The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

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.

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)

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.

Smart and simple pleasure to experience

Sometimes the world feels like a dirty and cruel place. A place where people are making self-centered choices.

So, a book like this, where the main character makes good choices while navigating through the same world can brighten the view of humanity. There's hope.

The author writes so simply yet the scenes are set vividly. The narrator is wonderful.

The tone of this book just exudes peace and balance, even though the stories are not of gentle stuff. The world is still dirty and cruel, but because we are gracefully navigated by the author and the narrator's voice, and humanity overcomes evil, the experience is simple, joyful, and heartfelt.

I love this book.