Precious and Grace

No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 17

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Length: 9 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

The delightful 17th installment of the ever-popular, perennially best-selling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's premier lady detective, is a little short on help. The codirector of the agency, Grace Makutsi, is busy with her own case, her client none other than their erstwhile assistant, Mr. Polopetsi, who has unwittingly involved himself in a pyramid scheme. The agency's other assistant, Charlie, may also need more help than he can offer, as he is newly embroiled in a romance with a glamorous woman about whom the others have their doubts. So when a young Canadian woman approaches Mma Ramotswe with a complex case, it's up to her alone to solve it - with her signature intuition and insight, of course. The young woman spent part of her childhood in Botswana and needs help finding a long-lost acquaintance. But much time has passed, and her memory yields few clues. The difficult search - and the unexpected results - will remind them all that sometimes it's those we think we know best who most surprise us.

©2016 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2016 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"It's delicious to visit with old friends, and that's certainly the case in Lisette Lecat's lovely performance of Alexander McCall Smith's newest No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency mystery. South African-born Lecat, who has long narrated the series, understands the characters and atmosphere perfectly; thus, the listener can trust that all sounds as it should in the company of Botswana's Mma Ramotswe and her compatriots." ( AudioFile)

My favorite so far in this delightful series

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

Highly recommended for those looking for a refreshing and uplifting read.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Precious and Grace?

There are many memorable moments in this book, and poignant reminders of the importance of striving for love and forgiveness as we go about our daily business, whatever that may be.

What about Lisette Lecat’s performance did you like?

She has a beautiful, singsongy way of narrating, and a mastery of the speech of the characters, providing a unique and genuine voice for each one

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

In which they find that the old ways--of recognizing one's kinship to our fellow beings and treating them with respect, love and forgiveness--result in the solving of many cases and problems.

great, as always

This was typically good, but Grace had better watch Herself! she is getting WaY too big for her britches.

My all time favorite series.

When I'm reading about Mma Ramotswe I just feel good. The author infuses the happenings with the gentle ethic of kindness.

A wonderfult series, That is well known.

The traditionally built lady detective of Botswana Mma Precious Remotswe is back for novel #17 in this wonderful series. Joining her is her mechanic husband and proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, their adopted children Motholeli and Puso, her secretary/business partner Grace "97%" Makutsi, ex-apprentice mechanic and current apprentice detective Charlie, mechanic Fanwell, chemist and part time detective and mechanic Mr. Polopetsi, orphan farm matron Mma Portokwane, and of course Grace's long time nemesis Violet Sephotho.

All 17 novels in this glorious light detective series are in my Audible library. Precious and Grace is a wonderful addition. The setting is Gaborone the capital city of the democratic landlocked south African country of Botswana. The novels in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series are as much about the adventures and eccentricity of the various characters as they are about solving mysteries; there are always valuable life lessons learned.

Lisette Lecat narrates all novels in this series in Botswana's speech patters in English. Lecat is very, very good with regional accents.

I highly recommend this book and this series with the understanding that they are more about the foibles of the characters than with high adventure or strong suspense. Author Alexander McCall Smith tells wonderful stories centered around highly developed characters.

No 1 Ladies Detective agency is No 1 to me!!

Another great book in the series I love these characters, they're so endearing. And the sing song nature of the narrative is wonderful.

Always Charming

I like this series of book. Well written, amusing and just a fun listen. The characters are engaging and after this many books, friends.

Sweet, funny, delightful.

I have read every book in this series. The stories are always so entertaining. They are skillfully written with such a sweet, gentle humor, and the characters are engaging and funny. These books by Alexander McCall Smith are a wonderful escape, and the narration by Lisette Lecat is excellent. She is so gifted with accents and voices. I can't recommend this series highly enough.

Keeps getting better

I've loved the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series and this one is excellent. I lol especially in the beginning. Can't wait for the next one!

Gentle humor that made me laugh out loud

Beautifully narrated/performed. This story is quieter and more introspective, as we are often viewing the world from inside the head of Precious Ramotswe, a woman with a strong moral compass and compassionate views.

Yet, as her thoughts churn, and she observes the people around her, there are many humorous moments. I think I burst out laughing about 20 times.

This series makes me feel good while I am listening to one of the books, and the *high* of good feelings lasts me a few days.

Love every book in the series

This series is interesting, offbeat and amusing. And the narrator is so good i only listen to the audio books. I love this!