The Joy and Light Bus Company

No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 22

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

Length: 8 hrs and 8 mins

Publisher's Summary

In this latest installment in the beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Mma Ramotswe is tempted to put the brakes on a business venture before it even gets rolling.

“McCall Smith is a master....There’s beauty and revelation of one kind or another woven expertly into every line.” (The Christian Science Monitor)

Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni attends a course hosted by the local chamber of commerce entitled “Where Is Your Business Going?”. But rather than feeling energized, he comes back in low spirits, unsure how to grow the already venerable and successful Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. Then an old friend from school approaches him about a new business venture that could be just the ticket. When it turns out he will need to mortgage his property in order to pursue this endeavor, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi wonder what this will mean for his current business - as well as their own.

Even as she puzzles over mysteries on the domestic front, Mma Ramotswe’s professional duties must take precedence. When a concerned son learns that his aging father’s nurse now stands to inherit the family home, he begins to doubt her intentions and takes his case to Botswana’s premier detective agency. Fortunately, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are committed agents of justice and agree to investigate.

Tricky as these matters may be, Mma Ramotswe knows that the most creative solutions are often found with the support of loving friends and family. Working together over a cup of red bush tea, she and Mma Makutsi will rely on their tact, humor, and goodwill to ensure that all involved find the happiness that they deserve.  

©2021 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2021 Recorded Books, Inc.

Such a charming story - and a good narrator!

Ah, there is a new narrator in town! When the last “#1 Ladies’” book was recorded, I think we all agreed that the narrator was unlistenable ( I think that is kind, actually ). I was in mourning for Lisette Lecat (I hope she is well in real life). I also was unable to finish that book because of the narration. Hooray for Bianca Amato! I was cautious at first - thinking “an English accent for my Botswana people?” I needn’t have worried, because as soon as she began to read the dialogue, that unique lilt appeared in her voice. Not the same as Miss Lecat, but pretty great to hear.

The story was timely and varied, with some truly laugh out loud moments and plenty of poignant ones. Charming stories that are unlike any other I’ve come across. It’s what has me hooked on this series. I always love it when Precious comes up with her unique solutions to problems, and there’s a great example here.

The Joy is Back!

After listening to the previous book in this series with the worst narrator I've ever heard (replacing Lisette Lecat), my joy in listening to these books was gone. I really missed Ms. Lecat and her wonderful narration. So when this book came out, I was not sure I would even purchase it. But I saw there was a different narrator, so thought I'd give it one more try. What a relief! The joy in listening to these wonderful stories is back! The story is so enjoyable, and Bianca Amato captures the sound and feel of Botswana and does a wonderful job of bringing the characters to life. There will never be another narrator as good as Ms. Lecat, but I must say, Ms. Amato is a very close second! I wrote a strongly negative review of the previous book, so I thought it only fair to write this one to say, it feels safe to return to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency again! Thank you, Recorded Books, for listening to your readers and changing the narrator. You've found a gem in Ms. Amato.

Another 5!

Another lovely book in the series and the narrator, Bianca Amato is perfect. The little plots are compelling without losing the cozy feel of the book.  The characters continue to talk and behave true to form with Precious and J. L. B. Matekoni gaining some texture.  Keep these treasures coming!  (I've read all of the books in order in one form or another since the first one in 1998 - they're still magic. - I recommend reading in order because the characters drive the story.)


A Wonderful Story

Bianca Amato did a lovely job narrating. Though I will miss the familiarity of Lisette Lecat’s voice in AMS’s books, I realize that even the best things in life must change, and I have accepted this. I can tell that Bianca took great care in staying within the integrity of the series and by capturing the essence of the soul of the characters. Well done for her and best wishes to her for future audiobooks.

Great new narrator

I loved listening to this series until that horrible new narrator on How to Raise an Elephant
. I returned that book after only a few pages in because of her.Now I’m thrilled with the new narrator.. If we can’t have Lisette Lecat then Bianca Amato is the next best thing.She’s wonderful and ensures that this series is still a joy to hear!

Delightful

Another delightful story from Alexander McCall Smith. In this story Mma Precious Ramotswe makes incorrect assumptions about several people and then learns she is incorrect. Haven’t we all done that at sometime in our life.

The publisher seems to be hunting for a replacement narrator for Lisette Lecat. I think they have succeeded with the narrator of this book, Bianca Amato. She is from South Africa as is Lecat and has that soft lyrical voice and the same pronunciations of names. I cannot wait for the next AMS story with Amato as narrator.

The book is eight hours and eight minutes. Bianca Amato does an excellent job with the narration.

Best in the series!

I have loved all of the series. I’ve read them as bound books and then listened to them on Audible. This book just seemed like a standout. The new narrator is spectacular. The arc of the novel holds my interest from beginning to end. The characters are all old friends but the new twists in their lives keep me eager to hear more - and that naughty Violet! What will she do next?

a particularly good one

Having read and enjoyed all the books in this series, I found this one particularly satisfying. Better than the previous one.

Only Bad Thing About It Is I Wanted MORE

Excellent book and I have read them all. I just wish it had been longer! There were so many more roads to go down in this book. Sooooo much more he could have done with these characters and plot lines. Well, hopefully we will continue to get more soon. I really didn't like the last books narrator so I was so pleased to hear that they got someone who was right back to the old top notch narration. 5 stars for sure. I just wish it had been double the length because I adored every Precious moment...

Love this series

I hope Alexander McCall Smith never stops writing this series. I have read or listened (via CD or digital) to all if them. There's always good humor, affection, mystery and Botswanan culture. to name a few. The characters now feel like Sisters, Aunties, Uncles and Cousins that I am so happy to vacation with a few days a year. ☺