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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

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The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh
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About this listen

 Winner of the British Book Awards, Author of the Year, 2004.
Winner of the CWA Dagger in the Library Award, 2004.

Wayward daughters. Missing husbands. Philandering partners. Curious con men. If you've got a problem, and no one else can help you, then pay a visit to Mma Ramotswe, Botswana's only female private detective. Her methods may not be conventional, and her manner not exactly Miss Marple's, but she's got warmth, wit, and canny intuition on her side - not to mention Mr J.L.B. Maketoni, the charming proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors.

©1998 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2003 Time Warner AudioBooks Detective Fiction Mystery Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Feel-Good Heartfelt Africa

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Critic reviews

"A rare pleasure." ( Daily Telegraph)
"A publishing phenomenon." ( Guardian)
"Everything about [McCall Smith] is appealing. He's just full of delight; it just bubbles out of him." ( Sunday Herald)
All stars
Most relevant  
This is the first novel in Alexander McCall Smith's series about Precious Ramotswe, the "traditionally built" owner of "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency". The series is set in Botswana and the author, having been born in Africa and visited this part of the world many times, is perfectly capturing it's people and culture. You are introduced not only to Mma Ramotswe who is kindhearted, witty and just plain lovable; but also to her family and quirky friends whose paths and relationships with each other will develop in the course of the series.



What sets this series apart from other mysteries is the different way and pace of life in Botswana as well as the main character's way of solving her cases. If you are looking for a fast-paced, edge-of-your seat thriller, this book is not for you but if you enjoy an array of lovable characters, exotic settings and a feel-good story then give this series a try and I can almost guarantee, you will not be disappointed.



Adjoa Andoh brings the characters to life perfectly. People and places are coming alive in your imagination and you wish you could be part of Mma Ramotswe's world.



Feelgood story

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Beautiful story with lovely narrative that transports you to Africa.
Will definitely be listening to the next audio book 📕

Lovely Story

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This is the most innocent, beautifully written book ever. If only the whole world acted and thought like Mme Ramotswe, we would all have wonderfully fulfilled lives. It is an excellent read from beginning to end, including tragedy, happiness and real laugh out loud humour. Have now read the whole series.

One word - Uplifting

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I watched the tv show and felt that the book would be better, of course it absolutely was, but the additional details were great! If nothing else, longer and more building and development of relationships please 🙏🏾

Excellent Story lines…

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I enjoyed this book it was well-written and perfectly narrated. There is a big chunk of backstory near the beginning, but persevere and you will be rewarded.

Relaxing and heart-warming

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Mma Ramotswe lives in Botswana and leads the #1 ladies' detective agency in the country. She accepts every case, as long as it is legal, and slowly makes a name for herself. Precious Ramotswe is a smart lady and her intuition proves correct in most of her cases. The book is written in the form of several short stories that together paint a picture of Mma Ramotswe, her family and friends, and her country.

I know some people complained about this audio being abridged, and although I haven't read the full version, I must say I thoroughly enjoyed Adjoa Andoh's narration. She does a wonderful job of voicing the different characters, and she was the reason I started listening to the book. Moving forward to the next one on the series!

Adjoa Andoh brings Botswana to life

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It was like being in Africa I loved this book and narration. Highly recommended now for book 2!

Lovely narration

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Warm characters, great narration and an opportunity to enjoy the story without overthinking the plot. Read this as a child and rediscovered as an adult

Great story

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I'm a big fan of the series and loved the radio plays, For me these are light hearted and entertaining, so I decided to go on and purchase the entire collection.

Entertaining light hearted humorous characters

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What a wonderful listen, beautifully read with a story (or stories) that invoke the imagination of the beauty of Botswana and the people within, both good and bad. I highly recommend

Gentle, colourful and wonderful

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