by Alexander McCall Smith
ages: adult
First sentence: “Mma Ramotswe had a detective agency in Africa, at the food of Kgale Hill.”
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People have been telling me for years that I ought to read this book. But as I always figured it was a mystery, I never really gave it much thought. I don’t like mysteries, after all. (Ha! Sometimes it’s true, but other times it’s not.)
The thing is: this really isn’t a mystery. Or at least not in the “traditional” sense. Sure, Mma Ramotswe (I had a hard time thinking of her as Precious, even if that was her name) is a detective, doing investigative work for people in her town in Botswana. But it’s not a mystery.
It is, however, a lovely portrait of a woman who loves her country, her people, and finds a niche for her self as an independent woman (after a very violent marriage thankfully failed) in her town. She is an observant woman, which helps in her business: she’s able to think about human nature (this book is quite down on most Botswanian men; they’re mostly no-good) in ways that
help her solve the little cases that come her way.
There is one big case that overshadows the novel; a boy is kidnapped, and they think that he’s been killed to make medicine. Mma Ramotswe doesn’t really want to take on the case, but she does because the police aren’t as reliable as they should be. Thankfully, it doesn’t end as sinister as it began.
It’s a delightful book, full of interesting, quirky characters. And Mma Ramotswe’s story is a good one to spend time with.
The Book Nut 
I'm so glad you've discovered this series. I love it!
Your recent blog about travel books got me poking around looking for new travel authors and I came across Will Randall. He's written Botswana Time, a recounting of his time as a teacher in Botswana. Interesting place and nice people (except for the one explotive white guy). Lovely read. Now that you've read No.1 Ladies Detective Agency you'll pick up on the little joke in Botswana Time.
Tammy
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I agree, I wouldn't have picked this up unless my book club had read it – I thought it was actually going to be a mystery too! I did REALLY love this one though, mostly because I loved reading about a strong, lovely African female protagonist 🙂
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I'm currently reading this. I had never heard of the series until the show series came on HBO starring Jill Scott and Anika Rose, oh how I loved the show. I was so bummed when they cancelled it. So I figured why not read the book, I hope it's as enjoyable as the show. Thanks for sharing, from your review, I don't think I'll be disappointed.
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The mystery aspect is such a small part of this book. I loved her character and the setting. I still have never read any more of the series than this first one though. I've heard the audio is great.
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The mysteries really only provide a framework for the storytelling. The real strength of this series is the characterisation.
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