BIBLIOTECA E.O.I. DE ALBACETE

If you are a fan of suspense and Sherlock Holmes or Agatha Christie’s books, you can’t miss this gripping book. There are mysteries in “The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency”, but you can be sure that Precious Ramotswe will solve all of them. Written in 1998 by Alexander McCall Smith, it’s the first novel of a series of detective books. The writer describes life in Africa in loving detail and he has achieved global recognition winnig some prizes for these books.

After her father’s death, Precious, also named as Mma Ramotswe, sells her father’s cattle to set up the Nº 1 Agency in the dusty neighborhood of Gaborone (Bostwana). At first, it has a slow start but, in a short time, she is surprised to find that her services are in considerable demand. She is consulted about missing husbands and children, to find out who an Indian teenager is dating in secret, about creditworthiness of bussiness partners, even about suspected fraud by employees. To deal with all that she will need the help of J.L.B. Matekoni, the owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, and her secretary, Mma Makutsi.

Precious could be described as a Botswanan divorcee turned into a private investigator. She’s witty, brave and she has a canny intuition that helps her to solve all the cases just following her instinct. The book  is a mix of chapters about her life and the mysteries that she solves. She applies common sense and meticulous observation of both tell-tale clues and human nature.

The best thing about this book is the characters, and especially Mma Ramotswe. She has the power to conquer your heart or to shock you. Who could imagine that this smart woman had married an abusive man?.The setting is also a strong point, the author's descriptions leave one as if standing in the Botswana landscape. It’s a delight to see Africa through Precious’s eyes.

I really recommend the book. It’s a relatively easy read that both, adults and teens, would enjoy. It’s funny, intelligent and heart-warming. The mysteries are also interesting and sometimes unpredictable. Personally, I guess it’s a book full of goodness.

 

Ana Patricia Sánchez Moreno (1º Avanzado)