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Original poster

Anyone read the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency books?

30 replies

oliveoil · 11/03/2004 14:08

There is an offer in my book club 2 for £9.98 and need to know whether to bother getting all four of them.

Ta

OP posts:
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wickedstepmum · 22/04/2004 08:59

I think the books are beautiful - and I am definitely 'traditionally built' Truly, madly is one of my all time favourite movies. The sort that makes you laugh while you're crying. I am so glad Anthony Minghella is making the films. We just missed trying Minghella ice-cream on the Isle of Wight last autumn. The shop had just closed...and our ferry was leaving

happycamper · 21/04/2004 10:29

I'm just relaxing with the Kalahari Typing School & & enjoying some of it's gentle 'morality' if that's the right word? Glad to see Anthony Mingella is having a hand in televising it- off on a tangent - did anyone see his interview on the BBC2 birthday celebrations last night - I didn't realise he was the brains behind 'Truly Madly, Deeply' - that fanatastic Screen 2 play that has stuck with me ever since seeing it as a teenager. I hope he will do the books justice.

Mirage · 10/04/2004 22:02

Oh I'm glad to see this.

Just finished reading 'Morality for Beautiful girls' & loved it as much as the 1st book.Yes,it is written in a simplistic fashion,but you really get the feel of how the characters talk ect.I have visions of them & the country in my head & just love the description of the women as 'traditionally built'-what a great phrase.

suedonim · 09/04/2004 14:11

We like to keep things a bit exclusive up here in the Frozen North, y'know.

SueW · 09/04/2004 13:48

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suedonim · 09/04/2004 13:32

Otoh, it's a free read if you take The Scotsman anyway!

SueW · 09/04/2004 10:42

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littletree · 09/04/2004 07:10

I absolutely loved the first 2- have the next ones waiting on the shelf. I would agree that the style is simple but not simplistic. I have never been to Botswana but am now dying to go- I felt instantly transported to the landscape. I think McCall has sharp insight into human nature and the characters are very rich. I look forward to reading them all! FYI Apparently there is a television series being made by Anthony Minghella...

Thomcat · 15/03/2004 17:04

Yes, really enjoyable and easy to read.

OldieMum · 15/03/2004 17:00

Bossykate - see my message on your Botswana thread.

lazyeye · 15/03/2004 09:10

Read the 1st three - enjoyed the 1st 2 a lot - but found the 3rd lost its way a bit. But the first 2 are good and light for bedtime.........

bbensley · 15/03/2004 08:23

Read them and loved them. If these are simplistic then at least i know how to describe the type of books I like. Possession is a whole different ball game.

bossykate · 14/03/2004 20:04

i started a thread on this subject a while ago. here it is .

bossykate · 14/03/2004 20:02

i've read them all - they are great. i've developed a yen to go to botswana because of them. marvellous.

geogteach · 14/03/2004 19:51

I've read them all too - light enough for someone with baby brain to read but not chick lit and a great sounding location - I strongly recomend

SofiaAmes · 11/03/2004 23:23

I've read them all. Can't wait for the next one.

Grommit · 11/03/2004 18:01

I have read the first one - very easy and enjoyable read - didn't tax my 'baby' brain

OldieMum · 11/03/2004 17:51

I have read two so far. They are a light read, but written with enormous affection for Botswana and magically evocative of the people and landscape. I have lived over the border in North West Province, South Africa, where people are predominantly Batswana, and the books take me back there immediately. The actual 'detectiving' is really just a peg for all this.

suzywong · 11/03/2004 16:50

Slight Spoiler Coming Up

I think I must be totally missing the point of them
It seems to me that she just rocks up at people's places and calls their bluff and then they confess.

I agree they do have a certain charm and convey the love the characters have for their new nation in a realistic way

scoobysnax · 11/03/2004 16:48

They are great & very addictive - I am selling the first 3 of the series on the buy and sell noticeboard - £2.50 each incl P&P!

spacemonkey · 11/03/2004 15:37

mm - they do have a certain simplicity about them, but I wouldn't call them simplistic.

SoupDragon · 11/03/2004 15:27

I thoroughly enjoyed the first one althugh I couldn't tell you why really. I agree that it was a simple book but somehow engrossing! You've reminded me that I've not got round to buying the others yet...

Original poster
oliveoil · 11/03/2004 15:05

Looks like a thumbs up, think I will order the first two for now and think about the others.

Thanks all

PS and if they are crap I will be back on bookswap

OP posts:
Azure · 11/03/2004 14:58

I've just finished the first one and immediately started the second. A great read.

Bron · 11/03/2004 14:55

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