Comments (35)

What did you think about this title?
1 to 25 of 35 items
Mar 03, 2023
The first of the series about a detective agency in Botswana run by women. Excellent read.
Feb 20, 2023amccannel rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. I found the wording a bit choppy, but the story was wonderful, and I felt like it gave a good representation of what it's probably like in Botswana.
Sep 11, 2022mjrw13 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Simply delightful! A very easy read and the stories are filled with humour - a most enjoyable book.
Jul 21, 2022klbrooker40 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I really like this series. The characters are good people just trying to figure out life and along the way solve some mysteries. Love Mma. Ramotswe - she is a great female character and a role-model for women.
Apr 27, 2021BARosen1112 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This first entry into the long running series about the first detective agency run by a woman in Botswanna is, initially, an "origin" story. We learn how our heroine, Precious Ramotswe, overcame a rough young adulthood, getting first…
Jul 24, 2019lilypad_1 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
Am watching the series on HBO and it was so delightful I looked to see if there was a book at the library and thankfully there is a whole series! I just read this first one and it is as lovely as the series, the main character is…
Jul 16, 2019deborahbates rated this title 2.5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed this book but probably won't be reading anymore of the series. The narrative voice was interesting. The overarching story held was my attention however the individual cases got repetitive after a while and could have been reduced…
May 14, 2019Kristen MERKE rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
This is a really cute and enjoyable story. I love how it's not just one big mystery, and we follow her through solving small stories. The descriptions of Botswana are rich; and the cultural aspect of this book is very engaging. This is a…
Aug 16, 2018bibliosara rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I have found myself a wonderful new series! Smith is a fantastic author. His characters seem to jump out of the book, and talk with you, rather than simply be described. This book, following the adventures of Botswana Private Detective…
Nov 02, 2017
Botswana
Jul 13, 2017Tabaqui rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Fiction can sometimes teach you more than nonfiction, and that was certainly the case here. I didn't know a whole lot about Botswana, and I learned a bit about their government and way of life. I also admired their views on wealth. It…
Jul 11, 2016jasmine81 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This series was recommended to me by a friend and has become one of my favorites. The movie is good too, and the actors are true to the book characters. I read this whole series before reading any of his others, and am glad I got used to…
Jun 02, 2016kpriestman rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
A delightful window into what, for me in Canada, is a very different world. I am delighted to have made the protagonist's acquaintance, and to have followed along on a few of her adventures.
Dec 17, 2015CMLibrary_gjd rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I don't usually read "light and fluffies", but this was one title I could not resist. The country of Botswana is lovingly recreated by McCall-Smith and I enjoy visiting that side of the world. I love spending time with Precious, Grace and…
gretchenmuz
Sep 04, 2015gretchenmuz rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The first 1/4 of the book is serious and thoughtful and sometimes a bit sad. There were times when I wasn't sure I wanted to continue reading the book because of this but I am very glad I did. Mma Ramotswe is…
Jan 05, 2015WVMLStaffPicks rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Enjoy a rare glimpse into the daily life of a contemporary African town in Botswana with this popular new mystery series. Mma. Ramotswe solves her clients' problems with a combination of common sense, humour, and wisdom. Charming, honest…
Aug 05, 2014mc3387 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I've had this book on my bookshelf at home for ages, and I finally picked it up last week. I thought it would be a fun summer read, simple and yet funny detective book. Though it was humorous and a great read, it was in no way simple or…
mrsgail5756
Jan 01, 2014mrsgail5756 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
A very good book. Not to be missed.
Aug 15, 2013lynnwl rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I listened to this book on audio tape, as well as the books in the rest of the series. They were all excellent.
glass_hurricane
May 09, 2013glass_hurricane rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
I tried this book because I'd heard great things about it and because it's set in Botswana - a country that doesn't generally get a lot of play in English-speaking literature. As a typical neurotic North American, I found the portrayal of…
May 08, 2013vitareader rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
I too enjoyed the telling of the life of Precious Remotse and her profession (that makes her sound like a woman of ill repute)... Precious is independent, strong and sensible. She is content with her life and herself and Botswana sounds…
Feb 27, 2013TwinklyOne rated this title 1 out of 5 stars
I can see I'm the odd one out, but I couldn't even make myself read this book because it was so terrible. The writer (rich white male professional) is the polar opposite of his main character (poor African female) and I couldn't read a…
Aug 15, 2012
Very good.
Nov 06, 2011AbsolutelyObvious rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This novel is like an African armchair, snuggly and traditional in shape (like Mme Ramotswe) - but you just wonder whether an armchair is appropriate in the climate? Somehow, this cosy read works beautifully.
Sep 13, 2011Travel rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
Light and fun to read. A glimpse into life in Botswana that, to paraphrase Mma Ramotse, only a few whites understand, because they are too busy being busy all the time.