Blue Shoes and Happiness Audiobook By Alexander McCall Smith cover art

Blue Shoes and Happiness

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

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Blue Shoes and Happiness

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
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From internationally best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith comes the seventh novel in the phenomenally popular and endlessly charming series that began with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Once again Botswana's only female detective, Mma Ramotswe, and her invaluable assistant, Mma Makutsi, puzzle out the mysteries of life while finding comfort in steaming mugs of bush tea.

Danger hits close to home when a cobra is found in Mma Ramotswe's office. Of less immediate danger, but greater general interest, are the faulty blood pressure measurements being recorded at the local clinic. But perhaps the biggest mystery is why Mma Makutsi's fiance has missed their usual dinner date. Is he discontented? And if so, will cramming her feet into a pair of fashionable blue shoes help Mma Makutsi find happiness?

Full of subtle wit and charming characters, Blue Shoes and Happiness is another unforgettable gem from McCall Smith.

Listen to the other titles in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.©2006 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC Detective Fiction Literature & Fiction Mystery Women Sleuths Women's Fiction Happiness Funny Heartfelt Witty Feel-Good

Critic reviews

"The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series is a literary confection of gossamer deliciousness....There is no end to the pleasure that may be extracted from these books." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Scotsman McCall Smith renders brisk, seamless tales that are both wry and profound. Amidst the mayhem (like the cobra that slithers its way into the detective agency's headquarters) are eloquent descriptions of the serene African country that holds a special place in his heart." (Booklist)
Gentle Wisdom • Warm Characters • Beautiful Rich Voice • Rich Storytelling • Delightful Humor • Refreshing Simplicity

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I have yet to find an Alexander McCall Smith series that I haven’t dearly loved. I’ve purchased this series in audiobook form from Audible, and the narration is absolutely wonderful! I feel truly transported to lovely Botswana! The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is like the very best therapy available. If I listen to the audiobooks in the background while I do household chores or drive, I find myself happy and smiling and calm through them. Yes, there are troubles in the world, but most can be overcome or at least mitigated by a cup of tea and a thoughtful meditation while watching the sunset. I love the gentle humanity of these books. After listening to Mma Ramotswe, the balance of the world always seems tilted toward the good. My chores get completed, yet I feel relaxed and happy, as if I’ve just returned from vacation in Botswana!

Perfect Audiobook Adaptation

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everything about this series is refreshing from the mysteries solved to the characters developed. I adore the reader and the pace. such a treat!

engaging and a sweet, relaxing listen

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This is one of the books in the Ladies #1 Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. This is a top notch series and I believe that to truly enjoy the series, every book should be read in the order written. The characters and story line develop over time in the series and they are people you really want to get to know. The story lines and characters can be funny, disgraceful or tragic, but they are always interesting. Smith is a keen observer of people and has great talent for drawing characters and telling whopping good stories.
The reader is the same for each book in the series and she is one of the best I have ever heard. She gives consistly solid performances over the entire series. The characters remain the same from one book to the other. Her accents are extrordinarily good. If I had to choose between reading this series and listening to it read by this reader (Lisette Lecat) I would without hesitation choose the audible version. Purchase them all - they are so very good.

so good

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I love the simplicity of the characters' lives and yet the rich wisdom they offer is the ultimate prize. The narrator does an excellent job of capturing the Botswana sounds making this series such an enjoyable listen.

Another great one!

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The book reflects everyday life. It makes one not feel alone! Well done once again

Calming

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Lisette Lecat has one of those wonderful voices that is a joy to listen to. I look forward to each of the books in this series to have the pleasure of enjoying her reading once more. For that alone, I rate the book highly. But Alexander McCall Smith's characters are warm and human and the events in the various plots and subplots of the book unfold at a leisurely pace--not without drama and mystery. Indeed, there is plenty of intrigue in this book. But as you listen, you know that you can count on Mma Ramostswe's good judgment, and that the occasionally foolish actions of the other characters will lead to a little more wisdom for each of them. The events don't matter quite as much as the characters they happen to.

It's a slow, rich, rolling kind of book that you can relax and enjoy. If you're looking for fast-paced action, you won't find it here. Listening to this book is a lovely experience certain to leave you satisfied and amused, and looking forward to the characters' next adventures.

A Joy to Hear

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I was drawn into the story by the wonderful narrator. How she brings brings her brings out pictures of the characters.

the reader was so pleasant to listen to. The story line engaging.

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I absolutly love this series. When I saw there was a new book I immediatly down loaded it and listened to it in 3 days. The characters are like old friends and I am so glad that Alexander McCall Smith is continuing with this enchanting series.

Another great story

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I'm loving getting to know these characters. I feel like they are my friends and I delight in their successes and ache for their pain. I look forward to the next book.

Wonderful Character Development

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I love how the books reflect Africa Khama their societee, with a bit of humor and philosophy added in

Wonderful series!

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