteries are easily wrapped up but the stories we hear on the way are interesting snapshots of people's life.
I never tire of hearing about the traditional Botswanan way and loved the expression 'stand on your toe' as an equivalent to fingers crossed! The beauty contest is an interesting addition to the story, you can tell this comes at a time when judging women in this way has started to become unacceptable and out dated but in an attempt to smooth over these problems the judges are trying to bring personality and worthiness into the judging. I think this storyline will be continued in the next book.
Mma Makutsi comes into her own in this story as she is made temporary manager of Twokleng Road Speedy motors and rises to the occasion by taking charge of the young, lazy, womanizing apprentice mechanics and securing a sizeable fee for the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency whilst Mma Ramotswe takes a high up government official down a peg or two - go girls !
I never tire of hearing about the traditional Botswanan way and loved the expression 'stand on your toe' as an equivalent to fingers crossed! The beauty contest is an interesting addition to the story, you can tell this comes at a time when judging women in this way has started to become unacceptable and out dated but in an attempt to smooth over these problems the judges are trying to bring personality and worthiness into the judging. I think this storyline will be continued in the next book.
Mma Makutsi comes into her own in this story as she is made temporary manager of Twokleng Road Speedy motors and rises to the occasion by taking charge of the young, lazy, womanizing apprentice mechanics and securing a sizeable fee for the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency whilst Mma Ramotswe takes a high up government official down a peg or two - go girls !
November 22, 2023
Fourth read - I’m rereading this series again, with my husband this time. It was his idea lol I think he heard snippets of these books for so long that he became curious 😀
They do get better with each reread, for sure. And Lisette Lecat’s audio performances of almost every book in this series just can’t be beat. She is one of the greats, and to listen to these books is even more of a treat than reading them. Trust me, you’ll love the audiobooks for this series ❤️
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Third read - Is it possible that every time I read this series, I like it even more?! Between the audiobook performance and the wisdom and wit in his writing, this series gets better every time I read it. Long live AMS and his wonderful Botswana!
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Second read - I'm really enjoying revisiting this series. It's a good thing my memory is pretty bad, because it's almost like picking them up for the first time, except you know for sure you will love it. Bravo to Alexander McCall Smith for these wonderful stories with endearing characters I just love. I wish I could live in a Mma Ramotswe world right now, and when I'm inside one of these books, I can. Thank you, AMS!
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Love this series. It's tremendous. Good story, great characters, something to smile about on almost every page, and so much wisdom here. Just really good stuff.
They do get better with each reread, for sure. And Lisette Lecat’s audio performances of almost every book in this series just can’t be beat. She is one of the greats, and to listen to these books is even more of a treat than reading them. Trust me, you’ll love the audiobooks for this series ❤️
<><><><>
Third read - Is it possible that every time I read this series, I like it even more?! Between the audiobook performance and the wisdom and wit in his writing, this series gets better every time I read it. Long live AMS and his wonderful Botswana!
<><><><>
Second read - I'm really enjoying revisiting this series. It's a good thing my memory is pretty bad, because it's almost like picking them up for the first time, except you know for sure you will love it. Bravo to Alexander McCall Smith for these wonderful stories with endearing characters I just love. I wish I could live in a Mma Ramotswe world right now, and when I'm inside one of these books, I can. Thank you, AMS!
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Love this series. It's tremendous. Good story, great characters, something to smile about on almost every page, and so much wisdom here. Just really good stuff.
October 5, 2021
For English version please scroll down
*
Cozy Krimi aus Botswana
In diesem Band der Mma Ramotswe-Reihe ermittelt Precious Ramotswe in einem Fall vermuteter Giftanschläge, deren Lösung und Hintergrund natürlich wieder ganz anders ist als ursprünglich angenommen. Ihre Assistentin beschäftigt sich in der Zwischenzeit mit einem Schönheitswettbewerb und der Autowerkstatt von Mma Ramotswes Verlobten.
Krimitechnisch haben diese Roman nicht besonders viel zu bieten, denn sie sind äußerst geruhsam, sozusagen extra cozy. Der Autor nutzt aber wohl die Detektivagentur nur, um daran seine Geschichten über das Leben in Bostwana aufzuhängen. Er stellt Mentalität, Geschichte und Gebräuche in Botswana ausführlich dar. Da ich nicht viel über Botswana weiß, finde ich das sehr interessant.
Die moralischen Vorstellungen und gesellschaftlichen Strukturen im Land sind schätzungsweise 50 bis 100 Jahre hinter Europa zurück, so dass Einiges wirklich gewöhnungsbedürftig ist. Die Leute sprechen eine einfache Sprache (zumindest die Charaktere im Roman) und erscheinen einem Europäer vermutlich in mancher Hinsicht naiv.
Obwohl wenig aufregend, lese ich diese Reihe zwischendurch recht gerne und vergebe dafür 3 Sterne.
--------------------
Cozy mystery from Botswana
In this volume of the Mma Ramotswe series, Precious Ramotswe investigates a case of suspected poisoning, while solution and background of the matter are of course very different from what was originally assumed. In the meantime, her assistant is busy with a beauty contest and Mma Ramotswe's fiancé's car repair shop.
In terms of crime, these novels don't have much to offer, because they are extremely quiet, extra cozy, so to speak. The author probably only uses the detective agency to hang up his stories about life in Bostwana. He describes the mentality, history and customs in Botswana in detail. Since I don't know much about Botswana, I find this very interesting.
The moral ideas and social structures in the country are estimated to be 50 to 100 years behind Europe, so that some things really take getting used to. People speak simple language (at least the characters in the novel) and may seem naive to a European in some ways.
Although not very exciting, I like to read this series from time to time and assign it 3 stars.
*
Cozy Krimi aus Botswana
In diesem Band der Mma Ramotswe-Reihe ermittelt Precious Ramotswe in einem Fall vermuteter Giftanschläge, deren Lösung und Hintergrund natürlich wieder ganz anders ist als ursprünglich angenommen. Ihre Assistentin beschäftigt sich in der Zwischenzeit mit einem Schönheitswettbewerb und der Autowerkstatt von Mma Ramotswes Verlobten.
Krimitechnisch haben diese Roman nicht besonders viel zu bieten, denn sie sind äußerst geruhsam, sozusagen extra cozy. Der Autor nutzt aber wohl die Detektivagentur nur, um daran seine Geschichten über das Leben in Bostwana aufzuhängen. Er stellt Mentalität, Geschichte und Gebräuche in Botswana ausführlich dar. Da ich nicht viel über Botswana weiß, finde ich das sehr interessant.
Die moralischen Vorstellungen und gesellschaftlichen Strukturen im Land sind schätzungsweise 50 bis 100 Jahre hinter Europa zurück, so dass Einiges wirklich gewöhnungsbedürftig ist. Die Leute sprechen eine einfache Sprache (zumindest die Charaktere im Roman) und erscheinen einem Europäer vermutlich in mancher Hinsicht naiv.
Obwohl wenig aufregend, lese ich diese Reihe zwischendurch recht gerne und vergebe dafür 3 Sterne.
--------------------
Cozy mystery from Botswana
In this volume of the Mma Ramotswe series, Precious Ramotswe investigates a case of suspected poisoning, while solution and background of the matter are of course very different from what was originally assumed. In the meantime, her assistant is busy with a beauty contest and Mma Ramotswe's fiancé's car repair shop.
In terms of crime, these novels don't have much to offer, because they are extremely quiet, extra cozy, so to speak. The author probably only uses the detective agency to hang up his stories about life in Bostwana. He describes the mentality, history and customs in Botswana in detail. Since I don't know much about Botswana, I find this very interesting.
The moral ideas and social structures in the country are estimated to be 50 to 100 years behind Europe, so that some things really take getting used to. People speak simple language (at least the characters in the novel) and may seem naive to a European in some ways.
Although not very exciting, I like to read this series from time to time and assign it 3 stars.
April 10, 2016
Like so many other readers, I really enjoy McCall Smith's stories of Mma Ramotswe, and her Botswana detective service. Mma Ramotswe is a remarkable character, and I love her simple and moral nature. Yet, of the three books I have read in this series, I found _Morality for Beautiful Girls_ to be the weakest story so far.
Mma Ramotswe is pulled in many different directions in this book, and only a few of the circumstances really go anywhere. Nearly a whole chapter is devoted to a young boy that is found outside of town, and he is subsequently sent to the "orphan farm". The matron of the orphan farm, Mma Potakwani, asks Mma Ramotswe to investigate the boy's past, yet that story line fails to go anywhere. Why spend so much time developing a story only to drop it in the end? I was left disappointed, and can only hope that this mystery is revisited in the future.
Another large loose end: what happened to Mr. J.L.B Matekoni? In the previous books, he is a main character, however in _Morality for Beautiful Girls_ he is given little face time. The book did not tell us what brought Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's depression, and once again, are the readers going to be told what happened in the future? Like Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, the children from the orphan farm, who played such a large role in _Tears of the Giraffe_ are nearly forgotten in this novel. What happened to them?
Yet there were parts that I really enjoyed as well... It is exciting to see the development of Mma Makutsi, and her ever-expanding talents and responsibilities. I look forward to reading more about her. I particularly liked her case with the beauty pageant, and her quest to find a girl in Botswana with both beauty and integrity.
Despite the obvious holes in this novel, I am still looking forward to reading more about Mma Ramotswe and the other characters in the future.
Mma Ramotswe is pulled in many different directions in this book, and only a few of the circumstances really go anywhere. Nearly a whole chapter is devoted to a young boy that is found outside of town, and he is subsequently sent to the "orphan farm". The matron of the orphan farm, Mma Potakwani, asks Mma Ramotswe to investigate the boy's past, yet that story line fails to go anywhere. Why spend so much time developing a story only to drop it in the end? I was left disappointed, and can only hope that this mystery is revisited in the future.
Another large loose end: what happened to Mr. J.L.B Matekoni? In the previous books, he is a main character, however in _Morality for Beautiful Girls_ he is given little face time. The book did not tell us what brought Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's depression, and once again, are the readers going to be told what happened in the future? Like Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, the children from the orphan farm, who played such a large role in _Tears of the Giraffe_ are nearly forgotten in this novel. What happened to them?
Yet there were parts that I really enjoyed as well... It is exciting to see the development of Mma Makutsi, and her ever-expanding talents and responsibilities. I look forward to reading more about her. I particularly liked her case with the beauty pageant, and her quest to find a girl in Botswana with both beauty and integrity.
Despite the obvious holes in this novel, I am still looking forward to reading more about Mma Ramotswe and the other characters in the future.
October 20, 2008
This is an entry consistent with the prior two books in this delightful series, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and Tears of the Giraffe.The focus here is on beauty and young women. Precious helps a politician who believes that his younger brother’s beautiful young wife is poisoning him. Rawotse’s assistant gets a case of her own, in which she helps the head of a beauty pageant determine which of the finalists is a truly honest girl. Mister Matekoni, Precious� fiancée, is suffering from depression, and she sees that he is properly taken care of at a local orphanage. He has a secret that is not revealed in this book, something he is ashamed of and that for reasons unknown has emerged to haunt him. A young feral boy is found in the bush, possibly raised by lions, and innocent of language. He winds up at the orphanage in the care of Mister Matekoni. Precious is losing money on her business, so decides to share facilities with her fiancée. As his depression has left him incapacitated, her assistant is engaged to help run the garage. And she proves to be quite the manager, surprisingly effective at motivating the girl-chasing crew. Again, the world created here is vivid, and depicted with obvious affection. The stories remain diverse and interesting, the writing simple yet beautiful.
May 1, 2023
Not sure what McCall Smith's series did to pee me off (probably because the first notable African female detective series published is one written by an old Scotsman), but back when I first read this in 2004, I gave this and the subsequent volumes some low Star ratings, when I'm pretty sure I really liked these back in the day [2023 note]
Looking back on this series, I found it enlightening and interesting getting into the nitty gritty of Botswana town life, and reading about the trials and tribulations of a woman trying to set up and run her own detective agency. This instalment sees the main protagonists PI Precious Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi consolidate their business and further underlines the heart and soul of these African women as they have a strange case to investigate, and a need to support someone close suffering from depression. This series just gets better and better, this one's a 6 out of 12, Three Star jam.
2004 read>
Looking back on this series, I found it enlightening and interesting getting into the nitty gritty of Botswana town life, and reading about the trials and tribulations of a woman trying to set up and run her own detective agency. This instalment sees the main protagonists PI Precious Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi consolidate their business and further underlines the heart and soul of these African women as they have a strange case to investigate, and a need to support someone close suffering from depression. This series just gets better and better, this one's a 6 out of 12, Three Star jam.
2004 read>
October 17, 2017
A delightfully gentle series of books by Alexander McCall Smith - set in and around Botswana's capital city of Gaborone and stories of the 'No.1 Ladies Detective Agency'.
McCall Smith has created a lovely world of mainly (very) amateurish sleuthing - which whilst ostensibly the theme which is central to these books, is ultimately almost incidental. The main draw here is the cast of well drawn, well written, very memorable and on the whole very endearing (if occasionally frustrating) characters - Precious Ramostwe, Grace Makutsi, J.L.B. Matekoni et al and the interplay of their lives - the detective work and cases here become increasingly an incidental backdrop.
The 'No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' stories and characters certainly have an air of authenticity and believability (although obviously contrived and significantly exaggerated for comic effect) and interestingly McCall Smith did spend some time living and working in Botswana.
The first few books in the series are undoubtedly the strongest, funniest, most entertaining and compelling. Whilst later installments are all good - they do feel like somewhat of retread of ideas that McCall has spun out perhaps beyond their natural course.
Whilst serious themes are alluded to - feminism, AIDS and domestic violence; there is little here that is particularly thought provoking or challenging - but then that's not the point here. For anyone wanting a series of light, likeable, entertaining, funny, absorbing, well written and compelling amateur detective books - with a difference, then the 'No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' books are a must.
Good stories, simple truths - people doing the right thing. Ultimately these stories are all about kindness, forgiveness, restitution and resolution. Which in itself is surely a good enough reason to read at least some of this lovely series of books?
McCall Smith has created a lovely world of mainly (very) amateurish sleuthing - which whilst ostensibly the theme which is central to these books, is ultimately almost incidental. The main draw here is the cast of well drawn, well written, very memorable and on the whole very endearing (if occasionally frustrating) characters - Precious Ramostwe, Grace Makutsi, J.L.B. Matekoni et al and the interplay of their lives - the detective work and cases here become increasingly an incidental backdrop.
The 'No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' stories and characters certainly have an air of authenticity and believability (although obviously contrived and significantly exaggerated for comic effect) and interestingly McCall Smith did spend some time living and working in Botswana.
The first few books in the series are undoubtedly the strongest, funniest, most entertaining and compelling. Whilst later installments are all good - they do feel like somewhat of retread of ideas that McCall has spun out perhaps beyond their natural course.
Whilst serious themes are alluded to - feminism, AIDS and domestic violence; there is little here that is particularly thought provoking or challenging - but then that's not the point here. For anyone wanting a series of light, likeable, entertaining, funny, absorbing, well written and compelling amateur detective books - with a difference, then the 'No.1 Ladies Detective Agency' books are a must.
Good stories, simple truths - people doing the right thing. Ultimately these stories are all about kindness, forgiveness, restitution and resolution. Which in itself is surely a good enough reason to read at least some of this lovely series of books?
December 9, 2008
I can’t get enough of these Precious Ramotswe stories. This is the third in a series that shows no signs of flagging as yet, and indeed which seems richer, deeper and more spellbinding each novel you read.
MORALITY FOR BEAUTIFUL GIRLS follows the same template as before, although the detective cases here seem even more of an excuse to have Smith reflecting on aspects of life applicable to both Botswana and the world in general.
Here, we take a look at dysfunctional families, depression and female morality, and it’s all explored in a funny, heartwarming way. Fans of the series will appreciate this one just as much while newcomers to the fold should have a ball.
MORALITY FOR BEAUTIFUL GIRLS follows the same template as before, although the detective cases here seem even more of an excuse to have Smith reflecting on aspects of life applicable to both Botswana and the world in general.
Here, we take a look at dysfunctional families, depression and female morality, and it’s all explored in a funny, heartwarming way. Fans of the series will appreciate this one just as much while newcomers to the fold should have a ball.
September 22, 2010
I am not an authority on detective stories. I've read a little Sherlock Holmes, but I've only seen Agatha Christie through the eyes of the BBC. But when I pick up books from this series and always see the New York Times Book Review quote on the front, "The Miss Marple of Botswana," I start to think that Mma Ramotswe belongs in the discussion � not because she fits the mold, but because she seems to offer a different perspective within the genre.
In a sense, I think these are classic detective stories. Precious Ramotswe runs an agency, and she generally solves everything that comes her way. And like most classic detectives, she is somewhat no-nonsense. Mma Ramotswe's favorite reference on private detection says, "There is very little drama in our calling; rather a process of patient observation, deduction, and analysis."
But these stories are not so mystery-driven. They are more character-driven. We don't get the classic Poirot confined-space interrogations, clues, and revelations. There aren't the great twists and turns of plot. And Mma Ramotswe doesn't seem to solve any puzzles using extraordinary skills of observation or show of brilliance. What she does instead is embody a reasoned approach to solving cases, and embody a traditional African morality. Character is not a red herring in these stories. Character is the driving force and generally determines guilt. A typical insight of Mma Ramotswe is to say, "There was the old Botswana morality, which was simply right. If a person stuck to this, then he would be doing the right thing and need not worry about it. ... Most morality was about doing the right thing because it had been identified as such by a long process of acceptance and observance."
I think this is something that makes these stories particularly compelling. She's the anti-Holmes in that she is fallible and ordinary. But she is also thoughtful, reasonable, and unabashedly traditional. (In fact, she is "traditionally built.") And her intuition is generally right, leading her to ask the right questions of the right people.
In a sense, I think these are classic detective stories. Precious Ramotswe runs an agency, and she generally solves everything that comes her way. And like most classic detectives, she is somewhat no-nonsense. Mma Ramotswe's favorite reference on private detection says, "There is very little drama in our calling; rather a process of patient observation, deduction, and analysis."
But these stories are not so mystery-driven. They are more character-driven. We don't get the classic Poirot confined-space interrogations, clues, and revelations. There aren't the great twists and turns of plot. And Mma Ramotswe doesn't seem to solve any puzzles using extraordinary skills of observation or show of brilliance. What she does instead is embody a reasoned approach to solving cases, and embody a traditional African morality. Character is not a red herring in these stories. Character is the driving force and generally determines guilt. A typical insight of Mma Ramotswe is to say, "There was the old Botswana morality, which was simply right. If a person stuck to this, then he would be doing the right thing and need not worry about it. ... Most morality was about doing the right thing because it had been identified as such by a long process of acceptance and observance."
I think this is something that makes these stories particularly compelling. She's the anti-Holmes in that she is fallible and ordinary. But she is also thoughtful, reasonable, and unabashedly traditional. (In fact, she is "traditionally built.") And her intuition is generally right, leading her to ask the right questions of the right people.
April 26, 2009
Mma Makutsi rises to her own in this volume "Morality for Beautiful Girls (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 3)". As Mma Ramtoswe feels the pinch economically and emotionally, what with money being tight in the agency and the illness of her fiance, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, she comes to rely on the unexpected talents and strength of her secretary. Mma Makutsi, with her too dark complexion and too big glasses, a less than beautiful facial features, shows true beauty in her no-nonsense approach to taking on the business managerial load of Tolkweng Road Speedy Motors and its "lazy, girl-crazy apprentices", as well as landing a big paying client for the detective agency.
Mma Ramotswe doesn't exactly take the back seat, but as she wrestles with the case of depression of her normally steady and reliable Motekoni, she is able to see her secretary's best qualities. In fact, I found the very modern issue of medical depression quite fascinating, along with Mma Ramotswe's recognition of the need to read about it, and get help from the other strong woman in the series, specifically Mma Potokwane, the director of the children's orphanage who relies on Rra Matekoni for help.
As for the agency's cases, Precious Ramotswe takes on the case of an obnoxious Governmental Official who wants his own family investigated. Her wisdom in using the cultural courtesies of Botswana to interview the would be "culprits" and find a solution are offshoots of plain common good sense. Her strength of character reinforces the issue of morality in the story.
"Morality is for everybody, and this means that the views of more than one person are needed to create it. That was what made modern morality, with its emphasis on individuals and the working out of an individual position, so weak. If you gave people the chance to work out their morality, then they would work ouyt the version which was easiest for them and which allowed them to do what suited them for as much time as possible. That was simple selfishness, whatever grand name one gave to it."
Most amusing of all is the big money customer that Mma Makutsi obtains who requires a quick investigation into the character of four Miss Beauty and Integrity of Botswana candidates, a rush job with an unusual need and surprising resolution.
"Men usually let their defences now and then, and the art of being a successful woman, and beating men at their own game, was to wait your moment. When that moment arrived, you could manipulate a man with little difficulty." Mr. J. L. B.'s recuperative visit to the orphanage and connection with a wild child there further enrich his gentleman's character. Although I did wish for a better resolution as to the mystery surrounding the boy who smelled of lion.
Book Details:
Title Morality for Beautiful Girls (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 3)
Author Alexander McCall Smith
Reviewed By Purplycookie
Mma Ramotswe doesn't exactly take the back seat, but as she wrestles with the case of depression of her normally steady and reliable Motekoni, she is able to see her secretary's best qualities. In fact, I found the very modern issue of medical depression quite fascinating, along with Mma Ramotswe's recognition of the need to read about it, and get help from the other strong woman in the series, specifically Mma Potokwane, the director of the children's orphanage who relies on Rra Matekoni for help.
As for the agency's cases, Precious Ramotswe takes on the case of an obnoxious Governmental Official who wants his own family investigated. Her wisdom in using the cultural courtesies of Botswana to interview the would be "culprits" and find a solution are offshoots of plain common good sense. Her strength of character reinforces the issue of morality in the story.
"Morality is for everybody, and this means that the views of more than one person are needed to create it. That was what made modern morality, with its emphasis on individuals and the working out of an individual position, so weak. If you gave people the chance to work out their morality, then they would work ouyt the version which was easiest for them and which allowed them to do what suited them for as much time as possible. That was simple selfishness, whatever grand name one gave to it."
Most amusing of all is the big money customer that Mma Makutsi obtains who requires a quick investigation into the character of four Miss Beauty and Integrity of Botswana candidates, a rush job with an unusual need and surprising resolution.
"Men usually let their defences now and then, and the art of being a successful woman, and beating men at their own game, was to wait your moment. When that moment arrived, you could manipulate a man with little difficulty." Mr. J. L. B.'s recuperative visit to the orphanage and connection with a wild child there further enrich his gentleman's character. Although I did wish for a better resolution as to the mystery surrounding the boy who smelled of lion.
Book Details:
Title Morality for Beautiful Girls (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 3)
Author Alexander McCall Smith
Reviewed By Purplycookie
January 3, 2015
And there goes another one. Reading a No.1 Ladies Detective Agency’s book is always so much fun.
In this one, the story broadens: we have Mma Ramotswe's investigations as always but also the newly promoted Assistant Detective, Mma Makutsi, whom also has to keep an eye the apprentices at Tlokweng Speedy Motors because the Agency has moved there to save costs. It’s nice to see her step out a bit of her usual secretarial activities and have her investigate on her own. That way we can switch focus from Mma Ramotswe a little. Besides, the apprentices are kind of fun, here's hoping they will have names soon and keep appearing.
There are two things that are left without answer: first, the wild boy that is found in the bush and second, J. L. B. Matekoni suffering from depression. I hope they revisit the boy’s story, it’s seems like they talked too much about it to just ended with a few lines at the end; plus, it has potential. And there appears to be a glimpse at something bad that J. L. B. Matekoni may have done in his past. I’m not sure where they are going with this story, so, we’ll see. He's a lovely character and I kind of missed him in this one.
There are a lot of things going on in this book and while checking the pages that I had left to read, I thought either Smith wasn’t going to close them all or do it in a rush. But no, he manages to finish all the ongoing investigations without hurrying. I guess I’m too used to books dragging mysteries that I’m surprised this doesn’t have to be like that.
Overall, it’s such a delight to read this series, I’m already eager to grab the next book.
In this one, the story broadens: we have Mma Ramotswe's investigations as always but also the newly promoted Assistant Detective, Mma Makutsi, whom also has to keep an eye the apprentices at Tlokweng Speedy Motors because the Agency has moved there to save costs. It’s nice to see her step out a bit of her usual secretarial activities and have her investigate on her own. That way we can switch focus from Mma Ramotswe a little. Besides, the apprentices are kind of fun, here's hoping they will have names soon and keep appearing.
There are two things that are left without answer: first, the wild boy that is found in the bush and second, J. L. B. Matekoni suffering from depression. I hope they revisit the boy’s story, it’s seems like they talked too much about it to just ended with a few lines at the end; plus, it has potential. And there appears to be a glimpse at something bad that J. L. B. Matekoni may have done in his past. I’m not sure where they are going with this story, so, we’ll see. He's a lovely character and I kind of missed him in this one.
There are a lot of things going on in this book and while checking the pages that I had left to read, I thought either Smith wasn’t going to close them all or do it in a rush. But no, he manages to finish all the ongoing investigations without hurrying. I guess I’m too used to books dragging mysteries that I’m surprised this doesn’t have to be like that.
Overall, it’s such a delight to read this series, I’m already eager to grab the next book.
September 12, 2018
Otrā grāmata sērijā bibliotēkā bija paņemta, bet nojaukta lika domāt, ka droši var lasīt sajauktā secībā. Nav jau ko daudz teikt - Prešesa ir tikpat burvīga, stāsti tikpat intriģējoši, un viss, ko teicu par pirmo daļu attiecas arī uz šo.
July 7, 2020
The author's affections for Botswana are always simmering beneath the surface. The entire narrative is deliciously flavored with this spice and the reader can savor it after closing the book. The book is filled with often mundane tasks that culminate into a meaningful life for our main characters. As Annie Dillard once said,"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." The character development since the first book is such a rewarding aspect of slowly working through each volume. Mma Makutsi gets her day in Book 3 and it is such a joy to see her come into her own and use those abilities that scored her a 97 in secretarial school. We also anxiously await Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni's recovery from depression. The subject is handled gently, yet honestly. These people are like friends and I look forward to visiting them again in Book 4.
November 15, 2015
It's just such an easy series to read! It requires little effort and I enjoy it. Sure, it's not the best thing I've ever read but each book is a pallet cleaner and can be enjoyed over a couple of days. This one was no exception but . And yes, I've bough the next one :)
February 20, 2025
"It is sometimes easier to be happy if you don't know everything."
It has been far too long since I visited The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Now that Hoopla has the audiobooks, I'm hoping to, at the very least, read half of the books currently in the series before the year ends.
Anyway, back to the book itself, I was delighted to be back among these characters and Botswana. It was always so relaxing to sit down after a long day, kick my feet back, with a hot cup of bush tea, and listen to Lisette Lecat, the narrator, read away.
It has been far too long since I visited The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Now that Hoopla has the audiobooks, I'm hoping to, at the very least, read half of the books currently in the series before the year ends.
Anyway, back to the book itself, I was delighted to be back among these characters and Botswana. It was always so relaxing to sit down after a long day, kick my feet back, with a hot cup of bush tea, and listen to Lisette Lecat, the narrator, read away.
December 21, 2021
A fun simple good feeling read.
August 19, 2020
I enjoyed this , the writing style is unique and light . It was a quick, funny and lighthearted read that I found very enjoyable.
I will certainly read more in this series.
I will certainly read more in this series.
October 25, 2008
Book Three. As you can see, I love these books! Here are some nuggets:
"Most morality, thought Mma Ramotswe, was about doing the right thing because it had been identified as such by a long process of acceptance and observance. You simply could not create your own morality because your experience would never be enough to do so. What gives you the right to say that you know better than your ancestors? Morality is for everybody, and this means that the views of more than one person are needed to create it. That was what made the modern morality, with its emphasis on individuals and the working out of an individual position, so weak. If you gave people the chance to work out their morality, then they would work out the version which was easiest for them and which allowed them to do what suited them for as much of the time as possible. That, in Mma Ramotswe's view, was simple selfishness, whatever grand name one gave to it." pg 77-78
"Mma Ramotswe liked to help everybody, no matter what their station was in life. She had often been out of pocket on a case, simply because she could not refuse to help a person in need. This is what I am called to do, she said to herself. I must help whomsoever asked for my help. That is my duty: to help other people with the problems in their lives. Not that you could do everything. Africa was full of people in need of help and there had to be a limit. You simply could not help everybody; buy you could at least help those who came into your life. That principle allowed you to deal with the suffering you saw. That was your suffering. Other people would have to deal with the suffering that they, in their turn, came across." pg 116
"She had a taste for sugar, however, and this meant that a doughnut or a cake might follow the sandwich. She was a traditionally built lady, after all, and she did not have to worry about dress size, unlike those poor, neurotic people who were always looking in mirrors and thinking that they were too big. What was too big, anyway? Who was to tell another person what size they should be? It was a form of dictatorship, by the thin, and she was not having any of it. If these thin people became any more insistent, then the more generously sized people would just have to sit on them. Yes, that would teach them! Ha!" pg 214-215
"Most morality, thought Mma Ramotswe, was about doing the right thing because it had been identified as such by a long process of acceptance and observance. You simply could not create your own morality because your experience would never be enough to do so. What gives you the right to say that you know better than your ancestors? Morality is for everybody, and this means that the views of more than one person are needed to create it. That was what made the modern morality, with its emphasis on individuals and the working out of an individual position, so weak. If you gave people the chance to work out their morality, then they would work out the version which was easiest for them and which allowed them to do what suited them for as much of the time as possible. That, in Mma Ramotswe's view, was simple selfishness, whatever grand name one gave to it." pg 77-78
"Mma Ramotswe liked to help everybody, no matter what their station was in life. She had often been out of pocket on a case, simply because she could not refuse to help a person in need. This is what I am called to do, she said to herself. I must help whomsoever asked for my help. That is my duty: to help other people with the problems in their lives. Not that you could do everything. Africa was full of people in need of help and there had to be a limit. You simply could not help everybody; buy you could at least help those who came into your life. That principle allowed you to deal with the suffering you saw. That was your suffering. Other people would have to deal with the suffering that they, in their turn, came across." pg 116
"She had a taste for sugar, however, and this meant that a doughnut or a cake might follow the sandwich. She was a traditionally built lady, after all, and she did not have to worry about dress size, unlike those poor, neurotic people who were always looking in mirrors and thinking that they were too big. What was too big, anyway? Who was to tell another person what size they should be? It was a form of dictatorship, by the thin, and she was not having any of it. If these thin people became any more insistent, then the more generously sized people would just have to sit on them. Yes, that would teach them! Ha!" pg 214-215
March 27, 2022
No doubt about it. Mma Precious Ramotswe and her detective agency grow on you.
My experience with the first book in the series was a bit lukewarm. That is why it took me a long time to get to the second. But now, I find that I am hooked, after the third. It is almost like a TV serial, when once you get to know the characters, you can't get away.
Don't be fooled - these are not whodunits. Mma Ramotswe is no Jane Marple. Or is she? Even though the "mysteries" she solves are not the brain-boggling problems that the English spinster deals with, Mma Ramotswe is as good a judge of human nature as Miss Marple - and she has the same method of getting to the heart of the problem.
In this third installment, multiple problems beset our heroine. The detective agency is in the red; her fiance J. L. B. Matekoni is suffering from a bout of depression; and his garage is in the hands of his inefficient apprentices. In the midst of this, Mma Ramotswe gets some of the most challenging cases of her career too. The suspected poisoning of the brother of an important "Government Man" by his wife; the need to establish the honesty and morality of the girls appearing for Botswana's beauty pageant; and a wild boy, who cannot speak, and who smells of lion...
But with the help of her secretary-cum-assistant-detective Mma Matsuki (who proves her capability as an acting garage manager also), Precious Ramotswe overcomes all her problems and emerges triumphant.
This is a simple, feel good story written in simple prose - as simple and straightforward as the people of Africa.
My experience with the first book in the series was a bit lukewarm. That is why it took me a long time to get to the second. But now, I find that I am hooked, after the third. It is almost like a TV serial, when once you get to know the characters, you can't get away.
Don't be fooled - these are not whodunits. Mma Ramotswe is no Jane Marple. Or is she? Even though the "mysteries" she solves are not the brain-boggling problems that the English spinster deals with, Mma Ramotswe is as good a judge of human nature as Miss Marple - and she has the same method of getting to the heart of the problem.
In this third installment, multiple problems beset our heroine. The detective agency is in the red; her fiance J. L. B. Matekoni is suffering from a bout of depression; and his garage is in the hands of his inefficient apprentices. In the midst of this, Mma Ramotswe gets some of the most challenging cases of her career too. The suspected poisoning of the brother of an important "Government Man" by his wife; the need to establish the honesty and morality of the girls appearing for Botswana's beauty pageant; and a wild boy, who cannot speak, and who smells of lion...
But with the help of her secretary-cum-assistant-detective Mma Matsuki (who proves her capability as an acting garage manager also), Precious Ramotswe overcomes all her problems and emerges triumphant.
This is a simple, feel good story written in simple prose - as simple and straightforward as the people of Africa.
November 5, 2015
Although a "detective" series, I am drawn to these books for the keen observations of landscape, history, characters, and the human heart. As Precious Ramotse and increasingly her secretary and assistant Mma Makutsi go about investigating and resolving cases in a resourceful and satisfying way, I love that I can see the red dust of Botswana, feel the thirst of the land and the shade of the acacia trees, and smell the change in atmosphere when the rain comes..
One day people would no longer do this; they would no longer go out to the lands for the planting, and they would buy their food in stores, as people did in town. But what a loss for the country that would be; what friendship, and solidarity, and feeling for the land would be sacrificed if that were to happen. She had gone out to the lands as a girl, travelling with her aunts, and had stayed there while the boys had been sent to the cattle posts, where they would live for months in almost complete isolation, supervised by a few old men. She had loved the time at the lands, and had not been bored. They swept the yards and woven grass; they had weeded the melon patches and told one another long stories about events that never happened, but could happen, perhaps, in another Botswana, somewhere else.
One day people would no longer do this; they would no longer go out to the lands for the planting, and they would buy their food in stores, as people did in town. But what a loss for the country that would be; what friendship, and solidarity, and feeling for the land would be sacrificed if that were to happen. She had gone out to the lands as a girl, travelling with her aunts, and had stayed there while the boys had been sent to the cattle posts, where they would live for months in almost complete isolation, supervised by a few old men. She had loved the time at the lands, and had not been bored. They swept the yards and woven grass; they had weeded the melon patches and told one another long stories about events that never happened, but could happen, perhaps, in another Botswana, somewhere else.
April 14, 2009
I'd add a half to that star if I could, but couldn't quite go to three. I really liked the first two in this series, but I guess this is why I stay away from series books as a general rule. They seem to lose appeal for me as they go along. I hate the summarizing from past books to catch you up. The characters in this are still endearing and I love the setting and the 'love of country' theme going on. I like the small moral lessons the books aim to teach and the simple writing style. This one had a little too much going on -- too many cases for one book, too much background, and just got a little boring.
January 7, 2018
Funny, light-hearted look at everyday life, as the dynamic duo of Botswana's No.1 Ladies Detective Afency sort out life's problems, including lazy employeees, depression, family conflicts, and how to pick the winner of a beauty contest. Enjoyable addition to this excellent series
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