Reviews - The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency

2.5k reviews for:

The Number One Ladies' Detective Agency

Alexander McCall Smith

3.62 AVERAGE

becky0510's review against another edition

3.5

funny mysterious relaxing sad 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

lightthebeam's review against another edition

3.0

challenging funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Plot

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Is it a good book? Objectively yes. It is a fun read if you’re a mystery enjoyer. Agatha Christie/Poirot style mystery of a wonderful detective whodunnit. This book loses points because I don’t believe the author’s credibility. It feels like a caricature of African women. It could just be dated, but that still means something to some readers (myself included). The world is build because it’s an idealistic Eurocentric world set in Africa. It tries to be diverse but still falls in to short comings and colonialism.

Do I think it’s a bad book? No.

Do I think it’s worth reading in 2025? No.

Good luck have fun!

corgifeet's review against another edition

5.0

I'm listening to this on CD while I drive and it's really great. Lots of description of Botswana culture and geography. The CDs I'm listening to are being performed by Lisette Lecat and she is just amazing.

Really great writing. I watched episode one of a television series that was based on these books. It was okay but I definitely prefer the books.

elizie's review against another edition

3.0

dark emotional mysterious slow-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: No

Loveable characters: No

Diverse cast of characters: Yes

Flaws of characters a main focus: No

akarently's review against another edition

2.75

I have to guess this is one of those “cozy” books... and I am not a “cozy” book person.

It is a somewhat charming novel that prioritizes character and atmosphere over plot. The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency introduces us to Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s first female private investigator. The book is described as a “quick and easy” read but it’s definitely slow-paced. Slow and meandering, it definitely has an African story vibe; it reminded me a tiny bit of the writing style in the African noir I read for a book challenge. It also reminded me of books from the 90s (which this was) so maybe I also prefer contemporary fiction.

It was kind of weird that I had to double check because I felt like I was reading a book about African women written by a white man, which indeed was the case. McCall Smith is definitely a white man who LOVES Botswana, with affectionate and respectful descriptions. But while his Botswana is full of gentle folk wisdom and moral clarity, it also risks feeling patronizing. There’s a persistent tone of "look how quaint and noble these people are," which often veers into exoticism. Mma Ramotswe is endearing, yes, but the narrative voice treats her with a kind of detached amusement. The book almost winks at you, as if to say, "Can you believe a woman! In Africa! is solving crimes?!"

And aside from being… repeatedly… told that Mma Precious Ramotswe has keen observational skills, a deep moral compass, and quiet wit, I didn’t really see those traits displayed. Also, everyone knows and adores her? But she’s kind of blunt?

The cases range from missing husbands to suspicious doctors, but they’re mostly just vehicles for exploring human nature and moral dilemmas. The mysteries themselves are mild, almost incidental. What matters more is the tone: a warm bath of moral clarity where the good people always win and justice is meted out with grace.

It leans heavily on repetition and sentimentality. But the novel’s warmth and simplicity are part of its charm. And yes, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s awkward, heartfelt proposal is adorable. THANK GOD THE BOOK ENDS WITH HER SAYING YES IN THE END. At least I got a perfect-ish ending.

Still, not for me. It was too cute, too curated, and too patronizing.

eatonphil's review against another edition

4.0

There's a lot to criticize [0, Betty's comments in 1, 2]. However, it was still a really enjoyable, easy read.

[0] https://www.nytimes.com/2005/04/24/books/review/in-the-company-of-cheerful-ladies-the-weaker-sex.html

[1] https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/4483751

[2] https://www.reddit.com/r/books/comments/10nw34o/does_alexander_mccall_smith_depict_botswana_and/