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The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

On sale

19th January 2023

Price: £9.99

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Selected: Paperback / ISBN-13: 9780349116754

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The first book in the multi-million copy bestselling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series



The one where it all begins


Mma Ramotswe is the proud proprietor of the finest ladies’ detective agency in all Botswana (also the only one). She spends her time, with a cup of redbush tea beneath the acacia tree, waiting for clients. When they come along, whether it is to enquire after a missing spouse or check the identity of a long-lost father, it is not The Principles of Private Detection that helps her to solve cases but old-fashioned common sense and a warm-hearted understanding of the fallibility of human nature – especially that of men.

‘Among the greatest comfort-reads of all time’ Sunday Times

‘Jolly and exhilarating’ Sunday Telegraph


‘The Miss Marple of Botswana’ New York Times Book Review


‘A publishing phenomenon’ Guardian

Reviews

Sunday Times
Among the greatest comfort-reads of all time
Sunday Telegraph
I haven't read anything with such alloyed pleasure for a long time
20 Best Books to Boost Your Brain and Mood, The Times
Precious Ramotswe is so kind, wise and good, and Alexander McCall Smith such a charming and elegant writer... you could read 300 pages of her simply stirring a pumpkin stew and gazing out benevolently at the sandy road in front of her Botswana porch and feel happy
Scotsman
A small slice of heaven
Sunday Times
Hugely enjoyable
Guardian
A publishing phenomenon
Newsweek
One of the most memorable heroines in any modern fiction
Daily Telegraph
A rare pleasure
New York Times Book Review
The Miss Marple of Botswana
Scotsman
Immersing yourself in Precious Ramotswe's life seems to slow your heart rate while sharpening your senses
Independent
A unique setting and range of characters... the vivid descriptions of Botswana means it becomes, in essence, another character... A lovely read with a gentle pace that will transport you to a whole other world
Daily Mail
Full of warmth, fun, heat and dust