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Good stories, simple truths - people doing the right thing. Ultimately these stories are all about kindness, forgiveness, restitution and resolution. Which in itself is surely a good enough reason to read at least some of this lovely series of books? May 04, Hilary rated it really liked it Shelves: Another lovely slice of Botswana, served as always with Mma Ramotswe's wisdom and philosophy. In this book we see Mma Makutsi come into her own with her new business venture and rise unscathed from a view spoiler [ romance with a man whom she didn't know was married but was being investigated by Mma Ramotswe on suspicion of cheating, under instruction from his wife.
A rival detective agency sets up shop nearby and makes some sexist comments in his advertising about entrusting an investigation to a man! Hackles rise, quite understandably. There is some lovely humour in these parts view spoiler [ but he doesn't have the stamina or intelligence of our favourite ladies so soon Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are rid of the competition.
He is in his library, leaning on a tuba-Lovely! View all 14 comments. Jul 11, Rhonda rated it it was amazing Recommends it for: Just as with all the other books in the Ladies No. Simply put, it makes me want to be in Botswana right now. One of the things I like best about Alexander McCall Smith's writing is the way he develops his characters through their lives and actions and not much in the way of a narrator's analysis. The author seems to feel a great deal of affection for his characters even when they make unwise choices.
These books ar Just as with all the other books in the Ladies No. These books are fresh, unpredictable, and plain ol' addictive. I actually read this one but have listened to the previous ones in the series on audio CD. I'd recommend listening to at least one title in this series to hear the cadence of the names and places. Sep 23, Laura rated it really liked it Shelves: This is a wonderful series I thoroughly enjoy reading. AMS's humor is all over these books, and I'm always chuckling as I'm reading or listening. These characters are real, and for the most part, they are kind people.
The community sticks together and helps each other. It's just what you do, and not even thought of as being especially anything other than human to do for others. This is a series to read when you want to have faith in humankind, when you want to smile, when you want to read about a simpler place and time. Mma Ramotswe is just priceless; we all need to have a Mma Ramotswe or two in our lives.
I want to once again thank Mr.
Alexander McCall Smith for sharing his wisdom, sense of humor, kindness and humanity, as well as his love for Botswana with the world. The world is a better place because of this man and his novels. I love this series so much. In my opinion, it's the best series currently being written. Nothing earthshaking going on, but it's about people who try to do the best they can all the time to help one another.
And it can be pretty funny too. And not at all crude or off-color, but not sickening sweet either. I just love it! I can see why it's internationally loved.
Jul 05, Lauren rated it really liked it Shelves: The novel focuses a great amount on the development of some characters, and leaves others "out to dry", and ultimately strays away from the things that made books 1 and 2 of the series so good: That is not to say that this book does not have any detective cases, but I find the novels have shifted from their original focus.
However, one thing that I did like about this book is the increased role and development of Mma Makutsi. She is a great characters, and until book 3, Mma Makutsi existed in the shadows. I look forward to seeing her develop more in the next books. Yay for this series! I'm glad there are so many. It actually inspired me to read more about Botswana. Here is a nugget from this book: A chance remark, a careless involvement, may make the difference between a life of happiness and one of sorrow.
Aug 16, Stephanie rated it really liked it. My colleague and I have recently groused together that a certain novelist who writes a certain set of trashy novels to which we are both addicted, is such a poor writer that even though the novels are set in Lousiana, when we read the dialogue what we hear in our minds' ears are the voices of people just like us who live in the Pacific Northwest.
And upon reading these admittedly addicting trashy novels, I have no reason to picture the heat and damp and mosquitos with which I know Louisiana must My colleague and I have recently groused together that a certain novelist who writes a certain set of trashy novels to which we are both addicted, is such a poor writer that even though the novels are set in Lousiana, when we read the dialogue what we hear in our minds' ears are the voices of people just like us who live in the Pacific Northwest. And upon reading these admittedly addicting trashy novels, I have no reason to picture the heat and damp and mosquitos with which I know Louisiana must be afflicted, because the author does nothing to help me imagine the setting.
When I read the words on Mr. Smith's pages, I hear the measured lilt of a Botswana accent, and his characters have such rich inner lives that I am able to nod with satisfaction that each is behaving according to his own character. Smith's writing is beautiful and wonderfully evocative; I can imagine the garage, the house, the bush, the little white van, the cattle with their beautiful eyes, and the field with its endless sky. The pace of his story was slow, as measured and lilting as a Botswana voice must surely be, and the story's arc was satisfying. I will read more books in this series.
Feb 04, Robin rated it it was amazing. I just can't seem to get enough of this series. I find it soothing, but not boring. I love the setting and learning more about Botswana. But mostly I love the lifestyle of the main character. I love her simplicity. I love that they live in a non-materialistic world so that the focus is truly on important things.
I love the kindness she shows to everyone. I love the directness and honesty of almost all the characters.
I love the way they greet each other as family and welcome new people into their I just can't seem to get enough of this series. I love the way they greet each other as family and welcome new people into their lives. I love their acceptance of each other and their forgiveness. I love the way she follows her intuition and logic together. I love the way she stays true to the old ways, the respectful ways. They are just a nice, comfortable read. And the ability of the author to maintain quality book after book is impressive.
I love spending time with his characters. Still charming though not enough investigating, which was missing for me. Mma Ramotswe is looking at some photographs with a friend, and she sees a man in one of them, smiling, and asks who it is. Her friend says he is a nice man who stays with them sometimes, and writes books. I'm sure this is the author referencing himself! What I love about these books is that it isn't just some long murder mystery, it's a series of smaller mysteries, human mysteries: It's more real and more human.
There is also the day-to-day drama of their lives: Mma Ramotswe, her fiance, the foster children, their friends.
In this particular book, Mma Makutsi starts a typing school for men, and falls for one of her students, while Mma Ramotswe is busy on a most delicate case indeed. These books have a slow and dreamy quality, but they are quality, and the writin is beautiful and joyous to read. Aug 21, Debbie Young rated it it was amazing. This series is my current comfort-read. A lovely world to escape into for late-night reading, beautifully written, sensitively told. Another solid effort in the No. While the books are very delightful and easy to read, I feel that the author needs to get these ladies involved in much more serious and complicated cases.
So far, most of the cases are cute and involve a lot of moral detecting, but the time has come for Mma. Makutsi to get into some meatier case Another solid effort in the No. Makutsi to get into some meatier cases, especially since Book 4 introduced a new Detective Agency to the town. We also saw the first sparks of love for Mma.
Makusti even though it was short-lived, as she also branches out by opening the Mens Typing School. Makutsi is a great character and almost a more enjoyable one then the lead character Mms Ramotswe.
There is also the day-to-day drama of their lives: For anyone wanting a series of light, likeable, entertaining, funny, absorbing, well written and compelling amateur detective books - with a difference, then the 'No. When I read the words on Mr. This page was last edited on 1 September , at Indian villages are quite similar in their approach and ability to interact with this African country. And the ability of the author to maintain quality book after book is impressive. Everyone has sins on their conscience - but she knows the confession of sin is not what saves the day, but it is in the fixing of the damage that makes it right.
You do not want to miss the one part where they all go to church to support their one apprentice - it is hilarious and is the funniest thing that has been written to date in this series. It is obvious that the author loved Botswana and has transferred that love onto his main character Mma. And as in all the prior books, by the end all the cases and moral dilemmas are resolved by the end of the book and we are left with only one question?
Matekoni going to be married??? That is the biggest unsolved mystery that has yet to be finalized! Mar 24, Laura rated it really liked it Shelves: Entrust your inquiries to a MAN! This one has a couple of bittersweet storylines that pulled at my sympathies — the trusty assistant Mma Makutsi starts her own business and becomes involved in a bit of an intrigue, and Mma Ramatswe has a client who needs help rectifying a past sin.
Feb 05, Liz added it. Still loving the series! Aug 30, Netta rated it really liked it. The Satisfaction Guaranteed Detective Agency has opened across town, and it is drawing attention. It is worrisome that a man of such credentials has opened a detective business in the small town in Botswana, a country of 2 million people. Ramotswe is not The Satisfaction Guaranteed Detective Agency has opened across town, and it is drawing attention.
Ramotswe is not really earning enough to stay in business, but she and Makutsi have already helped so many people, earning trust and good will. Matekobi, proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, she maintains a very clean and inviting office in the back of Matekobi's garage and keeps her doors open with enough clients that there is much mutual advantage for all. However, there is not enough cash being earned. Perhaps she should push Matekobi to get married at last? Her two foster children are a worry as well, especially Puso, the boy.
He killed a hoopoe with a stone, and he is unaccountably sullen and angry.
The Kalahari Typing School for Men is the fourth in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series of novels by Alexander McCall Smith, set in Gaborone, Botswana, and featuring the Motswana protagonist Precious Ramotswe. Contents. 1 Plot summary; 2 Chapters; 3 Reception; 4 References Publisher, Polygon Books. donnsboatshop.com: The Kalahari Typing School for Men (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 4) (): Alexander McCall Smith: Books. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series and its proprietor, Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's premier.
Could it be something at school? She makes a note to herself to visit with the orphanage and Mma Potokwani and get advice.
Mma Makutsi has started a third job for herself. Besides being Mma Ramotswe's assistant and also Matekobi's assistant in the garage, she opens a typing school for men. It is going very well, and one of the men has taken a personal interest in her! The problem is Mma Ramotswe has learned from one of her clients that the gentleman is hiding a very important fact about his availability for marriage - he has a wife. The problems seem without solutions unless Mma Ramotswe can find a way for everyone to save face with minimum harm - it is unthinkable to her to cause unnecessary pain.
Everyone has sins on their conscience - but she knows the confession of sin is not what saves the day, but it is in the fixing of the damage that makes it right. Aug 22, Patty Fitzgerald rated it really liked it. A couple summers ago, I began a tradition of reading one book in the series during my annual beach vacation. This one is the fourth book, and I think it's the best since the original. The author is masterful at conveying a sense of charm without allow it to feel "precious" no pun intended with regard to the lead character.
I have never been to Botswana, but there is something about both the narrative a My bookclub discovered The Number One Ladies Detective Agency in , and we just loved it. I have never been to Botswana, but there is something about both the narrative and dialgoe that I am utterly convinced that it's an authentic treatment. The books feel light and airy when it comes to the "action," and yet have a depth and subtlety that is easy to overlook but feeds the literary soul.
This one even had a "twist" that completely caught me off-guard and had me turning the pages with anxiety as to how things would turn out for the characters. If you haven't yet, give this series a try--and check out the HBO series, which is wonderful and completely faithful to the books available on Netflix. After reading the No. They're very quick reads - I read 2 and part-of-a-third in one day.
They're very entertaining, charming, and compulsively readable. Although marketed as mysteries; they're not, really. Rather they follow Mma Ramotswe and those around her through their daily lives - it's almost besides-the-point that the business she runs is a detective agency. The stories a After reading the No. The stories are suffused with McCall-Smith's obvious sincere love of Africa where he grew up , and the reader feels that a genuine window has opened up into the lives and mindsets of ordinary Africans.
I don't agree with many aspects of Precious Ramotswe's view on the world, and I probably wouldn't get along with her in real life - but these books made me feel like I might understand people like her more than before. They're so relentlessly cozy. On the one hand, it's a celebration of the spirit of the people of Botswana and their love of their homeland It's not just larger social issues: I can't decide if it's a detriment or a positive asset to the books.
In 'The Kalahari Typing School for Men,' Mma Makutsi opens her own side business - teching typing to men who might find office skills useful, but might be embarrased to go to a secretarial class poopulated by women. She also has a hope of meeting a nice man Meanwhile, one of Mr.
JLB Maketoni's lazy apprentices has a religious conversion, the orphaned foster children deal with emotional issues, and the detective agency has to deal with a new problem - competion from a rival business.
Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe handles the case of how to deal with a man who is guilty over having treated his first girlfriend poorly, many years ago. Sep 02, Matt rated it really liked it. These are pretty much perfect airplane books. Not only is Mr J. Matekoni attempting to reform himself into a modern husband, but after her marriage to Phuti Radiphuti, Mma Ramotswe's challenging but irreplaceable associate Mma Makutsi has joyful news. With the arrival of an heir to the Double Comfort furniture empire and Mma Makutsi busy with motherhood, Mma Ramotswe must tackle tea-making and detective work alone.
Well-known troublemaker Violet Sephotho may or not be behind a smear campaign against the Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon, and a dispute over the will of a local dignitary points to a shocking family secret. Clover has loved James for as long as she can remember, since before she knew what what love was. But fate seems determined to keep them apart. As children, Clover and James played beside a turquoise sea under cloudless skies, their Caribbean island home a place of pleasure and privilege, of lush lawns and tennis parties. In such a paradise nothing should obstruct the kind of happiness Clover dreams of, except that, as she discovers, true love is often harder than paradise allows for.
And when Clover's mother falls out of love with her husband, a web of complications is woven that may take Clover a lifetime to unravel. If she ever can. Tender and true, The Forever Girl traces love's unpredictable path to maturity with style, wit and feeling. In this delicious short collection to celebrate the fifteenth anniversary of the international phenomenon The No.
And when the Ladies' Club of Gaborone invites Mma Ramotswe as their keynote speaker, she reaches some thought-provoking conclusions about the problems - or otherwise - of ladies and men. Also features reflections from the author on his much-loved series. As a mother, wife, employer and editor of the Review of Applied Ethics, Isabel Dalhousie is aware that to be human is to be responsible. So when a neighbour brings her a new and potentially dangerous puzzle to solve, once again Isabel feels she has no option but to shoulder the burden.
A masterpiece painting has been stolen from Duncan Munrowe, old-fashioned philanthropist, father to two discontented children, and a very wealthy man. As Isabel enters into negotiations with the shadowy figures who are in search of a ransom, a case where heroes and villains should be clearly defined turns murky: Morals, it turns out, are like Scottish clouds: Fortunately for those around her, Isabel Dalhousie is in possession of all three.
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The Colours of all the Cattle Details. The Cleverness Of Ladies Details. The Slice of No. She is the reader for all five Mma Ramotswe audiobooks. Mma Ramotswe's methods - and her results - are as unusual as the novels they inhabit. McCall Smith is a careful, emblematic writer who is beyond gifted, he is a natural storyteller.