REVIEWS

Sue Stacey

For lovers of the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency, the 23rd book of the series does not disappoint. It can also be enjoyed as a stand alone read as the characters as always are well drawn. There are two main plots and Mma Ramotswe, the owner of the Detective Agency, is as ever centre stage. She has a very good understanding of peoples’ behaviours, but in this book it is her warm and generous nature and desire to help her friends that makes this book unique.

Barbara Dobson

New to this series of books, I expected a typical detective novel, so imagine my surprise when I met these detectives – respectful ladies who enjoy helping others. Reading the book was like being a fly on the wall - listening to their conversations and gradually becoming involved in their daily lives. Eventually 2 problems arise but they do not apply high detection but subtle, clever, sneaky actions –with no payment for the agency. I loved the relaxed writing style and felt there was much tongue in cheek writing, causing constant smiles and occasionally great laughs. Charlie, desperate to be a detective, reads and re-reads The Principles of Private Detection by Clovis Andersen and then solves one of the current problems with a good old fashioned, face to face ‘telling off’ and ‘warning!’ Gut reaction but not according to the book! My real favourite part was Mma Makutsi wanting to ‘upgrade’ herself. Amongst other actions, she adds letters after her name – BSc, not Bachelor of Science but Botswana Secretarial College and suggests that Ma Ramotswe could add DL –for Driving Licence!

Suzy Carter

The title of this latest addition to the world of Mma Ramotswe, her colleague Mma Makutsi, their families and friends is only explained at the end of this delightful tale, but we can sense from the outset that ‘comfortable familiarity’ will be something of a leitmotiv running through the novel: described as a basis for a sound marriage, it is equally applicable in this glimpse of a fictional community in Botswana’s capital Gaborone to the tried and trusted friendships portrayed, foibles, mannerisms and all. The tensions which arise when people of different generations or with changing values interact with each other are gently explored. The ladies’ psychological detective skills (and efficient filing) come into play to resolve a number of issues which arise always with a view to seeking a positive solution for others. Some act with greater patience and insight than others, but thanks to the ever-present reminders from Clovis Andersen’s The Principles of Private Detection Mma Ramotswe tends to get to the bottom of others’ motivations and ambitions and illustrate how important a little traditional respect, politeness and kindness still are for any society. Settle in a comfortable chair and join her. Mma Ramotswe, we see you!

Heather French

With a title like this you wonder where this book is going. Well you’re heading straight off to Botswana for another romp in the Gaborone sunshine. Alexander McCall Smith is a fine storyteller and his simple uncomplicated narrative is always amusing. The usual characters are in evidence once again to give us a peek into African life with all the tears and laughter that day to day life presents. The ‘traditionally built’ Mma Ramotse has her story to tell with life’s lessons to be learnt along the way. I have read AMS before and this book does not disappoint. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

James Hodge

Born and raised in Edinburgh, I have been an avid reader of the author’s two series set in that city since they began. The novel under review was, however, my introduction to his No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. I now understand why those books - set in Botswana; two dozen produced over a quarter of a century – are a publishing phenomenon, translated into dozens of languages, and read by millions. There, plot takes second place to characters and their foibles. Patience Ramotswe, founder of the Detective Agency, is without much education or special training. What she does have, though, is a profound interest in people. Using intuition and common sense, she encourages folk to treat each other with respect and kindness, to good effect. Her world is simple and uncomplicated, without pandemics, politics or violence. Any small problems which arise she tackles with sympathy and decency. The soothing effect of the novel owes much to the author’s clear and straightforward style. He writes with perception and insight, coupled with a dry and kind-hearted humour, free of malice. Overall, reading this warm-hearted novel is very comforting. Simply put, Patience Ramotswe’s charm is most beguiling.

Robin Gammon

Pull up your most comfortable chair and get ready for more investigations with Mma Ramotswe. You won’t be disappointed. This feel-good series brings a smile to my face, enjoying a blend of generosity and innocent cunning. If only all our problems could be sorted out by Botswana’s No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. We’re treated to a different world, a slower pace of life, a gentle approach resolving life’s difficulties. Mma Makutsi’s husband, Phuti, has a business problem – a new company supplying furniture, undercutting his prices and using a slick advertising campaign. This new firm always seems to be one step ahead. Has Phuti got the wherewithal to fight back? Alongside the main story, the Detective Agency has other problems to solve. We know they will get there, setting things right with their unique blend of qualities. I’m sure you’ll be singing the song as you turn the pages of another glorious episode in this wonderful series!

Vicky Johnson

In times of discomfort, this style of book brings relief. The three married couples featured in A Song of Comfortable Chairs all have strong relationships; each use their strengths for different purposes: to support each other in their business endeavours, and to use information to bring down a competitor. These couples are solid and can ride out difficulties together, although Precious might be needed to help out, from time to time. I love her compassion: her colleague is clearly undermining her authority at work but instead of accusing her, she tries to understand the motivation. She tries her best to help and even though comfortable chairs are the new order of the day by the end of the book, the persistent undermining still goes on. I wonder what Precious will do next?

Liz Esdon

What a delightful read. I have read some of the books in The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, but not all by any means, so was pleased that this newest edition to the series stood on its own. The genre is “cosy crime , a term I had not come across until the Wimbledon Bookfest event, but oh how appropriate. Lots of detective work going on with Mma Ramotse delving into two situations, both needing discretion and gentle probing. How refreshing that conclusions are not jumped to, quick fixes not suggested and the human condition taken into account. Mma Makutsi looks as if she is going to take over as The Boss (as written on her tea mug) and a new desk, but of course not as revealed right at the end of the book. Keeps you reading and relieved for Mma Ramotswe. I loved the pie eating incident after which the two ladies were offered a huge lunch of which they tried to do justice. How I sympathised. Reading this book, and indeed the others in the series, is a wonderful way of representing an African country in a positive way.