The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith (2003, Paperback, Reprint)

Not your typical detective story. Set in small-town Africa, it has a charm that is difficult to describe. The who-dun-it elements are the least part of the story; it is mainly about an Africa we don't read of in the newspapers.

When I bought this book on a friend's recommendation, I fully expected to hate it, so I took my time before even opening it up. I finally did, when I wanted to read some short stories instead of a long book. Was I pleasantly surprised! Mma Ramotswe lives in a very different world than I do, but the gentle humor and insights into personalities put this book high on my personal Recommended List. The short story format - basically each chapter is a different case for the detective - makes reading very convenient. Whether you have hours or only minutes to devote to this book, you don't have to feel you've had to put it down "just when it gets good."

The book was ok, not really a mystery like I had thought. It was easy reading and rather interesting, but kind of simple. I would like to read other books in the series.

The characters are believable in their humanity. The writing style of the author is wonderful. Though I've never been to Africa, I developed a "feel" for the country after reading this book. I found it easy to read and enjoyed anticipating what would come next. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to others.

I haven't gotten this book.
Especially when I needed it.
I do not think I would buy from this buyer again.
This was a matter of only a few dollars. Had it been a matter of a large quantity of money, Im sure I would have been a little more disappointed.

This book has an old fashioned black dialect that, at first, throws one off. But it doesn't take long to get in the swing of the dialect and the personality of the book takes off. It is a fun book that uses simple means and knowing human nature to solve "mysteries". Lot's of fun.

The response time was great, but I was a little disappointed in that the cover was torn front and back.

I have been meaning to read all of Alexander Smith's books, because the front covers look so intriguing. "Ladies Detective" has such a sly wit and the added charm of the African landscape. The reader will want to root for the heroine from the start with all the prejudices she had to overcome. In truth, it is a mystery series like no other! I love how she manages to solve a problem from many angles without resorting to violence. Her cleverness and even her self-consciousness to her chubby frame makes her very human and endearing to her readers. 4 stars****

A must read! I loved this book so much that it was so difficult to find a good read for a while! I highly recommend this book, even this is not on "Oprah's Book Club" ha ha

In this book McCall Smith introduces the warm and wise Precious Ramotswe. As we get to know her, we also get to know her Botswana and why she loves it so. The story is related in lovely language, nearly poetic in its rhythms and color. One can feel the warm African sun, smell the dust, taste the bush tea, and realize the importance of slowing down. Once this book has been read, the next in the series in happily anticipated.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book - and am also enjoying the continueing series! It's an interesting, easy read!

I bought the book for a literature class I had this semester. I wasn't looking for a brand new book because I probably won't read it again and it will just sit around. I like Ebay purchases because most items can be found used or brand new. The book was received in the condition that it was stated as in the ebay auction page. I was very pleased.