The House of Unexpected Sisters

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are approached by their part-time colleague, Mr. Polopetsi, with a troubling story: A woman, accused of being rude to a valued customer, has been wrongly dismissed from her job at an office furniture store. Never one to let an act of injustice go unanswered, Mma Ramotswe begins to investigate but soon discovers unexpected information that causes her to reluctantly change her views about the case.

Other surprises await our intrepid proprietress in the course of her inquiries. Mma Ramotswe is puzzled when she happens to hear of a local nurse named Mingie Ramotswe. She thought she knew everybody by the name of Ramotswe and that they were all related. Who is this mystery lady? Then she is alerted by Mma Potokwani that an unpleasant figure from her past has recently been spotted in town. Mma Ramotswe does her best to avoid the man, but it seems that he may have returned to Botswana specifically to seek her out. What could he want from her?

With the generosity and good humor that guide all her endeavors, Mma Ramotswe will untangle these questions for herself and for her loved ones, ultimately bringing to light important truths about friendship and family - both the one you're born with and the one you choose.

©2017 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2017 Recorded Books

Another Charming, Poignant Tale of Beloved Botswana

If you are a fan of The Number One Agency stories, this is one of the best. A wistful tale with subtle twists; with moments of sadness and conflict; and featuring the characters one cares much about in spite of—or due to —their flaws. It is magnificently read by a women who now has given me the correct pronunciation for the family names and villages in Botswana. I am a Midwesterner, so at first it was a bit distracting since her enunciation and pacing was so different than I heard it in my head. But as I became accustomed to it, it was another beautiful lullaby as he pacing and unfolding of the story itself. I loved hearing this book. And I especially applaud the actor behind the new voice in my head.

Entertaining and comforting story

There is something about this storyline, no exciting reveals or surprises but so easy to listen to. It’s a slow read/listen but you are still drawn in. I find this series very comforting.

Series is great

I have been a fan of A McCall Smith a very long time and enjoy almost all of his Novels. This one doesn’t disappoint. One can feel the love he has for Africa in the #1 Ladies Detective Agency Series and for these remarkable characters.

I loved this one!

I finished it way too soon. All the characters are present, and there is a lot of interesting interaction!

completely delightful

Where does The House of Unexpected Sisters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Once again, Alexander McCall Smith delights with his ladies detective agency series. His characters are gently humorous but very wise and kind. He writes with seeming simplicity, but so skillfully that you can almost smell the dust and hear the sounds of Botswana. The Ladies Detective Agency stories are always a treat.

What about Lisette Lecat’s performance did you like?

Lisette Lecat is an amazing narrator. Her interpretation exactly fits the tone and tempo of the book. She is talented in conveying emotion and personalities, and her mild use of dialect imparts the sense of the characters without being difficult to understand, nor does it become tiresome.

Any additional comments?

The Ladies Detective Agency books always end happily, with satisfactory outcomes, but always with surprising twists. The kindness and wisdom of Precious, and the integrity of "traditional Botswanian values" always lift my spirit.