In the seventh book in this very popular series by Alexander McCall Smith, we once more get into the minds of the thoughtful cast of characters of Gabarone, Botswana. We listen to the usual ruminations of the No. 1 detective, Mma Ramotswe, and her husband and mechanic, J.L.B. Matekoni, as they decry the passing of the old ways of Botswana and the coming of the new generation of more careless, materialistic young people as particularly exemplified in the apprentice mechanics who spend every leisure moment ogling the girls who pass by the repair shop. Mma Ramotswe summarizes by saying, "People did not know just how much we had in those days--those days when we seemed to have so little, we had so much." Although we have often heard Mma Ramotswe's description of herself as "traditionally built," in this book we see the inner musings of a woman challenged to call her condition in blunter terms and go on a diet with all the attendant temptations and rationalizations. The incendiary topic of feminism is also dealt with as both J.L.B. Matekoni and Assistant Detective, Mma Makutsi in different situations have to confront and perhaps modify their positions. The subjects of Mma Ramotswe's detective ventures this time deal with ancient superstitions, an advice columnist of questionable activities, falsified blood pressure readings and the threatened love life of her co-worker, Grace Makutsi. All done with a warmth and gentleness that keeps us in anticipation of the next offering of Alexander McCall Smith. ( )

I read the first six books of this series some time ago and pretty much back-to-back. It took me a pretty long time to get this book though for various reasons, and I have to admit after finally reading it, I was slightly disappointed. The characters are still as wonderful and engaging as ever, and I love McCall Smith’s writing style – it’s simple yet deep at the same time. However, this particular book in the series really strayed from the detective work of Mma Ramotswe, which I enjoy a great deal. There were hardly any cases in this particular novel and they were not the main focus of the book. Rather, this book liked to look more at the inner workings of Mma Ramotswe’s mind, particularly her silly daydreams. This was not what was I expecting from a No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency book, and I’m hoping that the next in the series will be more in line with the first six than with this one. ( )

Mma Ramotswe is back in full detective mode in this book with cases of blackmail, witchcraft, and medical malpractice to investigate.

Just as charming as ever. I had hoped to continue with the series but the book has sold out in my local bookshops, and apparently the ebook version is only available to customers in the USA and Canada. How do they expect to stamp out piracy if they refuse to sell to legitimate customers? ( )

This was another enjoyable installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency that is chock full of the old Botswana morality. The apprentices are still at work trying to earn their certification and Mma Makutsi is still trying to light a fire under them to give them something to strive for. This book doesn't contain many mysteries for Mma Ramotswe to solve, but it does share plenty of simple life lessons that should be followed by all.

Since Mma Makutsi is now engaged to be married it is sure fun to watch the dynamics from her relationship as it evolves. She has always been such a strong woman, working hard to take care of herself, that I really don't see that aspect of her life changing in the future. Throughout this book it was brought to her attention several times that because she is preparing to marry a successful furniture store owner, that she probably will not need to work any longer. Don't count on her giving up her rank of Assistant Detective any time soon. The relationship does experience a bit of turmoil so you find yourself wondering if Grace Makutsi will be getting married after all.

Several times throughout this book the subject of Mma Ramotswe's unhealthy body weight is brought to her attention. Although she is still referred to as a traditionally built woman, there are more negative undertones in these comments than there have been in the past.

After reading these books it was so fun to watch this series when it aired on HBO. They did such a great job of casting characters that fit the descriptions so well. And now I have a good picture of them as I read more of these novels. Mr. Polopetsi has returned in this novel and it will be interesting to see how is character develops in future installments. Several questions about his past have been left unanswered in this book to give him a colorful future in this series.

My book club discussed this one last night and although it was enjoyable, most of the group didn't enjoy this one as much as previous installments. We always look forward to discussing books from this series together and I am sure we will be reading the next one. These books are always such a fun and delightful reading experience, so if you are looking for something quick and light, you might want to look into reading this series. ( )

It is hard to believe that this is the seventh book I have read in this series. Each one reads so quickly and is like a little burst of fresh air. Like all the other ones, this seventh installment brims over with the author's love for Botswana. I have to say that I had never given Botswana much thought before reading these books - but now, each time I pick one up I find myself enchanted with the land and the people described by the author.

All the characters that we have come to know and love through the series are here and well represented. The stories are gentle and would be much better described as character studies than mysteries.

All in all - another successful installment in a series that has consistently delivered warm stories about characters who are easy to like and care about. ( )

awesome, only read once so far but will get round re-reading whole series, nice to see come to life on tv aswell ( )

The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency with Mma Ramotswe returns! I have enjoyed this series so much, but this one was a let-down. It has all the same characters, all the same places, so it should have been charming. Unfortunately, I found the "mysteries" weak and I think I was just not in the right place to read it. Rats. ( )

Danger hits close to home when a cobra is found in Mma Ramotswe's office. Of less immediate danger, but greater general interest, are the faulty blood pressure measurements being recorded at the local clinic. But perhaps the biggest mystery is why Mma Makutsi's fiance has missed their usual dinner date. Is he discontented? And if so, will cramming her feet into a pair of fashionable blue shoes help Mma Makutsi find happiness? ( )

A reassuring positive view of humanity as the traditionally-built Mma Ramotswe worries that her fiance may be having doubts about marriage as she investigates problems at a hospital and a game reserve and copes with a cobra in her office. ( )

Mma Ramotswe has very little to investigate in this book, while Mma Makutsi is mainly concerned with the progress of her engagement to a man she met at her dance class. I think I might be getting a little bored of this series, but I have already bought the next book, so I will leave a gap before I read it. ( )

If you are already a fan of McCall Smith's work in general, or the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series in particular, then, like me, you wont be disappointed. All the trademark warmth and humanity of these books is here once more in abundance. Surely the perfect antidote to all the grim news around at the present time? ( )

I felt unsure about this series; I am hesitant when it comes to books about people of colour written by white authors -- particularly, fiction. And particularly best-sellers. I think about the Telling It conference that documents how Lee Maracle (and other writers) asked Anne Cameron to quit writing in the Native voice -- in no small part because Cameron's writing was more-accepted by publishers than the writing of First Nations authors. And once the publishers had published Cameron there seemed to be an 'aboriginal quota' that was suddenly filled. It didn't mean in greater publishing rates for First Nations authors.

I'm not 100% of my feelings regarding this book. I don't want to feel that I'm looking at these characters' lives as 'simpler' than my life, and therefore 'moving' or 'charming'

A very small part, in which I felt I 'read' the author's voice in a very honest way, made me let out a little breath of emotion, though: the nine repetitions of the word 'africa' in a diamond shape on the last page of the book. I let go of some of my worries with that breath.

It's easy to enjoy these characters and their worries, compassion for one another, and the beautiful cadences of their speech. ( )

http://quettandil.blogspot.com/2008/1... ( )

Seventh in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency cozy mystery series featuring Precious Ramotswe in Botswana, Africa. I enjoy this series in print but was looking for something light and easy to listen to, since I was reading the much heavier Thirteenth Tale at the same time, and this seemed to fit the bill. The reader does a really wonderful job with the voices in this book, and the story was a typical adventure for Mma Ramotswe, Mma Kutsi, Mr. JLB Matekoni and the rest of the gang. There isn’t a whole lot of mystery, just enough to justify calling it such I suppose—more of a cozy visit with old friends, a bit of philosophizing and cultural immersion. I love the series, and this book was a joy to listen to. I may try listening to the next one also, though I do have the print version on my TBR. ( )

I just love this series of books and this one did not disappoint. ( )

It is said that shoes say a lot about a person; but can shoes tell us what to do in difficult situations? Do they contradict or reproach us in moments of need? There must be a reason why shoes feature so prominently on women’s minds and why so many beautiful ones linger forgotten in our closets.

As the 7th installment of the No.1 Ladies Detective Agency series returns, Mma Ramotswe’s life at Tkolweng Road turns again from domestic concerns to those requiring her famous skill and intuition for solving others’ problems to unravel a nasty blackmail scheme at the local college involving food and the cook’s husband, and she is asked to help find out what strikes fear into everyone at the Mokolodi Wild Animal Reserve, and she daringly investigates a doctor’s fraudulent scheme masquerading as a patient, and finally she adroitly deals with an evil advice columnist. Thankfully, her trusty assistant, Mma Makutsi aids her with sage advice and their new assistants'-assistant, Mr. Polopetsi proves to be a valuable part-time addition to the agency. Mma Makutsi’s fiancé finds out that she is a feminist which leads to strained uncertainty and unhappy moments for Mma Makutsi.

The main thread running through this story deals with happiness and that we should experience it wherever we find it even if for the smallest fleeting moments. For some, like Mma Makutsi, happiness means buying beautiful shoes that might not even fit and cause discomfort, but they give great joy just to look at. For others, like Mma Ramotswe, happiness is to make someone else feel better, which is emphasized whenever she deals with someone, even if she disapproves of them, she still shows compassion for the other person, which makes her so immensely likable, and it show her generous character and it lets her happiness shines through. And ultimately her happiness shows when she abandons her diet, for she is content and happy within herself.

With Blue Shoes and Happiness Alexander McCall Smith has smartly turned to a slightly more somber and uneasy tone which is reflected in the nature of Mma Ramotswe’s cases and yet he has contrasted it nicely with a general message about happiness with much success. These stories are deceptively simple on the surface and might easily be dismissed but they are exceptionally well crafted and run deep. I treasure every one of Alexander McCall Smith’s writings for the happy moments they give me and often I catch myself wondering "what would Mma Ramotswe respond now?". ( )

Precious Ramotswe continues her investigations in Botswana, now almost famous she has many many cases to deal with, and her male assistant tries his best but is simply not her equal. The children have faded away in the last few books, and although they are still mentioned they have little impact on the stories. However this book is devoted to new cases and problems with the people of Botswana. Mma Ramotswe is equal to them all.

There is some great commentary on diets and troubles of 'traditionally built' ladies.

After re-read: not much elseto say, as always the actual problems are just a side show for the interaction of these wonderfully polite civilised characters. Sketched in a light flowing style easily readable, enjoyably concerned with each others lives. As always the moralising of Mma Ramotswe is the highlight, what shoudl friends say to each other regarding personality quirks? ( )

Another great story about Mma Ramotswe and friends. Mma Makutsi and her shoes are great! ( )

It's always a treat to visit with the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency! http://vidaliabooks.blogspot.com/2008... ( )

Sadly to say, the tapes for this book were not coherently explicit. I learned that a cobra was found in Mma Ramotswe's office. Witches spells were put on the people at a different location. Mma Makutsi's fiance' missed their usual dinner because she scared him by being a "feminist." Her "blue shoes" spoke to her and made things better. Mma Ramotswe's hospital scare forced her to consider dieting. ( )

Number 7 in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. I read this in paper copy last year and really enjoyed it, but, although "complete and unabridged", the audio version highlights that some of the things that we like in the written version may become tedious in the hearing. One thing that begins to grate is the constant repetition of names. Perhaps it was simply that I was listening to it in the company of my SO who is not a fan of the series. However it is still a pleasant way to pass time ( )

I really liked AMS's first book and the recording voice is wonderful. By the third book the stories had become formula. I "read" other books inbetween each one, not good recommendation. ( )

If you've read the others in this series you'll know what to expect. If you haven't then I suggest you start at the beginning with The No 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. These are gentle, charming books giving a wonderful picture of life in a slightly idealised Botswana. ( )

I think this is the seventh book in the No. 1 Detective Agency Series. I never tire of these books. A few cases are presented in each book and Smith's characters are wonderfully written. Mma Makutsi is my favorite. ( )

This book was very pleasing to read, as they all are. If anything, I liked this one more than some of the earlier ones. It dealt much with relationships, communication, the expectations we have of others and some of the presuppositions we make about one another. ( )