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hinesight's review against another edition
5.0
I read a lot. When a book is finished, I generally just put it away. If I've found something exceptional about a book, I often rest my hand on it for a minute, as if I'm leaving a friend. But only for Mma Ramotswe do I hold the book next to my heart before putting it aside. Only for a second, and I know it's schmaltzy, but I love those dear, charming people so much. Thank you, Alexander McCall Smith. I'm the richer for having known them.
linnylou's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-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
4.5
book_concierge's review against another edition
3.0
Book # 12 in the popular No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series has Mma Precious Ramotswe trying to keep everyone calm while Mma Grace Makutsi is in a tizzy over last minute preparations for her wedding, apprentice Charlie runs off when confronted, and a very disagreeable man insists on Mma Ramotswe’s discretion in finding out who has maimed his cattle.
As is typical for this series, there is really not much mystery here. Mostly we have a story of everyday puzzles which may have more than one correct answer, or none at all! What I like about the series is the way in which Smith paints the landscape and people of Botswana. Mma Ramotswe’s common sense, intelligence, listening skills and compassion help her negotiate tricky situations, and help her clients (and friends) come to agreeable compromises. It’s a fast read, but I enjoy the time I spend in with these characters.
As is typical for this series, there is really not much mystery here. Mostly we have a story of everyday puzzles which may have more than one correct answer, or none at all! What I like about the series is the way in which Smith paints the landscape and people of Botswana. Mma Ramotswe’s common sense, intelligence, listening skills and compassion help her negotiate tricky situations, and help her clients (and friends) come to agreeable compromises. It’s a fast read, but I enjoy the time I spend in with these characters.
alidottie's review against another edition
4.0
Can't give Precious less than 4!!! I wish the tv series had kept going--it was so well done!
nrthstr78's review
funny
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
3.5
debandleo's review against another edition
4.0
I just love this series. It makes me feel like everything is right with the world. Very comforting. Highly recommended.
tashabye's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
slow-paced
3.0
Enjoyable but not much ever really happens. I enjoy coming back just to see what everyone is up to in Gaborone, characters whom I feel like I really know by this point in the series.
mg_in_md_'s review against another edition
4.0
I selected this for the 2017 PopSugar Ultimate Reading Challenge prompt "A book with a month or day of the week in the title." I'd been debating between this one and the first book in his Isabel Dalhousie series (The Sunday Philosophy Club). This one was available at the library and the other had a waiting list, so it won out. While I haven't read this series in order, I always enjoy it and find it fairly easy to dive in and out of the series. The recurring characters are delightful, and I enjoy the setting and rhythm of life in Botswana. I also like the mix of personal lives/relationships with Mma Ramotswe's investigations, which present more complete stories.
soniapage's review against another edition
5.0
A wonderful visit with Mma Ramotswe that includes many wonderful things: she is reunited with her tiny white van and Mma Makutsi finally gets married. Throw in the seeming reformation of Charlie and you get a very satisfying installment in this series.
One thing that always seems a little unreal to me, though, is the apparent ease with which she raises her two foster children while running her own business. But, then again, she is very good at solving problems!
One thing that always seems a little unreal to me, though, is the apparent ease with which she raises her two foster children while running her own business. But, then again, she is very good at solving problems!