Reviews
"McCall Smith's depictions of the sights and sounds of Botswana and his overarching theme of compassion make this novel radiant . . . Humor runs rampant, as always, except in the darkest situations . . . Calling Precious Ramotswe, owner and chief investigator of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, a detective doesn't do her justice. 'Problem solver extraordinaire' would be much better. Mma Ramotswe takes on one or two true mysteries per novel, it's true, but she also treats a whole range of human difficulties as they come her way, finding good solutions through her wisdom, kindness, and tact." -- Booklist (starred review) "Enjoyable . . . Series fans will be moved by a supporting character's growth, and newcomers will be charmed by the gentle humor."-- Publishers Weekly "Amusing . . . An escape from life's woes [as well] as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable." --The Boston Globe "McCall Smith's accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities." --Newsday "McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan customs and culture . . . Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will endure." --The Plain Dealer "Endearing . . . The long-running series has lost none of its gentleness or its love for Botswana." --The Christian Science Monitor "Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific, popular, and wonderfully peculiar writer. His capacity to deliver quality new installments . . . is unrivalled by any other modern writer." --The Independent (London) From the Hardcover edition., "McCall Smith's depictions of the sights and sounds of Botswana and his overarching theme of compassion make this novel radiant . . . Humor runs rampant, as always, except in the darkest situations . . . Calling Precious Ramotswe, owner and chief investigator of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, a detective doesn't do her justice. 'Problem solver extraordinaire' would be much better. Mma Ramotswe takes on one or two true mysteries per novel, it's true, but she also treats a whole range of human difficulties as they come her way, finding good solutions through her wisdom, kindness, and tact." -- Booklist (starred review) "Enjoyable . . . Series fans will be moved by a supporting character's growth, and newcomers will be charmed by the gentle humor."-- Publishers Weekly "Amusing . . . An escape from life's woes [as well] as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable." --The Boston Globe "McCall Smith's accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities." --Newsday "McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan customs and culture . . . Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will endure." --The Plain Dealer "Endearing . . . The long-running series has lost none of its gentleness or its love for Botswana." --The Christian Science Monitor "Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific, popular, and wonderfully peculiar writer. His capacity to deliver quality new installments . . . is unrivalled by any other modern writer." --The Independent (London), "McCall Smith's depictions of the sights and sounds of Botswana and his overarching theme of compassion make this novel radiant . . . Humor runs rampant, as always, except in the darkest situations . . . Calling Precious Ramotswe, owner and chief investigator of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, a detective doesn't do her justice. 'Problem solver extraordinaire' would be much better. Mma Ramotswe takes on one or two true mysteries per novel, it's true, but she also treats a whole range of human difficulties as they come her way, finding good solutions through her wisdom, kindness, and tact." -- Booklist (starred review) "Enjoyable . . . Series fans will be moved by a supporting character's growth, and newcomers will be charmed by the gentle humor."-- Publishers Weekly "Amusing . . . An escape from life's woes [as well] as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable." --The Boston Globe "McCall Smith's accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities." --Newsday "McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan customs and culture . . . Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will endure." --The Plain Dealer "Endearing . . . The long-running series has lost none of its gentleness or its love for Botswana." --The Christian Science Monitor "Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific, popular, and wonderfully peculiar writer. His capacity to deliver quality new installments . . . is unrivalled by any other modern writer." --The Independent (London)
