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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency cover art

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
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Summary

Winner of the British Book Awards, Author of the Year, 2004.
Winner of the CWA Dagger in the Library Award, 2004.

Wayward daughters. Missing husbands. Philandering partners. Curious con men. If you've got a problem, and no one else can help you, then pay a visit to Mma Ramotswe, Botswana's only female private detective. Her methods may not be conventional, and her manner not exactly Miss Marple's, 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.

©1998 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2003 Time Warner AudioBooks

Critic reviews

"A rare pleasure." ( Daily Telegraph)
"A publishing phenomenon." ( Guardian)
"Everything about [McCall Smith] is appealing. He's just full of delight; it just bubbles out of him." ( Sunday Herald)

What listeners say about The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Average customer ratings
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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
  • JF
  • 28-01-21

Too many cuts

I bought this because it’s read by Adjoa Andoh and she does a fine job. I knew it was abridged but I thought the skill of the narrator would compensate for a few missing paragraphs. I was mistaken. After the first few chapters I gave up on the audio and stuck to an unabridged paperback. I don’t know why they abridged it. It’s a very short book. They could have included it all. Instead they cut out what makes it special. The cuts are very clever in a way. They shaved off a phrase here, an adjective there, several whole paragraphs in places. You might not even notice. But they’ve taken away the book’s soul. Alexander McCall Smith has a very sharp eye for telling details. His wit and lyricism are very understated. You can cut a few phrases here and there and the story will still make sense but it loses its essence. The sentences are duller and some of the poetry has gone. The narrative loses the spark of genius that makes the unabridged novel such a rare treat. I thoroughly recommend the book. But it’s worth seeking out the full text.

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12 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

One word - Uplifting

This is the most innocent, beautifully written book ever. If only the whole world acted and thought like Mme Ramotswe, we would all have wonderfully fulfilled lives. It is an excellent read from beginning to end, including tragedy, happiness and real laugh out loud humour. Have now read the whole series.

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9 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • CR
  • 07-04-13

Feelgood story

This is the first novel in Alexander McCall Smith's series about Precious Ramotswe, the "traditionally built" owner of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency". The series is set in Botswana and the author, having been born in Africa and visited this part of the world many times, is perfectly capturing it's people and culture. You are introduced not only to Mma Ramotswe who is kindhearted, witty and just plain lovable; but also to her family and quirky friends whose paths and relationships with each other will develop in the course of the series.



What sets this series apart from other mysteries is the different way and pace of life in Botswana as well as the main character's way of solving her cases. If you are looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-your seat thriller, this book is not for you but if you enjoy an array of lovable characters, exotic settings and a feel-good story then give this series a try and I can almost guarantee, you will not be disappointed.



Adjoa Andoh brings the characters to life perfectly. People and places are coming alive in your imagination and you wish you could be part of Mma Ramotswe's world.



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8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

My second Mma Ramotswe book

Adjoa Andoh is the perfect advocate for the world of Mma Ramotswe. I find myself caring about a whole gallery of characters. The stories seem to me charming without being over sentimental, not being afraid of some
serious issues, from sex to witch doctors. Very well produced with appropriate music.

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4 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Such gentle stories

Encapsulates the dignity of Africa perfectly.... The descriptions of the people, the places, and the traditions are absolutely spot on...

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3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Abridged!

I didn’t notice this was abridged until the end credits - should be made much more visible, say in bold and CAPS.

Story and performance were very good, only giving 3 star due to it being abridged. Music in interludes was fine but would prefer unabridged version even if that means losing the music.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

fantastic story, well read

Read so beautifully with accurate accent.
Reminds me of Botswana, real places made me reminiscent

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful listening. Worth many more stars!

Lovely story. Looking forward to buying the next in the series.

Narration was exceptional, as was the music interspersing each chapter.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Relaxing and heart-warming

I enjoyed this book it was well-written and perfectly narrated. There is a big chunk of backstory near the beginning, but persevere and you will be rewarded.

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1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Sucks tiu in

The most atmospheric yet gripping of tales. By the end you feel as if you’ve lived among the people of Bitswana. No surprise that it’s a modern classic!

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