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The Colours of All the Cattle (2018)

by Alexander McCall Smith

Other authors: See the other authors section.

Series: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (19)

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5232746,520 (3.9)23
Precious Ramotswe dips her toe into the world of politics in the newest addition to the beloved and best-selling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. When Mma Potokwane suggests to Mma Ramotswe that she run for a seat on the City Council, Mma Ramotswe is at first unsure. But when she learns about the proposed construction of the flashy Big Fun Hotel next to a graveyard, she allows herself to be persuaded. Her opponent is none other than Violet Sephotho, who is in the pocket of the hotel developers. Although Violet is intent on using every trick in the book to secure her election, Mma Ramotswe refuses to promise anything beyond what she can deliver--hence her slogan: "I can't promise anything--but I shall do my best." To everyone's surprise, she wins. As it turns out, politics does not agree with Mma Ramotswe. Though everyone is supportive, she eventually resigns. She thinks there will be a new election, but she discovers that the rules state that in such an event, the runner-up automatically takes the seat. Violet is triumphant, and sure that she will get the Big Fun Hotel planning application through without a hitch. But Mma Makutsi and Mma Potokwane are not about to make it easy for her. Through it all, Mma Ramotswe uses her good humor and generosity of spirit to help the community navigate divisive issues, and proves that honesty and compassion will always carry the day.… (more)
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» See also 23 mentions

Showing 1-5 of 27 (next | show all)
Book number 19 in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. These books in general are great comfort reading, and can often feel like the literary equivalent of a warm, fuzzy blanket. This one, I think, didn't give me as much of that as many of them. But the feeling it did give me was that of dropping in on old friends for a pleasant little visit and to see what they happen to be up to.

Which, in this case, involves being persuaded to run for the town council (Mma Ramotswe) and finally finding what might be a serious long-term relationship only to run into some romantic obstacles (Charlie). Oh, and investigating a hit-and-run accident while they're at it, although as usual the plot is not remotely the point and only serves to provide us more some character stuff and some gentle musings on morality. ( )
  bragan | Mar 26, 2024 |
“Tea, thought Mma Ramotswe – no matter what was happening, no matter how difficult things became, there was always the tea break – that still moment, that unchangeable ritual, that survived everything, made normal the abnormal, renewed one’s ability to cope with whatever the world laid before one. Tea.”

The Colors of All the Cattle is book number 19 in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. At first I was disappointed that this installment deals with the political realm, as Mma Ramotswe runs for city council. Thankfully, the storyline also focused on Charlie and his personal/professional growth, so there was some balance. I ended up liking it more than I expected to. ( )
  Ann_R | Jan 24, 2024 |
Another enjoyable outing at the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I wasn’t sure how part of the storyline would be resolved but once again, masterly wrapped up. ( )
  secondhandrose | Oct 31, 2023 |
As always, the thing that is most clear in these books is that Alexander McCall Smith loves Botswana. This time (and perhaps every time, but this time I particularly noticed it), the mystery Mma Ramotswe is tasked with solving is merely a vehicle for one of the characters—in this case Charlie the apprentice—to continue his development. One of the things I love about these books is that the characters have continued to evolve, in ways that are believable and true. I love that this series deals with serious issues but nobody is an asshole. If only the world were really like that. ( )
  karenchase | Jun 14, 2023 |
Charlie finally gets a girl friend. And Mma Ramotswe runs for office to block a fancy hotel. ( )
  Castinet | Dec 11, 2022 |
Showing 1-5 of 27 (next | show all)
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» Add other authors (10 possible)

Author nameRoleType of authorWork?Status
Alexander McCall Smithprimary authorall editionscalculated
Andoh, AdjoaNarratorsecondary authorsome editionsconfirmed

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This book is for Karen Myhill-Jones.
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Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, and one of the finest mechanics in Botswana, if not the finest, was proud of his wife, Precious Ramotswe, progenitor and owner of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.
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Precious Ramotswe dips her toe into the world of politics in the newest addition to the beloved and best-selling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. When Mma Potokwane suggests to Mma Ramotswe that she run for a seat on the City Council, Mma Ramotswe is at first unsure. But when she learns about the proposed construction of the flashy Big Fun Hotel next to a graveyard, she allows herself to be persuaded. Her opponent is none other than Violet Sephotho, who is in the pocket of the hotel developers. Although Violet is intent on using every trick in the book to secure her election, Mma Ramotswe refuses to promise anything beyond what she can deliver--hence her slogan: "I can't promise anything--but I shall do my best." To everyone's surprise, she wins. As it turns out, politics does not agree with Mma Ramotswe. Though everyone is supportive, she eventually resigns. She thinks there will be a new election, but she discovers that the rules state that in such an event, the runner-up automatically takes the seat. Violet is triumphant, and sure that she will get the Big Fun Hotel planning application through without a hitch. But Mma Makutsi and Mma Potokwane are not about to make it easy for her. Through it all, Mma Ramotswe uses her good humor and generosity of spirit to help the community navigate divisive issues, and proves that honesty and compassion will always carry the day.

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