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No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #25
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 25
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.
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.
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First published October 15, 2024
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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 630 reviews
September 25, 2024
The 25th book in this lovely series. I really appreciate the way some of the best series, like this one, are regularly producing book after book. Feeding my habit - I am a seriesaholic.
In book 25 someone is out to ruin the Great Hippopotamus Hotel and when Mma Ramotswe becomes unwell Mma Makutsi takes over the case. She makes some very wrong assumptions along the way, but she still gets results. Mr. J.L.B. Maketoni has problems too with a customer who secretly buys the car of his dreams without telling his wife. Mma Ramotswe has to use all her cunning and common sense to solve the repercussions from that one.
The author captured my immediate attention and took me straight back to beautiful Botswana, to spend a happy couple of hours. A great book for time out on a busy day.
In book 25 someone is out to ruin the Great Hippopotamus Hotel and when Mma Ramotswe becomes unwell Mma Makutsi takes over the case. She makes some very wrong assumptions along the way, but she still gets results. Mr. J.L.B. Maketoni has problems too with a customer who secretly buys the car of his dreams without telling his wife. Mma Ramotswe has to use all her cunning and common sense to solve the repercussions from that one.
The author captured my immediate attention and took me straight back to beautiful Botswana, to spend a happy couple of hours. A great book for time out on a busy day.
November 8, 2024
One of Mr. JLB Matekoni's customers wants his help in getting a fancy sports car, with the strict instructions that his wife is not to know. Mma Ramotswe feels that the truth is the best option--will the customer listen to her wisdom? Another case involves the Great Hippopotamus Hotel, where bad things seem to be happening. When Mma Makutsi learns that her old nemesis Violet Sephoto may be involved, she is determined to solve the case. These books always provide a relaxing read and comforting gentle wisdom.
December 9, 2024
The month of December is designated by me as my "cleanup reading" month. I try to get to a few books that had to be put off earlier in the year, finish a series, throw a couple of Christmas titles into the mix, whittle down my shelves as much as possible, and otherwise use it for low-key, lighter, happier reads.
One of those low-key happier reads is always the latest installment (#25) of "The #1 Ladies Detective Agency". Although loosely classed as mysteries, they are more about the development of the main characters as they try to solve other people's problems. Wise Mma Ramotswe, annoying Mma Makutsi, and Charlie, the apprentice have come a long way since the series was begun in 1998. Mr. JLB Matekoni and Mma Potokwami always have some wisdom to dispense as well. I thoroughly enjoy the few days spent in their company each year, and this was no exception.
Keep writing them, Mr. Smith. I and a few thousand other fans will keep reading them.
One of those low-key happier reads is always the latest installment (#25) of "The #1 Ladies Detective Agency". Although loosely classed as mysteries, they are more about the development of the main characters as they try to solve other people's problems. Wise Mma Ramotswe, annoying Mma Makutsi, and Charlie, the apprentice have come a long way since the series was begun in 1998. Mr. JLB Matekoni and Mma Potokwami always have some wisdom to dispense as well. I thoroughly enjoy the few days spent in their company each year, and this was no exception.
Keep writing them, Mr. Smith. I and a few thousand other fans will keep reading them.
June 6, 2025
3.7 Stars
One Liner: Cozy and cozier
Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi have another case to solve!
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel stood tall among the rolling hills outside Gaborone, overlooking the Botswana landscape. The spacious rooms and friendly staff offer a place to stay for weary travelers. However, something is going on in the hotel as a series of misfortunes threaten its reputation. From mysterious disappearances of items to food poisoning and other threats, something or someone is determined to cause chaos.
It’s up to Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi to find out what’s happening and why. On the side, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s most important clients is making an expensive automobile purchase and is determined to keep it a secret from his wife.
The story comes in the third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the 25th book in the series, but it can work as a standalone. Of course, we cannot track the progress in the main characters’ personal lives, but we get some info, which is enough.
As always, these books aren’t soft, cozy, and warm. There are mysteries, but not the murder kind. It is simpler stuff with a bunch of philosophical musings thrown in.
There’s some humor and irony, but even that’s mellow. No laugh-out-loud moments or terrifying scenes. It’s all softie, softie.
Food and love for Botswana are recurring themes. I picked this book for the prompt because I know the series discusses the African social issues without a savior complex or resorting to the ‘poor country’ trope. The characters are proud of how far they’d come after being plundered by colonizers and know the journey continues forever.
A couple of quotes I liked:
“They are often cooler in the hot weather than these modern houses made of breeze blocks. Cement can get hot, and a tin roof draws the heat in like a magnet. Thatch is what you need, Mma Ramotswe, to stay cool. And a floor of stamped-down cattle dung is a very good floor if you want to escape the heat outside.”
In India, too, we traditionally used thatch and cow dung (still do) until the so-called progressives turned their noses at them.
“People give their children such odd names, forgetting that the poor child is going to have to live with it for the rest of his life.”
To paraphrase someone from Reddit: You are naming a human, not a doll. Be sensible!
To summarize, The Great Hippopotamus Hotel is a lighthearted, interesting, and thoughtful book. While the characters tend to go off tangent often, they are good people. And sometimes, that matters more!
One Liner: Cozy and cozier
Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi have another case to solve!
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel stood tall among the rolling hills outside Gaborone, overlooking the Botswana landscape. The spacious rooms and friendly staff offer a place to stay for weary travelers. However, something is going on in the hotel as a series of misfortunes threaten its reputation. From mysterious disappearances of items to food poisoning and other threats, something or someone is determined to cause chaos.
It’s up to Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi to find out what’s happening and why. On the side, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s most important clients is making an expensive automobile purchase and is determined to keep it a secret from his wife.
The story comes in the third-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the 25th book in the series, but it can work as a standalone. Of course, we cannot track the progress in the main characters’ personal lives, but we get some info, which is enough.
As always, these books aren’t soft, cozy, and warm. There are mysteries, but not the murder kind. It is simpler stuff with a bunch of philosophical musings thrown in.
There’s some humor and irony, but even that’s mellow. No laugh-out-loud moments or terrifying scenes. It’s all softie, softie.
Food and love for Botswana are recurring themes. I picked this book for the prompt because I know the series discusses the African social issues without a savior complex or resorting to the ‘poor country’ trope. The characters are proud of how far they’d come after being plundered by colonizers and know the journey continues forever.
A couple of quotes I liked:
“They are often cooler in the hot weather than these modern houses made of breeze blocks. Cement can get hot, and a tin roof draws the heat in like a magnet. Thatch is what you need, Mma Ramotswe, to stay cool. And a floor of stamped-down cattle dung is a very good floor if you want to escape the heat outside.”
In India, too, we traditionally used thatch and cow dung (still do) until the so-called progressives turned their noses at them.
“People give their children such odd names, forgetting that the poor child is going to have to live with it for the rest of his life.”
To paraphrase someone from Reddit: You are naming a human, not a doll. Be sensible!
To summarize, The Great Hippopotamus Hotel is a lighthearted, interesting, and thoughtful book. While the characters tend to go off tangent often, they are good people. And sometimes, that matters more!
October 7, 2024
It's amazing that this is number twenty-five in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and Alexander McCall Smith continues to surprise me! As usual, I was glued to the pages until I finished reading and had a smile on my face from time to time. Here are the quotes that touched me the most:
Dear friends Mma Ramotse and Mma Potokwani greet each other not with a hug but with a “linking of fingers that persisted as they went into the office, holding hands as might two children, naturally, in the innocence of friendship and alliance.”
From a conversation: “People are very peculiar, and sometimes you think everybody is peculiar – except yourself, of course.”
Mma Ramotswe ponders: “She thought of some of the limits that bounded our lives. There were many of them […] Then she thought of love, for which there probably should be no limits. You could allow yourself to love with all your heart because that was always the right thing to do, in whatever circumstances.”
A reminder that the sibling bond is the longest of the relationships of our lives: “We can’t divorce our brothers and sisters, you see. They are with us for life, I’m afraid.”
Finally, there are always references to tea, my favourite genial beverage, and here is my favourite reference: “As long as supplies of tea hold out, there is time to listen.”
Dear friends Mma Ramotse and Mma Potokwani greet each other not with a hug but with a “linking of fingers that persisted as they went into the office, holding hands as might two children, naturally, in the innocence of friendship and alliance.”
From a conversation: “People are very peculiar, and sometimes you think everybody is peculiar – except yourself, of course.”
Mma Ramotswe ponders: “She thought of some of the limits that bounded our lives. There were many of them […] Then she thought of love, for which there probably should be no limits. You could allow yourself to love with all your heart because that was always the right thing to do, in whatever circumstances.”
A reminder that the sibling bond is the longest of the relationships of our lives: “We can’t divorce our brothers and sisters, you see. They are with us for life, I’m afraid.”
Finally, there are always references to tea, my favourite genial beverage, and here is my favourite reference: “As long as supplies of tea hold out, there is time to listen.”
November 13, 2024
Alexander McCall Smith has a gift for crafting book titles that stop you in your tracks. They pique your curiosity and compel you to dive into the pages to uncover their meanings. His current title, “The Great Hippopotamus Hotel,” is a perfect example. Other captivating titles in this series include “Tears of the Giraffe” and “A Song of Comfortable Chairs.” The hotel in this book becomes a metaphor for the author’s broader themes of finding joy in simplicity and meaning in the seemingly small details of life.
McCall Smith’s writing, as always, is rich with wit and wisdom. He has an exceptional ability to create an atmosphere of quiet, almost meditative humor. His descriptions of the African landscape, the local customs, and the interactions between the characters are infused with a sense of respect for the setting and its people. The story may not be fast-paced or plot-driven in the conventional sense. Its quiet beauty lies in its exploration of life’s small but significant moments. A perfect read for anyone in need of a little light-hearted escape with a touch of depth.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and five minutes. Bianca Amato does a good job narrating the book.
McCall Smith’s writing, as always, is rich with wit and wisdom. He has an exceptional ability to create an atmosphere of quiet, almost meditative humor. His descriptions of the African landscape, the local customs, and the interactions between the characters are infused with a sense of respect for the setting and its people. The story may not be fast-paced or plot-driven in the conventional sense. Its quiet beauty lies in its exploration of life’s small but significant moments. A perfect read for anyone in need of a little light-hearted escape with a touch of depth.
I read this as an audiobook downloaded from Audible. The book is eight hours and five minutes. Bianca Amato does a good job narrating the book.
January 22, 2025
The 25th book in the #1 Ladies Detective Agency series is not to be missed. My thanks go to NetGalley and Knopf/Doubleday for the review copy; this book is available to the public now.
When life becomes stressful, what do you do? Some swear by yoga, herbal tea, walking or running, therapy, mindfulness, journaling, or a number of other remedies. Some of us dive into the chocolate; the short-term benefit is mitigated by the long term weight gain, but when we’re upset enough, we don’t care. And for some of us, this series is just what the doctor ordered.
Precious Ramotswe is our detective protagonist, assisted, and occasionally encumbered, by her headstrong but goodhearted colleague, Grace Makutsi, part time apprentice detective, Charlie, and occasionally, by her bestie, Mma Potokwane, who runs the local orphan home.
Our mystery revolves, as the title suggests, around a case of possible sabotage at The Great Hippopotamus Hotel. There’s another thread, too—as there usually is—involving Precious’s husband, Mr. J.L.B Matekoni, owner of the garage and technically, Precious’s landlord.
Those looking for an action packed thriller will always be disappointed here, because that’s not what this series is. Instead, it’s closer to being a Miss Marple-ish cozy mystery. The problem is nearly always solved, not by DNA or murder weapons or questioning baddies until they break, but by an examination of the circumstances and characters of those involved. It is here that Precious is at her finest. In addition, she must tread carefully around the feelings of her staff, primarily that of Grace Makutsi, whose insecurities tend to make her prickly. Grace is a bit threatened by Mma Potokwane, and when Precious explains gently that they will be accompanied by the orphan farm matron on an investigation, Grace says, in a serious case of look-who’s-talking:
“Mma Potokwane—yes, she is observant, but…But Mma, if Mma Potokwane has any faults—and we all have faults Mma, myself included—if she has any faults, one of them is taking over. I am not saying that she is bossy—that is not a word that I would use for Mma Potokwane—I would not say that, Mma, and I am not saying it now. No. But there are some people, I think, who might say that.”
And so, in addition to her detective work, Mma Ramotswe must navigate the small minefields that exist between these two women, both of whom are dear to her.
In some ways, the mystery aspect of these stories is almost superfluous. Every story has to have a problem and a resolution, and so it’s convenient, perhaps, to use a mystery as scaffolding for whatever problem Precious must confront. It’s certainly served Smith well. But the real benefit I see in these series is that the solutions to these problems are always dealt with as gently and as kindly as is possible. Nobody is getting thrown face down on the ground and handcuffed in these stories; every effort is made to turn the problem around while allowing the perpetrator to retain as much dignity as possible. The lyrical prose is so soothing that I love reading these stories at bedtime.
And one more word, for regular readers: the recurring character of Violet, who is the closest we have to a villain, pops up here right away, and I rolled my eyes and said, “Not this again. Smith needs new material.” But the way the character is used this time is different, and if I had a hat, I would tip it in appreciation of the author’s cleverness. He always seems to know when it’s time to break a pattern.
Highly recommended.
When life becomes stressful, what do you do? Some swear by yoga, herbal tea, walking or running, therapy, mindfulness, journaling, or a number of other remedies. Some of us dive into the chocolate; the short-term benefit is mitigated by the long term weight gain, but when we’re upset enough, we don’t care. And for some of us, this series is just what the doctor ordered.
Precious Ramotswe is our detective protagonist, assisted, and occasionally encumbered, by her headstrong but goodhearted colleague, Grace Makutsi, part time apprentice detective, Charlie, and occasionally, by her bestie, Mma Potokwane, who runs the local orphan home.
Our mystery revolves, as the title suggests, around a case of possible sabotage at The Great Hippopotamus Hotel. There’s another thread, too—as there usually is—involving Precious’s husband, Mr. J.L.B Matekoni, owner of the garage and technically, Precious’s landlord.
Those looking for an action packed thriller will always be disappointed here, because that’s not what this series is. Instead, it’s closer to being a Miss Marple-ish cozy mystery. The problem is nearly always solved, not by DNA or murder weapons or questioning baddies until they break, but by an examination of the circumstances and characters of those involved. It is here that Precious is at her finest. In addition, she must tread carefully around the feelings of her staff, primarily that of Grace Makutsi, whose insecurities tend to make her prickly. Grace is a bit threatened by Mma Potokwane, and when Precious explains gently that they will be accompanied by the orphan farm matron on an investigation, Grace says, in a serious case of look-who’s-talking:
“Mma Potokwane—yes, she is observant, but…But Mma, if Mma Potokwane has any faults—and we all have faults Mma, myself included—if she has any faults, one of them is taking over. I am not saying that she is bossy—that is not a word that I would use for Mma Potokwane—I would not say that, Mma, and I am not saying it now. No. But there are some people, I think, who might say that.”
And so, in addition to her detective work, Mma Ramotswe must navigate the small minefields that exist between these two women, both of whom are dear to her.
In some ways, the mystery aspect of these stories is almost superfluous. Every story has to have a problem and a resolution, and so it’s convenient, perhaps, to use a mystery as scaffolding for whatever problem Precious must confront. It’s certainly served Smith well. But the real benefit I see in these series is that the solutions to these problems are always dealt with as gently and as kindly as is possible. Nobody is getting thrown face down on the ground and handcuffed in these stories; every effort is made to turn the problem around while allowing the perpetrator to retain as much dignity as possible. The lyrical prose is so soothing that I love reading these stories at bedtime.
And one more word, for regular readers: the recurring character of Violet, who is the closest we have to a villain, pops up here right away, and I rolled my eyes and said, “Not this again. Smith needs new material.” But the way the character is used this time is different, and if I had a hat, I would tip it in appreciation of the author’s cleverness. He always seems to know when it’s time to break a pattern.
Highly recommended.
November 11, 2024
This series is like a warm, worn blanket--comforting and comfortable but sufficiently exotic (Botswana setting) to be interesting and stimulating.
There is a lot of repetition of Mma Makutsi's 97% but Smith has captured much humanity amid a surprisingly complex plot. Readers will not be aware of the scaffolding/outline, but it serves the book well.
Highly recommended, particularly to readers of earlier books in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.
There is a lot of repetition of Mma Makutsi's 97% but Smith has captured much humanity amid a surprisingly complex plot. Readers will not be aware of the scaffolding/outline, but it serves the book well.
Highly recommended, particularly to readers of earlier books in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.
November 28, 2024
“There was little variety: on the horizon there was a low range of hills, blue at this distance, but, for the rest, the land was without salience, a vast stretch of acacia scrub, grey-green vegetation on red-brown earth, presided over by a dome of empty sky. There were those who would see nothing in such a landscape, but for Mma Ramotswe, this was a distillation of the immense, brooding spirit of her country. It was a song for which you needed to have the right ear, but if you were attuned to it, it was a melody of peace and calm and abiding love.”
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel is the twenty-fifth book in the popular No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. The audio version is narrated by Adjoa Andoh.
Mr JLB Matekoni is put in a tricky situation by an ageing customer who wants him to lie about the purchase of a fancy red Italian sports car; Grace Makutsi learns something disturbing about her nemesis, Violet Sepotho from Phuti’s Uncle Phomolo, and is immediately convinced something nefarious is going on, but Phuti wonders if it’s something in which they should get involved.
Mma Ramotswe is approached while shopping by the manager of a hotel who believes she can help and, as she sees helping people with problems as her role in life, how can she refuse? Soon enough, she, Mma Silvia Potokwani and Grace are driving south down the Lobatse Road to the Great Hippopotamus Hotel. Quick Babusi tells them of recent incidents that are having an impact on guest reviews. A competitor? A disgruntled employee? Or someone with a personal grudge against Babusi?
Further investigation is definitely needed, but Mma Ramotswe, suddenly unwell enough to visit the doctor, is prescribed five days of bed rest, strictly enforced by Mr JLB Matekoni, so Grace is in charge. She gets some input from her newest shoes, and it turns out she’s not the only one who hears them. If someone wants to ruin the hotel, she needs to find out who has most to gain.
Meanwhile, the mature customer with teenage excitement is ready to take delivery of his red toy, and Mr JLB Matekoni feels shame at being the merchant of unsuitable dreams. A combination of excess enthusiasm, overconfidence and short stature has an unwanted result, and Mma Ramotswe has to wield some antiseptic, and protect someone from a bully.
Grace’s narrow focus results in a somewhat unprofessional indiscretion, and it’s only information coming from a surprising quarter that saves her from embarrassment.
In between drinking tea and enjoying fruitcake, Precious Ramotswe and those around her also discuss or muse on: identity, and what that means to each person; mending clothing, and why men so quickly wear out their socks; the male mid-life crisis, and the behaviour it produces; the safe route of always agreeing with one’s wife; how deceptions can grow like weeds until they cover the ground; and bullies.
As with other books in the series, in this catch-up with our favourite Botswana detectives, discussions often go off at tangents, and reference is always made, several times, to Clovis Andersen’s Principles of Private Detection. Grace considers becoming an author: The Principles of Filing would surely fill a gap in the market?
As always, McCall Smith gives the reader some minor mysteries that don’t tax the brain too much, laced with plenty of gentle philosophy, humour, and wise and insightful observations. Guaranteed feel-good.
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel is the twenty-fifth book in the popular No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith. The audio version is narrated by Adjoa Andoh.
Mr JLB Matekoni is put in a tricky situation by an ageing customer who wants him to lie about the purchase of a fancy red Italian sports car; Grace Makutsi learns something disturbing about her nemesis, Violet Sepotho from Phuti’s Uncle Phomolo, and is immediately convinced something nefarious is going on, but Phuti wonders if it’s something in which they should get involved.
Mma Ramotswe is approached while shopping by the manager of a hotel who believes she can help and, as she sees helping people with problems as her role in life, how can she refuse? Soon enough, she, Mma Silvia Potokwani and Grace are driving south down the Lobatse Road to the Great Hippopotamus Hotel. Quick Babusi tells them of recent incidents that are having an impact on guest reviews. A competitor? A disgruntled employee? Or someone with a personal grudge against Babusi?
Further investigation is definitely needed, but Mma Ramotswe, suddenly unwell enough to visit the doctor, is prescribed five days of bed rest, strictly enforced by Mr JLB Matekoni, so Grace is in charge. She gets some input from her newest shoes, and it turns out she’s not the only one who hears them. If someone wants to ruin the hotel, she needs to find out who has most to gain.
Meanwhile, the mature customer with teenage excitement is ready to take delivery of his red toy, and Mr JLB Matekoni feels shame at being the merchant of unsuitable dreams. A combination of excess enthusiasm, overconfidence and short stature has an unwanted result, and Mma Ramotswe has to wield some antiseptic, and protect someone from a bully.
Grace’s narrow focus results in a somewhat unprofessional indiscretion, and it’s only information coming from a surprising quarter that saves her from embarrassment.
In between drinking tea and enjoying fruitcake, Precious Ramotswe and those around her also discuss or muse on: identity, and what that means to each person; mending clothing, and why men so quickly wear out their socks; the male mid-life crisis, and the behaviour it produces; the safe route of always agreeing with one’s wife; how deceptions can grow like weeds until they cover the ground; and bullies.
As with other books in the series, in this catch-up with our favourite Botswana detectives, discussions often go off at tangents, and reference is always made, several times, to Clovis Andersen’s Principles of Private Detection. Grace considers becoming an author: The Principles of Filing would surely fill a gap in the market?
As always, McCall Smith gives the reader some minor mysteries that don’t tax the brain too much, laced with plenty of gentle philosophy, humour, and wise and insightful observations. Guaranteed feel-good.
November 3, 2024
Entering the world of Mma Ramotswe is such a comfort to me, and every autumn I look forward to my next visit to her . . .like my past visits with family you only "swooped" by once in awhile. Lucky for me I can pick up - and do! - walk into any one of the now 25 books which will reassure a reader that all is well with Mma R, and if it isn't it soon will be sorted - just sit back and watch it happen.
This read felt a little more gentle than some of the others - no trauma or stress. There is a moment where Mma Ramotswe must stay benched and Mma Makutsi steps up AND my favorite TWAAs (TangibleWithAnAgenda) in just about all of literature reasserted themselves. . .remember her shoes? the ones that talk?! well. . .they're back! So funny - ever since I read about the shoes, my own shoes have felt encouraged and empowered enough to speak up from time to time. . .and from time to time my sox also speak up.
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel is a tale about exploring ways to accept that first assumptions are often more about the truth you want than the reality that is. . .and ways to be gentle with yourself and others as you all change your minds. That's not losing power - it's gaining it. Another round of lessons gently but firmly applied (and Clovis Andersen Approv'd no less) by the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
*A sincere thank you to Alexander McCall Smith, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*
This read felt a little more gentle than some of the others - no trauma or stress. There is a moment where Mma Ramotswe must stay benched and Mma Makutsi steps up AND my favorite TWAAs (TangibleWithAnAgenda) in just about all of literature reasserted themselves. . .remember her shoes? the ones that talk?! well. . .they're back! So funny - ever since I read about the shoes, my own shoes have felt encouraged and empowered enough to speak up from time to time. . .and from time to time my sox also speak up.
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel is a tale about exploring ways to accept that first assumptions are often more about the truth you want than the reality that is. . .and ways to be gentle with yourself and others as you all change your minds. That's not losing power - it's gaining it. Another round of lessons gently but firmly applied (and Clovis Andersen Approv'd no less) by the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
*A sincere thank you to Alexander McCall Smith, Knopf, Pantheon, Vintage, and Anchor, and NetGalley for an ARC to read and review independently.*
October 17, 2024
I’ve been with this series off and on for many many years and it’s always a lovely cozy to soothe the soul. That being said, this felt a little too slow for my taste and I found myself putting it down a lot to do other things. The characters are sweet but Mma Ramotswe is waylaid for most of the book and it’s really her I read for. Her gentle folksy perspective on things brings it all together. Without her it felt uneven and not up to par.
The detective agency lands a new case with a new hotel that has opened up. Someone is sabotaging it to make it lose business and Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are on the case.
As always there are sidebar stories that warm the heart and threads that seem random but end up tying in and it’s always an easy read. I won’t be leaving this series anytime soon but I’m hoping for more Ramotswe!
The detective agency lands a new case with a new hotel that has opened up. Someone is sabotaging it to make it lose business and Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are on the case.
As always there are sidebar stories that warm the heart and threads that seem random but end up tying in and it’s always an easy read. I won’t be leaving this series anytime soon but I’m hoping for more Ramotswe!
September 8, 2024
This is the twenty fifth in the simple but charming No. 1 Ladies Detective series. All the familiar characters are here. And, yes, the talking shoes do make an appearance!
Mma Ramotswe is contacted by the manager of a hotel set in the Botswanan countryside. Someone seems to have it in for the hotel; nefarious things are happening there. When the Ladies #1 Detective Agency investigates, it is no surprise that one of the suspects is involved with the malevolent Violet Sephotho. But, are things always as they seem?
Sidelined by an illness, it is up to Mma Makutsi to do most of the queries on her own.
Mma Ramotswe always manages to come up with clever and successful solutions to problems. Her gentle way and penchant for always finding the positive in a situation is balm for the soul. Her wisdom is profound in its simplicity.
With interesting plot lines and colorful characters, this is another feel good addition to the series. It makes a nice afternoon or evening read while curled up with a pot of tea. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and perceptive musings will welcome this latest endeavor.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @aaknopf @PantheonBooks for the DRC.
Mma Ramotswe is contacted by the manager of a hotel set in the Botswanan countryside. Someone seems to have it in for the hotel; nefarious things are happening there. When the Ladies #1 Detective Agency investigates, it is no surprise that one of the suspects is involved with the malevolent Violet Sephotho. But, are things always as they seem?
Sidelined by an illness, it is up to Mma Makutsi to do most of the queries on her own.
Mma Ramotswe always manages to come up with clever and successful solutions to problems. Her gentle way and penchant for always finding the positive in a situation is balm for the soul. Her wisdom is profound in its simplicity.
With interesting plot lines and colorful characters, this is another feel good addition to the series. It makes a nice afternoon or evening read while curled up with a pot of tea. Fans of McCall Smith’s gentle prose and perceptive musings will welcome this latest endeavor.
Thanks to #NetGalley and @aaknopf @PantheonBooks for the DRC.
November 29, 2024
The books in this series are almost always a five star read for me - I’ve seen other people call them repetitive and I suppose they are to a point, but I find them comforting and they are my (not so) guilty pleasure.
October 31, 2024
More Mma Makutsi and JLB Matekoni which was enjoyable. I just love the way these characters speak to each other even when there is disagreement. I also love the pride in their country and respect for each other. Timely…? You bet
December 3, 2024
I really enjoyed the first dozen books. However, this installment felt redundant and the mystery was slow. Perhaps that is the natural consequence of it being the 25th in the series.
November 11, 2024
Another sweet outing to Gaborone. I totally agree with Lisa's review, in some respects it really is a bit same-old and I would have liked, I don't know, something a little more riveting. Anyway, I still enjoy meeting my old friends from Botswana.
November 15, 2024
Lately the ladies of No.1 LDA have begun to lose their ooomph, their pizzazz. And honestly I’m tired of Violet Sephotho showing up everywhere. It’s still a gentle and funny series and I will keep reading each new adventure as they are written, but I miss the spark from the earlier books.
September 15, 2024
It’s always a great comfort to spend time in the neighborhood of Precious, Grace, JLB, Charlie and Fanwell and Mma P.
Grace takes the lead in a case this time while Precious recovers from food poisoning. Naturally, Grace’s nemesis Violet is somehow mixed up in the case…
Well, I mustn’t give too much away!
I don’t know how Alexander McCall Smith manages to write so many books and still hold my interest in his delightful and insightful characters, but I’m very glad he does.
Africa
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Africa
Africa
NetGalley provided an ARC in exchange for this review.
Grace takes the lead in a case this time while Precious recovers from food poisoning. Naturally, Grace’s nemesis Violet is somehow mixed up in the case…
Well, I mustn’t give too much away!
I don’t know how Alexander McCall Smith manages to write so many books and still hold my interest in his delightful and insightful characters, but I’m very glad he does.
Africa
AfricaAfrica
AfricaAfrica
Africa
Africa
NetGalley provided an ARC in exchange for this review.
September 26, 2024
A gently comedic yet lovingly sincere addition to the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This volume has the coziness one expects from Alexander McCall Smith's writing. I particularly appreciate Mma Ramotswe's spirit of generosity towards her friends and acquaintances. It's a very kind series, always a bit light on plot but strong on characterization.
In this installment, the manager of The Great Hippopotamus Hotel approaches the detective agency with his fear that someone is trying to sabotage the hotel. Cases of food poisoning and scorpions underfoot are wreaking havoc on the hotel's reputation. With aid from unlikely sources, Mma Makutsi takes on the case and ponders whether the obvious solution is always the right one. Meanwhile, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has been tasked by a middle-aged client to find him a sports car but to keep it a secret from his wife, raising ethical questions at the garage.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pantheon for this digital review copy!
In this installment, the manager of The Great Hippopotamus Hotel approaches the detective agency with his fear that someone is trying to sabotage the hotel. Cases of food poisoning and scorpions underfoot are wreaking havoc on the hotel's reputation. With aid from unlikely sources, Mma Makutsi takes on the case and ponders whether the obvious solution is always the right one. Meanwhile, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has been tasked by a middle-aged client to find him a sports car but to keep it a secret from his wife, raising ethical questions at the garage.
Thanks to Netgalley and Pantheon for this digital review copy!
September 6, 2024
This is my absolute favorite book in this long running series. As we
expect. Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are going to find themselves
involved in a very complicated situation and the most interesting and
serious case in their careers, as I see it..
The two women along with their husbands, have a most interesting time
with their health, their friends and their eventual discoveries, which
feature the life lessons we always find in these wonderful stories crafted
by the very talented and beloved, Alexander McCall Smith.
My thanks to Knopf Pantheon Publisher via NetGalley for the download
copy of this book for review purposes.
expect. Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi are going to find themselves
involved in a very complicated situation and the most interesting and
serious case in their careers, as I see it..
The two women along with their husbands, have a most interesting time
with their health, their friends and their eventual discoveries, which
feature the life lessons we always find in these wonderful stories crafted
by the very talented and beloved, Alexander McCall Smith.
My thanks to Knopf Pantheon Publisher via NetGalley for the download
copy of this book for review purposes.
November 28, 2024
“There was little variety: on the horizon there was a low range of hills, blue at this distance, but, for the rest, the land was without salience, a vast stretch of acacia scrub, grey-green vegetation on red-brown earth, presided over by a dome of empty sky. There were those who would see nothing in such a landscape, but for Mma Ramotswe, this was a distillation of the immense, brooding spirit of her country. It was a song for which you needed to have the right ear, but if you were attuned to it, it was a melody of peace and calm and abiding love.”
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel is the twenty-fifth book in the popular No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith.
Mr JLB Matekoni is put in a tricky situation by an ageing customer who wants him to lie about the purchase of a fancy red Italian sports car; Grace Makutsi learns something disturbing about her nemesis, Violet Sepotho from Phuti’s Uncle Phomolo, and is immediately convinced something nefarious is going on, but Phuti wonders if it’s something in which they should get involved.
Mma Ramotswe is approached while shopping by the manager of a hotel who believes she can help and, as she sees helping people with problems as her role in life, how can she refuse? Soon enough, she, Mma Silvia Potokwani and Grace are driving south down the Lobatse Road to the Great Hippopotamus Hotel. Quick Babusi tells them of recent incidents that are having an impact on guest reviews. A competitor? A disgruntled employee? Or someone with a personal grudge against Babusi?
Further investigation is definitely needed, but Mma Ramotswe, suddenly unwell enough to visit the doctor, is prescribed five days of bed rest, strictly enforced by Mr JLB Matekoni, so Grace is in charge. She gets some input from her newest shoes, and it turns out she’s not the only one who hears them. If someone wants to ruin the hotel, she needs to find out who has most to gain.
Meanwhile, the mature customer with teenage excitement is ready to take delivery of his red toy, and Mr JLB Matekoni feels shame at being the merchant of unsuitable dreams. A combination of excess enthusiasm, overconfidence and short stature has an unwanted result, and Mma Ramotswe has to wield some antiseptic, and protect someone from a bully.
Grace’s narrow focus results in a somewhat unprofessional indiscretion, and it’s only information coming from a surprising quarter that saves her from embarrassment.
In between drinking tea and enjoying fruitcake, Precious Ramotswe and those around her also discuss or muse on: identity, and what that means to each person; mending clothing, and why men so quickly wear out their socks; the male mid-life crisis, and the behaviour it produces; the safe route of always agreeing with one’s wife; how deceptions can grow like weeds until they cover the ground; and bullies.
As with other books in the series, in this catch-up with our favourite Botswana detectives, discussions often go off at tangents, and reference is always made, several times, to Clovis Andersen’s Principles of Private Detection. Grace considers becoming an author: The Principles of Filing would surely fill a gap in the market?
As always, McCall Smith gives the reader some minor mysteries that don’t tax the brain too much, laced with plenty of gentle philosophy, humour, and wise and insightful observations. Guaranteed feel-good.
The Great Hippopotamus Hotel is the twenty-fifth book in the popular No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith.
Mr JLB Matekoni is put in a tricky situation by an ageing customer who wants him to lie about the purchase of a fancy red Italian sports car; Grace Makutsi learns something disturbing about her nemesis, Violet Sepotho from Phuti’s Uncle Phomolo, and is immediately convinced something nefarious is going on, but Phuti wonders if it’s something in which they should get involved.
Mma Ramotswe is approached while shopping by the manager of a hotel who believes she can help and, as she sees helping people with problems as her role in life, how can she refuse? Soon enough, she, Mma Silvia Potokwani and Grace are driving south down the Lobatse Road to the Great Hippopotamus Hotel. Quick Babusi tells them of recent incidents that are having an impact on guest reviews. A competitor? A disgruntled employee? Or someone with a personal grudge against Babusi?
Further investigation is definitely needed, but Mma Ramotswe, suddenly unwell enough to visit the doctor, is prescribed five days of bed rest, strictly enforced by Mr JLB Matekoni, so Grace is in charge. She gets some input from her newest shoes, and it turns out she’s not the only one who hears them. If someone wants to ruin the hotel, she needs to find out who has most to gain.
Meanwhile, the mature customer with teenage excitement is ready to take delivery of his red toy, and Mr JLB Matekoni feels shame at being the merchant of unsuitable dreams. A combination of excess enthusiasm, overconfidence and short stature has an unwanted result, and Mma Ramotswe has to wield some antiseptic, and protect someone from a bully.
Grace’s narrow focus results in a somewhat unprofessional indiscretion, and it’s only information coming from a surprising quarter that saves her from embarrassment.
In between drinking tea and enjoying fruitcake, Precious Ramotswe and those around her also discuss or muse on: identity, and what that means to each person; mending clothing, and why men so quickly wear out their socks; the male mid-life crisis, and the behaviour it produces; the safe route of always agreeing with one’s wife; how deceptions can grow like weeds until they cover the ground; and bullies.
As with other books in the series, in this catch-up with our favourite Botswana detectives, discussions often go off at tangents, and reference is always made, several times, to Clovis Andersen’s Principles of Private Detection. Grace considers becoming an author: The Principles of Filing would surely fill a gap in the market?
As always, McCall Smith gives the reader some minor mysteries that don’t tax the brain too much, laced with plenty of gentle philosophy, humour, and wise and insightful observations. Guaranteed feel-good.
September 29, 2024
Thanks to Knopf and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader's Copy!
Available November 14th.
I was in ninth grade when I first found Mma Ramotswe and the No 1 Ladies Dectective Agency. Now it's been over a decade and I still look forward to each new addition to the series, to hearing the ever enduring, gentle hearted Mma solve a never ending series of mysteries in her home country of Botswana. This particular story is more heavily led by Mma Matsuki, but is still just as delightful as the rest. I recommend pairing this book with your favorite cup of red tea and an indulgent slice of fruit cake and an afternoon of mystery and humor.
Available November 14th.
I was in ninth grade when I first found Mma Ramotswe and the No 1 Ladies Dectective Agency. Now it's been over a decade and I still look forward to each new addition to the series, to hearing the ever enduring, gentle hearted Mma solve a never ending series of mysteries in her home country of Botswana. This particular story is more heavily led by Mma Matsuki, but is still just as delightful as the rest. I recommend pairing this book with your favorite cup of red tea and an indulgent slice of fruit cake and an afternoon of mystery and humor.
October 24, 2024
I can’t believe that I read 25 of these books in this series already. This was really a good one as usual. It just makes you feel wonderful, knowing that these people exist and seeing their world, even if it is in a book. Always interested in hearing the thoughts and conversations of the characters. They have very good insights and I always feel like I know them better after every book. Worth checking out the series.
November 8, 2024
I just love this series. And I needed Mma Ramotswe and her kindness right now.
June 2, 2025
Another delightful book in this cozy series. There is quite as bit of drama, but I love it was handled. I loved seeing Grace taking charge while Precious was recuperating and how she piecing things together.
I loooove these audiobooks!
I loooove these audiobooks!
October 28, 2024
4.5/5 - One of the strongest entries in this series yet.
January 1, 2025
100% picked up this book because it had hippopotamus in the title
March 22, 2025
The friendship between the three main ladies is featured. A little insight into Mma Ramotswe’s marriage relationship is gained. And the talking shoes make an appearance. Perfect. Sigh
November 26, 2024
Lovely as usual. Mme. Ramotswe was especially wise in this book.
November 2, 2024
Going downhill
How sad it is to see a wonderful series reaching its inevitable conclusion. I adore these novels, but this one, well, I think it is time to end them.
This installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency was boring and terribly flawed. It followed the usual pattern with someone coming to Mma Ramotswe with a problem as well as a secondary problem generally just appearing from nowhere.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!
The problem with this one, however, is that the entire premise was flawed. The manager of a hotel comes to Precious to ask for her help with problems at the hotel he manages for three partners, two brothers and their cousin, a young woman. People are getting sick from the food and finding scorpions in their rooms.
They begin their investigation, but Mma Ramotswe becomes ill from eating the food at the hotel restaurant so her trusty, if crusty and impetuous sidekick, Mma Makutsi, forges ahead without her, jumping to conclusions that are obviously wrong. Eventually, however, she gets to the heart of the matter only to find that it was the manager himself who was causing all the issues.
Why would he hire the firm to find the culprit if HE was the culprit? Often, the perpetrator might do such a thing to deflect attention from himself, but not in this case. It was inevitable that the detectives would learn the truth so why start them on the path to find out?
I also have to wonder when these novels take place. If they are contemporary, where are the cell phones? Where are the computers? Why doesn’t anyone ever do research online? Instead, they are still using phone books and maps. I get that this is Botswana, but I doubt Botswana is that backward.
I always look forward to these novels. I might have to give up.
How sad it is to see a wonderful series reaching its inevitable conclusion. I adore these novels, but this one, well, I think it is time to end them.
This installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency was boring and terribly flawed. It followed the usual pattern with someone coming to Mma Ramotswe with a problem as well as a secondary problem generally just appearing from nowhere.
SPOILER ALERT!!!!!!!!
The problem with this one, however, is that the entire premise was flawed. The manager of a hotel comes to Precious to ask for her help with problems at the hotel he manages for three partners, two brothers and their cousin, a young woman. People are getting sick from the food and finding scorpions in their rooms.
They begin their investigation, but Mma Ramotswe becomes ill from eating the food at the hotel restaurant so her trusty, if crusty and impetuous sidekick, Mma Makutsi, forges ahead without her, jumping to conclusions that are obviously wrong. Eventually, however, she gets to the heart of the matter only to find that it was the manager himself who was causing all the issues.
Why would he hire the firm to find the culprit if HE was the culprit? Often, the perpetrator might do such a thing to deflect attention from himself, but not in this case. It was inevitable that the detectives would learn the truth so why start them on the path to find out?
I also have to wonder when these novels take place. If they are contemporary, where are the cell phones? Where are the computers? Why doesn’t anyone ever do research online? Instead, they are still using phone books and maps. I get that this is Botswana, but I doubt Botswana is that backward.
I always look forward to these novels. I might have to give up.
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