Energion Book Departments
Energion Publications Catalog | Music | Videos | Books | Participatory Study Series
Bibles | Biblical Studies | Spirituality | Fiction | History | Philosophy | Science | Readers Guides

Search the Entire Web:

Custom Search

The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency

Search the Energion.com family of sites:

Custom Search

Energion.com Author Index
Energion.com Series Index
Henry Neufeld's Picks
Jody Neufeld's Picks
Bible Version Selection Tool

Associated Sites

Neufeld Computer Services
Custom software and web design, information management

Neufeld Computer Services Blog
Open Office, AWS, C++ code snippets, ideas, open source software

Participatory Bible Study Blog
Biblical exegesis for everyone

Participatory Study Series
Christian Tracts and Pamphlets

Energion Publications
Publishing for the Creative Christian Mind

Threads from Henry\'s Web Blog
Notes on religion, philosophy, and politics from Henry Neufeld, creator of this site

Pacesetters Bible School
Scholarship in Service - Equipping clergy and laity for the work of ministry

Jevlir CaravansaryJevlir Caravansary
Fiction, poetry, writing, fun

Link to Compuserve Religion Forum

Link to Compuserve Religion Forum


Smith, Alexander McCall, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency New York, Anchor Books, 2002. 234 pages.

In this wonderful little book Alexander Smith introduces Precious Ramotswe, the only lady private detective in Botswana. I will confess that this book combines a number of elements that I find attractive: engaging characters, a picture of another culture that is well-painted but not too obtrusive, interesting action, and believable female personalities. As a mystery novel, those who love tough mysteries which hang on throughout the entire book will likely be disappointed. Smith is more of a storyteller than a weaver of mysteries. The mysteries are present, but often they come in shorter sections of the book.

If you are looking for an Agatha Christie type mystery, this is not it. But if you want to enjoy some time with characters in another culture, this is the book for you.