• Blue Shoes and Happiness

  • The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
  • By: Alexander McCall Smith
  • Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
  • Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (1,275 ratings)

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Blue Shoes and Happiness  By  cover art

Blue Shoes and Happiness

By: Alexander McCall Smith
Narrated by: Lisette Lecat
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Publisher's summary

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

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)

What listeners say about Blue Shoes and Happiness

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What can I say

I haven't listened too or read one of these books that I didn't love. I like to listen to the books at work because my office is so quite.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Delightful

This is the best yet. Smith's writing is as spare and simple as the day to day activities of the characters, yet deeply moving, really brings the landscape - and the love Mma Ramotswe feels for it - to life. Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi have a warm place in my heart. And Lisette LeCat is one of the very best narrators in all of audiobook land! I can't wait for no. 8.

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4 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Solid Ladies Detective book

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

It isn't the best of the Ladies Detective series. Alexander McCall Smith has so many characters in this series that somebody is always getting short changed. But it is nice to spend a few hours with these characters and their small problems.

If you love the characters in this series, then you'll enjoy this. But if previous entries in this series have started to bore or frustrate you, this isn't any different.

What did you like best about this story?

This series have lovely characters.

Which character – as performed by Lisette Lecat – was your favorite?

Lisette Lecat is wonderful. She is an asset for the series. She doesn't do much in the way of character voices but she conveys so vividly the character's genuine affection for their country. She is a joy to listen to.

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2 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Witchcraft, advice columns, blackmail

Can new shoes bring happiness? Are certain birds inherently evil? Will a diet cause a lack of concentration? Here are a few of problems that face Mma. Ramotswe and her team in this book.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

wonderful

This book was just wonderful. I've always enjoyed this series. I hope the author keeps writing more.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Best Installment Since Book One

Vivid characters, locations and moments spring to imaginary life. More laugh out loud moments than ever. Interesting character growth and tangible relationship development. May be my favorite book in the entire series. Flawless narration, however, remains the common golden thread throughout each installment. Every element extraordinarily engaging from beginning to end.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

I love all of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

Like all the books in this series... enjoyable, entertaining, but mostly... I can never figure out the ending!

Love love love these books!

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Another 5 star story

Another 5 star story by Alexander McCall Smith. But that is no surprise. His series about these wonderful characters who live in Botswana is so refreshing in these days of murder and mayhem.

I feel as if I know them all and could easily find them if I made the trip to Botswana.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Best narrator ever!

I love this series! I' e collected them all in print, and now I'm collecting the audiobooks. NOBODY could read these books like Lisette! Lecat!!!

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  • IR
  • 03-07-24

Always Wonderful

I love this book. It is such an open doorway to a culture that is so rich and diverse and different. I am always wanting more. Looking forward to the next one. 

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