Customer Reviews

The Miracle at Speedy Motors (Wheeler Hardcover)

5 star:		(82)
4 star:		(36)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

Precoius Ramotswe is back, and Alexander McCall Smith has written another good installment in the Number One Ladies Detective Agency.

While it isn't the best in the series that I have read, it still has a number of the features which I think makes this series so compelling. The complex relationships, the gentle humour, the rather small issues that the Number One detective Agency has to solve, but they are all set against larger themes such as traditional life in Botswana and other broader issues of life in an Africa Country.

There are a number of things for Mma Ramotswe to solve. Her paid case in this installment is to find a woman's family. She does not know who they are or even if they are, she is just sure she was adopted and wants to find out if she has any family. However - first and foremost are the nasty letters which the agency is receiving, threatening and personal. Then there is her adopted daughter who is in a wheelchair. Mr J L B Matekoni has met a doctor who says he can heal her and is determined to try no matter what the cost.

Mma Makutsi's wedding date has not been set, and she is privately worried. It is affecting her work and when she takes a morning off, distracted, Mma Ramotswe is forced to wonder just what will happen when Mma Makutsi gets married...will she leave the agency? will she demand to be made more than associate detective?

Luckily, or unluckily Mma Makutsi has a disaster with a piece of furniture and her reliance on Mma Ramotswe is confirmed!

All these 'disasters' are affecting life at the Number one ladies detective agency, especially when it seems that one of their own may be perpetrating the nasty letters. Luckily it is the Apprentice Charlie who saves the day discovering the culprit which results in a hilarious chase through the local supermarket.

This series really is wonderful. The small things in life, such as rain, cattle, new shoes, furniture, a filing cabinet which is locked - they fill the integral plot keys to a larger life.

While this novel was warm and friendly, I just enjoyed others more. However I would still highly recommend this book. My favourite so far, I think, was the Kalahari Typing School for Men - but they are really all wonderful reading!

In this ninth novel in the Alexander McCall Smith series, Precious Ramotswe, the "traditionally built" proprietor of the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Gaborone, Botswana, receives a threatening letter: "Fat lady: you watch out! And you too, the one with the big glasses." Mma Ramotswe and her assistant, Grace Makutsi, of the big glasses, are startled by this letter, and Mma Ramotswe even begins to believe that she is being followed. As the two women deal with their business and their lives, the letter haunts them--it is so uncharacteristic of the gentle, sweet-spirited life of Botswana, a place where, in Mma Ramotswe's experience, almost any problem can be worked out over a cup of bush tea.

Continuing the stories of Mma Ramotswe and those around her, this novel, like its predecessors, contains a mystery or two, along with many episodes of daily life which develop the characters further, quietly teach a few lessons, and show how humor and polite behavior can improve even the worst of situations. The central mystery of the novel is uncomplicated. A woman has come to Mma Ramotswe because she believes that she is not the daughter of her late "mother," and she wants Mma Ramotswe to find her birth family.

Subplots galore keep the stories flowing. The fuss-budget-y Grace Makutsi, who is engaged to marry a wealthy furniture seller, picks out an elaborate bed which she and her husband will occupy after they are married. When she has it delivered to her house, the bed precipitates a disaster. At the same time, Mma Ramotswe begins to suspect that one of the employees of Speedy Motors, the auto repair shop run by her honest and honorable husband, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, is the author of the threatening letter. When Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni meets a doctor who convinces him that their wheelchair-bound daughter Motholeli might be able to walk again, he will to stop at nothing--not even the doctor's enormous fee--to help her.

More a series of short episodes in the life of Mma Ramotswe than a mystery in the traditional sense, the novel creates a warm, feel-good atmosphere which provides a respite from the insistent realism of other contemporary detective stories, and ultimately, the "miracle" of Speedy Motors becomes obvious. Escape reading of the highest order, the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency series features characters who feel familiar, make us love them, and inspire us to obey our best instincts. (5 stars for character, 3 for plot) n Mary Whipple

In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency)
The Full Cupboard of Life (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 5)
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency)
Blue Shoes and Happiness (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 7)

This is as brilliant a book as ever in the series, and shows a writer very much still at the height of his creative powers. While some might think one overarching mystery might be important, I think that that misses the point of a novel like this - the wonderful pace. As a leading London lawyer told me, the great things about these novels is that they are SLOW: the pace is leisurely and they induce a wonderful sense of calm in the reader. This is why they are so popular and it is what makes them so readable - all that, of course, as well as the superb sense of place you get in these novels, their magnificent evocation of the African atmosphere from someone who was born and raised in the area and the totally brilliant sense of characterisation that makes them so real.

It is a shame that people tend only to read one of the many McCall Smith series. You can tell what a wonderful evocation of character he has by, for example, comparing his characterisation in both these novels and in his 44 Scotland Street series, where all the characters are equally well drawn. (One can do the same with others: for example the Isabel Dalhousie series and those of the Portuguese Irregular Verbs). The over-ambitious mother Isabel in 44 Scotland Street and Mma Makutsi in this novel: both are magnificent portrayals of highly memorable characters and show that McCall Smith is one of the true great writers of our time.

So buy this book, give it to all your friends and then buy at least one of the other series as well: you don't have to be in Botswana to enjoy this series, for example, and you don't have to be in Edinburgh to enjoy some of his others.

Christopher Catherwood (author of CHURCHILL'S FOLLY: HOW WINSTON CHURCHILL CREATED MODERN IRAQ and joint author of THE MERCHANTS OF FEAR).

We are not content; in a world where everything must be improved, be it one's appearance, assets, occupation, or home, McCall Smith has found a winning theme in the search for contentment. His characters live in modest circumstances and the skill of the author is evident in his ability to draw compelling characters dealing with typical but real moral dilemmas. What distinguishes this series is the deft manner whereby the author illustrates the process of overcoming personal weaknesses to find true satisfaction; that satisfaction and joy are found in selfless acts and appreciation for such gifts as life provides.

Precious few novels manage to hit the truths of life so squarely as this series. In these books the reader is taught that the living of a moral life is the way to be truly free. By this volume of the series the reader is well acquainted with the characters and it is a measure of the richness of the writing that Mr. Smith can draw such a wealth of lessons from such seemingly ordinary persons and encounters.

The series is about a detective agency and ostensibly about the solving of mysteries. But the only real mystery with which the author is really concerned is the search for happiness. Contentment, he persuasively argues, is to be found in the living of a decent and moral life. The familiar characters of this series are called upon in this volume to make sacrifices and find that in so doing they gain far more than they lose. In a world that cannot seem to find satisfaction, the world created by this author is one to which I gladly return as often as possible.

Highly Recommended

The ninth book in the series brings both woes and wisdom for the ladies of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. This time there are only two clients with cases to solve, but the domestic affairs of Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi take centre stage.

Mma Makutsi and her splendidly named fiancé Phuti Radiphuti are closer than ever to setting a date for the wedding, but when she picks out a snazzy new bed with red hearts on the headboard, she gets more heartache than she bargained for.

Mma Ramotswe is concerned over the growing outspokenness and self-confidence of Mma Makutsi, who after all, is soon to be married to the owner of a thriving furniture store, but she can't stop to dwell on the situation, because her own husband Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has been talked into spending a fortune on a miracle cure for their daughter.

As far as the cases go, Mma Ramotswe has to find the family of a client who doesn't know her own real name, her birthday, or even if she has any family at all. Mma Makutsi's case is to find out whether a tenant is pulling a fast one on his landlord. At the same time, both ladies are trying to solve the mystery of the menacing letters.

After lots of awkward moments due to wrong conclusions, mistaken beliefs, incorrect information and erroneous assumptions, the ladies realize that the best road to happiness is to be true to yourself, honest to others, and to recognize the everyday miracles that we often take for granted.

For those now starting the series, the titles so far are:

The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency
Tears of the Giraffe
Morality for Beautiful Girls
The Kalahari Typing School for Men
The Full Cupboard of Life
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
Blue Shoes and Happiness
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive
The Miracle at Speedy Motors

Easy to read, and overflowing with the gracious charm of its traditionally built central character, this series is ideal for people on the go who need a couple of hours to get away from it all. Chatty, relaxing and familiar, make sure you save some time to kick back with a cup of tea and the ladies of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Amanda Richards, May 3, 2008

Alexander McCall Smith's latest Precious Ramotswe novel, "The Miracle at Speedy Motors," once again celebrates the everyday blessings that too many of us tend to take for granted: the love of our friends and relatives, our good health, the beauty of one's native land, and the gratification that comes from doing our work well. Mma Ramotswe presides over the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Gaborone, Botswana. Her associate is the blunt Grace Makutski, who never fails to mention her score of ninety-seven percent on her final exams at the Botswana Secretarial College. Grace can be smug and patronizing, particularly when she addresses Charlie, the perpetually irritating apprentice of Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni. Mr. Matekoni is Mma Ramotswe's sweet-natured and compassionate husband as well as the proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, where the detective agency occupies a small office. As always, Mma Ramotswe frequently quotes her hero, Clovis Anderson, who wrote "The Principles of Private Detection." This treasured book is the source of much of Mma Ramotswe's practical wisdom. As she drinks her refreshing morning cup of red bush tea, Mma Ramotswe ponders the case of an orphan, Manka Sebina, who wants to find out if she has any living relatives.

Another matter that gives Precious pause is her receipt of a series of anonymous letters that are both insulting and vaguely threatening. Could the reserved Mr. Polopetsi, the general assistant at the garage and their occasional helper at the agency, be the source of the disturbing missives? Another subplot deals with the purchase of a beautiful bed with a heart-shaped headboard by Grace's fiancé, the kind gentleman, Phuti Radiphuti. Alas, the furniture brings Grace anguish instead of joy.

This novel has vivid and nicely delineated characters: Grace Makutsi is still ambitious and has an exalted opinion of her abilities. She prides herself on her organizational skills: "A tidy office is an efficient office," she intones. Mma Potokwane, matron of the orphan farm, is a gold mine of information and the source of delicious fruit cakes that she barters for Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni's assistance around the orphan farm. Mr. Matekoni is often called upon to repair an old water pump, a bus, a tractor, and other broken down pieces of machinery.

Mr. Matekoni and Mma Ramotswe share a house on Zebra Drive with their two foster children, a boy and girl named Puso and Motholeli. Puso is sometimes insecure and angry about his lot in life, and although Motholeli is confined to a wheel chair as a result of "transverse myelitis of the spinal cord," she has a generally upbeat personality. Although Motholeli's condition has been considered incurable until now, Mr. Matekoni learns that there is a doctor in Johannesberg who, against all odds, might enable his daughter to walk.

"The Miracle at Speedy Motors" is an amusing, touching, and gentle look at ordinary people who crave a meaningful connection with others and a purpose to their existence. There is a nostalgic bent to McCall Smith's tribute to those dearly departed who are still with us in spirit, even after they become "late" (Botswanan vernacular for having passed away). I never fail to sigh when Precious longingly remembers her beloved father, Obed Ramotswe, whom everyone respected. "He was a very good man," she says. "He loved his cattle. He loved his country." Even such a seemingly small matter as seasonal rains takes on great significance in the parched land of Botswana. Rain is a boon for the people, animals, and the dried out crops, and when it comes, everyone cheers. After all is said and done, Mma Ramotswe recognizes that some problems can be solved and others are beyond repair, "but the holding of hands, human hand in human hand, could help, could make the world seem less broken." What a lovely sentiment, so perfectly expressed.

Fans of Alexander McCall Smith's 'Ladies Detective Agency' series are sure to enjoy this latest offering. I just love the series. The author has a talent for making you feel right at home in Gabarone, Botswana, with Mma Ramotswe, Mr J.L.P. Matekoni, Mma Makutsi and the other colourful characters in the novels. Crossing continents is not a problem as McCall Smith brings these characters to life in a wonderfully vivid way.

With touches of understated comic irony, the books are a delightful light-hearted read. Watch out for the moral elements - Mma Ramotswe spends a lot of her time philosophising on life, and the good old days in particular when morals were better, young people were more polite, there was more respect in society and, of course, there were more 'traditionally built' women too!... but her moments of reflection just add to the charm of this series!

In 'The Miracle at Speedy Motors', Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi (newly promoted to 'Associate' Detective (!) have some serious detective work to deal with, including a nasty piece of malicious mail directed at the agency ("Fat Lady Watch Out"!)and a lady who has requested that the detectives find her some relatives... Mr J.L.B. Matekoni is hoping for a miracle for Motholeli; Mma Makutsi has some life crises of her own - should she tell her fiance about the fiasco with the bed?; Will Mma Makutsi and young Charlie, the apprentice finally see eye-to-eye?!; and we hear a bit more about Mma Ramotswe and Mr J. L. B. Matekoni's fostered children, Motholeli and Puso, in this book too. All-in-all you'll find here a few delightful hours of pure light-hearted entertainment.

I enjoyed reading the latest adventures in Botswana because I can escape the worries of my world and visit a place that may or may not be simpler and more grounded in what matters in life. I rarely read non-fiction, but this series of books allows me a "time-out" from the world and its worries, such as high gas prices, food shortages, and carbon footprints.

As much as I adore this series, Miracle is not one of its best. I feel like Smith is getting somewhat bored with these characters and is having a hard time mining them and the setting for new ideas.

Mostly, Miracle rehashes the same peculiarities of the characters we have all come to know and love, but without that extra surprise or fizz the other novels contain. It reminded me of when Star Trek, at the end of its run, ran out of ideas and simply relied on the same cutesy mannerisms and eccentricities of the characters to fill in creative gaps in the story.

For the No. 1 Detective novels to stay fresh, Andrew McCall Smith must come up with some new characters or plot twists that compel big changes in the existing characters. Otherwise I'm afraid it's going to be doomed to covering the same gound over and over again - Mma Ramotswe's tea ritual, her assistant's shoe fetish, etc.- until it dies of its own inertia.

My other quibble with this novel is that there was not enough closure to the subplot of the unethical doctor who treated the daughter. Why no follow-up on this doctor? Smith carefully painted a portrait of this gent and then just dropped the subject.

I love this series and buy the latest additions to it as soon as they appear, but I'm worried it's slowing to a halt.

This is the next little episode in the series of books, set in Botswana, and starring Mma Precious Ramotswe. It's difficult to explain to people who haven't met Mma Ramotswe just how these simple tales affect the reader and draw one into such a feeling of closeness and affection that one has for this big hearted, kind and lovable lady who describes herself as being of "traditional build" for an African lady. Mma's assistant Private Detective at the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Grace Kakutsi, is engeged to marry the owner of a prosperous store and is thrilled when he buys a bed for them to use after their marriage. It's a huge bed with a headboard made of red velvet in the shape of a heart. Grace is unable to even get it into her tiny house and so leaves it outside until other arrangements can be made. Unfortunately, the drought breaks and the bed is totally ruined by the torrential rain so when Grace manages to find a replacement, she is tortured by doubts as to whether or not she should confess her carelessness to her fiance. One of the cases the Agency is handling at the moment is one where a young woman is trying to find any living relative. These stories seem too simple to be of any interest but are filled with such warmth and love that I cannot wait for the next to be written!