MADreads

Better late than never

June 26th, 2008 Robin - Pinney

It seems I’ve just fallen off the turnip truck.  Thankfully, I landed near the M authors in our mystery section and finally picked up The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.  I’ve only read the first four of nine books in this series by Alexander McCall-Smith, but found them delightful.  They’re quick, entertaining novels and would make ideal summer reads.  As an added bonus for those of you who like to appear dignified and book-snooty on planes, buses, and the beach (I’ve seen you, Miss War and Peace), they boast very respectable-looking covers.

Just in case there’s another human who hasn’t read any of these books, Precious Ramotswe is their charming star.  She’s a “traditionally built” woman in Botswana who opened her own detective agency with the money earned from selling cattle after her loving father’s death.  Many have described her as Africa’s Miss Marple.  Both ladies are super-shrewd and use their superior powers of observation and keen understanding of people to solve cases.  If Miss Marple had driven a tiny, always-in-need-of-repair white van, drank bush tea, and set up shop in Gabarone, she and Mma Ramotswe would have been fierce competitors.

The series has zero gore; in fact, most of the “crimes” Mma Ramotswe is hired to investigate are of a domestic nature, so these are great for those with squeamish stomachs or even the stout of heart reader who enjoys a cozy mystery every now and then.  Atmosphere, relationships, and wry humor take center stage here.

Entry Filed under: Mystery, Recreational Fiction