I tried this book because I'd heard great things about it and because it's set in Botswana - a country that doesn't generally get a lot of play in English-speaking literature. As a typical neurotic North American, I found the portrayal of the Motswana mindset with its lack of neurosis and obsessive self-analysis a welcome change of pace from my own day-to-day experience. Given that the series is written by a Scottish man it's entirely possible that this attitude is complete fiction - but what an appealing fiction! I'm not going to lie - if appropriation of voice is one of your pet peeves, you're going to hate this book. It's a quick read. The writing style is simple and straightforward while still maintaining a distinctive voice. Precious Ramotswe may be a young woman in modern day Botswana, but her relaxed attitude, cunning mind, and seen-it-all-before analysis of different personality types brings to mind the elderly Miss Marple of St. Mary Mead. It's no wonder that Agatha Christie is one of Mma Ramotswe's heroes. Recommended for a good summer read on one of the hottest days of the year (early to mid August would be good). If it's too hot to do anything but put your lawn chair in the shade and immerse yourself in a book, this would be that particular book.

I too enjoyed the telling of the life of Precious Remotse and her profession (that makes her sound like a woman of ill repute)... Precious is independent, strong and sensible. She is content with her life and herself and Botswana sounds beautiful. The description of her life and country is so the opposite of what one imagines any place in Africa to be that it makes me want to go there too and I hate the heat. However, even in this idyllic place, Precious is confronted with the darkness that is life everywhere. She has suffered brutality at the hands of her first husband (hyena meat is what he should be) and is beset by cases of disappearances, infidelities and kidnappings. Do not despair dear reader as The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency has enough light, humour and joy in it to make it a very satisfying read.

I can see I'm the odd one out, but I couldn't even make myself read this book because it was so terrible. The writer (rich white male professional) is the polar opposite of his main character (poor African female) and I couldn't read a single word without finding prejudice, bigotry and sexism in every page. I gave up after page 2 when I saw comments eluding to preconceptions of girls being generally worse at math than boys. To me this book was absolutely awful. Sorry I even picked it up.

Very good.

This novel is like an African armchair, snuggly and traditional in shape (like Mme Ramotswe) - but you just wonder whether an armchair is appropriate in the climate? Somehow, this cosy read works beautifully.

I wasn't sure if I was going to like this as I don't usually read things in the 'mystery' section, but I was pleasantly surprised. This is a wonderful gentle story that is beautifully written. It is gentle and a loving look at Africa. I will continue to read the series with great delight!

I was not sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the character and how the stories were told in small snippets, and then pan out to the larger picture. I enjoyed reading these tales of sleuthing by Mma Ramotswe and her friends. Can't wait to get into the 2nd book in this series.

first book I read by this author and what fun - great summer read!

The start of a very good series!

What a great series! I'm on the fourth book right now, and I am amazed at how well a Scotttish man can write as a Botswanian woman.