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)

Mr. McCall Smith does it again!

I simply can not get enough of the characters in this series. I wish it were a soap opera that I could watch everyday! Mma Makutsi gets funnier with each book. Mma Ramotswe is my age but she seems so much wiser! These books are so enjoyable. I was listening today at Walmart and laughing out loud. Again, the mysteries keep you guessing. Ms. Lecat is amazing. Thank you, thank you Mma for your wonderful narration. I especially love the way you do Puso. If you have listened to all of the books up to this point, you will not be disappointed.

This series makes my life better

After reading the first Ladies No 1 Detective Agency book, I wrote that it could cure any existential crisis. This latest is just as good - extremely pleasurable and captivating. A few of the other books in the series have not been quite as fantastic as the original, but this installment keeps the series alive and kicking. There is not much going on in the way of suspense or "detection," but the characters are compelling, and I remain captivated by the cultural tidbits that McCall Smith provides. Lesette Lecat is a fantastic narrator, and the tempo of the book is slow, calm, and lovely.

Not as good as others

A nice, easy story - just not as interesting as previous listens. The main characters are all present and the reader is excellent. Worth the download; still, not as good as previous #1 Women's Detective Agency books.

A flat ending to a wonderful series

I debated with myself long and hard about staying around for this last novel, but I loved the characters and had been totally captivated by their adventures. As it happened, though, I was very disappointed in this final installment and agree with the reader who opined that the author had just phoned this one in. By the end of the series I was utterly bored with the long rambling passages about tea, shoes, and the tiny white van.To end on a better note, skip this one.

Fun Like Always

Precious Ramotswe is one of my very favorite woman characters among a small handful. Being a guy I usually love gritty, hard boiled, raw, action detective stories. I like my mysteries complex and I like the thrills to keep me glued to my ipod. The series of books in the Number One Ladies Detective collection are totally the opposite of all this.

There is never violence. The mysteries are small and sometimes almost nonexistent. There is no action. Us "tough" guys would call this a "ladies novel" except that they are precious, magic, and life affirming.

Everything I shouldn't like about this series is what makes them special, a joy, and pleasure. The reader is awesome which adds extra magic.

What makes the story work is the atmosphere, the unique story idea, the simple mysteries of a simple life, a fresh perspective, and a set of characters you'll think of as part of your family.

I only use 4 stars instead of 5 because there was not a great a mystery in this one as in some although the story is still great fun. I suggest anyone that has not been reading the series start at the beginning to really be able to enjoy them all fully. The one fault of find with most of the series after the first is the lack of mysteries in them. Most of the series from about the 3rd or 4th one are mainly about the personal views and challenges of the main characters. While these are fun they are much more enjoyable when the detectives are also detecting. If you have enjoyed the series so far then don't miss this one.

Thank you Mr. McCall Smith one again

I have read every one of the Botswana No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and was not disappointed by this one. It also took us into the comfortable lives of this lovable but quirky group of people. I am always so sad when the book is over as I have to wait until McCall Smith once agains lets us visit Botswana. I loved it!

Can't Get Enough of Mma Ramotswe

If you like the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, this book won't disappoint. It's not the best in the series and it's rather short, but it holds your interest. As always, Mma Ramotswe delivers the goods. To me, the side story of Mma Makutse was more interesting than the main detective story.

There seemed to be some differences in the voicing of characters on this book. Both Grace and Mma Potokwane sounded different. Not bad, just different.

If you've seen the TV series, it will add to your enjoyment of this book.

An intreging and culturally fascinating story!

I love the way the author makes you feel like you are there in the story being a part of the no. 1 ladies detective agency and their personal lives. Learning their thoughts, world views, values and concerns is informative and entertaining.

Great

I really enjoy
this series.. excellent narration. Looking forward to the next book to listen to!

Just Fun!

What did you love best about Tea Time for the Traditionally Built?

You are whisked away to another part of the world where life is simpler, yet there are different cultural issues that are presented pleasantly and as part of the building of the characters.

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

Alexander McCall Smith's writing is such that you don't want to stop. You want to know what happens next to Mma Precious Ramotswe in her investigations that no one else would take.

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

Mma Precious Ramotswe is a delight. She is complex, strong, sensible and determined. You just want to sit down to tea with her.

Any additional comments?

A wonderful read! If you would like a visit to another country with a wonderfully interesting lady, you'll love this book. Enjoy!