Scan barcode
A review by art_books_chemistry
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith
adventurous
informative
lighthearted
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I was really hoping I'd like this one. I had the impression at the beginning it would be an African female version of Sherlock Holmes. Which it is, technically. I just don't find it reads as well personally. I do think the cultural differences are part of it, especially since a common theme is men controlling women in various ways. Part of the point is that the main character is trying to change some of this cultural traditional but some of it is her supporting some of it as well.
I appreciated the storyline of a divorced woman post-miscarriage opening her own business when she knows absolutely nothing about said business. It made for some funny antics at various points. I did like some of the little mini mysteries as well including the one that framed the book.
With that, there were several chapters that felt like complete random tangents. I haven't yet decided if I will read the second book but I am hoping if I do that some of the side stories will not continue as they were more background on some of the characters than anything to do with the actual plot line. And these chapters, oof, some of them went on forever. The dialogue as well. One thing about Sherlock Holmes stories, is that nearly all the dialogue plays some role in the solving of the mystery however percentage of the dialogue in Ladies Detective Agency is pure filler. I would say this book was about twice as long as it needed to be.
I appreciated the storyline of a divorced woman post-miscarriage opening her own business when she knows absolutely nothing about said business. It made for some funny antics at various points. I did like some of the little mini mysteries as well including the one that framed the book.
With that, there were several chapters that felt like complete random tangents. I haven't yet decided if I will read the second book but I am hoping if I do that some of the side stories will not continue as they were more background on some of the characters than anything to do with the actual plot line. And these chapters, oof, some of them went on forever. The dialogue as well. One thing about Sherlock Holmes stories, is that nearly all the dialogue plays some role in the solving of the mystery however percentage of the dialogue in Ladies Detective Agency is pure filler. I would say this book was about twice as long as it needed to be.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Kidnapping
Moderate: Death