The House of Unexpected Sisters

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are approached by their part-time colleague, Mr. Polopetsi, with a troubling story: A woman, accused of being rude to a valued customer, has been wrongly dismissed from her job at an office furniture store. Never one to let an act of injustice go unanswered, Mma Ramotswe begins to investigate but soon discovers unexpected information that causes her to reluctantly change her views about the case.

Other surprises await our intrepid proprietress in the course of her inquiries. Mma Ramotswe is puzzled when she happens to hear of a local nurse named Mingie Ramotswe. She thought she knew everybody by the name of Ramotswe and that they were all related. Who is this mystery lady? Then she is alerted by Mma Potokwani that an unpleasant figure from her past has recently been spotted in town. Mma Ramotswe does her best to avoid the man, but it seems that he may have returned to Botswana specifically to seek her out. What could he want from her?

With the generosity and good humor that guide all her endeavors, Mma Ramotswe will untangle these questions for herself and for her loved ones, ultimately bringing to light important truths about friendship and family - both the one you're born with and the one you choose.

©2017 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2017 Recorded Books

Another Charming, Poignant Tale of Beloved Botswana

If you are a fan of The Number One Agency stories, this is one of the best. A wistful tale with subtle twists; with moments of sadness and conflict; and featuring the characters one cares much about in spite of—or due to —their flaws. It is magnificently read by a women who now has given me the correct pronunciation for the family names and villages in Botswana. I am a Midwesterner, so at first it was a bit distracting since her enunciation and pacing was so different than I heard it in my head. But as I became accustomed to it, it was another beautiful lullaby as he pacing and unfolding of the story itself. I loved hearing this book. And I especially applaud the actor behind the new voice in my head.

Entertaining and comforting story

There is something about this storyline, no exciting reveals or surprises but so easy to listen to. It’s a slow read/listen but you are still drawn in. I find this series very comforting.

Series is great

I have been a fan of A McCall Smith a very long time and enjoy almost all of his Novels. This one doesn’t disappoint. One can feel the love he has for Africa in the #1 Ladies Detective Agency Series and for these remarkable characters.

I loved this one!

I finished it way too soon. All the characters are present, and there is a lot of interesting interaction!

completely delightful

Where does The House of Unexpected Sisters rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Once again, Alexander McCall Smith delights with his ladies detective agency series. His characters are gently humorous but very wise and kind. He writes with seeming simplicity, but so skillfully that you can almost smell the dust and hear the sounds of Botswana. The Ladies Detective Agency stories are always a treat.

What about Lisette Lecat’s performance did you like?

Lisette Lecat is an amazing narrator. Her interpretation exactly fits the tone and tempo of the book. She is talented in conveying emotion and personalities, and her mild use of dialect imparts the sense of the characters without being difficult to understand, nor does it become tiresome.

Any additional comments?

The Ladies Detective Agency books always end happily, with satisfactory outcomes, but always with surprising twists. The kindness and wisdom of Precious, and the integrity of "traditional Botswanian values" always lift my spirit.

Heartwarming and explosive

I'm glad that Mma Ramotswe has discovered her unexpected sisters and also discovered some truths about her family and her daddy. I also love the understated truths about her sisters and of Mma Ramotswe's acceptance of them all

Enchanting

I am a big fan of The Number One Ladies’ Detective Agency. Each year I eagerly await the arrival of the next book in the series. I must say this book is far more complex or complicated than the prior episodes. Reading the book is like taking a trip to Botswana. AMS provides a look at the culture as well as beautiful descriptions of the land. I can see the sun rise over the acacia trees and hear the bells on the cattle heading out to pasture for the day.

Smith has a gentle and easy to read writing style. I enjoy the delicate humor and Mma Ramotswe’s philosophizing over bush tea. Reading the book is like a visit with old friends. When I finished the book, I am left feeling pleasantly happy and pondering Mma Ramotswe’s moral question.

The book is nine hours twenty-nine minutes. Lisette Lecat does an excellent job narrating the book. Lecat was born in South Africa and does the accent, pronunciation and rhythm of Botswana perfectly. Lecat is an actress and voice-over actor. She does voice roles and audiobook narration in three languages.

Sisterhood and family

Once again a very good narrative and great story. It tells a message without preaching to the Reader. Will always read this Author with this great Narrator.

great story

I love the way the author keeps you involved in the story. The interaction between the characters is always a delight.

I very much enjoyed

I am a great reader of Mr. Smith. I so enjoy reading his works. I am always
recommending his various books to
others.