The subject of this book is a delight, a Lady decides to set up the first ladies detective agency in her native Botsawana. The style in which the book is written is a delight too: uncluttered and clear. The various cases that the lady detective solves are also a delight: the lady is incisive, clever and a natural.

Precious Ramotswe is the detective and she sets herself up as a lady detective by using her inheritance from her father: he left her a herd of cattle on his death. Precious more than wisely invested in a business and a house for herself.

Precious, known as Mma Ramotswe throughout most of the book, sets up her business and then has doubts: just like anyone setting up in business. There is even a simple lesson in financial management along the lines of Mr Micawber: income 19 shillings and sixpence, expenses 20 shillings, result misery.

There is no doubt that Mma Ramotswe is a novice but she uses her feminine guile to get to the heart of the matter. She solves the mystery of the baptismal disappearance with style; the man with the missing finger is brought to book in no uncertain terms and in all of her other cases, Mma Ramotswe brings her prodigious talents to bear. If I were to find myself in trouble in Gabarone, I would probably hire Mma Ramotswe myself!

This book is the first in a series that currently stands at four titles and because of that it contains a fair amount of background material. Mma Ramotswe's father is a key figure in her life so we are treated to much of his life story: how it was that he amassed a herd of cows at least!

We also learn about Mma Ramotswe's first marriage and her child and how that forms her opinions on many issues.

Otherwise, Smith has crafted a superb leading lady in a superb setting with superb artistry. I can imagine that the film of the book will be very appealing: it has already been given star billing on BBC radio four but I was never in a position to listen to a complete episode for some reason.

Look out for Mr JLB Matekoni: that's how he is always addressed. He becomes a key character and is a good man.

As a matter of interest, I wonder just how many Ladies' Detective Agencies there are, let alone in Botswana. Let me know!

Anyone who knows and loves Botswana and the area around Gabarone will no doubt swoon over this book. As someone who spent five years in nearby Malawi, although never getting beyond Zimbabwe, Zambia and South Africa, I felt the pull of the continent again!

Smith worked in Botswana and he has put his knowledge to perfect use: he could have given us an idyllic view of the countryside and the life of the indigent African; and he could have given us a view of the privations of a life in such a remote country. I think Smith has achived a perfect balance between African culture, business and topology: it's a very appealing book.

Just one thing: on page 190 of my book, an American edition I think, he mentions Hastings Banda (of Malawi) when he should have called him Ngwazi Dr H Kamuzu Banda ... former Life President of the Warm Heart of Africa!

With a list price of just £6.99 this will hardly break your bank and I will certainly be reading the other books in this series and recommend you do the same. I think size 22 Mma Ramotswe will grow on you too!

 

Duncan Williamson
2 October 2004