Reviews
"Forgiveness and generosity, she ultimately concludes, are the answer to most of life's ills. Which may explain the longevity of the series. Precious Ramotswe's adventures, as inconsequential as they may seem, do not so much offer an escape from life's woes as a suggestion for how to make the whole deal more palatable--fragility, fruit cake, and all." -- The Boston Globe "Deep into a series, it's not unusual for the characters or plots to lose their luster, but that's not the case with this series. McCall Smith's thoughtful observations on life and human nature, as well as his distinctive writing style and gentle humor, make this volume as enjoyable as the ones that have come before." -- The Wichita Eagle "A particularly endearing entry in the long-running series, which has lost none of its gentleness or its love for Botswana, of which McCall Smith clearly has fond memories." -- The Christian Science Monitor "When you are in the company of Mma Ramotswe, you know that, despite the clamor and chaos that passes for modern life, somewhere out there, all is right with the world." -- BookReporter "They're leisurely, wonderfully crafted descriptions of life in the agency and at home, the beauties of Botswana, and the joys, big and small, of life. This latest [novel] is, especially, a tribute to enduring friendship." -- Booklist (starred review), Praise for the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series "Enchanting . . . An inspiration to us all . . . The sweet, chuckling voice of Precious Ramotswe falls gentle on the ear." --The New York Times Book Review "In Mma Ramotswe, McCall Smith minted one of the most memorable heroines in any modern fiction." --Newsweek "McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan customs and culture . . . Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will endure." --The Plain Dealer "The pleasure of these sweet books lies in the clarity and gravity with which the characters reason through everyday dilemmas." --Entertainment Weekly "McCall Smith's accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities." --Newsday "McCall Smith is a master . . . There's beauty and revelation of one kind or another woven expertly into every line." --Christian Science Monitor, "They're leisurely, wonderfully crafted descriptions of life in the agency and at home, the beauties of Botswana, and the joys, big and small, of life. This latest [novel] is, especially, a tribute to enduring friendship." -- Booklist (starred review) Praise for the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series "Enchanting . . . An inspiration to us all . . . The sweet, chuckling voice of Precious Ramotswe falls gentle on the ear." --The New York Times Book Review "In Mma Ramotswe, McCall Smith minted one of the most memorable heroines in any modern fiction." --Newsweek "McCall Smith is a vivid observer and an elegant writer, honoring Botswanan customs and culture . . . Like the best traditions, this series is one we hope will endure." --The Plain Dealer "The pleasure of these sweet books lies in the clarity and gravity with which the characters reason through everyday dilemmas." --Entertainment Weekly "McCall Smith's accomplished novels [are] dependent on small gestures redolent with meaning and main characters blessed with pleasing personalities." --Newsday "McCall Smith is a master . . . There's beauty and revelation of one kind or another woven expertly into every line." --Christian Science Monitor
