The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency cover art

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
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About this listen

 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 Detective Fiction Mystery Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Feel-Good Heartfelt Africa

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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)
All stars
Most relevant
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.

My second Mma Ramotswe book

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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.



Feelgood story

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very enjoyable story & narration brought it to life. I can picture the tiny white van

loved it

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

fantastic story, well read

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It was like being in Africa I loved this book and narration. Highly recommended now for book 2!

Lovely narration

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