The Great Hippopotamus Hotel

No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 25

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

In this latest installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi take on an intriguing new case and uncover surprising truths.

In the rolling hills just outside Gaborone, surrounded by a grove of acacia trees, lies the Great Hippopotamus Hotel. With spacious rooms overlooking the Botswanan countryside and a fine and loyal staff, the hotel has served as a refuge to weary travelers for many years. But a sudden string of misfortunes threatens to ruin the hotel’s reputation. Food poisoning befalls an unlucky diner, laundry mysteriously disappears from the drying line, and a scorpion stings one of the guests. Mishap after mishap occurs, until it becomes apparent that these incidents are more than simple coincidences—something foul is afoot.

Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are on the case to find out who could be responsible for these unfortunate events. Meanwhile, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s most important clients has asked him to source a sports car, putting him in a ticklish position, as the man’s wife seems to be unaware of the purchase, and the client is taking great pains to keep it that way.

With a healthy dose of good humor and kindness, Mma Ramotswe and her associates must help restore the reputation of the hotel and prove that even the most difficult situations can be remedied with honesty and compassion.

©2024 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2024 Recorded Books

Always sweet

Grace and Precious again solve gentle crimes while being kind. There is a new narrator, but she is as wonderful as the prior one.

Another winner!

I love these books. I also love Africa and feel the love in this wonderful series.

Hippo Hotel’s

Sweet & simple story set in Botswana. The narrator did an excellent job. Love the Ladies Detective series.

The Elephant can not akwsys be obvious

I loved everything: the pathos, drama, humor, exploration of human natue and it s chalkenges, exploration of a culure that is changing quickly and dramaticly

A simple story about life lessons found in the rich culture of Botswana

A great addition to the Number One Ladies Detective Series. As usual there is a mystery and a plentiful dash of Botswana warmth.

Wholly satisfying

I love all the installments of this series, but this was a particular favorite. I love the new narrator and did not go into this believing anyone could rival Lisette Lecat but before the end of the first chapter I was embraced in Mma Ramostswe’s sweet voice.

I really like that Mma Makutsi gets to play a starring roll in this book. The misdirection, the talking shoes and the delightful little boy that speaks to almost no one except her all kept me interested.

I was happy with the ending and as always the lesson of forgiveness. I look forward to adding this to my relisten library.

Just love Mr Smith’s style of writing and his wonderful characters.u

The story and the narration. No violence or sex. Just a fun story with lovable characters.

The charm.

So relieved that the new narrator is as wonderful as Lisette Lacat!
Excellent in every way. She has a very soothing delivery.

I can't wait for #26!!

I worry when the narrator is not the wonderful Lisset Lacat, but, Bianca Amato is absolutely wonderful!! The story, is, as always, delightful, and funny, and charming.
I hope Alexander McCall Smith keeps writing forever!!!

No regrets about this choice.

All of Alexander McCall Smith's books are interesting and kind. The perfect reader was chosen, and despite having read or listened to everything else that he has written in this series., I found the story and characters extremely engaging.