Audible version: As I say every time I read one of these, I love how sweet these are - and not in the sappy way. There are misunderstandings and arguments, mysteries and a bit of suspense (not the scary kind), and wisdom sprinkled throughout. I have started listening to them at night before I go to bed and now in the middle of the night when I wake up and can't fall back to sleep (stupid perimenopause). Liesette Lecat's sooting voice is perfect fot gentle storytelling, and I recently read that listening to stories helps you fall asleep and sleep better. Stands to reason. Parents have been reading to children for how long now, and why would we deny ourselves such a treat just because we are supposedly all grown up?

I really enjoyed this book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. In this book, Mma Ramotswe looks into superstitious happenings at a local safari, blackmailing and government theft at the University, and a doctor who seems to be doing something wrong with his patients. That and a new pair of blue shoes. Such charm in Botswana...

It all felt too condescending knowing that it was written by an old white man. These people and their lives and thoughts are oversimplified.

Another soothing step in the saga of Precious Ramotswe. I laughed out loud at one particular part and enjoyed a few subtly humorous dialogue exchanges. There are lots of similarities in this to alll the other books in this series, but I find Botswana's pace of life has a calming effect on mine.

For those who have read the earlier books, Blue Shoes and Happiness will strike most as the best balanced and most rewarding book in this delightful series. The story has animal tales (one involving a cobra), several mysteries to resolve, challenges in Mma Makutsi's engagement, a detection training opportunity for Mr Polopetsi, more challenges with Mr J.L.B. Matekoni's apprentices, decisive purchases by Mr J.L.B. Matekoni and Mma Makutsi, and many reflections on the true nature of happiness by Precious Ramotswe. In particular, the story does a fine job of contrasting the older ways in Botswana with the newer, selfish ways.

This book developed the characters more than most books in the series have done. Dr. Smith uses both dialogue and action well to help us appreciate who these characters are. I thought that the mysteries were nicely rewarding. The solutions were not obvious (except in retrospect) and helped tie the overall themes of the book together. I have to believe that this book was influenced, in part, by readers' love of seeing Precious detect in the context of the truly unique setting of Botswana.

Scotsman author Alexander McCall Smith writes with warmth, dry humor, depictions of life in Botswana, and simple truths. Smith does an Excellent job focusing on human relations... a great read!

Even if the shoes are too small - if they bring you happiness, go forth.

An interesting story about blue shoes and diets. Mma Ramotswe is slightly concerned about her weight after several people have mentioned health implications. Since this is a problem many people face, this book reflects the attitude of 'tradionally built' women, including Mma Potokwane, who continues her interfering ways. Of course, she does speak up for Mr. Matekoni, but the reader has to wonder if it was only so she could acquire his old chair!

Mma Makutsi experiences two crises, one dealing with her fiance, and the other with a pair of too-small blue shoes. She does a good job handling both. This book is another charming look at life in Botswana.

I loved it!
The gentleness with which Mm Ramotswe approaches life, her quiet wisdom and the captivating way in which the author portrays life in Botswana is a breath of fresh air.

Another chapter in an exquisite series. In this one, I was struck by the author's insight into the male-female relationship, with startling perceptivity of both. The marvelous description of the emotion of dread, and the nature of evil, both felt or intuited, not reasoned. The joyous depiction of Botswana and her people, and Mma Ramotswe's delight in living there. The problem with diets (they lead to lies and misery). The laugh-out-loud funny parts (the motto of the Botswana Secretarial College being displayed proudly on the front door as "Be Acurate"). I realize this review has nothing to do with plot, characters or dialogue, which I usually address with gusto, but although all three are strong here, this is a book, and a series, that is enjoyable for so many other reasons.

Another enjoyable adventure with the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Please keep them coming Alexander McCall Smith.

smooth writing style, and I like how the detectives solve problems that are more realistic to what we may face in everyday life, and I found it a better turn from the typical detective story which involves the untrained civilian confronting a large dangerous criminal

It has the usual set of cases to be solved peppered with humour. I loved the changes and progress in the friendship between Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. Alexander McCall Smith keeps Mma Ramotswe's love for Bostwana and her daddy Obed Ramostwe alive and thriving. It's repetitive, yet fresh and enjoyable.