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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Alexander McCall Smith has a truly successful franchise with this series, and he deserves the adoration of his many fans – including me. I love Precious Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi, Mr J L B Matekoni and all the other characters in these gentle detective novels. There are no murders, but still plenty of answers to be found out. This one focuses on a lost family, some vaguely threatening letters, Mma Makutsi’s plans to marry Phuti Ratiphuti, and the hope that Motholeli’s condition can be improved. McCall manages to “write” in the lilting dialect of Botswana. His love of the country and the culture are evident in this series, and really makes me want to visit there.
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
The Miracle at Speedy Motors (No1 Ladies Detective Agency 9) by Alexander McCall Smith (2008)
if you want to get a round-about way to learn about botswana, here you go. it's like watching law in order to understand the USA
This may be my favorite Ladies' Detective Agency book.
The real mystery in this series is how the author manages to continue the charming adventures of Precious Ramotswe, Grace Makutsi and Mr. JLB Matekoni well past the original seven volumes he had originally intended. Now on Book #9, McCall still manages to breathe new life into his characters, even if they still maintain habitual bush tea drinking or conversations with their shoes!
One of the gifts or major frustrations of this series (depending on your preference) is the slow rate of character development (at least in terms of their interpersonal relationships). While Mma Potokwane can still be relied upon to supply fruitcake and charm Mr. JLB Matekoni into doing odd jobs, other characters begin to grow and mature, even if only by inches. The changes are subtle, but this is what keeps readers coming back for yet another volume.
I have to admit to skipping over some of the repetitions (Smith writes so that you can pick up any volume in the series, but I do recommend reading them in order) but I found the plot coherency better in this book than in the Good Husband of Zebra Drive, for example. There is still a sense that perhaps he sets up too many loose ends and feels a pressure near the end to tie them up, but it doesn't detract from the general enjoyment of the novel.
One of the gifts or major frustrations of this series (depending on your preference) is the slow rate of character development (at least in terms of their interpersonal relationships). While Mma Potokwane can still be relied upon to supply fruitcake and charm Mr. JLB Matekoni into doing odd jobs, other characters begin to grow and mature, even if only by inches. The changes are subtle, but this is what keeps readers coming back for yet another volume.
I have to admit to skipping over some of the repetitions (Smith writes so that you can pick up any volume in the series, but I do recommend reading them in order) but I found the plot coherency better in this book than in the Good Husband of Zebra Drive, for example. There is still a sense that perhaps he sets up too many loose ends and feels a pressure near the end to tie them up, but it doesn't detract from the general enjoyment of the novel.
This series is look a good cup of tea, comforting.
The story was pleasing, a quiet character driven novel reveling in everyday matters. I probably would have enjoyed it more if it hadn't been for the irritating narration of the audio book. It detracted, rather then enhanced, the story. The character names ran into each other so much, I couldn't keep the female characters straight until half way through the book.
Enjoyable, but probably my least favorite in the series. I find it tiresome when Alexander McCall Smith sets up the characters in each book. I know he does it, so that people who have not read the series can be clued in, but having read the whole series, it's irritating.
I liked the character development of J.L.B Matekoni and Motholeli. I am glad that their story line didn't have a convenient resolution.
I liked the character development of J.L.B Matekoni and Motholeli. I am glad that their story line didn't have a convenient resolution.