No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

If you are looking for a gentle, warm and funny author, look no further than Alexander McCall Smith. His No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series fits the bill.

The first book opens with the following lines “Mma Ramotswe had a detective agency in Africa, at the foot of Kgale Hill. These were its assets: a tiny white van, two desks, two chairs, a telephone, and an old typewriter. Then there was a teapot, in which Mma Ramotswe – the only lady private detective in Botswana – brewed redbush tea. And three mugs – one for herself, one for her secretary, and one for the client. What else does a detective agency really need? Detective agencies rely on human intuition and intelligence, both of which Mma Ramotswe had in abundance.”

The story is interwoven with her own life and the cases she is called on to solve.

Series

So far there are 22 books in the series and I have enjoyed reading them all. They have imaginative and fun titles and the main characters grow throughout the series. Who can forget Mma Makutsi, Mr J.L.B. Matakoni and other unique characters introduced in subsequent books?

My Response

Alexander McCall Smith is able to deal with many sensitive topics in a gentle and compassionate manner through the character of Mma Ramotswe and those she comes into contact with. I learnt much of the culture of Botswana and the issues the people deal with in their everyday lives.

I finished the book with more hope for humanity and a feeling that there is still good in the world, despite all I daily see to the contrary. If you need a light but thoughtful read from a gentle, warm and funny author, then try this wonderful series.