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No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #24
From a Far and Lovely Country
The latest installment in Alexander McCall Smith's delightfully diverting No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, in which all of Mma Ramotswe's tact, affability, and good sense will be required to disentangle a delicate dispute
“An escape from life’s woes as well as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable—fragility, fruit cake, and all.” —The Boston Globe
This latest installment of the beloved No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series finds Botswana's premier detective agency as busy as ever, with no shortage of sensitve situations requiring Mma Ramotswe's keen eye and discerning input. Through it all, Mma Ramotswe will demonstrate that there are solutions to all manner of difficulties, there to be discovered as long as one is led by kindness, grace, and logic, and can rely on the wise counsel of close friends and loved ones. Sometimes, she reminds us, the best solutions to life's problems can be found with a bit of good humor, generosity of spirit, and a steaming cup of red bush tea.
“An escape from life’s woes as well as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable—fragility, fruit cake, and all.” —The Boston Globe
This latest installment of the beloved No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series finds Botswana's premier detective agency as busy as ever, with no shortage of sensitve situations requiring Mma Ramotswe's keen eye and discerning input. Through it all, Mma Ramotswe will demonstrate that there are solutions to all manner of difficulties, there to be discovered as long as one is led by kindness, grace, and logic, and can rely on the wise counsel of close friends and loved ones. Sometimes, she reminds us, the best solutions to life's problems can be found with a bit of good humor, generosity of spirit, and a steaming cup of red bush tea.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2023
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
546 books12.2k followersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 606 reviews
December 9, 2023
As I opened this 24th visit to Mma Ramotswe and friends in Botswana I was marveling at how the author keeps coming up with new ideas. Having seen him speak a few times now I realise that he must be just bubbling over with possible stories all the time and probably finds it hard to actually get them all down on paper. Long may he continue!!!
From a Far and Lovely Country opens on Mma Ramotswe's birthday and it seems everyone has forgotten, though as the day progresses we find some people have remembered. Charlie is thrilled to be put in charge of his own case and investigates wrong doings at the Cool Singles Evening Club. Lots of fruit cake and rooibos tea is consumed as these and other issues are dealt with in the manner of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency.
All very charming, relaxing and feel good yet still full of philosophical musing where readers can stretch their brains if they wish. I loved it.
From a Far and Lovely Country opens on Mma Ramotswe's birthday and it seems everyone has forgotten, though as the day progresses we find some people have remembered. Charlie is thrilled to be put in charge of his own case and investigates wrong doings at the Cool Singles Evening Club. Lots of fruit cake and rooibos tea is consumed as these and other issues are dealt with in the manner of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency.
All very charming, relaxing and feel good yet still full of philosophical musing where readers can stretch their brains if they wish. I loved it.
January 4, 2024
In this 24th book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series - set in Gaborone, Botswana - Mma Precious Ramotswe and her colleague Mma Grace Makutsi address a variety of concerns, including a shady nightclub, an American woman looking for family connections, and a red dress.
The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus.
*****
When Mma Ramotswe visits her old friend Mma Potokwane - the director of the Gabarone orphan farm - Mma Ramotswe hears a distressing tale from a housemother called Mma Ikobeng.
It seems that Mma Ikobeng's 30-year-old daughter Alice went to the Cool Singles Evening Club, hoping to meet an eligible bachelor. Alice met a man, but he turned out to be married, and Alice was heartbroken. Worse yet, it seems the nightclub PURPOSELY caters to married men looking to cheat on their wives.
The discovery incenses Mma Potokwane, who observes, "I think somebody should do something about this club....People just stand by and let this sort of thing happen. Well, I say we should fight back."
Mma Ramotswe agrees something should be done about the Cool Singles Evening Club, and knows she needs an undercover agent to investigate the nightspot.
So Mma Ramotswe entrusts the task to part-time apprentice detective Charlie, who was a 'player' before he got married. Charlie uncovers some pertinent information, and guided by Mma Makutsi, he makes a move. Unfortunately Charlie's action has unintended consequences.
Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe is approached by an American woman called Julia Cotterell, who has a distant connection with a Botswana man named Khumo.
Khumo signed up with the Allies during World War II, and finally ended up in Europe, where he became acquainted with Julia's forebears. Now Julia would like to meet Khumo's family, and she asks for Mma Ramotswe's help.
Julia mentions that Khumo came from Mochudi, which is Mma Ramotswe's home town. This leads Mma Ramotswe to ponder: "Years had passed since she had left the village, but it was still her place, the spot to which she knew she could return at whatever stage of life she had reached, and belong. That was the definition of home." Mma Ramotswe and Julia visit Mochudi, and try to make a connection there.
Finally, a red dress meant to be a gift for Mma Ramotswe turns out to be problematic for the traditionally built woman.
In the end, everything is resolved satisfactorally, which is a perk of this uplifting series.
I always enjoy visiting with Mma Ramotswe and the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. It's great to see Mma Ramotswe solve problems in her unique and thoughtful fashion.
Thanks to Netgalley, Alexander McCall Smith, and Pantheon for a copy of the book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com
November 12, 2023
A very pleasant entry in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which now numbers twenty-four volumes. As usual, I enjoyed putting my feet up with a nice cup of tea to immerse myself in the latest goings on in Mma Ramotswe's world.
Favorite quotes:
"I cannot deal with a complex case like this without another cup of tea."
"She went inside and heard the sound of the shower and of the particularly tuneless singing that Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, normally a quiet man, felt he could engage in while under this temporary deluge."
"She went into the kitchen to switch on the kettle. Then she slipped out of her office shoes, and into a pair of ancient and comfortable sandals. It was important for your feet to feel at home, she thought."
"Love is like rain after a long drought. The land is ready for it, and green shoots come up here, there, and all over the place, and with love it is the same: silence is replaced by words; scowls by smiles; unhappiness by joy."
Favorite quotes:
"I cannot deal with a complex case like this without another cup of tea."
"She went inside and heard the sound of the shower and of the particularly tuneless singing that Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, normally a quiet man, felt he could engage in while under this temporary deluge."
"She went into the kitchen to switch on the kettle. Then she slipped out of her office shoes, and into a pair of ancient and comfortable sandals. It was important for your feet to feel at home, she thought."
"Love is like rain after a long drought. The land is ready for it, and green shoots come up here, there, and all over the place, and with love it is the same: silence is replaced by words; scowls by smiles; unhappiness by joy."
November 7, 2023
I've got it! I just realized how to explain why I enjoy Alexander McCall Smith even though he's somewhat plotless. It just occurred to me while reading this book: it's his ability to create Winnie-the-Pooh type asides. It's a very specific vibe, but I don't think I'm wrong in saying he has some stylistic similarities to AA Milne.
For instance:
Mma Ramotswe absorbed this in silence. This was one of those conversations that was going nowhere, and when a conversation was going nowhere, or going round in circles, then she felt it was best not to say anything and to wait to see where, if anywhere, once it started to go somewhere, it went—although even as she thought that, it occurred to her that there might be better ways of thinking that particular thought.
----------------------------
“This is the outfit,” said Mma Mogatusi. “It is very fine quality, as you will see, Mma Ramotswe. One hundred per cent cotton, and twenty per cent polyester. That is a very good mix, you know. It is washable, which means you don’t have to go to the dry cleaners all the time. That is a big selling point with this range of dresses.”
“That is one hundred and twenty per cent,” observed Mma Ramotswe, feeling the fabric between her fingers. “That is a very high specification.”
“Yes,” said Mma Mogatusi. “Once you’re over the one hundred per cent mark, then you’re into very high quality.”
It's wry little absurdities like that, combined with sincerity and heartfelt emotions in other parts, that make his writing so enjoyable to me. And like AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh, there's not a huge amount of plot, but if you can accept it there, I think you're well on your way to being fine with it here.
For instance:
Mma Ramotswe absorbed this in silence. This was one of those conversations that was going nowhere, and when a conversation was going nowhere, or going round in circles, then she felt it was best not to say anything and to wait to see where, if anywhere, once it started to go somewhere, it went—although even as she thought that, it occurred to her that there might be better ways of thinking that particular thought.
----------------------------
“This is the outfit,” said Mma Mogatusi. “It is very fine quality, as you will see, Mma Ramotswe. One hundred per cent cotton, and twenty per cent polyester. That is a very good mix, you know. It is washable, which means you don’t have to go to the dry cleaners all the time. That is a big selling point with this range of dresses.”
“That is one hundred and twenty per cent,” observed Mma Ramotswe, feeling the fabric between her fingers. “That is a very high specification.”
“Yes,” said Mma Mogatusi. “Once you’re over the one hundred per cent mark, then you’re into very high quality.”
It's wry little absurdities like that, combined with sincerity and heartfelt emotions in other parts, that make his writing so enjoyable to me. And like AA Milne's Winnie the Pooh, there's not a huge amount of plot, but if you can accept it there, I think you're well on your way to being fine with it here.
November 4, 2023
Another lovely installment in this charming series.
May 22, 2024
I have enjoyed reading Alexander McCall Smith books over the years. I was introduced to the Number One Ladies Detective Agency books by a friend in England. She sent me the first three volumes of the books. I was hooked from the first book. My friend died a few years ago, but every time I read an Alexander McCall Smith book, I think of her. I have noticed either people love Smith’s books or hate them. There seems to be no middle ground. I find the musings of the characters interesting. The manners and honesty of the characters seem to represent times past. I thoroughly enjoyed the story and can’t wait for the next book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and fifteen minutes. Lisette LeCat does an excellent job narrating the book.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is ten hours and fifteen minutes. Lisette LeCat does an excellent job narrating the book.
December 15, 2023
4.25 stars. After years of reading and loving this series, I’ve decided Mma Makutsi (the main character’s asst.) makes it. Every scene that includes her (and they are many) has me laughing. She is priceless.
Kindness and humor are the main characters in these books, along with Botswana. Don’t let the cultural differences scare you away. The author is in love with the country and its people and culture and you’ll understand everything as you go.
The magnificent Lisette Lecat narrates the audiobooks of all but one or two in this entire series. She cannot be topped. She knows the characters inside and out and has a different, and perfect, voice for each one. The books are available on both Libby and Hoopla for download from the library, and from Audible as well.
God bless AMS and his beautiful mind that created these characters and their stories. A new one comes out every year, and as always, I’ll be waiting eagerly for it……as I continue to reread the series with my husband, who’s helping me appreciate them on a whole other level. 🙏🏻❤️
Kindness and humor are the main characters in these books, along with Botswana. Don’t let the cultural differences scare you away. The author is in love with the country and its people and culture and you’ll understand everything as you go.
The magnificent Lisette Lecat narrates the audiobooks of all but one or two in this entire series. She cannot be topped. She knows the characters inside and out and has a different, and perfect, voice for each one. The books are available on both Libby and Hoopla for download from the library, and from Audible as well.
God bless AMS and his beautiful mind that created these characters and their stories. A new one comes out every year, and as always, I’ll be waiting eagerly for it……as I continue to reread the series with my husband, who’s helping me appreciate them on a whole other level. 🙏🏻❤️
September 30, 2023
“The world was an imperfect place, and there were always people who were prepared to exploit weakness. In an ideal world, they would be exposed and shamed, but in the world in which we lived they might get away with it. You could not make everyone good”
From A Far And Lovely Country is the twenty-fourth book in the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by popular Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. The audio version is narrated by Adjoa Andoh. When Precious Ramotswe wakes to an empty house on her birthday, she’s a little disappointed, but decides to be grateful for what she has. When it seems that Mma Makutsi has also forgotten, it’s a little harder to accept, but at least Mma Potokwani serves up tea and fruitcake for her birthday, even if it is after she gets her input on a problem one of the house mothers has.
It's a situation that requires some thought and, on discussing it with her colleagues, she decides to put their part-time apprentice detective, Charlie in charge. Charlie is chuffed with his role, if nervous, but manages to learn some useful information about the Cool Singles Evening Club, where married men apparently pay a premium to meet single women.
While the identity of the owner is not all that surprising, when Charlie meets the manager, he’s shocked that a man for whom he’s always has the utmost respect is filling the role. After verifying facts with Mr JLB Matekoni’s help, the action Charlie takes, on Mma Makutsi’s recommendation, turns out to have some quite long-ranging repercussions that will require a delegation to authority (and a shrewd move by Mma Makutsi) if the worst is not to happen.
An American woman from Indiana (who hasn’t met Clovis Anderson, author of The Principles of Private Detection, but does know of Precious Ramotswe’s fine reputation) asks if the agency can help her track down the family of someone dear to her: while the search has a positive result, the outcome is mixed.
In this instalment, Mr JLB Matekoni, true to his mechanic leanings, is moved, in a romantic setting with Precious, to compare chocolate sauce with engine oil; a well-meant birthday gift accidentally becomes non-functional, resulting in dress distress, until Mma Potokwani comes up with a clever solution.
As always, McCall Smith gives the reader some minor mysteries that don’t tax the brain too much, laced with plenty of gentle philosophy, humour, and wise and insightful observations:
“You did not change people by shouting at them, nor by criticising their behaviour too stringently. You changed people by praising them, and by giving them something to which they might aspire”
“There were always problems – had there ever been a time, anywhere, where there were no problems? She did not think so. Problems made up the natural background to human affairs, she thought, and it was best to accept that”
“There were always aunts, thought Mma Ramotswe. There were strategically placed aunts through the country – in every village, in every town – watching what was going on. They made up a network of listening posts, ready to report on what was happening, by means of what people sometimes called the bush telegraph – for that, surely, was what it was.”
Anything by this author is a guaranteed feel-good read.
From A Far And Lovely Country is the twenty-fourth book in the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by popular Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. The audio version is narrated by Adjoa Andoh. When Precious Ramotswe wakes to an empty house on her birthday, she’s a little disappointed, but decides to be grateful for what she has. When it seems that Mma Makutsi has also forgotten, it’s a little harder to accept, but at least Mma Potokwani serves up tea and fruitcake for her birthday, even if it is after she gets her input on a problem one of the house mothers has.
It's a situation that requires some thought and, on discussing it with her colleagues, she decides to put their part-time apprentice detective, Charlie in charge. Charlie is chuffed with his role, if nervous, but manages to learn some useful information about the Cool Singles Evening Club, where married men apparently pay a premium to meet single women.
While the identity of the owner is not all that surprising, when Charlie meets the manager, he’s shocked that a man for whom he’s always has the utmost respect is filling the role. After verifying facts with Mr JLB Matekoni’s help, the action Charlie takes, on Mma Makutsi’s recommendation, turns out to have some quite long-ranging repercussions that will require a delegation to authority (and a shrewd move by Mma Makutsi) if the worst is not to happen.
An American woman from Indiana (who hasn’t met Clovis Anderson, author of The Principles of Private Detection, but does know of Precious Ramotswe’s fine reputation) asks if the agency can help her track down the family of someone dear to her: while the search has a positive result, the outcome is mixed.
In this instalment, Mr JLB Matekoni, true to his mechanic leanings, is moved, in a romantic setting with Precious, to compare chocolate sauce with engine oil; a well-meant birthday gift accidentally becomes non-functional, resulting in dress distress, until Mma Potokwani comes up with a clever solution.
As always, McCall Smith gives the reader some minor mysteries that don’t tax the brain too much, laced with plenty of gentle philosophy, humour, and wise and insightful observations:
“You did not change people by shouting at them, nor by criticising their behaviour too stringently. You changed people by praising them, and by giving them something to which they might aspire”
“There were always problems – had there ever been a time, anywhere, where there were no problems? She did not think so. Problems made up the natural background to human affairs, she thought, and it was best to accept that”
“There were always aunts, thought Mma Ramotswe. There were strategically placed aunts through the country – in every village, in every town – watching what was going on. They made up a network of listening posts, ready to report on what was happening, by means of what people sometimes called the bush telegraph – for that, surely, was what it was.”
Anything by this author is a guaranteed feel-good read.
December 4, 2023
You can always depend on these books to entertain and charm. No different this time.
September 2, 2023
It's always a pleasure to revisit Mma. Ramotswe and her friends in Botswana. She can solve almost any problem, usually with the help of friends. An American woman is looking for some distant relatives, there's a sleazy dating club, which of course is tied to the infamous Violet Sephoto, and there's the small matter of a damaged dress. Mercy and kindness are found in abundance--I know everything will be resolved when I read one of these books, and that is very comforting. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to review this advance copy.
April 20, 2024
This had just enough interest to hold my attention but also some boring parts. Everything is too detailed down to super small matters but overall things came out good. You should read one of these but read the one about typing school as it was best so far.
November 18, 2023
Something has changed, either me or this series. This installment seemed overwritten and even over plotted. There were too many asides like business with taxes and dresses. The title seems generic. Other reviewers have seemed not to notice a difference, but I could almost believe that it was ghost written by a less competent author than the others.
December 3, 2023
This is the twenty fourth in the simple but charming No. 1 Ladies Detective series. All the familiar characters are here.
And, yes, the talking shoes do make a cameo appearance!
Precious Ramotswe has two cases on her plate. The first is yet another pro bono for an employee of Mma Potokwani. It seems there is a “Cool Singles Evening Club” where married men are paying fees to be admitted and pass for single. Mma Ramotswe decides to put her apprentice, Charlie, in charge of the investigation. When Mma Makutsi gets involved, an unfortunate situation arises that the agency feels compelled to resolve. Those familiar with Gabarone will chuckle when the owner of the club is revealed.
While dining in a local restaurant, a visitor from Indiana, USA recognizes Mma Ramotswe and asks her help in finding the distant relatives of the man she called grandfather, who is long deceased. The search brings Precious to her beloved hometown and along the way readers learn of some of the history of British rule in Africa.
And there is also the problem of the birthday present dress that has been damaged!
Mma Ramotswe always manages to come up with clever and successful solutions to problems. Her gentle way and penchant for always finding the positive in a situation is balm for the soul.
Usually I binge this series, reading the book all in a day. For this installment, I decided to read a chapter at a time, taking a break in between and allowing time to savor Mma Ramotswe’s wisdom, profound in its simplicity.
This is another feel good addition to the series. It makes a nice afternoon or evening read while curled up with a pot of tea. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and perceptive musings will welcome this latest endeavor.
Thanks to #netgalley and @aaknopf @pantheonbooks for the ARC
And, yes, the talking shoes do make a cameo appearance!
Precious Ramotswe has two cases on her plate. The first is yet another pro bono for an employee of Mma Potokwani. It seems there is a “Cool Singles Evening Club” where married men are paying fees to be admitted and pass for single. Mma Ramotswe decides to put her apprentice, Charlie, in charge of the investigation. When Mma Makutsi gets involved, an unfortunate situation arises that the agency feels compelled to resolve. Those familiar with Gabarone will chuckle when the owner of the club is revealed.
While dining in a local restaurant, a visitor from Indiana, USA recognizes Mma Ramotswe and asks her help in finding the distant relatives of the man she called grandfather, who is long deceased. The search brings Precious to her beloved hometown and along the way readers learn of some of the history of British rule in Africa.
And there is also the problem of the birthday present dress that has been damaged!
Mma Ramotswe always manages to come up with clever and successful solutions to problems. Her gentle way and penchant for always finding the positive in a situation is balm for the soul.
Usually I binge this series, reading the book all in a day. For this installment, I decided to read a chapter at a time, taking a break in between and allowing time to savor Mma Ramotswe’s wisdom, profound in its simplicity.
This is another feel good addition to the series. It makes a nice afternoon or evening read while curled up with a pot of tea. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and perceptive musings will welcome this latest endeavor.
Thanks to #netgalley and @aaknopf @pantheonbooks for the ARC
January 4, 2024
I love this series about Mma Ramotswe and her associates. I’ll keep reading them as long as Mr McCall-Smith continues to write them!
November 6, 2023
To be able to close my eyes and listen one more time to the words of Alexander McCall Smith vocalized, exquisite music, by Lisette Lecat is heavenly. Like going home after a long time away - which is what I did these last few days. I'm usually reading/listening to a number of books each day, switching them out from task to task, or place I happen to be. But when it comes to these books, I just stay with them straight through on these "visits" home, no matter the task or place.
I thoroughly enjoyed the themes of #24 - an American looking for her roots, and wanting to share information about her loved one; a red dress (am a sucker for stories about any red fashion items); the talking shoes are back, and that's a blast; Violet S, Herself-in-Infamy, too; and all the usual suspects, including the tasty ones, red bush tea and fruitcake. Oh, and many mentions of the world famous Clovis Andersen, he who wrote The Principles of Private Detection, because the Agency is beginning to unleash Charlie out into the world as a Jr. Assistant Detective.
Easy, gentle, filled with good advice, ordinary dramas and upheavals that settle into a sunset that promises peace for all of us. Just what I needed today.
I thoroughly enjoyed the themes of #24 - an American looking for her roots, and wanting to share information about her loved one; a red dress (am a sucker for stories about any red fashion items); the talking shoes are back, and that's a blast; Violet S, Herself-in-Infamy, too; and all the usual suspects, including the tasty ones, red bush tea and fruitcake. Oh, and many mentions of the world famous Clovis Andersen, he who wrote The Principles of Private Detection, because the Agency is beginning to unleash Charlie out into the world as a Jr. Assistant Detective.
Easy, gentle, filled with good advice, ordinary dramas and upheavals that settle into a sunset that promises peace for all of us. Just what I needed today.
January 7, 2024
not quite as good as the others in the series
September 23, 2023
From a Far and Lovely Country by Alexander McCall Smith is the latest installment of the brilliant The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Once again, we return to Botswana and are reunited with what feel, at least to me, like old and very dear friends.
Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi take on a new client, Ruth, who is American but is seeking to find answers in her grandfather's beloved homeland of Botswana. At the same time, apprentice Charlie is investigating a concern about the local Singles Club, and a fraudulent scheme involving some prominent married men in the community. It is with complete confidence that readers entrust that the resolution of such troubling matters will be satisfactorily resolved under the competent eye of Mma Ramotswe.
Reading these books is tantamount to indulging in a warm and comforting cup of tea, and I am alreading mourning the day when the author retires this beautiful and altogether charming series that has been such a delight and a comfort over the years. Hopefully that day is a long way off.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC.
Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi take on a new client, Ruth, who is American but is seeking to find answers in her grandfather's beloved homeland of Botswana. At the same time, apprentice Charlie is investigating a concern about the local Singles Club, and a fraudulent scheme involving some prominent married men in the community. It is with complete confidence that readers entrust that the resolution of such troubling matters will be satisfactorily resolved under the competent eye of Mma Ramotswe.
Reading these books is tantamount to indulging in a warm and comforting cup of tea, and I am alreading mourning the day when the author retires this beautiful and altogether charming series that has been such a delight and a comfort over the years. Hopefully that day is a long way off.
Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC.
July 3, 2024
For readers who have made their way through this delightful cozy series, this book didn't have any major departures from the norm, other than Mma Ramotswe's initial dejected feelings about her birthday. The major characters behaved the way one would expect them to and most of the issues in the story had adequate resolutions.
There were several cases for Mma Ramotswe's detective agency to handle, with one resulting in a partially bungled investigation involving a Cool Singles Evening Club, which isn't what it seems to be. Looking back on prior installments in the series, I do wonder why
As of June 2024, this is the most recently published No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency novel. Thankfully come mid-October another one is on the way titled "The Great Hippopotamus Hotel." Something to look forward to during what might otherwise be a very worrisome and anxiety-provoking time in the U.S.
(Repost of Review)
There were several cases for Mma Ramotswe's detective agency to handle, with one resulting in a partially bungled investigation involving a Cool Singles Evening Club, which isn't what it seems to be. Looking back on prior installments in the series, I do wonder why
As of June 2024, this is the most recently published No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency novel. Thankfully come mid-October another one is on the way titled "The Great Hippopotamus Hotel." Something to look forward to during what might otherwise be a very worrisome and anxiety-provoking time in the U.S.
(Repost of Review)
September 30, 2023
“The world was an imperfect place, and there were always people who were prepared to exploit weakness. In an ideal world, they would be exposed and shamed, but in the world in which we lived they might get away with it. You could not make everyone good”
From A Far And Lovely Country is the twenty-fourth book in the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by popular Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. When Precious Ramotswe wakes to an empty house on her birthday, she’s a little disappointed, but decides to be grateful for what she has. When it seems that Mma Makutsi has also forgotten, it’s a little harder to accept, but at least Mma Potokwani serves up tea and fruitcake for her birthday, even if it is after she gets her input on a problem one of the house mothers has.
It's a situation that requires some thought and, on discussing it with her colleagues, she decides to put their part-time apprentice detective, Charlie in charge. Charlie is chuffed with his role, if nervous, but manages to learn some useful information about the Cool Singles Evening Club, where married men apparently pay a premium to meet single women.
While the identity of the owner is not all that surprising, when Charlie meets the manager, he’s shocked that a man for whom he’s always has the utmost respect is filling the role. After verifying facts with Mr JLB Matekoni’s help, the action Charlie takes, on Mma Makutsi’s recommendation, turns out to have some quite long-ranging repercussions that will require a delegation to authority (and a shrewd move by Mma Makutsi) if the worst is not to happen.
An American woman from Indiana (who hasn’t met Clovis Anderson, author of The Principles of Private Detection, but does know of Precious Ramotswe’s fine reputation) asks if the agency can help her track down the family of someone dear to her: while the search has a positive result, the outcome is mixed.
In this instalment, Mr JLB Matekoni, true to his mechanic leanings, is moved, in a romantic setting with Precious, to compare chocolate sauce with engine oil; a well-meant birthday gift accidentally becomes non-functional, resulting in dress distress, until Mma Potokwani comes up with a clever solution.
As always, McCall Smith gives the reader some minor mysteries that don’t tax the brain too much, laced with plenty of gentle philosophy, humour, and wise and insightful observations:
“You did not change people by shouting at them, nor by criticising their behaviour too stringently. You changed people by praising them, and by giving them something to which they might aspire”
“There were always problems – had there ever been a time, anywhere, where there were no problems? She did not think so. Problems made up the natural background to human affairs, she thought, and it was best to accept that”
“There were always aunts, thought Mma Ramotswe. There were strategically placed aunts through the country – in every village, in every town – watching what was going on. They made up a network of listening posts, ready to report on what was happening, by means of what people sometimes called the bush telegraph – for that, surely, was what it was.”
Anything by this author is a guaranteed feel-good read.
From A Far And Lovely Country is the twenty-fourth book in the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series by popular Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. When Precious Ramotswe wakes to an empty house on her birthday, she’s a little disappointed, but decides to be grateful for what she has. When it seems that Mma Makutsi has also forgotten, it’s a little harder to accept, but at least Mma Potokwani serves up tea and fruitcake for her birthday, even if it is after she gets her input on a problem one of the house mothers has.
It's a situation that requires some thought and, on discussing it with her colleagues, she decides to put their part-time apprentice detective, Charlie in charge. Charlie is chuffed with his role, if nervous, but manages to learn some useful information about the Cool Singles Evening Club, where married men apparently pay a premium to meet single women.
While the identity of the owner is not all that surprising, when Charlie meets the manager, he’s shocked that a man for whom he’s always has the utmost respect is filling the role. After verifying facts with Mr JLB Matekoni’s help, the action Charlie takes, on Mma Makutsi’s recommendation, turns out to have some quite long-ranging repercussions that will require a delegation to authority (and a shrewd move by Mma Makutsi) if the worst is not to happen.
An American woman from Indiana (who hasn’t met Clovis Anderson, author of The Principles of Private Detection, but does know of Precious Ramotswe’s fine reputation) asks if the agency can help her track down the family of someone dear to her: while the search has a positive result, the outcome is mixed.
In this instalment, Mr JLB Matekoni, true to his mechanic leanings, is moved, in a romantic setting with Precious, to compare chocolate sauce with engine oil; a well-meant birthday gift accidentally becomes non-functional, resulting in dress distress, until Mma Potokwani comes up with a clever solution.
As always, McCall Smith gives the reader some minor mysteries that don’t tax the brain too much, laced with plenty of gentle philosophy, humour, and wise and insightful observations:
“You did not change people by shouting at them, nor by criticising their behaviour too stringently. You changed people by praising them, and by giving them something to which they might aspire”
“There were always problems – had there ever been a time, anywhere, where there were no problems? She did not think so. Problems made up the natural background to human affairs, she thought, and it was best to accept that”
“There were always aunts, thought Mma Ramotswe. There were strategically placed aunts through the country – in every village, in every town – watching what was going on. They made up a network of listening posts, ready to report on what was happening, by means of what people sometimes called the bush telegraph – for that, surely, was what it was.”
Anything by this author is a guaranteed feel-good read.
January 29, 2024
Disappointing. We know next to nothing happens in these books so Mma Ramotswe has more time for spinning some mawkish platitudes, but here we have a wife concerned about her husband told to stop nagging him. A prominent school vice principal is found lying, cheating, and running a club for other cheating married men, but instead of being deservedly fired, Mma and her gang convince his suspension and inevitable sacking to be reversed. So his innocent wife can have a nice meal once a week and keep his pension. Arch nemesis Violet Sepotho once again suffers no consequences and even a nice American lady looking for distant relatives is swindled out of cash. What exactly did the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency achieve that was good? Oh yes, a ripped dress was remade into a blouse/skirt set. I honestly cannot deal with the gushing 5 star reviews for this...
March 3, 2024
Although I always enjoy these books I felt this one meandered a little too much. There was just a bit more repetition in the prose (which there's always some) and after a while I just wanted him to get to the point. That made the ending a bit quick and neat for my taste. It felt a little bit like he was phoning it in with this one.
January 13, 2024
This book is not so much a mystery as just a story with the "detective" characters. I have read all books in the series but found I was skipping much of the details. I am not sure if I will continue.
November 2, 2023
I was hoping Violet Sephotho, the No. 1 husband stealer, would get her comeuppance. And Julia would find the family she wished for. Not my favorite book in this series.
December 21, 2023
The timing of my receiving this book is particularly poignant since it was right around the time my mother went into hospice and then passed away. This is because she is the person who introduced me to this series as well as to books and I am dedicating all of the books I read this month to her memory. Because of this I started it once, had to set it aside and then restarted it about a week later.
3.5 stars rounded up
The blurb on Goodreads cleverly gives nothing at all away about the plot, so I will say that the book opens on Precious's birthday and no one seems to have remembered it (I have to say seems to so there are zero spoilers as to whether this is actually true.) I will also say, and it's mentioned in the book jacket so fair game, that Charlie gets to take on his own case undercover.
In any event, I enjoyed the book even though it reminded me more of my mother than any other book I've read this month.
3.5 stars rounded up
The blurb on Goodreads cleverly gives nothing at all away about the plot, so I will say that the book opens on Precious's birthday and no one seems to have remembered it (I have to say seems to so there are zero spoilers as to whether this is actually true.) I will also say, and it's mentioned in the book jacket so fair game, that Charlie gets to take on his own case undercover.
In any event, I enjoyed the book even though it reminded me more of my mother than any other book I've read this month.
November 14, 2023
It's Mma Ramotswe's birthday, and she's a little disappointed in how no one is acknowledging it. It turns out that her friend and partner at the detective agency, Mma Makutsi, hasn't forgotten, but her gift causes some damage and embarrassment. A new friend, introduced by Mma Potokwane at the Orphan Farm, is able to rectify the damage as well as the relationship. Charlie, a part-timer at the detective agency, takes on his first case, a falsely represented Cool Singles Evening Club, which is the doing of an old nemesis. After taking things too far, the consequences are mitigated in a satisfactory manner for everyone involved. And Julia has come to Botswana and to Mma Ramotswe to find long-lost family, which leads to an unwelcome discovery and finding a more appropriate family of her choosing. This was such a pleasant, lovely story, one of the better ones in a long time.
June 5, 2024
Another wonderful #1 LDA installement.
November 19, 2023
4.5-plus stars! I love this series, and Alexander McCall Smith’s writing and humor and characters and stories seem only to improve over time.
The first paragraph alone had me chuckling, and much of the book was that way - what with Mma Makutsi's large glasses catching the light as a warning to those around her, and Mma Ramotswe reflecting upon the significance of her birthday, and pompous school principals being brought to their knees by the insight of these wise and bold ladies. Mma Makutsi was particularly entertaining in this book, along with Mma Ramotswe’s cautious and tactful responses (even as the reader gets to hear her thoughts and reactions to Mma Makutsi).
And Mma Ramotswe smiled and pointed towards the place where, far beneath the, cattle moved between the acacia trees. It was a sound that all those raised in Botswana had imprinted upon their hearts: the anthem of the land, the notes of the country. And it reminded her of her father, and of all that he meant to her.
I liked that we saw a bit more of Charlie in this story, and that he continues to be an endearing, if immature, character.
The sweet appreciation of life and of people and of one’s country make this series delightful and satisfying.
The children had stopped singing, but the birds, it seemed, had taken up the chorus on their behalf, and it was sweet upon the ear. Above them was the sky of that beloved country, a sky upon which we all might gaze, on our portion of it at least, wherever we were; a sky that forgave and sheltered and ultimately made us feel that we were where we should be, among people we felt we should be with.
Well done! Again!
The first paragraph alone had me chuckling, and much of the book was that way - what with Mma Makutsi's large glasses catching the light as a warning to those around her, and Mma Ramotswe reflecting upon the significance of her birthday, and pompous school principals being brought to their knees by the insight of these wise and bold ladies. Mma Makutsi was particularly entertaining in this book, along with Mma Ramotswe’s cautious and tactful responses (even as the reader gets to hear her thoughts and reactions to Mma Makutsi).
And Mma Ramotswe smiled and pointed towards the place where, far beneath the, cattle moved between the acacia trees. It was a sound that all those raised in Botswana had imprinted upon their hearts: the anthem of the land, the notes of the country. And it reminded her of her father, and of all that he meant to her.
I liked that we saw a bit more of Charlie in this story, and that he continues to be an endearing, if immature, character.
The sweet appreciation of life and of people and of one’s country make this series delightful and satisfying.
The children had stopped singing, but the birds, it seemed, had taken up the chorus on their behalf, and it was sweet upon the ear. Above them was the sky of that beloved country, a sky upon which we all might gaze, on our portion of it at least, wherever we were; a sky that forgave and sheltered and ultimately made us feel that we were where we should be, among people we felt we should be with.
Well done! Again!
October 18, 2023
Classic Mma Ramotswe novel! It’s always a pleasure to go back to Botswana.
I was particularly excited to read this last adventure because I had the pleasure to meet Alexander McCall Smith while on tour in Australia this year (2023), and he told us he was writing this book.
I was particularly excited to read this last adventure because I had the pleasure to meet Alexander McCall Smith while on tour in Australia this year (2023), and he told us he was writing this book.
November 29, 2023
I usually fly through these books but this one was slow for me. There were the usual kernals of wisdom that only the author can dispense, but it seemed that the plots were too loosely woven and the stories dragged. Still, overall, a pleasant read, just not the usual 5 star.
December 29, 2023
I grabbed this book off of the new release shelf at the library. It was a simple and cute story of an African village full of wit and nuance and morals. Examples of forgiveness and decency are woven throughout. Surprisingly uplifting!
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