The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series)

First, I enjoyed this novel very much: I think it's one of Smith's finest. Second, I found myself asking, "What Limpopo Academy of Private Detection? There's no Limpopo Academy of Private Detection in this book." I asked myself that question about a third of the way through the book, half way through, three-quarters of the way through . . . why did this book bear the title it has? Finally, in perhaps the last 10 percent of the story, we're given the answer. And the answer, I think, indicates that Smith will either end the series as it now stands, or send it off in an entirely new direction. He seems to have gone as far as he can with Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi and their spouses and families and friends. All seem comfortable in their lives, and, truth be told, the "mystery" part of the series dwindles more and more into simple and somewhat obvious underhanded dealings and dishonesties. The characters and the setting, however, are so awesome and inspiring that the lack of any traditional mystery can be overlooked. I'm eager to see if my anticipation is correct . . . or if Smith deliberately planted these hints but intends to ignore them. In any case, the story involves dishonest building contractors, Mma Potokwane of the orphanage, a new house for Grace and Phuti, Charlie and Fanwell, incompetent lawyers, the appearance of Clovis Andersen, and much, much more. And it all flows smoothly and effortlessly. So sit back in y our favorite chair with a cup of your favorite tea and delight in another book in this wonderful series.

For us avid followers of this laid back, tea drinking series, this latest (13th) installment brings more of the same, but with a couple of new twists and jolts to keep our interest firmly in check. It begins with a dream of a tall, well-built man standing in the shade, and follows up with the collision of Mma Ramotswe's detective job with the demands of her friends' personal life crises. For one, her friend Mma Potokwane of the orphanage is distraught over big changes proposed by the board of Directors, which ultimately leads to her dismissal; and for two, one of the mechanics gets into big trouble with the law, and his defense counsel isn't giving them the assurance that he's going to be very helpful. It's not all bad news though, as her dream visitor turns out be someone she respects very deeply, and her Associate and friend Grace Makutsi and her husband Phuti have begun working on their new home. Unfortunately, good news can turn bad unexpectedly, and it seems that Grace's fundamental dislike of the contractor may not be unfounded. Together with her esteemed visitor, Mma Ramotswe starts turning rocks to see what she can dig up that will be helpful, but gets help from several unexpected quarters in unearthing the truth and putting the various cases to rest. But there is one last surprise to come. Other than a little (forgivable) rambling about the good old Botswana days, this is an enjoyable ride over bumpy roads. Amanda Richards, April 6, 2012

I'll start this review out by saying I'm a HUGE fan of Alexander McCall Smith and I especially love his "No. 1 Ladies'" series, along with the Isabel Dalhousie series. I've read all the books in both series numerous times and I really, really enjoy them. Of course, I have my favorites in both series- some of the books seem really stellar, and some just so-so, but they all come together for a nice, cozy continuous read when I feel like carving out a little time for an entire series. "The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection" is no exception to the rule. I can't say it's my favorite in the "No. 1 Ladies'" series, but it's certainly not my least favorite, either. I totally enjoyed reading it, wherever it stands on the ranking. I think the main thing about this book is that it's *busy*. A LOT happens, which is a little unusual for Mma Ramotswe and the rest of the crew on Tlokweng Road. Mma Makutsi and Phuti Radaphuti begin building their house together, Fanwell (one of the apprentices at the garage) finds himself in legal trouble, Mma Polokwane finds herself at odds with the new board of directors at the Orphan Farm, and ... (this is a BIG one)... none other than CLOVIS ANDERSEN (yes, THE Clovis Andersen that wrote the detection textbook that basically is the foundation of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) drops in for a visit which turns into an extended stay. Usually, all of this action is enough for maybe TEN books in the series, but Alexander McCall Smith packs it to one volume. The book was interesting, and definitely had a lot going on, but I have to admit I sort of miss the little bits of wandering and mindfulness that seem to be the trademarks of the series. There are quite a few musings and conversations about tea, which I enjoyed because I'm an obsessive tea-drinker myself (though not at the level Mma Ramotswe is revealed to be...), and the usual profound simplicity of Mm Ramotswe's observations about life and the people in it. Busy or not, it's a worthy part of a wonderful series. I really enjoyed my time back in Botswana and I can't wait for the next book!

Underneath beguiling stories, all his books ponder great ethical questions with a gentle, wry sense of humor and sensitivity. And, refreshingly, McCall Smith is an optimist, a person who genuinely love human beings and exposes their quirks gently. McCall Smith's characters think about the very things you wonder about but may never exactly put into words in discussions with your friends. Thus, they take on a life of their own in your mind long after closing the book. You may start to sip rooibos tea with Mme Ramotswe and wonder about why Botswana is not at war like so many other African nations.TThen you will start to read about Botswana's nature preserves, explore the government's relations with their desert people, etc. My beer drinking dog often cites Cyril, a character in one of the Scotland series of books, in an effort to snare yet another gulp and she uses the intrepid Freddy de LaHay as her excuse for unsupervised tramps into the wilds of our neighboring woods. I have quoted the illustrious editor of a philosophy journal, Isabel dalhousie, a well-educated woman who feeds the local fox. These books, especially the Botswana series, are deceptive. Allow yourself to follow along and soon you will be reading--and savoring--all of his books until you also discover his non-fiction work on ethics.

I absolutely loved the Limpopo Academy of Private Detection. Mma Ramotswe is someone I really enjoy spending time with and I can hardly wait until the next book in the series goes to print. What was different about the Limpopo Academy was that the reader had two perspectives, one from Mma Ramotswe's world and the other from across the world through the eyes of the great author himself, Clovis Andersen, author of The Principles of Private Detection. I don't need to tell any of you who know Mma Ramotswe how important the great author is to her work. Well the two meet and work on a case together. She believes he is "the one" in the world of private detection and he believes he is "hardly the one" in the world of private detection. She never waivers in her belief but he does and in such delightful ways. I won't say more to spoil the plot for you. I recommend that you begin the series from the beginning if you are new to the series. Each is a gem and a sense of history is developed over time. I was introduced to the series by a friend. It took me a couple of tries to read the first in the series and I can't understand why now because I have read every one since and love each one. I've introduced the series to two other friends who absolutely love the books and just introduced a third by giving her the first three in the series. I highly recommend this and also the Sunday Philosophy Club. In that series too I found the first book a little hard to get through but fell in love with the entire series.

I've enjoyed the entire series about Mma Ramotswe and her friends. Whenever you want a feel-good story, a story with some home truths about life gently inserted, turn to McCall Smith's stories of Botswana. Mma Ramotswe, the No. ! Lady Detective manages to get to the bottom of both her client's problems and those of her friends and family with no gunplay, no car chases, and no sex scene nor foul language; simply by delving into human nature. Her reminescences about her father and his straight and true philosophy of life are guiding lights that lead to the truth. These stories are peopled with beloved characters who appear in every story. You delight in the happenings of Grace with her 97% score and the development of her marriage to Phuti. JLB Matekoni's patient guidance of his apprentices and his observations on cars and life also make you smile as you consider their truth. I always look forward to another in the series.

All of the books of the series are well written. The author actually takes you to Africa. You can see the land and feel the people. He takes you to a place we all have in common. Our roots; roots of community and belonging, roots of friendship and love, roots of making meaning of life. I enjoy everyone, with every single turned page.

Although I enjoyed this book as I have every other one in The Ladies Detective Agency series, I did find it more edgy. The situations, as experienced by Precious, and me, felt overwhelming and seemed hopeless at times. As usual Mma Ramotswe puts her intelligence and common sense to good use. I loved it that her detective mentor Clovis Anderson, turns up in this book and that we're getting to know more about Phuti and Grace's life together. It was a surprise that Fanwell was made, in part, the focus of the story. These diverse characters are so interesting to me as Smith develops them. He also showed us more about Mma Potokwane, another beloved, if sometimes irritating, character. Thank you Mr. Smith for these wonderful books about a country so removed from the USA. Yes, we are more alike than we realize. Sadly, the old and honorable ways of Botswana are slowly being eroded just as they are being lost in America.

The next "episode" of this entertaining and pleasantly light reading series is a total success. The characters are consistently portrayed, the "love" behind the writing is clearly present. What a wonderfully human(e) picture of an African country is given here. Yes, here the "good old days" are presented to the reader. "Our Alexander" surpasses himself. Gentle suspense, gentle humour, excellent style as we are accustomed to are all to be found in this book. Please look forword to the next volume (wherever he gets the energy from). Scotland and Botswana ... what a loveable combination!

13th book of Mma Ramotswe. It was so excited as well as other books. I am looking forward to have next one.

Good

I enjoyed this book so much especially the way everything came together in the end, it is a way to close the book and smile.

Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi are wondering whether dreams foretell the future and they have mixed feelings about them. Suddenly their world seem to be falling apart. Grace and her new husband are having a house built but the builder seems untrustworthy. One of Mr J L B Maketoni's apprentices has got himself embroiled in something dubious and it looks as though the matron of the orphan farm has fallen foul of a powerful man who may not be as honest as he claims to be. Plenty of problems for Precious to get her teeth into without any clients needing her services. Can she sort everything out before something dreadful happen? Gentle humour, everyday events and a strong dose of old fashioned morality make this entertaining series well worth reading when you need reassuring that there is still some good in the world. I love the series characters and the situations into which they get themselves and I love the way problems are resolved as they are not always resolved in the way the reader might expect. This series could be read in any order but the development of the series characters adds an extra dimension to the stories if they are read in order.