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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
- Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
- Length: 5 hrs and 51 mins
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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
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Summary
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.
Critic reviews
"A publishing phenomenon." ( Guardian)
"Everything about [McCall Smith] is appealing. He's just full of delight; it just bubbles out of him." ( Sunday Herald)
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What listeners say about The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 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
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Coach
- 07-02-23
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
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 19-06-22
Adjoa Andoh brings Botswana to life
Mma Ramotswe lives in Botswana and leads the #1 ladies' detective agency in the country. She accepts every case, as long as it is legal, and slowly makes a name for herself. Precious Ramotswe is a smart lady and her intuition proves correct in most of her cases. The book is written in the form of several short stories that together paint a picture of Mma Ramotswe, her family and friends, and her country.
I know some people complained about this audio being abridged, and although I haven't read the full version, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed Adjoa Andoh's narration. She does a wonderful job of voicing the different characters, and she was the reason I started listening to the book. Moving forward to the next one on the series!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
- JM Manington
- 13-04-13
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
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Moonbeam
- 20-07-23
Entertaining light hearted humorous characters
I'm a big fan of the series and loved the radio plays, For me these are light hearted and entertaining, so I decided to go on and purchase the entire collection.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jennifer J
- 22-05-21
Lovely narration
It was like being in Africa I loved this book and narration. Highly recommended now for book 2!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Regular Amazon Customer
- 01-08-23
Great story
Warm characters, great narration and an opportunity to enjoy the story without overthinking the plot. Read this as a child and rediscovered as an adult
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Amazon Customer
- 07-10-18
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
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Binky
- 03-01-21
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
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- P
- 08-10-23
Fantastic
Lovely book, an easy listen and a great insight into Botswana, its people and their lives.
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