ISBN: 1-4025-4738-2 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Recorded Books
Rich in background color and observation of human behavior, the book is a series of separate investigations, and lacks excitement of a unifying plot and truly sympathetic characters.
Reviewed by David on January 19, 2005
Genre: Mystery (Private Investigator, Africa)
Synopsis: Mma Ramotswe, still young after the death of her father, decides to earn her living by being a private detective. Always good at uncovering secrets, she orders a book, opens an office, and hires a secretary.
Her reminisences of her and her late father's life, and the slowly trickling in clients paint a background of Botswana life, along with universal observations of human nature.
Full Review: The background of African life and mores is solid enough that one can almost smell the Kalahari desert and hear the patterns of Botswana speech. However, while populated by colorful characters, most of them lack the depth and complexity to engage the true sympathy from the reader. Thus, the satisfaction one gets from the solving of life's problems by the ingenious Mma. Ramotswe is mostly intellectual, and there is little suspense and pleasure that one gets from a truly emotional engagement.
Copyright: 1998
Series Name: Precious Ramotswe Mystery
Overall: 5.5; Plot: 5; Characters: 5.5; Style: 6; World-building: 6.5; Originality: 6;
Recorded Books, 2003, Audio tape, 6 cassettes
ISBN: 1-4025-4738-2 Order from: Amazon.com Barnes & Noble.com Recorded Books