The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Length: 8 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

This remarkably fresh and charming best seller took the world by storm upon its publication. It has since earned two Booker Judges' Special Recommendations and was voted one of the "International Books of the Year and the Millennium" by the Times Literary Supplement.

Mma "Precious" Ramotswe sets up a detective agency in Botswana on the edge of the Kalahari Desert, making her the only female detective in the country. At first, cases are hard to come by. But eventually, troubled people come to Precious with a variety of concerns. Potentially philandering husbands, seemingly schizophrenic doctors, and a missing boy who may have been killed by witch doctors all compel Precious to roam about in her tiny van, searching for clues.

Chosen as a Top Ten Mystery by the Organization of Independent Booksellers, U.S.A., The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is that rare novel that imparts a sage wisdom while inspiring hearty laughter and lasting smiles.

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

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

Critic reviews

• Book Sense Book of the Year Award Finalist, Paperback, 2003
• Edgar Allan Poe Award Winner, Best First Novel by an American Author, 1998

"One of the most entrancing literary treats of many a year...A tapestry of extraordinary nuance and richness." (Wall Street Journal)
"An artful, pleasing novel...General audiences will welcome this little gem of a book just as much if not more than mystery readers." (Publishers Weekly)
"Smart and sassy...Precious' progress is charted in passages that have the power to amuse or shock or touch the heart, sometimes all at once." (Los Angeles Times)

Good read

I knew most of this book from the show on HBO. I would have loved another season. The narrator of this book was rather monotone and dry. She also made long, unnecessary pauses that were annoying. Good story though.

Great narrator gave realistic dialect

Enjoyed this very much and was a sister recommended book and series. I only used Audible but it would have been a good book to read myself as well.

Enchanting

This is a charming tale that paints a vivid picture of Mma Precious Ramotswe, the clever lady detective; her friends; the people she investigates; and life in Botswana. The narrator is perfect for the story.

A Most Clever Lady Detective

I could listen to these tales everyday. I hunt for well written - and this is it. I hope this becomes a series!

One of those books that makes one want to be there

The number one ladies is about gentle souls and gentle people in a country in Africa. A little piece of cultural education and ainspirational.

A major favorite!

McCall Smith is such an entertaining writer. I have listened to this book three times now, and the series once so far. I love the humor and personalities of the characters. Lisette Lecat is unequivocally the best person to read these books!

This is what audiobooks should be!

I am so pleased to have been introduced to this series through audible. I had heard vaguely about the series and the title intrigued me so I tried a listen. I'm preparing to now hear the 3rd book in the series as it has captivated. The story lines are good, if not profound, the ongoing relationships are welcoming and real, the narration is excellent, and the insight into Botswana and Africa and contrasts with the "West." is refreshing. Get it! You will not be disappointed. I've since sent copies of the hardcopy books to friends in Africa.

Can't wait to read more in the series!

Loved the story, loved the setting, loved the characters! The narration is wonderful and authentic. I've learned much about the Botswana area (but now, I'm curious to learn more!) I was sorry when the story ended and I look forward to downloading the sequel!

Delightfully, Unexpectedly More than a Private Eye

So much more than a detective story, this audio book spans the geography and history of Africa. It is a captivating and breathtaking glimpse into a culture and way of life that I have never even imagined. The simple beauty described makes me want to go there . . . then the crime and terrible injustices done to women especially, makes me literally sick to my stomach. The ingenious ways that Mma "Precious" Ramotswe thinks of to solve her cases are funny and just plain clever. I can already tell that I am going to have to continue with this series!

Delightful and witty

This book was sensational. The prose was actually quite poetic, evocative and sensitive. The author's love of Africa and respect for its people really came through. I'm looking forward to purchasing the entire series. I was sad to take leave of the characters after the first book.