Rating: 
Summary: Superb continuation of a most enjoyable series
Review: Mma Ramotswe seems almost to step back a bit in this book as her trusty aide-de-camp moves into Botswana's entrepreneurial spotlight. But the stories are engaging as ever and Smith somehow manages to continue steady development of all the characters in this marvelous series. Start here or start with any of the previous books; you will be fascinated and ultimately engrossed by the people and the world the author describes.
Rating:
Summary: A new business is a hedge in a downturn
Review: Mma Ramotswe was in her late thirties and blessed. She had two orphan children, a wonderful fiance, and a house on Zebra Drive. Mr. Matekoni, the fiance, said that cars speak of people. Mma Ramotswe was concerned that her assistant Mma Makutsi who had run Mr. Matekoni's car repair business when he was ill would not have enough work to keep busy now that Mr. Matekoni was restored to good health. Mma Ramotswe asked her assistant if she would like to have a husband. Mma Ramotswe was an optimist. She did not like to see her assistant go through life thinking she was just a local girl from the bush. After all, she was a crack typist.Mr. Maketoni found that the work of his two apprentices was less greasy than it had been before his illness. Mma Makutsi advised there was another detective agency in town. She learned about the principle of competition at secretarial college. It was located in the original premises of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The competition was Ex-CID. Also, New York was mentioned, but Mr. Buthelezi would not say how long he had been in New York. While typing up the bills for the garage Mma Makutsi thought up the idea of a typing school for men and found a source of old typewriters from her secretarial college. Mma Ramotswe was given a case to find people so that an engineer could make amends. She traveled to a government office to find out about a pension for the widow of a prison official. She knew that dull people could not distinguish between meritorious and unmeritorious requests. The motto of the secretarial college is be accurate. The apprentices restored the old typewriters to serviceability. Mma Makutsi received a declaration of love from one of the typing students. The head of the rival detective agency claimed to be the first professional detective. He claimed that the women were just dabbling. I will not disclose the ending to any of the various strands of the plot. These books just keep getting better and better. Bravo Alexander McCall Smith for your wonderful series.
Rating:
Summary: IRRESISTIBLE LISTENING
Review: Narrator Lisette Lecat, a native of South Africa, is a polished voice performer doubly blessed by a winning way with accents. She gives vibrant voice to the unconquerable Precious Ramotswe, proprietress of Botswana's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Possessed with intelligence and human intuition in an abundance that matched her girth Mma Ramotswe has familiarized herself with an instruction manual, "The Principles of Private Detection." Then, equipped with a "tiny white van,"minimal office equipment, an assistant, Mma Makutsi, and three mugs in which to brew redbush tea she opened for business.
She loves Botswana, and feels she knows "how to love the people who live in this place." It is her duty, she believes. "to help them solve the mysteries in their lives." Much has happened since Mma Ramotswe first entertained these revelatory thoughts. Her business has flourished to the extent that she has been able to buy a home on Zebra Drive and, on the far side of her thirties, which she considers the "finest age to be" she has become engaged to Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, the proud and proper owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. Now, with the fourth in Alexander Smith's engaging series, "The Kalahari Typing School for Men," she has two adopted children in her care, and is confronted by a rival business run by a macho retired policeman who trumpets that only a man can be a proper detective. Mma Makutsi also faces challenges. Her bank balance is anemic, and her life lacks romance. Then, quite suddenly, "a strikingly good idea" occurs to her: she would open a typing school for men. She realizes that men have to type in order to use computers, but did not learn to type correctly because "they are ashamed to say that they cannot type and they do not want to go and have to learn with a class full of girls." An evening class held in a church hall so that others would think the men were going to a church meeting was the solution. Not only is the school an unqualified success, but there is extra-circular activity when a student becomes enamored with Mma Makutsi. Regrettably, there are complications in this pairing - complications that trouble Mma Ramotswe. Equally distressing is Mma Ramotswe's latest client, Mr. Molefelo. Now, a well-to-do engineer Mr. Molefelo once committed what he considers to be egregious sins. He wants to make amends for past wrongs. Thus, it falls to Mma Ramotswe to find those he has misused. These tasks aren't difficult for Botswana's No. 1 lady detective who, possessed with Solomon-like wisdom, also suggests precisely what Mr. Molefelo might do to achieve proper atonement. Spare and neatly crafted, "The Kalahari Typing School For Men" sparkles with African sunshine and Mma Ramotswe's wit. It is refreshing and irresistible, leaving listeners eager for more.
- Gail Cooke
Rating:
Summary: Read the entire series!
Review: People often recommend books to me when they realize how much I read, and most recommendations are not to my taste. But I am forever grateful to the person to recommended these books to me! I have read them all, and I waited with anticipation for each new book to come out. The stories are so sweet, wise, affirming, and touching, and the writing so simply poetic! I have really enjoyed getting to know Precious and her friends and clients. I gave one of the books to my mother, and she called me to request that I get the rest of them for her! She marvels that such a story was written by a white man, but she has become a fan nevertheless. I hope that you will be, too.
Rating: 
Summary: A hugely popular cozy mystery series
Review: Precious Ramotswe, founder of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana is faced with several problems in this, the fourth and latest volume of the international best-selling series by Mr. Smith. First of all, Mma. Ramotswe has competition when another detective agency comes into town run by a man who feels women are second rate. His credentials are a bit suspect. I.e.. He claims to have had detective training in some large cities including New York. Second, her assistant, Mma. Makutsi, has started a typing school for men and has met a wonderful man who claims to love her. The question is who is he and is he trustworthy. These problems will all be solved prior to the ending of this delightful little novel.
The term "cozy" was made for this type of book. There is no bloodletting or violence of any kind. It is purely character driven and what charming and polite characters they are! The books are slight enough that we get to know the characters, the problems they must solve, and the resolution before the book ends in a length perfect for one sitting. I fully understand the popularity of these books. They remind the reader of the Golden Age of mystery fiction.
Rating:
Summary: Gentle detection amid a gracious Botswanan life
Review: Reading Alexander McCall Smith's stories of Precious Ramotswe and her associates in detection and in life is like having a visit with old friends: comfortable and reassuring. The graciously gentle and peaceful manner of resolving difficult situations in typical Botswanan style is in direct contrast with the lifestyle of modern America. There is a slow and easy nature to Precious Ramotswe, her fiance, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, and her assistant Mma Makutsi. But that nature does not preclude initiative and innovation. For even up against the competition of a chauvinistic new detective agency, Mma Ramotswe maintains her calm and patient demeanor and continues to serve her clients with discretion and wisdom. For an African woman in her late thirties, she demonstrates inner peace and strength beyond her years. Her ambitious assistant's new business, a typing school for men held after hours, provides a counter plot which enriches the story line. In addition, the interwoven staffing of Matekoni's car repair shop with the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, further links Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi with the young mechanics who work for Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni. This is a true family of characters, including the children of the orphanage on the outskirts of town, from which come Mma Ramotswe's extended family of adopted children. Once again, there is logical conclusion to the predicaments of Precious Ramotswe and her associates. These gentle twists to the unraveling of the unjust bring a smile to the reader and an appreciation for the beloved culture of these Botswanan natives. They honor, revere and love their nation home. And the reader comes to know that reverence in an almost personal way, although vicariously. The love of a natural Africa with a citizenry that prides itself on respect for life, nature and one another, reminds one of the sweeping beauty in the opening shots and lines of the movie, "Out of Africa". Smith obviously has the same love of the Dark Continent and its people as did Isak Dinesen/Karen Blixen, whose voice over in the movie says, "I once had a farm in Africa." The past that Dinesen revered is the present of Precious Ramotswe. Do not miss the opportunity to quiet your soul with a visit to these good people.
Rating:
Summary: good but left me wanting more too soon
Review: The book picks up where the third installment left us, the faithful readers of this great series. However, the author fails to clue is in to what depression it was that Matekoni had. Makutsis begins a typing school for men for extra money and it is a hit.
Another clever book by McCall but really thought there were parts missing that would have helped the reader end the book better.
Rating:
Summary: Ten used typewriters for bait
Review: The Detective Agency is in a bind. Income from clients isn't matching costs of operations. Even the merging of facilities by moving the Agency to the site of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and elevating Mma Grace Makutsi to Assistant Manager [along with her already being Assistant Detective] hasn't increased the cash flow. Now, in the midst of business and personal crises, a new detective agency is established in Gaborone. It's run, of course, by [shudder!] a man! And what a man! Cephas Buthelezi is a name commanding respect. Whether this man is an inheritor of Zulu traditional power and deserves deference remains to be seen. Will he corral all of the Ladies' Detective Agency's potential clients? Compounding the business stress are the personal issues. Precious Ramotswe, founder of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, has become a foster parent of two orphans. The girl, confined to a wheelchair, has been subjected to schoolmate taunting. Her brother has developed new and disturbing behaviour, typified by the killing of a hoopoe bird, unheard of in Botswana. Beyond the children's problems is the ongoing, but not fulfilled, engagement of Precious and Mr J.L.B. Matekone. Will they ever wed? More to the point of this tale is Mma Makutsi's spinsterhood. As the highest scoring graduate of her typing school, McCall Smith makes her more intellectual than desirable. Yet these very attributes should make her a prime catch for men following Botswanan tradition. And in Mma Makutsi the author shows how these traditions should be respected. Although her "typing school for men" [using ten used typewriters] is created to help the issue of cash flow, is there a more subliminal motive? As it happens, much of the story pivots on this question. There is, as there must be, a "case" to be solved. As with all McCall Smith's tales of Mma Ramotswe's business, it departs from any typical mystery novel. A hesitant man calls on her services with a special requirement. There was a crime, perhaps two, but it was long ago. The victims may not be alive or perhaps far away. Precious is charged with finding them for a unique resolution to long distant events. As always, she rises to challenge with common sense, a bit of personality manipulation, and effective negotiation. As always, she does it all with tact, forbearance and skill, leaving none hurt or regretful. McCall Smith's narrative skills in weaving events and characters have few peers. Although it's doubtful Precious Ramotswe is a "typical" Botswanan, she's a character worth emulating. The author follows the modern pattern of making men either arrogant or weak, but that, unfortunately, drives sales these days. Perhaps when Mr J.L.B. Matekone emerges from his doldrums, McCall Smith will be able to restore some balance. One hopes it doesn't take too many books to achieve that. [stephen a. haines - Ottawa, Canada]
Rating:
Summary: Tales of Karmic Debts and Spiritual Healing
Review: The Kalahari Typing School for Men continues as the fourth installment in the fine series about Botswana's first lady detective, Mma. Precious Ramotswe, which was begun in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and followed by Tears of the Giraffe and Morality for Beautiful Girls. Alexander McCall Smith does a fine job of providing the background from the first three novels in the opening of this one, and the book is almost as stand-alone as The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The Kalahari Typing School for Men continues several themes in the prior books including the superiority of women over men, the importance of being organized and diligent, following your heart and spirit to do the right thing . . . in the right way, and intriguing questions about what is moral behavior in complex situations. The book continues its humorous backdrop as Precious finds herself up against an experienced male competitor who opens the Satisfaction Guaranteed Detective Agency. The competitor proves to be very annoying to Precious, and she struggles to maintain her optimism in the face of this new trial. With Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni back working energetically at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, Mma. Makutsi finds herself dissatisfied. She's really operating as a secretary to both companies rather than as an assistant detective and acting manager, as she had done before. When a new client shows up and insists on speaking with Precious alone, Mma. Makutsi's unhappiness grows. But she shakes herself off, and finds a new opportunity in establishing The Kalahari Typing School for Men, the most unique educational establishment you will probably ever read about. Precious deals with two client cases . . . neither of which is really a mystery in the normal literary sense. But deciding how to represent her clients' best interests provides weighty challenges of Biblical proportions. I was a little disappointed in the book, though. Unlike the earlier three books, it lacks the powerful presence of wild Africa to add character and spice. Increasingly, I felt like I was reading just another comic novel about a woman who is trying to juggle all of the balls at once without dropping one. While that is certainly entertaining, this book lacked the uniqueness that made the other books such continuing and pleasant surprises. As I finished the book, I thought about the special relationship between novelists and their readers. When a novelist establishes a character and a setting for a series of novels, readers expect that what makes that character and setting precious to them will continue. When a book attempts to go off in a new direction, readers should be glad of the author's willingness to experiment. But I do think that the author should provide a valuable substitute if precious elements are left behind. For example, if this novel had been set in an intriguing new locale because Precious had to move, the pleasure of learning about that locale would have made the book's switch in direction worthwhile. Novelists, keep your implicit promises to your readers!
Rating:
Summary: Mma Makutsi Finds Romance
Review: The Kalahari Typing School for Men is the fourth volume in The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, following Morality for Beautiful Girls. In the previous volume, Precious Ramotswe and friends help Mr. J.L.B Maketoni through a bout of depression. During his recovery, Mma Ramotswe moves the detective office to Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and her assistant detective and secretary, Mma Makutsi, takes on another job as assistant manager of the garage. However, Mma Makutsi also finds time to locate a beautiful girl with good morals for the Miss Beauty and Integrity pageant. Mma Ramotswe finds a poisoner and reconciles a jealous man with his family. Mma Ramotswe also helps Mma Potokwane to decide what to do with a feral child. In this novel, the two lady detectives have settled into the new office and are having their usual morning tea and discussion. Mma Ramotswe considers her happiness as an engaged woman and expresses her concern that Mma Makutsi is not happy with her life as an unmarried woman. Mma Makutsi states that she has no choice in the matter and must make do with what she has. Mma Makutsi has established a comfortable working arrangement with the two apprentices, although she thinks that they are too girl crazy. The apprentices have taken on more responsibilities and are being to think ahead in their work. They are discussing other business opportunities, including a driving school, and the younger apprentice, who has recently converted and joined a church, suggests that the school should be named Learn to Drive With Jesus. However, Mma Makutsi decides to start a typing school for men and unexpectedly finds romance with one of her students. The two children are having problems adjusting to life away from the orphanage. Precious talks with Motholeli and assures her that she is part of the family, but Puso is a harder case. Precious consults with Mma Potokwane, matron of the orphans home, who suggests that the boy needs a father figure. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni starts to spend more time with Puso. Mma Ramotswe arrives at the office one day to find that Mma Makutsi is very upset; she has discovered that a rival detective agency has opened offices in Gaborone. They drive over to assess the competition and find that the new agency is run by a man who claims to be ex-CID and ex-New York. Disturbing news! Mma Ramotswe acquires a client who believes that her husband is being unfaithful. This client had first tried the other detective agency, but had not liked the results. Now she wants the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency to check out her husband's activities. Apparently the publishers have made some changes in the way this series is handled. Somehow Mma Potokwane's name has been spelled "Potokwani" in this volume. Highly recommended to McCall Smith fans and anyone else who enjoys tales of exotic locales and interesting people.
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