The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 16

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh

Length: 7 hrs and 35 mins

Publisher's summary

The latest instalment of the beloved and best-selling series - as endearing and delectable as ever!

Business is slow at the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, so at Mma Makutsi’s suggestion, Mma Ramotswe is persuaded to take her first-ever holiday. But just as she’s about to depart, a new client arrives: a young woman whose father was considered a hero in Botswana but whose reputation is now being called into question.

Mma Ramotswe almost cancels her trip, but Mma Makutsi is adamant that she and Charlie have the situation in hand. Precious can’t relax, however, if she doesn’t know what’s going on at the agency, so she enlists Charlie to be her eyes and ears while she’s away. But Charlie may not be an altogether reliable emissary, particularly with much of his attention devoted to his newly adopted dog.

In the end it’s an investigation that will affect everyone at the agency and a reminder for us all that ordinary human failings should be treated with a large helping of charity and compassion.

©2015 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2015 Bolinda

Critic reviews

"Enchanting.... An inspiration to us all.... The sweet, chuckling voice of Precious Ramotswe falls gentle on the ear." ( The New York Times Book Review)

A story with a heart in Botswana

I find this whole series wonderful. The characters are finely drawn, full of heart and humour. It is best to read this series in order, as there is progression in the way the main characters are introduced and relate to one another, but each book can stand alone and no background knowledge is required.
In this book Mma Ramotswe takes a holiday. She is not sure if she wants a holiday. What will she do with all her free time? Reorganise the grocery cupboard? Gossip with the other "ladies of leasure"? Can she trust Mma Makutsi do handle the agency's investigations properly? And can she stay away from solving mysteries?
Rest assured that anything that Mma Ramotswe decides to do will interest and entertain you. I found myself relating to everything, even to the grocery cupboard.
I must also add that the narrator is absolutely superb. Her accents are just right, never exaggerated or patronising, and the characters are clear and distinct.

Unmasked

Are there no limits to human failing? Alexander McCall Smith in "The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine" dishes out extraordinary plots that even twist the minds of experienced detective trying to unravel the truth. This is one of those books you keep a little longer to so you may revisit....just to make sure you got it all right. A gem.

Deceptively subtle

The author never disappoints despite writing about totally different cultures honestly but sympathetically. He seems to be able in what may be parts of a conversation transport the reader from the dusty streets of Botswana to the old and rarefied world of Edinburgh st.