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Tea Time for the Traditionally Built
- No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
- Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
- Series: The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency (abridged), Book 10
- Length: 5 hrs and 49 mins
- Categories: Literature & Fiction, Genre Fiction
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Wayward daughters. Missing Husbands. Philandering partners. Curious conmen. If you've got a problem, and no one else can help you, then pay a visit to Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's only - and finest - female private detective. Her methods may not be conventional, and her manner not exactly Miss Marple, but she's got warmth, wit and canny intuition on her side, not to mention Mr J.L.B. Maketoni, the charming proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors.
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Performance
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To the casual observer, the great enlightened city of Edinburgh, home of no-nonsense sermons and cream teas, might appear immune to the rollercoaster of strong emotions. But at 44 Scotland Street, as Matthew and Elspeth embark on the risky enterprise of married love, the raffish portrait painter Angus Lordie has a premonition of disaster. Soon enough Irene Pollock is shocked to learn that her small son Bertie harbours a highly unsuitable ambition; and Angus finds himself facing a large Glaswegian gangster.
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Like chocolate for the ears.
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Summary
It is unfortunate, for example, when Mma Ramotswe's newest client is the big-shot owner of the ailing Kalahari Swoopers, that one thing lady detectives know very little about is football. And when the glamorous Violet Sephotho sets her sights on Mma Makutsi's unsuspecting fiancé, it becomes exasperatingly clear that some men do not know how to recognise a ruthless Jezebel even when she is bouncing up and down on the best bed in the Double Comfort Furniture Shop.
In her attempt to foster understanding between the sexes and find the traitor on Mr Football's team, Mma Ramotswe ventures into new territory, drinks tea in unfamiliar kitchens and learns to trust in the observational powers of small boys. And, as wise and warm-hearted as his heroine, Alexander McCall Smith reminds us that we must dig deep to uncover the goodness of the human heart.
Critic reviews
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What listeners say about Tea Time for the Traditionally Built
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Overall
- Jennifer
- 24-06-09
Fantastic listening!
I absolutely loved this! The reader's voice is soothing, warm and sympathetic, and entirely authentic. I originate from that part of the world, and her accent was perfect. 100% recommend this.
3 people found this helpful
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
- Ceri
- 05-09-20
Beautiful in its simplicity
This story had everything, quite simply, delightful. It gave an insight into a very different world, and its humanity gave such hope in troubled times!
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Overall
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Performance
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Story
- Annette Jones
- 06-09-19
Beautifully written and narrated
Wonderful narration.
Alexander McCall Smith always lifts me up.
Precious and Grace delivering impeccable detective services.
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Overall
- Sparkling Green
- 13-04-09
I listened to the sample and I was hooked
I loved this book from start to finish. I really hope the narrator does more No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency books - her voice is warm, sumptuous, and makes me sink into this book - thanks audible!