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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:
suzywong · 11/03/2004 14:09

Hmmmm .... I just finished the frist one, an OK read but very simplistic, or maybe I was entirely missing the point. Won't be readint the other 3

bundle · 11/03/2004 14:15

someone in my office (a bloke) read the first one and can't wait to start on rest...

Original poster
oliveoil · 11/03/2004 14:18

it's a tie break, anyone else? Need to order in the next hour before I swan off home.

OP posts:
Frenchgirl · 11/03/2004 14:18

I have read 4 of them and absolutley love them, the characters are great, very likeable indeed, you get a real sense of what the country must be like. I try to pace myself and not read them one after the other though, to enjoy them more!
Go for it
They are easy to read but I don't think that means they are simplistic though.

spacemonkey · 11/03/2004 14:25

I've read the first one OO and I really enjoyed it as very light bedtime reading. Have bought the second one but not read it yet.

Bron · 11/03/2004 14:55

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

Azure · 11/03/2004 14:58

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

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:
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...

spacemonkey · 11/03/2004 15:37

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

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!

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

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.

Grommit · 11/03/2004 18:01

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

SofiaAmes · 11/03/2004 23:23

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

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

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.

bossykate · 14/03/2004 20:04

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

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.

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.........

OldieMum · 15/03/2004 17:00

Bossykate - see my message on your Botswana thread.

Thomcat · 15/03/2004 17:04

Yes, really enjoyable and easy to read.

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...

SueW · 09/04/2004 10:42

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn by MNHQ at OP's request.

suedonim · 09/04/2004 13:32

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