I have been a fan of this series for many years and realized from the beginning that hearing these stories was a bigger treat than reading them. I'm American; I don't automatically know how to pronounce even the simple African words like Mma. Stumbling on that, even in my mind, reduces my pleasure in the story. McCall-Smith's idiosyncracies of language, carrying from book to book, are like old friends. For example, Mma Makutsi will never comfortably be Grace to us, or even Mma Rhadaputi now that she's married. I was also happy the 'tiny white van' made a reappearance in this story. This book was very much about the interpersonal relationships of the main characters and the obligations therein than most of these stories. Even the detectives' main case was very much about honoring personal commitments and responsibilities. As always, reading a #1 Ladies Detective Agency story is more about philosophy that it is about mystery.

One can only hope that we have heard the last of this sappy storyline. I know it is symbolic, but it is also a way for the author to fill up space without the bother of thinking of up an original plot. I was hoping that Mma Ramotswe, as wise as she is, would eventually realize that things are just things and one needs to let go at some point.

Another minor gripe is that the artifice of Mma Makotswe talking shoes is being overused.

However, the author did come up with a new case that Mma Ramotswe actually helps resolve in a fashion. Overall, this book is another enjoyable entry in this series.

The books are great, and the narration is better! I highly recommend this audio book.

Yes. Now I've read all 12 books. Suspenseful and funny. I've enjoyed learning about Botswana from the perspective of one who lives in and loves Botswana. I was happy to learn the pronunciation of the words which were unknown to me before.

The way Mma Potoquani pushed herself into organizing the whole wedding relieving Mma Makutsi of a tremendous task.

Mma Ramotswe

It made me laugh.

I love the talking shoes. Priceless!

I won't listen to it again, but I am excited about listening to the next in the series.

It takes me to another world.

I have read every book in this series, in order, and I really struggled to get through this one. There were several times that I contemplated just shelving it (so to speak.) It seems that the more recent titles in this series of Alexander McCall Smith have not lived up to his earlier work. This series, early on, was one of my most beloved series. I could not wait for the next book to come out. In the last few books, it is almost as if McCall Smith is continuing writing the books just to... well... continue the series. There is no heart. There are no interesting cases to be solved. He has made Mma Makutsi into a very silly and unlikeable character, instead of simply being quirky (as she was in the early books.) Mme Ramotswe even comes across as being "tired" or disinterested, compared to her early passion for her agency, its work, and life in her beloved Botswana. Her basic character traits are still there, but in a watered-down version. Even the outstanding narrator, Lisette Lecat comes across as rather lackadaisical.

I can't suggest to an avid fan of this series to not listen to this book as they all have some significant event in them that carries over to the next books, but I will say that I was extremely disappointed in this one, and if McCall Smith is getting bored with writing these books he should either find his earlier spunk to put back into them, or stop the series before he writes these wonderful characters altogether into the ground.

Another great relaxing story of the Batswana people, and daily life of the #1 Ladies detective agency. I especially enjoy the regular characters, and how they handle their everyday problems, as well as the solving of a great mystery. HBO has produced a few episodes of this series as well..

The most naturally portrayed characters. Well developed and very human!

Mma Ramotswe is the glue that binds the whole together.

Yes, but it's hard to devote that long a time in one "sitting". Wish I could have.

The No. 1 Ladies are always an enjoyable, easy listen. Good when I need something light and fast moving.

This is a rather unique type of story. The other books about the No 1 Ladies, including this one, fit into their own category. The way of thinking, attitudes and culture are delightful.

I can't imagine anyone else reading these stories after I have heard her performance.

There are many places when the attitudes of the characters have a strong impact.

I hope the cultural aspects are correct. I find it charming and I find myself rethinking attitudes.

As anticipated ... excellent as we travel with Precious and Grace Makutsi in their endeavours to keep Boswana as it should be.
Lisette Lecat as usual performs to perfection. I hope there are many many more stories.