The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 12

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Length: 8 hrs and 20 mins

Publisher's summary

This 12th entry from Alexander McCall Smith’s New York Times best-selling series showcases the humanity and matchless wit that define Precious Ramotswe. While both Precious and Grace Makutsi are puzzled by prophetic dreams, life goes on at the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Precious finds herself investigating a case of rural jealousy, while Grace inches closer to her wedding.

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

©2011 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2011 Recorded Books, LLC

Precious Ramotswe is a Gift

I am the type of guy that typically hates zappy books. I also like my detectives hard boiled, tough, cynical, and violent. Precious Ramotswe is the total opposite and I love her. She is one of my favorite characters of all time and reading this series is very life affirming and Precious Ramotswe is one of the most worderful characters ever created.

The stories tend to be a bit simple and written almost as if they were meant for children but it serves the stories well. In many of the books there a few and sometimes no mysteries. The stories tend to be more about the life of the characters than any detective work. I gave this book 4 instead of 5 stars because I tend to prefer the stories in this series that do more dedecting.

Having said that, Precious Ramotswe is a godsend. The kindness and wisdom of the character always brings tears to this tough guy. This story is wonderful but I anyone interested in the series should start with the first to really enjoy them. The reader is awesome.

Love these books

Listening to these books is like visiting old friends. I love these characters and their lives. I can't wait for each new book to see what the ladies are up to.

Back to Botswana !

The Saturday Night Big Tent Wedding ???A. McCall Smith
Audio version performed by Lissette Lecat
4 stars

Back to Botswana! This was my twelfth visit to The NO.1 ladies Detective Agency. A few things have changed. As the title indicates Mma Makutsi finally marries Phuti Radiphuti; there is even a kiss before they get to the altar. Mma Ramotswe helps to settle a cattle dispute, but does she really solve the crime? Does it really matter? No. McCall Smith uses the mild detective work of the agency to showcase his rosy view of a beautiful place filled with loveable characters. It makes for a nice vacation.

Absolutely perfect on 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!

This narrator is simply splendid.

Lisette Lecat reads with sensitive understanding of the text, and an obvious respect for, and appreciation of, these wonderful tales. Her enunciation is clear and crisp, and she uses pauses to great advantage. The irony and subtle humor of these stories is conveyed as the author surely intended, and is never overdone.

I can't think of a more delightful way to experience this wonderful series.

Thank you, Lisette Lecat, for your masterful rendition of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, which has brought much pleasure to so many.

I like everything by Alexander McCall Smith

What made the experience of listening to The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party the most enjoyable?

I really like the way he can take normal everyday stuff and put new insights to it. Talking shoes? Really? But for someone who really loves shoes they probably do talk to them.

Did the plot keep you on the edge of your seat? How?

It is not a real edge of the seat plot.

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

Lisette always does a good job with Grace (whose last name I cannot spell since I listen to the books not read them).

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

Mr. Smith's books always make me laugh. And think.

Another fine addition to the series

Where does The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

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

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mma Ramotswe is the glue that binds the whole together.

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

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

Where Has The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency Gone?

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.

AWFUL!

Would you try another book from Alexander McCall Smith and/or Lisette Lecat?

After this one, no. I've listen to other books by Smith and enjoyed them, but this one was awful.

Would you ever listen to anything by Alexander McCall Smith again?

NO

very boring

Would you try another book from Alexander McCall Smith and/or Lisette Lecat?

NO! I will listen to almost anything. If I can't listen it's bad

Would you ever listen to anything by Alexander McCall Smith again?

NO! One time was enough for me

Would you be willing to try another one of Lisette Lecat’s performances?

NO! Would not waste my money are credits.

What character would you cut from The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party?

Take your pick. I did not enjoy any of them

Any additional comments?

Book was slow and boreing