The Good Husband of Zebra Drive

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Length: 8 hrs and 19 mins

Publisher's summary

In the life of Precious Ramotswe, a woman duly proud of her fine traditional build, there is rarely a dull moment, and in the latest installment in the universally beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, there is much happening on Zebra Drive and Tlokweng Road.

Mma Ramotswe is experiencing staffing difficulties. First Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni asks to be put in charge of a case involving an errant husband. But can a man investigate such matters as successfully as the number-one lady detective can? Then she has a minor falling-out with her assistant, Mma Makutsi, who decides to leave the agency, taking the 97 percent she received on her typing final from the Botswana Secretarial College with her.

Along the way, Mma Ramotswe is asked to investigate a couple of tricky cases. Will she be able to explain an unexpected series of deaths at the hospital in Mochudi? And what about the missing office supplies at a local printing company? These are the types of questions that she is uniquely well suited to answer.

In the end, whatever happens, Mma Ramotswe knows she can count on Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who stands for all that is solid and true in a shifting world. And there is always her love for Botswana, a country of which she is justifiably proud.

Listen to the other titles in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

©1998 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Smith once again combines a loving depiction of ordinary life in modern Botswana with memorable characters and an engaging mystery." (Publishers Weekly)
"Scotsman McCall Smith's best-selling novels featuring 'traditionally built' Botswana sleuth Precious Ramotswe continue to resonate with poignancy, wisdom, and wit." (Booklist)

Loved it!

What did you love best about The Good Husband of Zebra Drive?

The vivid descriptions of the characters allow you into a conversation with old friends.

Which scene was your favorite?

My two favorite scenes are when the "secretary / associate detective" returned to work and when the men complained about the lack of tea. I too returned to a job I loved after testing the waters elsewhere. I understood the humbling reality that some times coworkers not titles prompt your career growth. The tea complaints well thats just the many of the men I know. (not all the men)

Poignant wisdom delivered with humor

I enjoy every recorded book written by Alexander McCall Smith and read by Liset Lecat. Mr.(Dr.?) Smith, a teacher of medical and legal ethics at the University of Edinburgh, is brilliant at presenting complex ethical situations in the context of the small yet poignant issues of everyday life. The author and reader are a perfect match. She understands how to deliver his humor as well as the compassion and meaning embedded in the narrative of these lovable, very human characters. The mysteries that Mma Ramotzwe, the Lady Detective, are intriguing right up to the end. I never fail to laugh, to cry, and to be thoroughly engaged in this book as well as the whole series.

So enjoyable!

This is my favorite book of the series so far. Mr. Smith really let his humor shine throughout the book especially with Mma Makutsi. The mysteries in the book were enthralling as always. There always seems to be a twist I never see coming. I fell in love with the series from the first book. Lisette Lecat (narrator) is amazing. Between her and Mr. Smith, I feel as if I'm there in Gabarone with the characters. They are such wonderful people. I've even fallen in love with their names, repeating them over and over sometimes. I would love to know all of them even the two apprentices! I'm purchasing the next book today. I have already listened to one of them twice :). Keep up the good work Mr. Smith and Ms. Lecat. You have a fan for life.

Another Pleasant Few Hours Spent

OK, so nothing much happens in these wonderful books. I got enough going on in my life, so I reallllllllly enjoy spending a few hours visiting these wonderful friends of mine in a place where nothing much happens. I don't have any bush tea, but who needs it when I can feel calm, soothed and refreshed while listening to another installment of this charming series?

Good Hisband

Another good Alexander McCall Smith story of the Lady’s Detective Agency. Successful detectives once again.

Savor this delicious series

I love this series by Alexander McCall Smith, which starts with the book "The Number One Ladies Detective Agency". While I find myself listening to fast paced political thrillers, humor, sci fi, and all kinds of mysteries, this series has a category all of its own. It might generally fit into the mystery category but it is definitely not your typical mystery. I recommend starting with the first book and working your way up to this book so you don't miss a thing. The stories take place in Botswana and involve no more than a total of 30 or 40 characters (in all 8 books in the series). Characters all have their quirky personalities, fears, memories of the past, love of their country, and interesting outlooks on life. In each book, the detective agency will solve 2 or 3 cases, ranging from a lost boy to a series of unexplained deaths in a rural hospital. In each case, Ma Ramotswe and her assistant Ma Makutzi offer an interesting approach to each problem, full of humor and enjoyment of life.

This delicious series is to be savored.

#1 Ladies continued enjoyment

Another great title in the #1 Ladies series! I found all the titles in this series so far easy to listen too. Smooth discriptive narative,good character flow - what started as a light summer gamble with book #1; has turned into a many book listen. Even bought some "bush tea" to try with this one!

Not one of the best

I love this series of books, but have to say that this one fell a bit short for me.

Perfect in Audiobook!

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!

Love these books

I have loved these books. Simple and yet entertaining. But I do feel like the last couple of books have been a little less attention grabbing, but I will continue to listen to the books! Mma Ramatswe is lovely and Lisette Lacat as always does an amazing job narrating.