
In the Company of Cheerful Ladies
No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency: Book 6
Paperback | 1 February 2005 | Edition Number 1
At a Glance
251 Pages
2 x 12.7 x 19.8
Paperback
$20.75
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Highly original 'detective' stories with unique setting and characters featuring Mma Ramotswe and her No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Precious Ramotswe, that cheerful Botswanan private investigator of 'traditional build', is now married to Mr J.L.B. Matekoni of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. The Agency is busy, but Mma Ramotswe cannot ignore the plea which is made by a woman who comes to her with a tale of particular misfortune. Unfortunately, her attempts to help are interrupted by a close encounter between her tiny white van and a bicycle, and by a spectacular disagreement between her assistant, Mma Makutsi, and one of the apprentices at the garage. This apprentice has found a fancy girlfriend who drives a Mercedes-Benz. How can he be rescued from his folly?
And as for Mma Makutsi, she has found a dancing class, and a man who may not be able to dance very well, but who admires her greatly. And all of this happens against a background of quiet sessions of bush tea, and of a land that stretches out forever under mile upon mile of empty sky...
Industry Reviews
ISBN: 9780349117423
ISBN-10: 034911742X
Series: No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
Published: 1st February 2005
Format: Paperback
Language: English
Number of Pages: 251
Audience: General Adult
Publisher: Little Brown
Country of Publication: GB
Edition Number: 1
Dimensions (cm): 2 x 12.7 x 19.8
Weight (kg): 0.19

Alexander McCall Smith
The series include the Scotland Street novels, first published as a serial novel in The Scotsman, the Sunday Philosophy Club series starring Isabel Dalhousie, the von Igelfeld series, and the new Corduroy Mansions novels.
Alexander is also the author of collections of short stories, academic works, and over thirty books for children. He has received numerous awards for his writing, including the British Book Awards Author of the Year Award in 2004 and a CBE for service to literature in 2007. He holds honorary doctorates from nine universities in Europe and North America.
Alexander McCall Smith lives in Edinburgh. He is married to a doctor and has two daughters.
What genres and types of books does Alexander McCall Smith write?
He writes fiction across several recurring series (cozy mysteries, character-driven novels and comic fiction), short stories, academic works and over thirty books for children. Notable series include The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, 44 Scotland Street, the Sunday Philosophy Club (Isabel Dalhousie), von Igelfeld and Corduroy Mansions.
Which book or series is the best place to start?
Most readers start with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency by beginning the series with the first book, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. If you prefer contemporary Edinburgh-set novels try starting with 44 Scotland Street (first book: 44 Scotland Street) or the Isabel Dalhousie/Sunday Philosophy Club series for more philosophical fiction.
How should I read his series — is there a recommended reading order?
Read each series in publication or chronological order, beginning with the first book of that series (for example, start the LDA series with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and the Scotland Street books with 44 Scotland Street). His series are largely self-contained but follow character development across books.
What themes and writing style can I expect from his books?
Expect warm, character-driven stories with gentle humour, moral and philosophical reflection, and readable prose. His work often focuses on everyday life, community and human relationships, sometimes with light mystery or comic situations.
Has Alexander McCall Smith received notable awards or recognition?
Yes. He won the British Book Awards Author of the Year in 2004, was appointed a CBE for services to literature in 2007, holds honorary doctorates from nine universities, and his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series has sold over twenty million copies and been translated into more than forty languages.
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