Today I have the most recent in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, The Colors of All the Cattle by Alexander McCall Smith, for Book Beginnings on Fridays.
Book Beginnings is a fun meme hosted by Rose City Reader blog. To participate, share the first sentence or so of a novel you are reading and your thoughts about it. When you are finished, add your URL to the Book Beginnings page linked above. Hope to see you there!
The Colors of All the Cattle by Alexander McCall Smith
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Summary: Precious Ramotswe, owner and chief detective of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, allows herself to be pulled into running for a seat in a local Botswana election. To help her stay on top of everything, her apprentice Charlie takes over the case of a hit-and-run victim, perhaps before he is ready.
First Sentence:
Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, and one of the finest mechanics in Botswana, if not the finest, was proud of his wife, Precious Ramotswe, progenitor and owner of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.
Discussion:
Isn’t it clever how Alexander McCall Smith introduces two main characters and the setting in the first sentence? I immediately wonder why Mr. Matekoni is proud of his wife.
One of the things that has made these novels so popular is the Botswana setting. For instance, I always find the names of the businesses to be so memorable.
These are not high tension mysteries, but instead more of a stroll.
What do you think? Have you read any of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series novels?
I was just thinking about this series and wondering how many books are in it now. I think I stopped at books seven or eight. Loved it. My quotes for Unsheltered
Sometimes when series go on and on, they lose some of the initial magic. I’m not sure where this one stands.
I’ve been eyeing this author for a while…maybe it’s time to check him out! Thanks for sharing, and here’s mine: “I OWE YOU ONE”
I would recommend starting this series with the first one, just because things build from one to the next.
I haven’t read this book, but it looks interesting. 🙂
The resolutions are generally quite clever, even if the mystery isn’t a deep one.
Great opening! This sounds like a wonderful read. Thanks for sharing! Hope you have an awesome weekend! 🙂
Hi Roberta,
I have never started reading this series and now we are up to book 19, with another due out this year, I’m thinking that this is one that has definitely got away!
One of my closest blogging buddies is an avid follower of the series and I am sure that her thoughts about those opening couple of lines will pretty much mirror your own, they are very well constructed and thought through.
I wonder if Precious is about to become one of the first elected lady officials if she wins her campaign?
Thanks for sharing and Happy Reading 🙂
Hope you enjoy your new mystery. The setting certainly is distinctive!
I’ve been wanting to read this author for awhile. It sounds like a great book.
I haven’t picked up this series in a long while. You make me want to though. I love Precious Ramotswe. I love these books. Thank you for reminding me how much!