The Good Husband of Zebra Drive

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

In the life of Precious Ramotswe, a woman duly proud of her fine traditional build, there is rarely a dull moment, and in the latest installment in the universally beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, there is much happening on Zebra Drive and Tlokweng Road.

Mma Ramotswe is experiencing staffing difficulties. First Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni asks to be put in charge of a case involving an errant husband. But can a man investigate such matters as successfully as the number-one lady detective can? Then she has a minor falling-out with her assistant, Mma Makutsi, who decides to leave the agency, taking the 97 percent she received on her typing final from the Botswana Secretarial College with her.

Along the way, Mma Ramotswe is asked to investigate a couple of tricky cases. Will she be able to explain an unexpected series of deaths at the hospital in Mochudi? And what about the missing office supplies at a local printing company? These are the types of questions that she is uniquely well suited to answer.

In the end, whatever happens, Mma Ramotswe knows she can count on Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who stands for all that is solid and true in a shifting world. And there is always her love for Botswana, a country of which she is justifiably proud.

Listen to the other titles in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.©1998 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2003 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"Smith once again combines a loving depiction of ordinary life in modern Botswana with memorable characters and an engaging mystery." (Publishers Weekly)
"Scotsman McCall Smith's best-selling novels featuring 'traditionally built' Botswana sleuth Precious Ramotswe continue to resonate with poignancy, wisdom, and wit." (Booklist)

Excellent read as usual

I love the storytelling of these characters' ordinary lives. I laugh and listen with each book. The narrator makes this series come alive.

Love this series of books

I watched this on Netflix or Prime and was so good. Love these books. Can’t wait to watch the next one

Back in Botswana

Alexander McCall Smith paints such a vivid picture of life in Botswana. It is a slow, peaceful life. Anyone expecting an exciting mystery thriller should not be reading this series. But if you want to "visit" a beautiful culture in Africa, and be entertained by the Number One Ladies Detective Agency, this is a wonderful series. Start from the beginning, so you understand Mma Romatswe and her friends and family. I always look forward to the next story, and The Good Husband of Zebra Drive does not let you down. The narration is done beautifully by Lisette Licat.

Love this series

What made the experience of listening to The Good Husband of Zebra Drive the most enjoyable?

Feeling like it was a continuation of stories about people I know. Even though this is an illusion, it is fun to imagine you do know these people.

Feel good stories

I love these books so much. The make a person feel good just listening. They help one to see the good in humanity

Return visit with friends

Listening to another book from this series is like spending a few hours with good friends. The reader's authentic accent with the dialog transports me to Botswana and makes me feel like I am listening to the characters themselves. A few simple mysteries get solved, but that's not the point: the point is spending time with these kind, wonderful people.

Fabulous books

If you could sum up The Good Husband of Zebra Drive in three words, what would they be?

Entertaining, encouraging, delightful.
Also, very well read/performed.

What about Lisette Lecat’s performance did you like?

Her accents are terrific. And it's nice to know how to pronounce these names which are not familiar to the general American audience.

My favorite Fun book series

Love the author and the series. I have fallen in love with the characters and Africa because of these books. The simple way of life and the light hearted way the stories and characters make me smile. Best Fun Book series ever.

Excellent Story!

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

Yes. Gives a good description of life in Botswana.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Good Husband of Zebra Drive?

The relationship between Mma Matswe and her husband.

Which character – as performed by Lisette Lecat – was your favorite?

Grace.

Sweet story!

A thoroughly enjoyable new tale in this wonderful series. I have enjoyed each one as much as the previous one and I cannot wait to devour the next.