19.1.10

Book Review: Blue Shoes and Happiness by Alexander McCall Smith


This is the seventh book in The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. The author writes a few different series' of books but I think they are all similar in that they contain his quite particular way of looking at the world. Whether it is a mansion block in Pimlico or a village in Botswana, McCall Smith always manages to draw our attention to the small but important things in life.

Blue Shoes and Happiness sees the return of Precious Ramotswe setting out to solve the problems of her clients. There are a few cases of blackmail to solve in this installment plus a worrying atmosphere at the Mokoldo game reserve that may be caused by witchcraft.

Mma Makutsi is there to help her loyal employer although she is having some problems of her own concerning her new fiance Phuti Radiphuti. Mr J.L.B Matekoni is still struggling with the useless apprentices and longs for nothing more than a comfy chair to relax in after a hard day at the garage.

As usual, Alexander McCall Smith creates a very engaging story but it is the beautiful and highly believable characters that keep me returning to this series of books. It is like meeting up with old friends and I am already looking forward to the next one.

9 comments:

Nadia said...

I couldn't agree with you more. I absolutely love the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. The characters are so delightful and I just love it when a new book comes out and I get to find out what new adventures they will go on. Its simple, but completely engaging. Love it! So glad that someone else enjoys these stories, too! Cheers!

Dot said...

Nadia- I think it is probably their simplicity that I enjoy the most. Pleased to hear you are a fan too!

Kim said...

I love this series of books and enjoy all the characters, especially the useless apprentices who are sometimes sometimes useful, but, not very often! As far as I know there are ten books in the series so far and there may be an eleventh in the writing which I am looking forward to, too. You would think a series would get tired after so many books, but, not so The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, long may it continue.
Thanks for the review, Dot.

Dot said...

Kim- they're great aren't they, I've just got hold of the last ones in the series to pop on my TBR pile, going to try to get up to speed with it all this year!

Alayne said...

I've given you an award over at The Crowded Leaf!

Alex said...

totally agree - gotta love no 1 ladies detective agency. like comfort food!

Dot said...

Alex- I love how you describe them as being like comfort food, perfect!!

manjulika pramod said...

I read this one recently and enjoyed reading it. I love reading and have a book blog here.
http://pendown.blog.co.in/

Dot said...

manjulika- They're lovely books aren't they, I have some more sitting on my shelf waiting to be read!

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