My favorite quote of all time from these books ....


"Traditional Botswana men like ladies who are more traditionally shaped. You and I, Mma. We remind men of how things used to be in Botswana before these modern-shaped ladies started to get men all confused."

Love it and the sweet characters in this book - something so happy and comfortable to read.

Why do I keep reading these? This series is like being at a family reunion, and you’re stuck listening to your relatives talking all around you. It’s so boring, but you can’t just leave!

I'm still in love with this series!

I love this series so very much. So poignant. So many wonderful ideas to chew on and ponder. Beautifully written. Don't let's its simplicity fool you... there is great depth here.

One of the best parts of  Alexander McCall Smith’s series is that each book improves in terms of character definition and advancing the plot. Book 5 integrates Precious Ramotswe with the other characters in a more realistic and intriguing way. The author hints at the distinctions we must draw between manipulation and persuasion (in the character of Mma Potokwane), fear and caution (with Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s never-ending engagement to Mma Ramotswe), and speaking one’s mind and biting one’s tongue (aptly expressed in the character of Mma Makutsi.)
tFans of the series who may by this time be frustrated with a lack of resolution to certain issues, will be slightly pacified in this book. McCall Smith highlights some of the more minor, yet regular, characters, filing out the world of Mma Ramotswe’s Botswana. This book manages to be endearing without the sense of condescension that some complain about with the first book. By Book 3, the author seems to have pulled up his proverbial chair and can now dialogue comfortably with his characters. The Full Cupboard of Life continues this trend and promises to bring the story to an enriching and delightful end in the final two books of the series.

Amusing yet slightly predictable. Perhaps it's the right moment to take a break from Mma Ramotswe agency which is only short from becoming matrimonial. I'll be back for more.

Anytime you have been involved with reading that is heavy or depressing an excellent way to take a break is to visit Botswana and Precious Ramotswe. This is the fifth of McCall Smith's series and an excellent read.

This is another great one by Alexander Mccall Smith. I love this series of charming , laid back stories set in Botswana. They are beautiful , take me to the beautiful setting in Africa and puts my mind at ease. I can see myself sitting under a big acacia tree , sipping bush tea:)

In this one ,Mma Ramotswe manages to persuade Charlie , the apprentice at speedy motors to make a parachute jump in place of Mr J L B Matekoni who is terrified to do it himself , but has given a word. At the same time she makes Mr Matekoni believe that it was his own decision to let Charlie have that opportunity .
She says to Mma Makutsi,
"We have to let men think that the decision is theirs .Wait for a right moment and find a chance to say something very small. But it will have to be done carefully , and he will think that he has changed his mind." :) love it . Absolutely wonderful! Hats off to Mma Ramotswe and Alexander Mccall Smith!

I´ve read these all because they are absolutely charming, laid-back atmosphere stories. McCall Smith is one of those who have a rare ability to write as if he was a woman. His stories influenced me to become a regular rooibos drinker.

Fun look into day to day life in Botswana. No idea if it is true and it is fluffy but so much fun. This was the third book gifted to me during COVID 19....and I think my favourite because it was so unique. Again, this is the fifth book in a series, so I’m looking forward to finding the earlier ones.

Another enjoyable read about Mma Ramatswe and the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency. There are several delightful stories woven into the novel including a wealthy woman who wants Mma Ramotswe to vet the four men who offering marriage but she cannot tell which of them wants her money and which is in love with her; Mr. JLB Matekoni finds himself committed to a parachute jump for charity; Mma Makutsi decides to move to a larger house; and the resolution of the long engagement of JBL and Precious Ramatswe.

I didn't like this one as much as the previous ones. Stories are starting to sound formulaic and the philosophy is getting too obvious -- I hate it when the author feels the need to say "and the moral of the story is ..." or the equivalent.