Tea Time for the Traditionally Built

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins

Publisher's summary

The 10th entry in the internationally best-selling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series finds Precious Ramotswe investigating a mystery that hits close to home.

When she asks her dependable husband, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, to fix her tiny white van, Precious fears he might just sell the vehicle and buy her something more modern. And so he does. But this will not do. So Precious tries to track her beloved van down - and learns it has already been stolen from its new owner.

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

©2009 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"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)

Real people in a real setting

Would you listen to Tea Time for the Traditionally Built again? Why?

yes. The characters and their environment became real people by the end of the story. This is one of those books that doesn't depend totally on the outcome of the plot to be enjoyable. It's like re-reading a letter from a friend.

What other book might you compare Tea Time for the Traditionally Built to and why?

The Cater St Hangman. Even tho the two are nothing alike in content, they both are done with a G rating and have characters that become real by the end of the book I can listen to both over again with anticipation of the unfolding narrative because of the background details and the personalities and interactions of the people concerned.

Have you listened to any of Lisette Lecat’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

yes. same enjoyment level.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

yes.

Any additional comments?

I am always thankful when i find a book with an enjoyable story, real characters. Especially one that is done without profanity, violence, and overdone sex.

Very good but could have been a little longer

For those who like action books my advice is to stay away. If tales of daily life and creative initiatives bore you silly, don't read this book. If you want light books with likeable funky characters full of great insights and common sense then this is a sure bet. I have been reading Precious stories since day one and no matter how I am feeling, can allways count in a good laugh and to have a good night worry free sleep. Precious is no Sherlock Homes but she is knowledgeable of the human nature and never rushing to pass judgement. Although Tea Time is a good story, I found it a little short and wished more time would have been granted to the Violet thread, and less to the silly and irritating white van concern

Reduces stress

Listening to this series takes me back to a a more peaceful time. I love hearing about this peaceful nation and the pride of the people. The stories are interesting and very well written. It reduces stress and makes m smile.

very good

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.

Wonderful--down to the last drop.

Mr Smith and Ms Lecat are wonderful yet again. You will not be disappointed. By this time in a lengthy series, there is one book that may not stand up to to others in quality. But not this one, and not any of the previous ones. This series is a bargain at twice the price. I only wish I had found it sooner.

Delightful Cup of Love

In a series of wonderful books, Tea for the Traditionally built and the incredible performance by Lisette Lecat stands out in a great way. The beloved characters and country are showcased in an amusing and warm fabric of clever stories that come together beautifully in the end.

Good book

These books keep getting better all the time. I can’t seem to turn them off or “put them down” so to speak!

McCall Smith Has Done It Again

I ordinarily do not listen to fiction, but have gotten hooked on the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. In this volume, Alexander McCall Smith does it again. Again, Precious Ramotswe is solving mysteries in Botwana. The prose is easy on the mind, the reading is wonderful, and the stories engaging. Men and women alike will find much to enjoy in the development of the characters. If you haven't read Tea Time pick it up and give it a try.

Surprisingly Refreshing

What made the experience of listening to Tea Time for the Traditionally Built the most enjoyable?

The characters came alive through the narrator's performance. The rich description of human behaviors and the characters' responses to the behaviors held my attention.

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

My favorite character was the secretary/assistant detective.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I found the book entertaining and refreshing.

excellent

great new story ! love the characters and their interactions. As always, great fun to listen to.