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dunnadam's review against another edition
4.0
I agree with the reviews posted on Goodreads, this book marks a return to form for McCall-Smith. It's lovely to step back into life in Botswana once a year with this gifted author. He paints life in Africa as a picture and you step in to it with both feet.
I burned through this book in about 24 hours. The mystery element is not as strong as in some of the other books (though better than a few), but what is great is that I thought I knew where it was going and it went somewhere else. Basically all of Botswana blows up, with three major crises occuring involving Fanwell, The Matron of the Orphan Farm, and even Clovis Anderson, author of the bible on detection.
A great story, a return to form for Smith, a worthy addition.
Africa
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Africa
I burned through this book in about 24 hours. The mystery element is not as strong as in some of the other books (though better than a few), but what is great is that I thought I knew where it was going and it went somewhere else. Basically all of Botswana blows up, with three major crises occuring involving Fanwell, The Matron of the Orphan Farm, and even Clovis Anderson, author of the bible on detection.
A great story, a return to form for Smith, a worthy addition.
Africa
Africa Africa
Africa Africa Africa
Africa Africa
Africa
stephaniesteen73's review against another edition
4.0
I love my favorite characters from Gaborone - Mma Ramotswe, Mma Matsuki, Mr. JLB Matekoni, etc. And this one introduces a new one - that I hope will stick around - the famous Clovis Andersen himself, straight from Muncie, Indiana. As is typical of the series, this was a charming, quick read with problems that are neatly wrapped up by the end, with traditional Botswana values intact. A fine continuation of the story.
nrthstr78's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.25
clivestaples's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Audiobook performed by Lisette Lecat
Book thirteen in the series featuring Mma Precious Ramotswe, her associate Mma Grace Makutsi, and their husbands, friends and clients. In this volume personal and professional lives become entwined. The best apprentice at Mr J L B Matekoni’s garage is arrested, Grace and her husband are building their dream house, and Mma Potokwane (matron of the orphan farm) has been dismissed.
I love this gentle cozy series, where the mysteries are usually of the financial or political kind, and not typically murders. Still Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are tenacious in ferreting out corruption and misbehavior, and in setting things right. For who could possibly look either of these ladies in the eye and NOT follow the right path they so clearly set out.
I think I’ll never get tired of this series. Reading one of these books is simply a balm for my soul.
Lisette Lecat is nothing short of spectacular performing the audio. She really brings this cast of characters alive. I feel as if I’ve been sitting on the veranda with Mma Ramotswe, enjoying some tea and drinking in the beauty that is Botswana and its people.
Book thirteen in the series featuring Mma Precious Ramotswe, her associate Mma Grace Makutsi, and their husbands, friends and clients. In this volume personal and professional lives become entwined. The best apprentice at Mr J L B Matekoni’s garage is arrested, Grace and her husband are building their dream house, and Mma Potokwane (matron of the orphan farm) has been dismissed.
I love this gentle cozy series, where the mysteries are usually of the financial or political kind, and not typically murders. Still Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are tenacious in ferreting out corruption and misbehavior, and in setting things right. For who could possibly look either of these ladies in the eye and NOT follow the right path they so clearly set out.
I think I’ll never get tired of this series. Reading one of these books is simply a balm for my soul.
Lisette Lecat is nothing short of spectacular performing the audio. She really brings this cast of characters alive. I feel as if I’ve been sitting on the veranda with Mma Ramotswe, enjoying some tea and drinking in the beauty that is Botswana and its people.
shirleytupperfreeman's review against another edition
Another Fun entry in the series. Mme Ramotswe waxes philosophical as she solves problems and makes the world a better place.
mary_soon_lee's review against another edition
5.0
This is the thirteenth book in Alexander McCall Smith's "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series. I loved it, just as I loved the first twelve books. There is a great sweetness to this series that comes from the essential goodness of the main characters. Alexander McCall Smith writes with compassionate understanding of human strengths and foibles. In this installment, I worried about Fanwell and Mma Potokwane, even though I was virtually certain things would end well. I worried anyhow because I care about these characters, because they have become friends.
soniapage's review against another edition
5.0
I always enjoy these visits to Gaborone! It was interesting to have a "famous person" show up but I was disappointed that he was not "who you think I am". Is the title of the book suggesting something developing in that direction?