The Joy and Light Bus Company

No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency, Book 22

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

In this latest installment in the beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Mma Ramotswe is tempted to put the brakes on a business venture before it even gets rolling.

“McCall Smith is a master....There’s beauty and revelation of one kind or another woven expertly into every line.” (The Christian Science Monitor)

Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni attends a course hosted by the local chamber of commerce entitled “Where Is Your Business Going?”. But rather than feeling energized, he comes back in low spirits, unsure how to grow the already venerable and successful Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. Then an old friend from school approaches him about a new business venture that could be just the ticket. When it turns out he will need to mortgage his property in order to pursue this endeavor, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi wonder what this will mean for his current business - as well as their own.

Even as she puzzles over mysteries on the domestic front, Mma Ramotswe’s professional duties must take precedence. When a concerned son learns that his aging father’s nurse now stands to inherit the family home, he begins to doubt her intentions and takes his case to Botswana’s premier detective agency. Fortunately, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are committed agents of justice and agree to investigate.

Tricky as these matters may be, Mma Ramotswe knows that the most creative solutions are often found with the support of loving friends and family. Working together over a cup of red bush tea, she and Mma Makutsi will rely on their tact, humor, and goodwill to ensure that all involved find the happiness that they deserve.

©2021 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2021 Recorded Books, Inc.

Delightful

Another delightful story from Alexander McCall Smith. In this story Mma Precious Ramotswe makes incorrect assumptions about several people and then learns she is incorrect. Haven’t we all done that at sometime in our life.

The publisher seems to be hunting for a replacement narrator for Lisette Lecat. I think they have succeeded with the narrator of this book, Bianca Amato. She is from South Africa as is Lecat and has that soft lyrical voice and the same pronunciations of names. I cannot wait for the next AMS story with Amato as narrator.

The book is eight hours and eight minutes. Bianca Amato does an excellent job with the narration.

Wonderful as always

If you are a fan if this series, it doesn't disappoint. The narrator is so easy to listen to and the story is good.

Sooo good

I’ve had difficulty finding a really good listen on audible lately. The number one Ladies Detective Series always delivers—good writing, clever storytelling, and a gentle message. And Bianca Amati is a wonderful narrator.

Delightful

Great story and reader. I found myself laughing out loud at times. I highly recommend it.

Takes me back

Great narrator! The vibe of this series takes me back to when I visited Kenya once in my life. Simpler times. I love this series so much!

One of my favorites out of the entire series.

It was a joy to listen to this book. I’ve listened to all of the Ladies No. 1 Detective books and this is one of my very favorites. I love how well all the characters are written and how wonderful it is to understand their lives. There are very few authors who write books like these as well as Alexander McCall Smith does. The books are poignant and uplifting. I’m always a bit sad when I come to the end of one and know that I must wait.

Makes me want to visit Botswana

I enjoy this "traditional African Woman" in a very unconditional career, exploring truth of life.

Refreshing

This feel-good book (and series) seems to uncover the simple beauty of life that is so often hidden under layers of complexity. It is so refreshing to see things from a better perspective!

Best in the series!

I have loved all of the series. I’ve read them as bound books and then listened to them on Audible. This book just seemed like a standout. The new narrator is spectacular. The arc of the novel holds my interest from beginning to end. The characters are all old friends but the new twists in their lives keep me eager to hear more - and that naughty Violet! What will she do next?

a particularly good one

Having read and enjoyed all the books in this series, I found this one particularly satisfying. Better than the previous one.