THE NO. 1 LADIES’ DETECTIVE AGENCY - Book 12
Fans around the world adore the bestselling No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, the basis of the HBO TV show, and its proprietor Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s premier lady detective. In this charming series, Mma Ramotswe navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, and good humor—not to mention help from her loyal assistant, Grace Makutsi, and the occasional cup of tea.
At a remote cattle post south of Gaborone two cows have been killed, and Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s No. 1 Lady Detective, is asked to investigate by a rather frightened and furtive gentleman. It is an intriguing problem with plenty of suspects—including, surprisingly, her own client.
To complicate matters, Mma Ramotswe is haunted by a vision of her dear old white van, and Grace Makutsi witnesses it as well. Is it the ghost of her old friend, or has it risen from the junkyard? In the meantime, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s apprentices may have gotten a girl pregnant and, under pressure to marry her, has run away. Naturally, it is up to Precious to help sort things out. Add to the mix Violet Sephotho’s newly launched run for the Botswana Parliament and a pair of perfect wedding shoes—will wedding bells finally ring for Phuti Radiphuti and Grace Makutsi?—and we have a charming and delightful tale in the inimitable style of Alexander McCall Smith.
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
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Book Description
Best Value
Editorial Reviews
Review
"McCall Smith has great fondness for Botswana and paints a loving portrait of this peaceful, prosperous, and progressive country. . . . Wise and graceful."
—Booklist
"Charming and hilarious. . . . In its own way, McCall Smith’s world is as stylized and hermetic as those created by P.G. Wodehouse or Damon Runyon—a sweet and timeless bubble with its own morality, language and customs. Entering it can be a source of great comfort in these uncertain times."
—The Seattle Times
"You’ll never get through the wedding with dry eyes."
—Kirkus Reviews
"[McCall Smith] again makes the sublime look easy…. [He] has few peers in capturing the quiet moments of people’s lives, and his empathetic lead has one of the biggest hearts in modern literature. Even newcomers will quickly be drawn into Mma Ramotswe’s unconventional approach to investigations and rapidly feel that they are with old friends."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"This is Mr. McCall Smith at his benevolent best, preaching the most gentle of philosophies and obviously recalling with affection his own memories of Botswana and his years there."
—The Washington Times
“Utterly charming and compulsively readable.”
—Newsweek
“Kindness is paramount . . . Consistently satisfying . . . Genial [and] comforting.”
—The Christian Science Monitor
“Endearing, amusing . . . Sparkles with African sunshine and wit.”
—The Dallas Morning News
“Irresistible.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“Charming, warmly affecting . . . As comfy cozy as can be.”
—The Philadelphia Inquirer
“The pleasure of these sweet books lies in the clarity and gravity with which the characters reason through everyday dilemmas.”
—Entertainment Weekly
“The best, most charming, honest, hilarious and life-affirming books to appear in years.”
—The Plain Dealer
—Booklist
"Charming and hilarious. . . . In its own way, McCall Smith’s world is as stylized and hermetic as those created by P.G. Wodehouse or Damon Runyon—a sweet and timeless bubble with its own morality, language and customs. Entering it can be a source of great comfort in these uncertain times."
—The Seattle Times
"You’ll never get through the wedding with dry eyes."
—Kirkus Reviews
"[McCall Smith] again makes the sublime look easy…. [He] has few peers in capturing the quiet moments of people’s lives, and his empathetic lead has one of the biggest hearts in modern literature. Even newcomers will quickly be drawn into Mma Ramotswe’s unconventional approach to investigations and rapidly feel that they are with old friends."
—Publishers Weekly (starred review)
"This is Mr. McCall Smith at his benevolent best, preaching the most gentle of philosophies and obviously recalling with affection his own memories of Botswana and his years there."
—The Washington Times
“Utterly charming and compulsively readable.”
—Newsweek
“Kindness is paramount . . . Consistently satisfying . . . Genial [and] comforting.”
—The Christian Science Monitor
“Endearing, amusing . . . Sparkles with African sunshine and wit.”
—The Dallas Morning News
“Irresistible.”
—The New York Times Book Review
“Charming, warmly affecting . . . As comfy cozy as can be.”
—The Philadelphia Inquirer
“The pleasure of these sweet books lies in the clarity and gravity with which the characters reason through everyday dilemmas.”
—Entertainment Weekly
“The best, most charming, honest, hilarious and life-affirming books to appear in years.”
—The Plain Dealer
About the Author
Alexander McCall Smith is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, the 44 Scotland Street series, and the Corduroy Mansions series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh and has served on many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit his website at www.alexandermccallsmith.com.
Product Details
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More About the Author
Alexander McCall Smith was born in what is now Zimbabwe and taught law at the University of Botswana. He is now Professor of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh. He has written more than fifty books, including a number of specialist titles, but is best known for The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which has achieved bestseller status on four continents. In 2004 he was awarded British Book Awards Author of the Year and Booksellers Association Author of the Year. He lives in Scotland, where in his spare time he is a bassoonist in the RTO (Really Terrible Orchestra).
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
79 of 87 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
I have really enjoyed this series - now up to number 12 I think with this installment. It is unique in many ways and teaches many lessons about life.
When I first heard about the series, it was on book 6. It worked out well, because I had so many books to read without having to wait. Now, I am all caught up, so the year between books seems like a very long time. It is like having to wait before getting to see an old friend again - well, the old friend in this case has come back for a visit!
Besides the more obvious things like the great characters in the series - after a while they seem like you actually know them as you would real people - what I really liked about the series is the detail about Botswana and life there. And so much of it is positive, unlike so much of what you hear about Africa these days. The books also teach many lessons useful to people everywhere, but from a Botswana/African perspective that can really shine a light where it needs to shine sometimes.
The first book was especially good in portraying the Botswana background and viewpoint - I assume accuracy here as the author lived there a long time. The author seemed to move away from this as the series progressed; a disappointment for me, even though the books were still interesting. The good news is that I think the author is headed back in the right direction here with the last few books.
As an aside, the TV series is great too; last time I looked into the matter, it does not look like the series with continue into a second season, but there is talk of a movie which is better than nothing. Most of the characters in the TV series were about as I had pictured them from the book - the main exception being Mma Makutsi. The actress that played her did a great job though; she just looked a little different from how I had pictured her from the book.
Now on to the new book itself. I am happy to see that this new book stays closer to the series roots in many respects showing us some more about the real Botswana. The overall plot seems very vigorous too. I won't go into that too much as readers usually like a surprise, but here's a look at main story lines in the new book without giving things away.
Remember the tiny white van that Mma Precious Ramotswe has been so attached to in the series? It is gone, but she is seeing visions of it. Hmm, that sounds like an interesting phenomenon. Where will this go? You'll have to read the book to find out.
At a cattle post, two cows have been killed, and Mma Ramotswe is asked to investigate. Lots of suspects as it turns out, making it a challenge for our favorite Botswanan lady detective. Does she solve the mystery? No spoilers here, you'll have to read the book to find out.
One of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's apprentices may have gotten a girl pregnant; he runs away when pressure builds to marry her. Will those young men ever finish their apprenticeships and stay out of trouble?
The "villianess", Violet Sephotho, is back. Remember her? She did horribly at the secretarial college when Mma Makutsi was there and shows up now and then to make poor Grace miserable. Anyway, Violet is running for the Botswana Parliament. They'd have to be desperate to elect her. What is up with this? Well, you'll have to open up the book to find out.
And a perfect pair of wedding shoes - series fans will be pretty sure that the "shoephile" Mma Makutsi must be involved with those. Will Phuti Radiphuti finally marry Grace? The title of the book seems to refer to a wedding happening, but will it be Grace's or for the run away apprentice? Again, I won't tell here - you'll have to read the book.
Lots of interesting things are in store for readers here. I hope that series fans will come back and read this latest book, meet favorite characters again, be entertained, and learn something about Botswana and life in general as well.
When I first heard about the series, it was on book 6. It worked out well, because I had so many books to read without having to wait. Now, I am all caught up, so the year between books seems like a very long time. It is like having to wait before getting to see an old friend again - well, the old friend in this case has come back for a visit!
Besides the more obvious things like the great characters in the series - after a while they seem like you actually know them as you would real people - what I really liked about the series is the detail about Botswana and life there. And so much of it is positive, unlike so much of what you hear about Africa these days. The books also teach many lessons useful to people everywhere, but from a Botswana/African perspective that can really shine a light where it needs to shine sometimes.
The first book was especially good in portraying the Botswana background and viewpoint - I assume accuracy here as the author lived there a long time. The author seemed to move away from this as the series progressed; a disappointment for me, even though the books were still interesting. The good news is that I think the author is headed back in the right direction here with the last few books.
As an aside, the TV series is great too; last time I looked into the matter, it does not look like the series with continue into a second season, but there is talk of a movie which is better than nothing. Most of the characters in the TV series were about as I had pictured them from the book - the main exception being Mma Makutsi. The actress that played her did a great job though; she just looked a little different from how I had pictured her from the book.
Now on to the new book itself. I am happy to see that this new book stays closer to the series roots in many respects showing us some more about the real Botswana. The overall plot seems very vigorous too. I won't go into that too much as readers usually like a surprise, but here's a look at main story lines in the new book without giving things away.
Remember the tiny white van that Mma Precious Ramotswe has been so attached to in the series? It is gone, but she is seeing visions of it. Hmm, that sounds like an interesting phenomenon. Where will this go? You'll have to read the book to find out.
At a cattle post, two cows have been killed, and Mma Ramotswe is asked to investigate. Lots of suspects as it turns out, making it a challenge for our favorite Botswanan lady detective. Does she solve the mystery? No spoilers here, you'll have to read the book to find out.
One of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's apprentices may have gotten a girl pregnant; he runs away when pressure builds to marry her. Will those young men ever finish their apprenticeships and stay out of trouble?
The "villianess", Violet Sephotho, is back. Remember her? She did horribly at the secretarial college when Mma Makutsi was there and shows up now and then to make poor Grace miserable. Anyway, Violet is running for the Botswana Parliament. They'd have to be desperate to elect her. What is up with this? Well, you'll have to open up the book to find out.
And a perfect pair of wedding shoes - series fans will be pretty sure that the "shoephile" Mma Makutsi must be involved with those. Will Phuti Radiphuti finally marry Grace? The title of the book seems to refer to a wedding happening, but will it be Grace's or for the run away apprentice? Again, I won't tell here - you'll have to read the book.
Lots of interesting things are in store for readers here. I hope that series fans will come back and read this latest book, meet favorite characters again, be entertained, and learn something about Botswana and life in general as well.
29 of 30 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Here are some of the things that make us smile: the sight of a beautiful baby, a glorious spring day, a sincere compliment, and a new installment, "The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party," in Alexander McCall Smith's wonderful series featuring Precious Ramotswe. The "traditionally built" Mma Ramotswe is happily married to Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, and along with her associate, the bespectacled and highly efficient Grace Makutsi, contentedly operates the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Gaborone. Little has changed, except that the date of Grace's wedding to Mr. Phuti Radiphuti is drawing near. The bride has a great deal to do to get ready for this momentous event.
Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe has never quite gotten over the loss of her beloved little white van. Although she is now driving a new blue van, she cannot help but remember that her original vehicle was a treasured companion with its own unique personality. One day, she is shocked to see someone else driving her little white van. Surely she is imagining things, since no less a mechanic than her husband had declared that to restore the white van would require a "miracle-worker." Another matter preoccupying Mma Ramotswe is a case involving the destruction of cattle belonging to her new client, Mr. Botsalo Moeti. In Botswana, where cattle are greatly valued, this is a serious crime. Who could hate Mr. Moeti enough to commit such a foul deed? In addition, Charlie, the ne'er-do-well perpetual apprentice who works for Mr. Matekoni, has always had a way with the ladies. However, is he man enough to live up to his personal responsibilities? Grace and Precious are determined to make him do so.
McCall Smith enthralls us with this tender and often humorous tale in which the gentle spirit of his characters shines through. With his delicate and beautifully etched prose, perfectly pitched dialogue, and understanding of the need we all have for love, respect, and acceptance, the author casts his usual spell. We can almost feel the strong rays of the sun and see the brilliant stars twinkling in the Botswana sky. Furthermore, we cannot help but appreciate Mma Ramotswe's unerring tact, common sense, and adherence to the old ways; Mr. Matekoni's kindness and integrity; and Grace's pride in a job well done. "The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party" is a delightful slice of life, with heroes, villains, and people who are a bit of both, all trying to get along in a difficult and sometimes bewildering world. It is charmingly whimsical and as satisfying as a cup of freshly brewed red bush tea.
Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe has never quite gotten over the loss of her beloved little white van. Although she is now driving a new blue van, she cannot help but remember that her original vehicle was a treasured companion with its own unique personality. One day, she is shocked to see someone else driving her little white van. Surely she is imagining things, since no less a mechanic than her husband had declared that to restore the white van would require a "miracle-worker." Another matter preoccupying Mma Ramotswe is a case involving the destruction of cattle belonging to her new client, Mr. Botsalo Moeti. In Botswana, where cattle are greatly valued, this is a serious crime. Who could hate Mr. Moeti enough to commit such a foul deed? In addition, Charlie, the ne'er-do-well perpetual apprentice who works for Mr. Matekoni, has always had a way with the ladies. However, is he man enough to live up to his personal responsibilities? Grace and Precious are determined to make him do so.
McCall Smith enthralls us with this tender and often humorous tale in which the gentle spirit of his characters shines through. With his delicate and beautifully etched prose, perfectly pitched dialogue, and understanding of the need we all have for love, respect, and acceptance, the author casts his usual spell. We can almost feel the strong rays of the sun and see the brilliant stars twinkling in the Botswana sky. Furthermore, we cannot help but appreciate Mma Ramotswe's unerring tact, common sense, and adherence to the old ways; Mr. Matekoni's kindness and integrity; and Grace's pride in a job well done. "The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party" is a delightful slice of life, with heroes, villains, and people who are a bit of both, all trying to get along in a difficult and sometimes bewildering world. It is charmingly whimsical and as satisfying as a cup of freshly brewed red bush tea.
51 of 61 people found the following review helpful
By Nancy Kopald
Format:Hardcover
While we are treated to many of the author's gentle and insightful observations on humanity and morality throughout this latest entry in the series, those are really all that can recommend it. There are no new characters and no character development of our beloved regulars. There is only one official detective case, and the "resolution" of the case is unsatisfying. I fear that AMS is spreading himself too thin amongst his various literary endeavors.
It is a bad sign and discouraging to a reader when an author forgets previous details in a series. In this novel, he has Mr. Matekoni express doubt that women can or would want to be mechanics. And yet his own daughter showed herself very much interested and promising in this area when she was first introduced to us. AMS has never followed up on this. The children do not even make an appearance in this novel.
It is a bad sign and discouraging to a reader when an author forgets previous details in a series. In this novel, he has Mr. Matekoni express doubt that women can or would want to be mechanics. And yet his own daughter showed herself very much interested and promising in this area when she was first introduced to us. AMS has never followed up on this. The children do not even make an appearance in this novel.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Another Mma Ramotswe visit - what's not to love?
Likeable characters delivering profound insights into life, the universe and everything in a deceptively simple way. The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series never fails to charm.
Published 9 days ago by Tracy Burrows
5.0 out of 5 stars
One more book that leaves you hopeful and happy
Another great story of relationships, misunderstandings and insights. It's helpful but not essential to read the series of the books in order, as the relationships among the... Read more
Published 10 days ago by Adventure Seeker
4.0 out of 5 stars
Big fan
I have read all of Alexander McCall Smith's book in this series, as well as some of his other works. Read more
Published 15 days ago by G. Hunt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Smith continues to please.
Can't get enough of this series, the characters are so comforting and friendly, one feels like one knows them...or wants to. The setting is appealing... Read more
Published 23 days ago by n.lynn
4.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely read.
I always enjoy Mr. McCall Smith's books. So pleasant-high standards- makes me smile from inside out to read his books!
Published 27 days ago by mama
4.0 out of 5 stars
Number one ladies detective agency
I love this series! The writing is so beautiful and descriptive, you get a real feeling oa Africa. Precious is a great character....
Published 29 days ago by charise mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars
I love this series
Five stars because the storytelling is like I was sitting next to the teller, snuggled in a jacket by the fire. Read more
Published 29 days ago by Janet
5.0 out of 5 stars
Lovely, lovely story!
Same gentle, lovely approach to story telling by the author, it was so enjoyable. And all that in a peaceful African country.
Published 1 month ago by Francine
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love these books.
I love these books. I love the characters and the writing style. They are so poignant, sweet without being sappy, and just generally good reads. Makes me want to go to Botswana. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Phyllis Sherwin
5.0 out of 5 stars
Fabulous
I loved this book. Being from South Africa and having visited Botswana, and Gaberone and Lobatse in particular, many times it took me back to those days. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Hilary Margow
