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  • The Colours of all the Cattle

  • No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 19
  • By: Alexander McCall Smith
  • Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
  • Length: 8 hrs
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (200 ratings)
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The Colours of all the Cattle cover art

The Colours of all the Cattle

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
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Summary

Precious Ramotswe dips her toe into the world of politics in the newest addition to the beloved and best-selling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.  

When Mma Potokwane suggests to Mma Ramotswe that she run for a seat on the city council, Mma Ramotswe is at first unsure. But when she learns about the proposed construction of the flashy Big Fun Hotel next to a graveyard, she allows herself to be persuaded. Her opponent is none other than Violet Sephotho, who is in the pocket of the hotel developers. 

Although Violet is intent on using every trick in the book to secure her election, Mma Ramotswe refuses to promise anything beyond what she can deliver - hence her slogan: 'I can't promise anything - but I shall do my best'. To everyone's surprise, she wins. As it turns out, politics does not agree with Mma Ramotswe. Though everyone is supportive, she eventually resigns. She thinks there will be a new election, but she discovers that the rules state that in such an event, the runner-up automatically takes the seat. 

Violet is triumphant and sure that she will get the Big Fun Hotel planning application through without a hitch. But Mma Makutsi and Mma Potokwane are not about to make it easy for her. Through it all, Mma Ramotswe uses her good humour and generosity of spirit to help the community navigate divisive issues and proves that honesty and compassion will always carry the day.

©2018 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2018 Bolinda Publishing Pty Ltd

What listeners say about The Colours of all the Cattle

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Another delightfully gentle read

I enjoyed this book immensely. As usual with the No1 Ladies Detective Agency stories a case is solved in an unexpected way, there is lots of chat and the characters have yet another layer added to them. A triumph !

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4 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

My yearly dose of delight with Ma Ramotswe

I'm so excited when October rolls around each year and I get to travel away on a magic carpet ride to the hinterland of Southern Africa, beautiful Botswana, and the Kalahari.
These stories make the complications of life and living it seem solvable, one day at a time, one cup of rooibos (redbush) tea at a time.
Full of good humour and delightfully delicate moments along with the times that touch your heart and make you wonder, why!
'How do I love thee, let me count the ways' Ma Ramotswe courtesy of Alexander McCall Smith

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3 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

like sitting in the warm sun

I love these books. I keep them for stressful times as I now they will restore my status quo and remind me of the good things in the world. always a winner.

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2 people found this helpful

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  • HT
  • 06-11-20

Gently funny and sensible

Love the No 1 ladies series. They always lift my spirits. Thanks Mr McCall Smith.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Brilliantly written and narrated

Absolutely brilliant from start to finish. Love the story and love how the characters come alive.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Brilliant Narrator!

I do love these books and the narrator always brings them to life superbly. However the 'book summary'' did not exactly mstch the audiobook, the ending is different? Is there a bit missing?

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Usual thought provoking tales.

Classic gentle story. Easy listening while travelling. Looking forward to the next one in the series.

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Loved it!

Another fabulous visit to Precious and her family and friends. Gentle but very enjoyable storytelling.

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1 person found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars

Really enjoyable

A very pleasant story as always from Alexander McCall Smith. My only grumble is with the reader. Sometimes the different voices she uses can be a little irritating. But it would not stop me from getting another book she has narrated.

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Wonderful, and so well narrated!

I love these stories. The author is very productive but I wish he would spend more time writing these uplifting tales and less on the angst ridden Scottish ones! Viva Botswana!

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