review by Brian Lowen on show 2nd Feb 2012
The book that provided the successful TV series.
A wonderful warm, easy to read story concerning Precious Ramotswe, who when her father dies is left a sum of money that enables her to set up her own business. Being an independent person with a warm, intuitive personality, she decides to set up as a private detective. Being the only lady detective in her country of Botswana she calls herself the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, which she has written in large letters on a board above her little office, which comprises two rooms, two tables, some chairs and a typewriter. She also employs a secretary to man the office when she is out on investigations and to type the letters.
Business is slow at first and they spend a lot of time drinking cups of tea, but then the cases start coming in and Mme Ramotswe is able to use her special skills of intuition, common sense and knowledge of the local people to solve the varied cases that are put before her. She also enlists the help of her very good friend Mr J L B Matekoni, the charming proprietor of the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors.
If you like stories with happy endings then this is the book for you as there are lots of happy endings! Mme Ramotswe obviously loves her country of Botswana and deplores all the modern trends infiltrating their neighbourhood from the outside world.
I found it charming how her very good friend is always referred to as Mr J L B Matekoni, we never get to hear what his first name is! This is the sort of book that leaves you wanting more and I’m pleased to see that there are more – in fact another three books in the series. A delightful book – thoroughly recommended.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment