The Full Cupboard of Life

The fifth title in the "No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series is my favourite so far. In "The Full Cupboard of Life", Mma Ramotse uses her invaluable understanding of male psychology to get Mr J.L.B. Matekoni out of a frightening parachute jump and a beating by the dishonest owner of rival First Class Motors. The matron of the Orphan Farm, Mma Potokwani, also demonstrates precious knowledge of how the mind works when she secretly sets up the much awaited wedding of the hesitant Mr J.L.B. Matekoni to Mma Ramotse. Alexander McCall Smith's style is as charming and captivating as ever and his words are full of wisdom.

Synopsis

Mma Ramotswe, who became engaged to Mr J.L.B. Matekoni at the end of the first book, is still engaged. She wonders when a day for the wedding will be named, but she is anxious to avoid putting too much pressure on her fiance. For indeed he has other things on his mind - notably a frightening request made of him by Mma Potokwani, pushy matron of the Orphan Farm. Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters on her mind. She has been approached by a wealthy lady - whose fortune comes from successful hair-braiding salons - and has been asked to check up on several suitors. Are these men just interested in her money? This may be difficult to find out, but Mma Ramotswe is, of course, a very intuitive lady ...

The Kalahari Typing School for Men

The series "No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency" really is very enjoyable and I guess I'm hooked. I won't be able to stop until I finish reading all the books in it.

In the fourth title in the series, "The Kalahari Typing School for Men", Alexander McCall Smith gives Mma Matsuki, Mma Ramotse's assistant detective, a bigger role. As always, there are sublime moments of humour and wisdom.

Synopsis

'Ex-CID. Ex-New York. Ex-cellent' reads the sign outside the Satisfaction Guarantee Detective Agency. Cephas Buthelezi certainly talks the talk, Precious discovers, but would he have the wherewithal to deal with her current case - a man who has been attacked by ostrich rustlers, and is eager to reassess his life? Meanwhile, there are difficulties at the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, where one of the apprentices has discovered the Lord, problems at home with the mysterious death of a hoopoe, and romantic complications when Mma Makutsi sets up a typing school for men ...