Alexander McCall Smith has a knack for interesting titles. I read The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency about three years back and became an instant fan of the charming series about 'traditionally built' Mma Ramotswe and her adventures in Botswana. Back to the titles -- there are now 8 books in the series, with names like Tears of the Giraffe, Morality for Beautiful Girls, The Full Cupboard of Life, The Kalahari Typing School for Men, In the Company of Cheerful Ladies, and of course, Blue Shoes and Happiness, book 7 in the series. I've found that the titles don't represent the theme of the book nor are they in particular reference to Mma's Ramotswe's pending case. Relevant, yes, but most are derived from a comment or a minor instance in the book. But aren't they catchy?? Certainly better than Tales of a Botswana Detective: The Missing American, or The Doctor's Bad Twin.If you haven't read No. 1 Ladies, I highly recommend it. In fact, I highly recommend the first four of the series. The writing is uncomplicated and straight forward, mostly from Mma R's point of view (though there is considerable head-hopping, it's done well), and though the stories revolve around her detective agency, there's no high drama, action or suspense. They are gentle stories, interesting reflections about life on the edge of the Kalahari Desert whose main character reflects on her cases by sitting under acacia trees and staring at the sky, who relies on the wisdom of her late father, Obed Ramotswe, and traditional Botswana manners and rules of ettiquette to navigate the sticky situations brought to her. And despite how boring I'm probably making this sound, it quite simply isn't. The characters are so well drawn, such a delight to meet and spend time with... You won't lose sleep trying keep up with the pace of writing, but you'll be smiling from beginning to end.
I've recommended only the first four books in the series because they are the best, or course. Like any new relationship, getting to know the characters and how they affect one another is the most interesting part. Books 5, 6 &7, (I haven't read #8 yet) are a bit like visiting an old aunt: You feel obligated to keep in touch, know you're going to get a cup of tea and piece of cake, but nothing new is really happening. Still, you're glad you visited because it was familiar and comfortable.
I've got JR Ward's Dark Lover on the table beside me and I'm trying desperately NOT to pick it up so I can spend time with my kids today, maybe get some writing done tonight and go to bed at a decent hour. Once that book gets cracked, life will be put on hold 'til it's finished.
