Katherine M. (kbm) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 18 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Excellent entertaining light read. Gives you background and current culture in Botswana, Interesting character development. Womans interest primarily I would think. Mystery, detective element not primary.
Alice J. (ASJ) -
Helpful Score: 1
I love this whole series of books. This particular one is one of my favorites as it goes deeper into the life of MMe.R's secretary. You get to understand her character better and it can be amusing at times as well.
SHEILA B. (SheilaB) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 188 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I barely made it through the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, but so glad I did! Each book in this series just keeps getting better and better!
Anna S. (Bustercaesarmom) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 68 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
The fourth book in the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series. In my opinion, none of the other books in the series are as good as the first, but this is still a nice read. It is also free of any colorful language or sexual content, making it perfect for sharing with family or giving as a gift.
Barbara M. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 10 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Another great book in the series No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. I am thoroughly enjoying reading this book series. This one (book 4) did not disappoint me. I have read all of the books up to and including this book (No. 4) and intend to read the rest of the books. I find the author's writing style pleasant, humorous, enjoyable.
Gretchen D. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 57 more book reviews
Mma Precious Ramotswe is content. Her business is well established with many satisfied customers, and in her mid-thirties ("the finest age to be") she has a house, two adpoted children, and a fine fiance. But, as always, there are troubles. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has not set the date for their marriage. Her able assistant, Mma Makutsi, wants a husband. And worse, a rival detective agency has opened in town--an agency that does not have the gentle approach to business that Mma Ramotswe's does. But, of course, Precious will manage these things, as she always does, with her uncanny insight and her good heart.
Donna E. (impossible) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 3352 more book reviews
An excellent series - good plot, fine characterization.
Lulie F. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 133 more book reviews
Competition enters Mma Ramotswe's life when another detective agency opens in town. But, of course, she manages her business and the lives of all others with warmth homespun with humor while waiting for
Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni to set the date for their marriage. Another good cozy read!
Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni to set the date for their marriage. Another good cozy read!
Ruth R. (yomamaruth) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 366 more book reviews
I really enjoyed this 4th book in the series. The characters and events are as intersting, amusing and heartwarming as in the other No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books
Allison W. (Acacia) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 5 more book reviews
This 4th in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I liked all of the books in this series. This is a laid back series with some twist. I enjoyed it because it wasn't too tense, but you really like the characters in this book. It was fun learning about Botswana. It takes you to a different world and a differen pace of life.
Jennifer K. (jennababe) - , reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 26 more book reviews
Fun style, very formal and polite language. A cute look at African society.
Mary W. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on
Refreshing, charming, engaging story of the further adventures of the Ladies No 1 Detective Agency characters. Brief, satisfying and fun.
Beth P. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 23 more book reviews
This is a really wonderful story and lots of fun to read.
Faithe H. (FaitheHornung) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 4 more book reviews
Gosh, these women keep themselves busy. First they open the detective agency, then they move into the fiance's motor shop, and now the assistant wants to start her own business! Really good read.
Susan L. (Suzieleigh) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on
Enjoyable 4th book by Alexander McCall Smith in his series of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Precious has some competetion as another detective agency opens in town and Mma Makutsi starts her own business and maybe finds a possible husband.
Carolyn B. (cbillheimer) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 4 more book reviews
This is now an HBO television series, as charming as the books!
Precious Ramotswe, protagonist of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and two sequels, is once again a charming account of the everyday challenges facing a female private detective in Botswana. In his usual unassuming style, McCall Smith takes up Ramotswe's story soon after the events described in Tears of the Giraffe. Precious and her fiance, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, still have not set a wedding date, but they continue to nurture the sibling orphans in their care, as well as the entrepreneurial ambitions of Precious's assistant, Mma Makutsi, who sets out to open a typing school for men. Along the way, Ramotswe handles a few cases and negotiates the arrival of a rival detective in Gaborone. The competition, a sexist detective who boasts of New York City street smarts, proves a delicious foil to his distaff counterpart. A moral component enters the story in the person of a successful engineer who wishes to atone for his past sins. He enlists Ramotswe to help him find the woman he has wronged, and this case comes to a satisfying yet hardly sentimental conclusion. But the real appeal of this slender novel is Ramotswe's solid common sense, a proficient blend of folk wisdom, experience and simple intelligence. She is a bit of a throwback to the days of courtesy and manners, and casts disapproving glances at the apprentices in her fiance's auto shop who obsess about girls instead of garage protocol. A dose of easy humor laces the pages, as McCall Smith throws in wry observations, effortlessly commenting on the vagaries his protagonist encounters as she negotiates Botswana bureaucracy. This is another graceful entry in a pleasingly modest and wise series.
Precious Ramotswe, protagonist of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and two sequels, is once again a charming account of the everyday challenges facing a female private detective in Botswana. In his usual unassuming style, McCall Smith takes up Ramotswe's story soon after the events described in Tears of the Giraffe. Precious and her fiance, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, still have not set a wedding date, but they continue to nurture the sibling orphans in their care, as well as the entrepreneurial ambitions of Precious's assistant, Mma Makutsi, who sets out to open a typing school for men. Along the way, Ramotswe handles a few cases and negotiates the arrival of a rival detective in Gaborone. The competition, a sexist detective who boasts of New York City street smarts, proves a delicious foil to his distaff counterpart. A moral component enters the story in the person of a successful engineer who wishes to atone for his past sins. He enlists Ramotswe to help him find the woman he has wronged, and this case comes to a satisfying yet hardly sentimental conclusion. But the real appeal of this slender novel is Ramotswe's solid common sense, a proficient blend of folk wisdom, experience and simple intelligence. She is a bit of a throwback to the days of courtesy and manners, and casts disapproving glances at the apprentices in her fiance's auto shop who obsess about girls instead of garage protocol. A dose of easy humor laces the pages, as McCall Smith throws in wry observations, effortlessly commenting on the vagaries his protagonist encounters as she negotiates Botswana bureaucracy. This is another graceful entry in a pleasingly modest and wise series.
Lisa M. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on
Sweet, clean writing.
Millie W. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 75 more book reviews
Another book in the No. 1 Detective Agency series, this brings the characters to life again. This time it's Mma Makutsi who decides to set up a typing school for men. That's just a part of this delightful story; it's another reason I highly recommend these books.
Cynthia L. (Honeygirl62) -
In this fourth book, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has recovered from his depression. His little foster son Puso acts up, and he and Precious deal with it together as parents, even though they are not married yet. A rival detective agency opens up in town. And Mma Makutsi opens a typing school for men where she meets someone and begins dating him. I won't describe the cases the detective agency solves because I don't want to spoil anything. I love reading about the characters and how the author continues to develop them further in each successive book. I am hooked on this series.
Anna S. (annapi) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 334 more book reviews
In this 4th book of the series, Grace Makutsi decides that she needs extra income and with her employer's help opens the Kalahari Typing School for Men. Mma Ramotswe's foster child is bothered by a bully at school, and her brother is showing signs of rebellion against their authority. JLB Matekoni has yet to set a date for their wedding and Mma Ramotswe is getting a little impatient about it. To top it all off, the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency suddenly has a rival, the Satisfaction Guaranteed Detective Agency, run by a man who obviously has it in for them. It's another quaint, laid-back installment in the popular series.
Wendy M. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on
A delightful peak into the culture of Botswana.
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
Another story in the series to love. I don't have a single solitary clue what took me so long to start reading this series, but now I have to go on to the next one. Some fact mixed with fiction, just plain great stories. The food, the clothing, the housing and the general philosophy of the people of Botswana are so very real and enjoyable to read. Cozy stories of the first order. Alexander McCall Smith has done it again.
Abby T. (abbykt) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 113 more book reviews
These are such enjoyable books to read. I like the easy flow of language and the way the stories flow into one at the end. There is definately a formula to each one but I like it because it is soothing and comfortable.
Misty B. (alaskaiceyrider) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 35 more book reviews
Anyone who likes a sweet, gentle story will love the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, by Alexander McCall Smith. They are cleverly crafted and amusing, and give the reader a flavor of life in Botswana. The characters are very human, but also very endearing. When reaching the end of the book, you can't wait to start another.
DreamSE22 reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on
I absolutely loved this book! This series keeps getting better and better for me, and I have really come to like all the characters. I usually find myself smiling for the duration of the entire reading, just because I love Mma Ramotswe's anecdotes and words of wisdom. The Botswana culture and lifestyle is just so laid-back and relaxing to read about! My favorite parts of the book were when Mma Ramotswe tricked the prison guard into giving her the address the pension was sent to for one of her clients, and also when Mma Makutsi read the love-letter essay. Of course I was disappointed to find out about her love-interest's secret life, but then happy again when he got his just desserts at the end. I can't wait to read the next book in the series! :)
Corrina T. (cocoamomo) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 83 more book reviews
4th book in the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series.
Isobel G. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 13 more book reviews
All of Alexander McCall Smith's book are wonderful. I love his style
Susan C. (Baja69) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 9 more book reviews
a fun read about a self-made African female detective-delightful series.
Donna and Don H. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 9 more book reviews
Mma Precious Ramotswe is content with a well established business and many satisfied customers. She has a house, two adopted children and a fiance who will not set a date for their marriage. Also a rival detective agency has opened business in town. Precious has uncanny insight and a good heart.
Very entertaining and will keep your interest to the end.
Very entertaining and will keep your interest to the end.
Sara A. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 10 more book reviews
I love this whole series... and this one was no exception!
Zoe-Anne B. (Gronilot) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on
I la la la love this series..
Debbie -
Another pleasing volume of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. This series speaks of a beautiful side of Africa we do not hear about in the news, of people who are kind, courteous, and wise. One also gets a sense of the enduring lovliness of the land. These books, starting with No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, followed by Tears of the Giraffe, Morality for Beautiful Girls, and the Kalahari Typing School for Men, are well worth the read.
LeAnne G. (Gracious-Granny) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 137 more book reviews
this series is fantastic, A feel good read!
Lisa P. (FamFatale) -
Another delightful installment in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.
Margie G. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 7 more book reviews
Very enjoyable.
Colleen H. (Dove) -
The #1 Ladies Detective Agency is set in Botswana, where Mma Ramotswe has opened the first woman owned detective agency. It is knowing human nature that allows Mma Ramotswe to solve her cases. This is a down to earth book, that allows you to think you could actually do the same thing she is doing. Very believable characters. I have enjoyed each of the books in the seies so far.
Colleen F. (boodamama) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 14 more book reviews
Light reading-lots of fun!!
Terri M. (ManitouBlue) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 110 more book reviews
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is a wonderful series. It's nice to read a book where good things happen and even when bad things occur, it always works out in the end. This series is perfect summer reading.
Rose B. (Family) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 33 more book reviews
What you expect from Alexander McCall Smith, a warm, funny and very satisfying read!
Lynn N. (lynnn1112) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 51 more book reviews
Charming entry in a very charming series.
Alyson R. (triggergal) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 12 more book reviews
Really loved this one. This story has a good mystery as well as develops the characters further into real people. Love the scenery and way of life illustrated here, as well as the humor and pathos. Such a good author in every way!These books are cozy friends to read and re-read.
Carol L. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 9 more book reviews
Love this series and the characters he writes about.
Pam P. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 12 more book reviews
this is one of my favorites from the No. 1 ladies detective agency series. I enjoyed how Mma Ramotswe's case is personally related to her assistant Mma Makutsi. Nice read if you like this series.
Barbara B. (GrannyGamer) -
Another wonderful entry in the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series, quite possibly the best so far. I simply love these gentle stories and think Smith has created some of the best and most likeable characters to grace a novel in a long time. These aren't, technically speaking, "mysteries" so don't think you're going to have a juicy murder in Bostwana. But if you like good story telling, you should enjoy this book.
Katherine T. (KathyDawg) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 121 more book reviews
Good little read set in Africa, National Bestseller.
Shannon J. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 8 more book reviews
Very cute - just as great as all the rest! A fast read.
Helen L. (htlewis) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 36 more book reviews
This book is part of The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series. They take place in Botswana. "Endearing, amusing and specked with truths." - The Dallas Morning News. "Alexander McCall Smith (has)a gift for evoking the earth and sky of Africa.
Rhonda R. (blackiedreamer) - , reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 14 more book reviews
Another good book from Andrew McCall Smith. Several unexpected twists and turns. Can't wait to read the next one.
MP P. (misslisslee) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 43 more book reviews
An excellent continuation to the series - some of the secondary characters are fleshed out more, and Precious Ramotswe has more intriguing cases.
Nancy W. (Grandmafour) - , reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 19 more book reviews
Another great No. 1 Ladies'Detective Agency read.
Cheryl H. reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 44 more book reviews
Beautifully written and relaxing series.
Kate L. (katethegreat) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 69 more book reviews
Another fine edition in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.
Barbara C. (kewl) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 469 more book reviews
Wise and witty. I don't laugh out loud often, but DID a few times listening to this. Great reader. Great fun.
Jill S. (possumhead) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 26 more book reviews
A charming tale and well worth the read.
Kellie S. (acountkel) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 94 more book reviews
I love all of the #1 Ladies Detective Agency books!
Linda H. (booklover3032) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 56 more book reviews
First book I've read by her - very cute and entertaining.
Jeanette R. (thebeakeeper) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 167 more book reviews
this is definitely my favorite book in the series so far. i really liked how they are developing Grace's character.
i also enjoyed the cases in this volume and how morals and ethics were tied into them without being preachy.
i'm starting the next book and am hoping it continues to get better!
i also enjoyed the cases in this volume and how morals and ethics were tied into them without being preachy.
i'm starting the next book and am hoping it continues to get better!
Jane D. (lifetime-reader) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 20 more book reviews
I have real all of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency books several times. Those to whom I have shared my books have also loved these stories and the people in them!
They are the BEST in so many ways...let me count several ways: good writing, good story,love of Boswana, lessons for all of us, good people... among a few.
They are the BEST in so many ways...let me count several ways: good writing, good story,love of Boswana, lessons for all of us, good people... among a few.
Mary S. (mscottcgp) -
This is the 4th book in the series by Alexander McCall Smith about the adventures of The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency and its owner
Mme Precious Ramotswe of Botswana. It's very funny and heartwarming at the same time and is a popular choice for book clubs.
Mme Precious Ramotswe of Botswana. It's very funny and heartwarming at the same time and is a popular choice for book clubs.
Rachel S. (teagenie) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 22 more book reviews
Another excellent book in the series of the No 1 ladies detective agency. An enjoyable read
D. S. F. (Dodie) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 139 more book reviews
One of a series under the umbrella of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency".
Delightful tales of a makeshift detective agency in Botswana Africa which is run by two native ladies who solve all sorts of mysteries while trying to maintain their personal lives. Funny, endearing and very much worth the read. "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" is the first book in the series of six. I have posted in addition to the first book and this one" "Morality For Beautiful Girls" and "Tears Of The Giraffe"
Delightful tales of a makeshift detective agency in Botswana Africa which is run by two native ladies who solve all sorts of mysteries while trying to maintain their personal lives. Funny, endearing and very much worth the read. "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" is the first book in the series of six. I have posted in addition to the first book and this one" "Morality For Beautiful Girls" and "Tears Of The Giraffe"
Frances J. (francesjones) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 66 more book reviews
Mme Makutsi, assistant detective and second in command at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors comes into her own with romance at the Kalahari Typing School for Men.
Sallianne D. (traveller) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 80 more book reviews
Another delightful account of the life and doings of Precious Ramotswe of the No. Ladies Detective Agency in Botswana.
Susan H. (xpresstravelhouse) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 36 more book reviews
Love this series.
it is calming and encouraging
it is calming and encouraging
Ruth S. (Dixie) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 179 more book reviews
Great book.
Barbara I. (Munro) reviewed The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Bk 4) (Audio CD) (Unabridged) on + 95 more book reviews
From Publishers Weekly
The fourth appearance of Precious Ramotswe, protagonist of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and two sequels, is once again a charming account of the everyday challenges facing a female private detective in Botswana. In his usual unassuming style, McCall Smith takes up Ramotswe's story soon after the events described in Tears of the Giraffe. Precious and her fiance, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, still have not set a wedding date, but they continue to nurture the sibling orphans in their care, as well as the entrepreneurial ambitions of Precious's assistant, Mma Makutsi, who sets out to open a typing school for men. Along the way, Ramotswe handles a few cases and negotiates the arrival of a rival detective in Gaborone. The competition, a sexist detective who boasts of New York City street smarts, proves a delicious foil to his distaff counterpart. A moral component enters the story in the person of a successful engineer who wishes to atone for his past sins. He enlists Ramotswe to help him find the woman he has wronged, and this case comes to a satisfying yet hardly sentimental conclusion. But the real appeal of this slender novel is Ramotswe's solid common sense, a proficient blend of folk wisdom, experience and simple intelligence. She is a bit of a throwback to the days of courtesy and manners, and casts disapproving glances at the apprentices in her fiance's auto shop who obsess about girls instead of garage protocol. A dose of easy humor laces the pages, as McCall Smith throws in wry observations, effortlessly commenting on the vagaries his protagonist encounters as she negotiates Botswana bureaucracy. This is another graceful entry in a pleasingly modest and wise series.
The fourth appearance of Precious Ramotswe, protagonist of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and two sequels, is once again a charming account of the everyday challenges facing a female private detective in Botswana. In his usual unassuming style, McCall Smith takes up Ramotswe's story soon after the events described in Tears of the Giraffe. Precious and her fiance, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, still have not set a wedding date, but they continue to nurture the sibling orphans in their care, as well as the entrepreneurial ambitions of Precious's assistant, Mma Makutsi, who sets out to open a typing school for men. Along the way, Ramotswe handles a few cases and negotiates the arrival of a rival detective in Gaborone. The competition, a sexist detective who boasts of New York City street smarts, proves a delicious foil to his distaff counterpart. A moral component enters the story in the person of a successful engineer who wishes to atone for his past sins. He enlists Ramotswe to help him find the woman he has wronged, and this case comes to a satisfying yet hardly sentimental conclusion. But the real appeal of this slender novel is Ramotswe's solid common sense, a proficient blend of folk wisdom, experience and simple intelligence. She is a bit of a throwback to the days of courtesy and manners, and casts disapproving glances at the apprentices in her fiance's auto shop who obsess about girls instead of garage protocol. A dose of easy humor laces the pages, as McCall Smith throws in wry observations, effortlessly commenting on the vagaries his protagonist encounters as she negotiates Botswana bureaucracy. This is another graceful entry in a pleasingly modest and wise series.
