Things I Like - Books

I started reading the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series a couple years ago while on vacation. We were staying with our friends Viv and Paul and I picked one up to read while sitting in the sun. Viv swears I recommended them to her but although I’d seen them in various airport bookshops, I hadn’t read them yet. I’m glad someone recommended them and that Viv listened because they are truly delightful.

Set in Botswana, the series follows the adventures of Mma. Precious Ramotswe, the proprietor of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. While the books always contain some mystery or problem to be solved, they aren’t Agatha Christie caliber mysteries. Rather, the joy in reading the series comes from Mma. Ramotswe herself. This ‘cheerful woman of traditional build’ uses charm, wisdom and humor to solve her client’s cases. Hats off to the author McCall Smith who has given us a glimpse into an exotic world (at least to most readers) and a character that just makes you feel good.

The books have been adapted for radio, television and film. The most recent is a 6-part series produced by and being shown on HBO and the BBC. The picture above is from the series opening title sequence (produced by Airside) and perfectly depicts the simplicity and happiness associated with the stories.

See McCall Smith’s website for more about the books (including excerpts) and the HBO series starring Jill Scott as Mma. Ramotswe.