Tea Time for the Traditionally Built

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

The 10th entry in the internationally best-selling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series finds Precious Ramotswe investigating a mystery that hits close to home.

When she asks her dependable husband, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, to fix her tiny white van, Precious fears he might just sell the vehicle and buy her something more modern. And so he does. But this will not do. So Precious tries to track her beloved van down - and learns it has already been stolen from its new owner.

Listen to the other titles in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.©2009 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2009 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"A literary confection of gossamer deliciousness....There is no end to the pleasure that may be extracted from these books." ( The New York Times Book Review)

Fun Like Always

Precious Ramotswe is one of my very favorite woman characters among a small handful. Being a guy I usually love gritty, hard boiled, raw, action detective stories. I like my mysteries complex and I like the thrills to keep me glued to my ipod. The series of books in the Number One Ladies Detective collection are totally the opposite of all this.

There is never violence. The mysteries are small and sometimes almost nonexistent. There is no action. Us "tough" guys would call this a "ladies novel" except that they are precious, magic, and life affirming.

Everything I shouldn't like about this series is what makes them special, a joy, and pleasure. The reader is awesome which adds extra magic.

What makes the story work is the atmosphere, the unique story idea, the simple mysteries of a simple life, a fresh perspective, and a set of characters you'll think of as part of your family.

I only use 4 stars instead of 5 because there was not a great a mystery in this one as in some although the story is still great fun. I suggest anyone that has not been reading the series start at the beginning to really be able to enjoy them all fully. The one fault of find with most of the series after the first is the lack of mysteries in them. Most of the series from about the 3rd or 4th one are mainly about the personal views and challenges of the main characters. While these are fun they are much more enjoyable when the detectives are also detecting. If you have enjoyed the series so far then don't miss this one.

Thank you Mr. McCall Smith one again

I have read every one of the Botswana No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and was not disappointed by this one. It also took us into the comfortable lives of this lovable but quirky group of people. I am always so sad when the book is over as I have to wait until McCall Smith once agains lets us visit Botswana. I loved it!

Can't Get Enough of Mma Ramotswe

If you like the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series, this book won't disappoint. It's not the best in the series and it's rather short, but it holds your interest. As always, Mma Ramotswe delivers the goods. To me, the side story of Mma Makutse was more interesting than the main detective story.

There seemed to be some differences in the voicing of characters on this book. Both Grace and Mma Potokwane sounded different. Not bad, just different.

If you've seen the TV series, it will add to your enjoyment of this book.

An intreging and culturally fascinating story!

I love the way the author makes you feel like you are there in the story being a part of the no. 1 ladies detective agency and their personal lives. Learning their thoughts, world views, values and concerns is informative and entertaining.

Great

I really enjoy
this series.. excellent narration. Looking forward to the next book to listen to!

Enjoyable

As always delightful story and narrator. On to the next in the series. Can't wait.

Delightful Story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I loved the narrative. This is the second book of the series that I have listened to, and it's a delight to listen to this reader.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If I had the time, this would be a pleasure to listen to in one sitting.

beautiful prose

This series of books is my happy place. Okay, I've never been to Africa and might very likely be shocked if I were to go, but to think that a place like Mma Ramotswe's Botswana exists just makes me feel better, especially at the end of a long and hard day. Oh please, Mr. MCall Smith, give us more.

love the no. 1 ladies detective agency

its a good read. very calm and there isnt anything that makes the book hard to hear

pleasant book

it was pleasant listening to the accent of the reader. well written and enjoyable story.