Oh Boy, Oh Boy, Oh Boy!

by Alexander McCall Smith

My dad suggested that I read "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" touting it as an enjoyable, well written, and with characters I would love. Being a good son, I immediately forgot all sound advise until two months later, at our local library, when I saw under "Staff Recommendations" a book whose title seems familiar.

After reading the back, I remembered my dad's sage advise. I was still reluctant to start a journey that, in the past, has been so disappointing to me. I find mysteries build to a climax that almost always leaves me unfulfilled. But, I dove in.

"The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" niftily avoids this pit fall by not telling one mystery but by crafting Mma. Ramotswe life around the mysteries she solves. And what a life she has. She is a proud woman from Botswana who loves her country. She describes Africa not as a third world country but as beautiful, rich, and ancient. She is not American or every wants to be American. She is strong, smart, and very very fat. I loved her!

This novel is more than a mystery novel. Much, much more and I recommend it.