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No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #15
The Handsome Man's Deluxe Café
The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency often helps people find things they have lost. But they have never had to help a client find herself—until now, in this latest installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s best-selling and beloved series.
A kindhearted brother and sister have taken in a woman known only as “Mrs.”—a woman with no memory of her name or of how she came to Botswana. And so it’s up to Precious Ramotswe and her new co-director, Grace Makutsi, to discover the woman’s identity.
Meanwhile, motherhood proves to be no obstacle to Mma Makutsi’s professional success. As she settles into her role as partner at the agency, she also launches a new enterprise of her own: the Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café, a restaurant for Gaborone’s most fashionable diners. But even Miss 97 Per Cent isn’t fully prepared for the temperamental chefs, drunken waiters, and other challenges that come with running one’s own business. Help may come from an unexpected source, if only Mma Makutsi can swallow her pride and ask.
And next door to the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni is all too familiar with the difficult decisions of business owners. He is finally forced to make a tough choice, one that will bring major changes to both Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency—and that will require all of Mma Ramotswe’s finesse and patience to sort out.
With sympathy and indefatigable good humor, Mma Ramotswe and her friends see one another through these major changes and discover along the way what true friendship really means.
A kindhearted brother and sister have taken in a woman known only as “Mrs.”—a woman with no memory of her name or of how she came to Botswana. And so it’s up to Precious Ramotswe and her new co-director, Grace Makutsi, to discover the woman’s identity.
Meanwhile, motherhood proves to be no obstacle to Mma Makutsi’s professional success. As she settles into her role as partner at the agency, she also launches a new enterprise of her own: the Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café, a restaurant for Gaborone’s most fashionable diners. But even Miss 97 Per Cent isn’t fully prepared for the temperamental chefs, drunken waiters, and other challenges that come with running one’s own business. Help may come from an unexpected source, if only Mma Makutsi can swallow her pride and ask.
And next door to the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni is all too familiar with the difficult decisions of business owners. He is finally forced to make a tough choice, one that will bring major changes to both Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency—and that will require all of Mma Ramotswe’s finesse and patience to sort out.
With sympathy and indefatigable good humor, Mma Ramotswe and her friends see one another through these major changes and discover along the way what true friendship really means.
227 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2014
705 people are currently reading
6182 people want to read
About the author
Alexander McCall Smith
668 books12.7k followersAlexander McCall Smith is the author of the international phenomenon The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie Series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, and the 44 Scotland Street series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served on many national and international bodies concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and he was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland. Visit him online at www.alexandermccallsmith.com, on Facebook, and on Twitter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,715 reviews
November 15, 2014
A Review by V.S. (Violet Sepotho)
Back at the Botswana Secretarial College, where I distinguished myself in the middle of the class, I met a young woman with large spectacles from Bobonong. Well, that lady has an annoying habit of appearing in all the books Rra McCall Smith has written about me. That Mma Makutsi is back in this one, as well as that large lady Mma Ramotswe. Here, they attempt to solve a case of amnesia and entertain the idea of opening a cafe! It is very funny to read about all their mistakes and, even better, that tiny white van those ladies drive around in gets a few more dents to go with its sagging suspension. They go on and on about cattle as usual and eat their large slices of fruit cake with the matron. It will take lots of bush tea and the comic antics of that smart apprentice Charlie to keep your eyes open. But don't worry, the book reaches five star perfection when I make my usual glamorous appearance at the end. I'll make it worth your while as sure as 95 plus 2 equals 98.
Back at the Botswana Secretarial College, where I distinguished myself in the middle of the class, I met a young woman with large spectacles from Bobonong. Well, that lady has an annoying habit of appearing in all the books Rra McCall Smith has written about me. That Mma Makutsi is back in this one, as well as that large lady Mma Ramotswe. Here, they attempt to solve a case of amnesia and entertain the idea of opening a cafe! It is very funny to read about all their mistakes and, even better, that tiny white van those ladies drive around in gets a few more dents to go with its sagging suspension. They go on and on about cattle as usual and eat their large slices of fruit cake with the matron. It will take lots of bush tea and the comic antics of that smart apprentice Charlie to keep your eyes open. But don't worry, the book reaches five star perfection when I make my usual glamorous appearance at the end. I'll make it worth your while as sure as 95 plus 2 equals 98.
December 8, 2019
4 stars for a pleasant cozy mystery, set in Botswana, Africa. This is number 15 in The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency.. It can be read as a standalone, but there are references to previous incidents.
This book is full of gentle wisdom in dealing with problems presented to Charlie, apprentice mechanic, Precious Ramotswe, owner of the Agency and her assistant, Grace Makutsi.
All of these characters have become like old friends, over the past 13 years when I started reading this series.
One quote by Precious: "There was also enough light, Mma Ramotswe reflected, to see that the world was not always a place of pain and loss, but a place where our simple human affairs--those made that for all their pettiness still sometimes confounded us --were not insoluble, were not without the possibility of resolution."
This book is full of gentle wisdom in dealing with problems presented to Charlie, apprentice mechanic, Precious Ramotswe, owner of the Agency and her assistant, Grace Makutsi.
All of these characters have become like old friends, over the past 13 years when I started reading this series.
One quote by Precious: "There was also enough light, Mma Ramotswe reflected, to see that the world was not always a place of pain and loss, but a place where our simple human affairs--those made that for all their pettiness still sometimes confounded us --were not insoluble, were not without the possibility of resolution."
June 1, 2015
You know they say an addict has to reach rock bottom and really want to be cured before he can be rehabilitated? Well I'm there, Lord I'm there, Rescue Me. I've done it before. I gave up donating to the Lifetime Fund of Jodi Picoult, formulaic writer of books that made her ever richer and ever more famous. If I've done it once, I can do it again.
I wonder if AMS has a list in front of him of all the characters and their traits and accoutrements, like the Precious Ramotswe's little white van, Mma Potokwane's cake, Grace Makutse's rudeness and glasses? I wonder if he crosses them off when they have been mentioned? Maybe that's what makes it so pedestrian and predictable? What was interesting in the earlier stories is reiterated time and again now but never added to, nothing new about the characters is ever revealed. It has all become very hackneyed and somewhat tedious to read.
This book in particular was rock bottom. Precious Ramotswe has the world's easiest case to solve. She doesn't even need to ask any questions because the person who has all the answers and should be keeping things confidential just tells them to her without even knowing who she is.
Charlie's stereotypical think-with-the-dick and not the head character is played for slapstick laughs. Except it wasn't funny.
Mma Makutse does the usual 97% and for no known reason opens a restaurant with her husband's money, failing to check on the chef's food or references. Her husband, good at business as he is, lets her get on with it all by herself.
Mma Potokwane saves the situation in such a glib way you think she must have been one of the fat fairy godmothers with sparkle dust escaped from Disney. Actually maybe not fairy godmother maybe more Batman da da da da da da da BATMAN (with the obligatory just-bakedcape cake).
And worse, worst of all, the dreaded Violet Sephotho does the usual villain thing.
What a load of rubbish.
This series should have been retired a while ago. There is nothing new that the author adds to the characters, all of which have become extremely predictable stereotypes by now. The stories are too slight and too much set in a cosy world where nothing of real Botswana could intrude.
Rock bottom. I swear I will never read another No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. But addicts always swear they will never...
I wonder if AMS has a list in front of him of all the characters and their traits and accoutrements, like the Precious Ramotswe's little white van, Mma Potokwane's cake, Grace Makutse's rudeness and glasses? I wonder if he crosses them off when they have been mentioned? Maybe that's what makes it so pedestrian and predictable? What was interesting in the earlier stories is reiterated time and again now but never added to, nothing new about the characters is ever revealed. It has all become very hackneyed and somewhat tedious to read.
This book in particular was rock bottom. Precious Ramotswe has the world's easiest case to solve. She doesn't even need to ask any questions because the person who has all the answers and should be keeping things confidential just tells them to her without even knowing who she is.
Charlie's stereotypical think-with-the-dick and not the head character is played for slapstick laughs. Except it wasn't funny.
Mma Makutse does the usual 97% and for no known reason opens a restaurant with her husband's money, failing to check on the chef's food or references. Her husband, good at business as he is, lets her get on with it all by herself.
Mma Potokwane saves the situation in such a glib way you think she must have been one of the fat fairy godmothers with sparkle dust escaped from Disney. Actually maybe not fairy godmother maybe more Batman da da da da da da da BATMAN (with the obligatory just-baked
And worse, worst of all, the dreaded Violet Sephotho does the usual villain thing.
What a load of rubbish.
This series should have been retired a while ago. There is nothing new that the author adds to the characters, all of which have become extremely predictable stereotypes by now. The stories are too slight and too much set in a cosy world where nothing of real Botswana could intrude.
Rock bottom. I swear I will never read another No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. But addicts always swear they will never...
December 18, 2023
3.5 stars
In this 15th book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series, Mma Ramotswe deals with several problems in her usual wise fashion. The book can be read as a standalone.
*****
As the story opens Mma Precious Ramotswe has made her assistant, Mma Grace Makutsi - now happily married with a new baby - a partner in the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency." This makes little difference to Grace's job duties, however, since business is sparse.
Economic problems also make it necessary for Mma Ramotswe's husband, Mr. J.L.B. Mateconi - who owns a garage - to fire his lackadaisical apprentice Charlie. Feeling bad for Charlie, Mma Ramotswe offers him a position in her detective agency - a chancy proposition since Charlie would rather put on flashy outfits and chase ladies than do his work.
Meanwhile Mma Ramotswe is looking into the case of an Indian woman, called "Mrs." who apparently has lost her memory. Mrs. has been taken in by a kindly Indian brother and sister who hire Mma Ratowswe to find out who Mrs. is before the authorities deport her to South Africa.
Also on Mma Ramotswe's mind is a new project of Mma Makutski, who has decided to open a café and call it "The Handsome Man's Deluxe Café." Unfortunately Mma Makutski has little knowledge of the restaurant industry and makes some unfortunate hiring and menu decisions.
As always in this series the story meanders along, with many cups of tea and homey chit-chat among the characters. Mma Makutski, a strong-minded lady with definite opinions, is her usual abrasive - though amusing - self and Mma Ramotswe does her best to smooth things over as always.
As a heads up to mystery lovers I'll say there's little mystery or detective work in this book. It's more of an update about what the familiar, well-liked characters are up to. The author's relaxed method of story-telling is what makes these books charming and enjoyable and fans of the series will probably like this book.
You can follow my reviews at https://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot....
December 6, 2014
This is one of my all time favourite series and I am always delighted when a new one comes out. They are light easy reading but always totally delightful and the characters feel just like family. In this book Mma Ramotswe attempts to solve an unusual case while Mma Makutsi sets herself up in the restaurant business with some less than successful results. Of course everything comes good by the end and that is the real pleasure in these books. Good will always triumph in the end and life will continue in happiness and comfort at least in this little corner of the world .
November 12, 2019
Fourth read: So I've read this one twice this year! I need a new series to fall back on for comfort reads, I guess. But I'll be surprised if I don't read these books again and again. They always make me smile, no matter what. I just love these characters.
Third read: Wow, so I've read this book once in each of the past three years. I don't know what more I can add to my prior reviews. These books are the cure for what ails ya.
Really looking forward to reading his latest book in this series, which came out late last year. Lisette Lecat can not be outdone with her audio performances, truly. I've listened to hundreds and hundreds of audiobooks. She can not be outmatched in her performances of these characters. She knows them as well as the author and she makes me smile continually while listening. You can't put a price on that. 💙💙💙
Second read:
This series feels like it was written just for me. I love it so much. What a comforting, life-affirming series of books.
If it's true that the right book can be a prescription for what ails you, then this series is a cure for all of our modern-day ills, like anxiety, sadness, disillusionment, loneliness. In my opinion, this world would be a kinder, happier place if everyone read this series at least once. I'm nearly twice through all of them now, and still singing their praises. This is the only series I've ever felt this way about.
Thank you, and long live Alexander McCall Smith!
First read:
A lot of interesting changes for many of the recurring characters in the series in this one. Books like this hit my sweet spot. Recurring themes of community, friendship, family, goodness, with a little humor, read by a talented narrator and written by Alexander McCall Smith.
Can't think of anything missing there! I'm only two installments from the end, and will probably restart this series from the beginning once I get there. Hopefully a new volume comes out this year *crossing fingers*
Third read: Wow, so I've read this book once in each of the past three years. I don't know what more I can add to my prior reviews. These books are the cure for what ails ya.
Really looking forward to reading his latest book in this series, which came out late last year. Lisette Lecat can not be outdone with her audio performances, truly. I've listened to hundreds and hundreds of audiobooks. She can not be outmatched in her performances of these characters. She knows them as well as the author and she makes me smile continually while listening. You can't put a price on that. 💙💙💙
Second read:
This series feels like it was written just for me. I love it so much. What a comforting, life-affirming series of books.
If it's true that the right book can be a prescription for what ails you, then this series is a cure for all of our modern-day ills, like anxiety, sadness, disillusionment, loneliness. In my opinion, this world would be a kinder, happier place if everyone read this series at least once. I'm nearly twice through all of them now, and still singing their praises. This is the only series I've ever felt this way about.
Thank you, and long live Alexander McCall Smith!
First read:
A lot of interesting changes for many of the recurring characters in the series in this one. Books like this hit my sweet spot. Recurring themes of community, friendship, family, goodness, with a little humor, read by a talented narrator and written by Alexander McCall Smith.
Can't think of anything missing there! I'm only two installments from the end, and will probably restart this series from the beginning once I get there. Hopefully a new volume comes out this year *crossing fingers*
October 5, 2014
We are back in Botswana, that sunny country where apparently anyone will happily give you a glass of water or take the time to stop and ponder life's little questions. Alexander McCall Smith's books are stuck in a timewarp, a blissful bubble where nothing is so dire that it can't be resolved with a generous slice of fruit cake and cup of redbush tea. This series is literary comfort food, where the plot takes second billing to the warm feelings that the characters and setting evoke.
And yet. I truly love this series, but this time round it all felt too light and inconsequential. Charming? yes. Familiar? without a doubt. But, dare I say it - I was bored. It feels written to formula, everyone has their familiar shtick. In recent times, McCall Smith has found ways to shake things up while keeping the structure familiar - by taking Precious out of Gaborone, having Clovis Andersen visit, significant developments in character's personal lives. This time, there is nothing of that nature. Plus Mma Makutsi's talking shoes make a comeback - ugh!
I should make it clear: if you want nothing more than more of the same, you will be delighted with this novel. Mr J L B Matekoni is as loveable as ever, Charlie's eye for the ladies leads him into trouble, Violet Sepotho makes a brief but villainous appearance and there is a mystery to be investigated. This is a faithful instalment in a much loved series. It simply feels TOO faithful for my taste.
And yet. I truly love this series, but this time round it all felt too light and inconsequential. Charming? yes. Familiar? without a doubt. But, dare I say it - I was bored. It feels written to formula, everyone has their familiar shtick. In recent times, McCall Smith has found ways to shake things up while keeping the structure familiar - by taking Precious out of Gaborone, having Clovis Andersen visit, significant developments in character's personal lives. This time, there is nothing of that nature. Plus Mma Makutsi's talking shoes make a comeback - ugh!
I should make it clear: if you want nothing more than more of the same, you will be delighted with this novel. Mr J L B Matekoni is as loveable as ever, Charlie's eye for the ladies leads him into trouble, Violet Sepotho makes a brief but villainous appearance and there is a mystery to be investigated. This is a faithful instalment in a much loved series. It simply feels TOO faithful for my taste.
November 8, 2014
Botswana’s only lady detective — actually the only detective of either sex — Precious Ramotswe, returns in The Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café to the delight of longtime fans of Alexander McCall Smith’s coziest of cozy mysteries. In this book, the 15th in the series that began with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Precious investigates an East Asian woman who says she can’t remember anything about herself: not where she’s from, not how old she is, not even her name — nothing from before the moment she stumbled to the gates of the stately home of the office-supplies magnate and fellow East Asian Mr. Singupta and his sister, Miss Rose.
Meanwhile, the worldwide recession has stricken Botswana as everywhere else. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, Mma Ramotswe’s husband and owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, finds himself with a terrible choice to make to save his garage.
Which makes the decision of Grace Makutsi — Precious’ über-efficient secretary, she of the renowned record of 97 percent on her final examination at the Botswana Secretarial College — to start up a restaurant, which she dubs the eponymous Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café — even more puzzling. With a new baby, a worldwide recession, and absolutely no knowledge of hospitality management or the culinary arts, even the determined Mma Makutsi has probably taken on more than she can manage. Grace Makutsi, thy name is hubris! Mma Makutsi — despite no knowledge of the hospitality management industry or even much about cooking — refuses to listen when others advise her. But the experience will teach Mma Makutsi more than humility — thanks to her circle of selfless and clever friends.
Readers can expect that Mma Ramotswe will tease out the true identity of the East Asian amnesiac, resolve the quandary of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, and come up with good advice for the troubled Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café — although she gets assistance along the way from her many friends. Despite the feel-good ending, the novel never turns cliché or saccharine. Like a visit to a favorite relative who one sees much too rarely, readers will savor their time in Gabrone with Precious Ramotswe and her extended family. Now to wait an entire year for the next one!
Meanwhile, the worldwide recession has stricken Botswana as everywhere else. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, Mma Ramotswe’s husband and owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, finds himself with a terrible choice to make to save his garage.
Which makes the decision of Grace Makutsi — Precious’ über-efficient secretary, she of the renowned record of 97 percent on her final examination at the Botswana Secretarial College — to start up a restaurant, which she dubs the eponymous Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café — even more puzzling. With a new baby, a worldwide recession, and absolutely no knowledge of hospitality management or the culinary arts, even the determined Mma Makutsi has probably taken on more than she can manage. Grace Makutsi, thy name is hubris! Mma Makutsi — despite no knowledge of the hospitality management industry or even much about cooking — refuses to listen when others advise her. But the experience will teach Mma Makutsi more than humility — thanks to her circle of selfless and clever friends.
Readers can expect that Mma Ramotswe will tease out the true identity of the East Asian amnesiac, resolve the quandary of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, and come up with good advice for the troubled Handsome Man’s Deluxe Café — although she gets assistance along the way from her many friends. Despite the feel-good ending, the novel never turns cliché or saccharine. Like a visit to a favorite relative who one sees much too rarely, readers will savor their time in Gabrone with Precious Ramotswe and her extended family. Now to wait an entire year for the next one!
December 28, 2015
Another delightful episode in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. What makes it so delightful is the way the characters keep developing and changing in this series and the different ways in which they tackle everyday problems and situations depending on their personalities.
In this volume, Charlie has to find a new job as Mr J.L.B. Maketoni has given up hope of him ever passing his mechanics exams. Mma Makutsi decides to open a cafe and the agency takes on a case of a woman with amnesia. As usual, nothing quite works out as you would expect and quite a few feathers are ruffled (mostly Mma Makutsi's) along the way, particularly when arch nemesis Violet Sephotho writes a review of the restaurant. So lovely to read a gentle book that highlights the goodness in people by such a keen observer of the intricacies of human nature as McCall Smith.
In this volume, Charlie has to find a new job as Mr J.L.B. Maketoni has given up hope of him ever passing his mechanics exams. Mma Makutsi decides to open a cafe and the agency takes on a case of a woman with amnesia. As usual, nothing quite works out as you would expect and quite a few feathers are ruffled (mostly Mma Makutsi's) along the way, particularly when arch nemesis Violet Sephotho writes a review of the restaurant. So lovely to read a gentle book that highlights the goodness in people by such a keen observer of the intricacies of human nature as McCall Smith.
January 1, 2015
What a great way to start the New Year by reading the new book in one of my favorite series, The Number One Ladies Detective Agency. This is such a feel good series and who doesn't love Precious Ramotswe, the traditionally built owner of the agency?
This new addition features her prickly assistant, Grace Makutsi, now promoted to "co-director" of the Agency. Grace has decided to open a restaurant called the Handsome Man's Deluxe Café. In one of the funniest passages in the book, J.L.B. Matekoni, husband of Precious, expresses his reservations about the café. He said he would be afraid of Grace lurking around making sure everyone cleaned their plate.
Their is also a case but the real joy is just enjoying the characters. I always feel great after I've read one and this doesn't disappoint. It's a worthy addition to the series.
This new addition features her prickly assistant, Grace Makutsi, now promoted to "co-director" of the Agency. Grace has decided to open a restaurant called the Handsome Man's Deluxe Café. In one of the funniest passages in the book, J.L.B. Matekoni, husband of Precious, expresses his reservations about the café. He said he would be afraid of Grace lurking around making sure everyone cleaned their plate.
Their is also a case but the real joy is just enjoying the characters. I always feel great after I've read one and this doesn't disappoint. It's a worthy addition to the series.
August 3, 2015
This was a “recovery” book, after I read a very good but intense read and needed something light and easy to get into afterwards! I wondered whether I would struggle even with this one, but no - it was as fun to read as this series normally is. Even less happens in this one than others - there is only one case taken on by Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi, but there are various issues of life reflected on throughout and I just enjoy the way these are written!
July 24, 2015
This should probably rate 3 stars because of the simplicity and sameness of this series, but it rates an extra star for wisdom, philosophy, and because I love these books so much.
Exciting, no. Complicated plot, no. Lyrical prose, no. Not even really a mystery as such, even though that's where you'll find it in the bookstore. But whenever you are in need of simple people trying to be good and do good things, when you need a break from a hectic life, slow down and read this series, starting with "The #1 Ladies Detective Agency." They are yoga for the soul.
Exciting, no. Complicated plot, no. Lyrical prose, no. Not even really a mystery as such, even though that's where you'll find it in the bookstore. But whenever you are in need of simple people trying to be good and do good things, when you need a break from a hectic life, slow down and read this series, starting with "The #1 Ladies Detective Agency." They are yoga for the soul.
February 6, 2018
This series makes me love Botswana.
May 13, 2022
Got my heart cozy fix. This was a great reminder of being kind.
September 22, 2014
Mma Makutsi, back from maternity leave and now promoted to business partner in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency has decided to branch out and buy a restaurant; the eponymous "Handsome Man's Deluxe Cafe". Meanwhile, Mr JLB Matekoni has a dilemma about Charlie and Mma Ramotswe must help an Indian lady who does not know her own name. Business as usual for the No.1 Ladies and their various friends and relations.
I absolutely love Alexander McCall Smith's novels, and the Precious Ramotswe series is my favourite. It is so hard to explain what happens in them because in actuality, nothing much really does, and that is their charm. Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi don't really do anything different from anyone else's everyday life, but because of that they (or Mr McCall Smith) know so much about how people behave that they are able to solve any problem just by being kind to people and talking to them. I like how Charlie is now playing a bigger part in the novels as he has always been such a fun character and it is great to see him developed.
Once again, nothing out of the ordinary happens in this instalment but I enjoyed it just as much as all the others. If only everyone behaved like Mma Ramotswe, the world would be such a lovely place.
I absolutely love Alexander McCall Smith's novels, and the Precious Ramotswe series is my favourite. It is so hard to explain what happens in them because in actuality, nothing much really does, and that is their charm. Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi don't really do anything different from anyone else's everyday life, but because of that they (or Mr McCall Smith) know so much about how people behave that they are able to solve any problem just by being kind to people and talking to them. I like how Charlie is now playing a bigger part in the novels as he has always been such a fun character and it is great to see him developed.
Once again, nothing out of the ordinary happens in this instalment but I enjoyed it just as much as all the others. If only everyone behaved like Mma Ramotswe, the world would be such a lovely place.
March 15, 2020
I pick up one of the books in this series when in need of a comfort read. I always know that I will find good friends, people I've known for over 15 years. A belief in a world of good morals along with warmth and compassion and a bit of a mystery can always be relied upon to be found in any novel in this series. In this, the 15th novel in the series, I found the familiar themes and characters as expected. However, the fact that these characters never change and the themes repeat themselves in every book in the series over and over again feels both comforting and familiar, like meeting old friends, but unfortunately, has become a tad bit boring. Perhaps a bit of character development or some other kind of change would be useful to maintain interest for loyal readers of this long series.
May 27, 2016
“There was also enough light, Mma Ramotswe reflected, to see that the world was not always a place of pain and loss, but a place where our simple human affairs – those matters that for all their pettiness still sometimes confounded us – were not insoluble, were not without the possibility of resolution.”
The Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café is the fifteenth book in the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi are faced with a puzzling case: Mr Senagupta, proprietor of Senagupta Office Supplies, and his sister, Miss Rose, want the Ladies to discover the identity of a woman who has arrived at their house with no idea of who she is, or where she’s from. But Mma Ramostwe suspects there is more to this case than just amnesia.
Grace is about to embark on a new challenge. Already a wife to Phuti Radiphuti, and mother to Itumelang Clovis Radiphuti, and a partner in the Detective Agency, she now has a lease on the shop that is to become the Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café. But while Grace extends, Mr J.L.B. Matekoni has to downsize, and Charlie, still without any qualifications, becomes the unfortunate casualty.
This instalment sees the tiny white van getting dented (twice!), Mma Ramotswe selling cattle for a good cause; Mma Potokwani solving two tricky problems, Mma Makutsi failing to follow the advice of her shoes, Violet Sepotho living up to her nasty reputation, Mma Ramotswe reminded of her first marriage, Charlie embarking on a seemingly unlikely career, Mma Makutsi helping to advance the career of a smart young girl and the formation of an unexpected partnership.
As always, McCall Smith includes plenty of gentle philosophy as his characters muse on waiting-room magazines, what men dream, Prince Charles, female intuition and Pilates. Plans are thought about: “The trouble with plans was that they tended to be expressions of hope…for most people the plan merely said what they would like to happen rather than what they would actually do”, as are dreams: “no matter how unhappy or fraught our waking world may be, we are sent dreams in which we can do the things our heart really wants us to do”
The late Obed Ramotswe’s wisdom about disputes is remembered: “When you don’t talk about something, then something will talk about itself for you” and Mma Ramotswe thinks about behaviour: “You cannot judge somebody of eighteen by the standards of somebody of thirty, even less by the standards of somebody who was forty”. Mr J.L.B. Matekoni pontificates on progress: “I am not modern, and there are many people who are not modern. We want to stay exactly where we are, because there is nothing wrong with that place” and thinks about traffic: “How much worse was it in other countries not too far away where people drove as if they were being pursued by a swarm of bees”
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (the Café menu is a case in point), as well as thought-provoking situations, heart-warming reactions and a satisfying conclusion. The Audible version is, once again, beautifully narrated by Adjoa Andoh. The only puzzling thing is why, after so many books, she has suddenly changed the pronunciation of Phuti Radiphuti’s name. Another excellent dose of Precious Ramotswe and co.
The Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café is the fifteenth book in the Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi are faced with a puzzling case: Mr Senagupta, proprietor of Senagupta Office Supplies, and his sister, Miss Rose, want the Ladies to discover the identity of a woman who has arrived at their house with no idea of who she is, or where she’s from. But Mma Ramostwe suspects there is more to this case than just amnesia.
Grace is about to embark on a new challenge. Already a wife to Phuti Radiphuti, and mother to Itumelang Clovis Radiphuti, and a partner in the Detective Agency, she now has a lease on the shop that is to become the Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café. But while Grace extends, Mr J.L.B. Matekoni has to downsize, and Charlie, still without any qualifications, becomes the unfortunate casualty.
This instalment sees the tiny white van getting dented (twice!), Mma Ramotswe selling cattle for a good cause; Mma Potokwani solving two tricky problems, Mma Makutsi failing to follow the advice of her shoes, Violet Sepotho living up to her nasty reputation, Mma Ramotswe reminded of her first marriage, Charlie embarking on a seemingly unlikely career, Mma Makutsi helping to advance the career of a smart young girl and the formation of an unexpected partnership.
As always, McCall Smith includes plenty of gentle philosophy as his characters muse on waiting-room magazines, what men dream, Prince Charles, female intuition and Pilates. Plans are thought about: “The trouble with plans was that they tended to be expressions of hope…for most people the plan merely said what they would like to happen rather than what they would actually do”, as are dreams: “no matter how unhappy or fraught our waking world may be, we are sent dreams in which we can do the things our heart really wants us to do”
The late Obed Ramotswe’s wisdom about disputes is remembered: “When you don’t talk about something, then something will talk about itself for you” and Mma Ramotswe thinks about behaviour: “You cannot judge somebody of eighteen by the standards of somebody of thirty, even less by the standards of somebody who was forty”. Mr J.L.B. Matekoni pontificates on progress: “I am not modern, and there are many people who are not modern. We want to stay exactly where we are, because there is nothing wrong with that place” and thinks about traffic: “How much worse was it in other countries not too far away where people drove as if they were being pursued by a swarm of bees”
There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments (the Café menu is a case in point), as well as thought-provoking situations, heart-warming reactions and a satisfying conclusion. The Audible version is, once again, beautifully narrated by Adjoa Andoh. The only puzzling thing is why, after so many books, she has suddenly changed the pronunciation of Phuti Radiphuti’s name. Another excellent dose of Precious Ramotswe and co.
September 30, 2018
Audiobook performed by Lisette Lecat
Book # 15 in the popular No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series has the ladies investigating a case of amnesia. In the meantime, Mma Grace Makutsi has decided to open a new restaurant, “The Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café” and she’s not inclined to take advice from anyone.
I love this series. I feel like I’m spending time with old friends when I open one of these books and become immersed in their lives in Gabarone, Botswana. Precious Ramotswe is ever the diplomat, gently steering her protégé (and now, “co-director”) towards solutions and tempering Mma Makutsi tendency to tactlessness. The supporting cast is a delight as well: Mr. J L B Matekoni, Phuti Radiphuti, Mma Potokwane, and Charlie.
The cases the agency works on are less important in this series than the relationships between the characters. While they are still sold in the mystery section of the bookstore, I don’t really classify them as mysteries. But who cares. They’re a delight in any case.
Lisette Lecat does a marvelous job of voicing these audiobooks. She really brings the characters to life. I read the first three books before discovering her marvelous audio interpretations. I imagine if I read a text version again, it would be Lecat’s voice I hear.
Book # 15 in the popular No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series has the ladies investigating a case of amnesia. In the meantime, Mma Grace Makutsi has decided to open a new restaurant, “The Handsome Man’s De Luxe Café” and she’s not inclined to take advice from anyone.
I love this series. I feel like I’m spending time with old friends when I open one of these books and become immersed in their lives in Gabarone, Botswana. Precious Ramotswe is ever the diplomat, gently steering her protégé (and now, “co-director”) towards solutions and tempering Mma Makutsi tendency to tactlessness. The supporting cast is a delight as well: Mr. J L B Matekoni, Phuti Radiphuti, Mma Potokwane, and Charlie.
The cases the agency works on are less important in this series than the relationships between the characters. While they are still sold in the mystery section of the bookstore, I don’t really classify them as mysteries. But who cares. They’re a delight in any case.
Lisette Lecat does a marvelous job of voicing these audiobooks. She really brings the characters to life. I read the first three books before discovering her marvelous audio interpretations. I imagine if I read a text version again, it would be Lecat’s voice I hear.
October 14, 2019
Oh Charlie! You are always the center of some sort of trouble even when you should be on your bestest (yes I know that isn’t a word) behavior! And Mma Makutsi! A detective should never take anyone’s word on something without backing it up for themselves!. Didn’t they teach you to follow up in Botswana Secretarial College?! I think I now know where you lost those three points on the test. Perhaps you were too busy being frustrated with Violet Sophotho instead of listening about getting CVs and paperwork and interviewing. If you don’t follow Clovis’ good advice you should listen to your shoes. They hear things...
October 27, 2024
2020: original review stands.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC. It gave me a chance to revisit characters whom by now are old friends. You could start the series here, but why would you? If you haven't met Mma Ramotswe and her family and friends, start with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and see it all happen.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the ARC. It gave me a chance to revisit characters whom by now are old friends. You could start the series here, but why would you? If you haven't met Mma Ramotswe and her family and friends, start with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and see it all happen.
January 5, 2018
I know I have said this about several books in this series but... this one is my FAVORITE! I loved this one sooooooooo much! These characters, the story, everything about it is beautiful!
November 7, 2014
Within the genre of the cozy mystery, this long-running series by Alexander McCall Smith reigns supreme. The magic is as much due to the cast of engaging secondary characters as it is to Precious Ramotswe herself. The Handsome Man’s DeLuxe Cafe is no exception. Thanks to edelweiss and above the treeline for the advance glimpse.
On the very first page, Mr. JLB Matekoni entered and I smiled. I don’t mean inwardly; I mean my face broadened into the kind of contented crease that lowers our blood pressure and would, were we cats and not people, cause us to purr. I snuggled deeper into my blankets and got ready for a splendid evening. And another. And another.
Smith creates each new entry in his series by either adding a new setting to Gabarone, where our protagonist lives and works, or by bringing in new people, and often, as here, he does both. And often he sets up two different problems, one a professional challenge for the #1 Ladies Detective Agency, and another a personal crisis for someone among the regular cast of characters. Sometimes the two dovetail neatly at the end, but he doesn’t do this all the time, lest the result become formulaic and lose its magic. And in this instance, having become momentarily guarded by a silly story that was a little over the top rather than charming (the lion story), I was therefore watching to see whether the problem regarding Mma Makutsi’s cafe would be resolved within the amnesia-client’s family.
But our writer didn’t do that. And this is why the series is so successful.
One more skillful and enjoyable protocol of Smith’s is that he introduces recurring characters very briefly, and it never jars the faithful reader who has gone through the entire series into wanting to say, “Oh, come on, come on, I know this already.” Rather, he injects it naturally into the narrative so that the familiar reader will nod happily and think, ‘Oh yes, I do remember. So dear Mma Potokwane is still at it, isn’t she? And it’s true. She does have a remarkable work ethic.’
Violet is in danger of becoming too great a stereotypic anti-hero, but it hasn’t happened yet. The author could just choose to drop her, but his habit is to continually point to the common humanity of all, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Violet were to have perhaps just one decent moment before being returned to her regular place as the exception-to-basic-goodness-among-us-all. But that is conjecture.
I read 6 to 8 books at a go, and yet, having quickly absorbed this delightful mystery, I am already anticipating the next in the series. This, ultimately, is the mark of entertaining literature.
My thanks to edelweiss review copies for the opportunity to advance-read and review this delightful story.
On the very first page, Mr. JLB Matekoni entered and I smiled. I don’t mean inwardly; I mean my face broadened into the kind of contented crease that lowers our blood pressure and would, were we cats and not people, cause us to purr. I snuggled deeper into my blankets and got ready for a splendid evening. And another. And another.
Smith creates each new entry in his series by either adding a new setting to Gabarone, where our protagonist lives and works, or by bringing in new people, and often, as here, he does both. And often he sets up two different problems, one a professional challenge for the #1 Ladies Detective Agency, and another a personal crisis for someone among the regular cast of characters. Sometimes the two dovetail neatly at the end, but he doesn’t do this all the time, lest the result become formulaic and lose its magic. And in this instance, having become momentarily guarded by a silly story that was a little over the top rather than charming (the lion story), I was therefore watching to see whether the problem regarding Mma Makutsi’s cafe would be resolved within the amnesia-client’s family.
But our writer didn’t do that. And this is why the series is so successful.
One more skillful and enjoyable protocol of Smith’s is that he introduces recurring characters very briefly, and it never jars the faithful reader who has gone through the entire series into wanting to say, “Oh, come on, come on, I know this already.” Rather, he injects it naturally into the narrative so that the familiar reader will nod happily and think, ‘Oh yes, I do remember. So dear Mma Potokwane is still at it, isn’t she? And it’s true. She does have a remarkable work ethic.’
Violet is in danger of becoming too great a stereotypic anti-hero, but it hasn’t happened yet. The author could just choose to drop her, but his habit is to continually point to the common humanity of all, and it wouldn’t surprise me if Violet were to have perhaps just one decent moment before being returned to her regular place as the exception-to-basic-goodness-among-us-all. But that is conjecture.
I read 6 to 8 books at a go, and yet, having quickly absorbed this delightful mystery, I am already anticipating the next in the series. This, ultimately, is the mark of entertaining literature.
My thanks to edelweiss review copies for the opportunity to advance-read and review this delightful story.
October 16, 2014
Once again I thoroughly enjoyed this Ladies' Detective book.
PLEASE keep writing them, Mr McCall Smith!!!
A famous ornithologist once said that you should "slow down to the pace of the bush" when visiting Africa. It's good advice; when reading this novel, take your time, relax and enjoy the gentle ride.
PLEASE keep writing them, Mr McCall Smith!!!
A famous ornithologist once said that you should "slow down to the pace of the bush" when visiting Africa. It's good advice; when reading this novel, take your time, relax and enjoy the gentle ride.
November 5, 2014
This is a very hard series to be critical of, being such a warm and comforting part of my life that any update in the lives of Mma Ramotswe and Makutsi makes me happy.
But there's no getting away from it, this book just wasn't as enjoyable. Concepts which were getting a little threadbare are now totally worn (Violet Septotho, AGAIN?) and it's becoming increasingly clear that the characters journeys are at an end, or at least in need of a change. With the birth of her son, Mma Makutsi has completed her journey from poverty stricken nobody to wealthy, successful, married career woman and mother. Mma Ramotswe has been perfectly happy with her life for some time.
Mma Makutski's desire for a business of her own was understandable, but underdeveloped. Mma Makutsi (strict, professional DETECTIVE) seemed to show no real interest in her own employees despite obvious signs that she was being duped. It was left to Mma Potokwani to sail in and fix things for her (for Mma Ramotswe) like a gigantic dues ex machina.
The only hint of freshness came with the signs that Mma Ramotswe and Mr JLB Matekoni's desire to cling to the old world isn't working any more in terms of their businesses, yet that was left unresolved.
But there's no getting away from it, this book just wasn't as enjoyable. Concepts which were getting a little threadbare are now totally worn (Violet Septotho, AGAIN?) and it's becoming increasingly clear that the characters journeys are at an end, or at least in need of a change. With the birth of her son, Mma Makutsi has completed her journey from poverty stricken nobody to wealthy, successful, married career woman and mother. Mma Ramotswe has been perfectly happy with her life for some time.
Mma Makutski's desire for a business of her own was understandable, but underdeveloped. Mma Makutsi (strict, professional DETECTIVE) seemed to show no real interest in her own employees despite obvious signs that she was being duped. It was left to Mma Potokwani to sail in and fix things for her (for Mma Ramotswe) like a gigantic dues ex machina.
The only hint of freshness came with the signs that Mma Ramotswe and Mr JLB Matekoni's desire to cling to the old world isn't working any more in terms of their businesses, yet that was left unresolved.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 20, 2015
This wonderful series has a pillowy pace but with concise writing--often one doesn't realize how much has been conveyed in such a few short words. Although Mma Ramotse and Mma Makutsi solve crimes, Smith's take on violence is always one of sorrow rather than graphic description, though he doesn't shy from the necessary description.
Botswana should hire Smith as its promotional director--seldom has an author made a country sound so wonderful.
I have enjoyed every book in this series and look forward to the next.
Botswana should hire Smith as its promotional director--seldom has an author made a country sound so wonderful.
I have enjoyed every book in this series and look forward to the next.
November 25, 2014
A cozy, pleasant read as always, but plotwise not one of the standouts of the series. It’s hard to believe that Mma Makutsi’s experiences at the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency have not made her a little more wary when it comes to hiring employees.
May 18, 2016
The Precious Ramotswe mysteries, set in Botswana, are so intriguing, so amusing. They always make me feel that I can be a better person. (Whether I AM after reading Alexander McCall Smith's wonderfully written love letters to Africa is another question...) Thank you, AMS.
September 8, 2016
A very nice chilled series of books to read.
January 13, 2020
There are several things taking place in this book! First is that Charlie finally gets his comeuppance. When the garage fails to make ends meet, he is fired by J.L.B. Matekoni. But when Mma Ramotswe comes to the rescue with a new plan, she has no idea about all the things in store for her.
Then Mma Makutsi starts a restaurant business and when problems occur, everyone rallies around her. These really lead to interesting glances into these characters' lives, especially Charlie, of whom we haven't seen much before.
The case in question is also interesting. A man of Indian origin comes to the agency to ask them to help find out the identity of a woman he is sheltering. This leads Mma Ramotswe (and Charlie) to some wild goose chases but truth eventually prevails.
Some of the recent books had begun to feel rather stilted regarding character development, though as charming as ever. The Handsome Man's De Luxe Café actually gives some major character development and gives me a feel of the earlier books, which constantly played with the characters and brought in new situations. I enjoyed the challenges thrown up in this one!
Then Mma Makutsi starts a restaurant business and when problems occur, everyone rallies around her. These really lead to interesting glances into these characters' lives, especially Charlie, of whom we haven't seen much before.
The case in question is also interesting. A man of Indian origin comes to the agency to ask them to help find out the identity of a woman he is sheltering. This leads Mma Ramotswe (and Charlie) to some wild goose chases but truth eventually prevails.
Some of the recent books had begun to feel rather stilted regarding character development, though as charming as ever. The Handsome Man's De Luxe Café actually gives some major character development and gives me a feel of the earlier books, which constantly played with the characters and brought in new situations. I enjoyed the challenges thrown up in this one!
November 10, 2025
Another menadering novel that just tarries along until the end.
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