The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine - (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) by Alexander McCall Smith (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Fans around the world adore the bestselling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series and its proprietor, Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's premier lady detective. In this charming series, Mma Ramotswe--with help from her loyal associate, Grace Makutsi--navigates her cases and her personal life with wisdom, good humor, and the occasional cup of tea.

Precious Ramotswe, the esteemed proprietor of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, now faces her greatest challenge yet: a vacation!

Business is slow at the agency--so slow in fact that, for the first time in her distinguished career, Mma Ramotswe has reluctantly agreed to take a holiday. The week of uninterrupted peace is cut short, however, when she meets Samuel, a wayward young boy with a troubled past. Moreover, Mma Ramotswe can't help but wonder how the agency is faring in her absence. Her worries grow when she discovers that Mma Makutsi is handling a rather delicate case.

Ultimately, the situation will require Mma Ramotswe to draw upon her kindness, generosity, and good sense, and will serve to remind them all that ordinary human failings should be treated with a large helping of charity and compassion.

Review Quotes

"Enchanting. . . . As usual, Smith's blend of gentle humor and insights into human nature is irresistible." --Publishers Weekly

"The sixteenth installment of the internationally bestselling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series again showcases the boundless compassion, humor, and occasional wiliness of the agency's founder, the 'traditionally built' Mma Precious Ramotswe. . . . The title comes from Precious's reflection that she, blessed by the love of her husband, the proprietor of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, walks in sunshine. Readers of this and the whole series will feel similarly blessed." --Booklist (starred review)

Praise for Alexander McCall Smith and the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series:

"Calling Precious Ramotswe, owner and chief investigator of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Botswana, a detective doesn't do her justice. 'Problem solver extraordinaire' would be much better. Mma Ramotswe . . . treats a whole range of human difficulties as they come her way, finding good solutions through her wisdom, kindness, and tact." --Booklist

"McCall Smith's plots offer wit, charm, and intrigue in equal doses." --Richmond Times-Dispatch

"Enchanting . . . An inspiration to us all . . . The sweet, chuckling voice of Precious Ramotswe falls gentle on the ear." --The New York Times Book Review

"A vivid observer and an elegant writer." --The Plain Dealer

"An oasis . . . Full of wit, nuance, and caring." --Chicago Sun-Times

"The pleasure of these sweet books lies in the clarity and gravity with which the characters reason through everyday dilemmas." --Entertainment Weekly

"Enthralling . . . Mma Ramotswe is someone readers can't help but love." --USA Today

About the Author

ALEXANDER McCALL SMITH is the author of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, the Isabel Dalhousie series, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series, the 44 Scotland Street series, and the Corduroy Mansions series. He is professor emeritus of medical law at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland and has served with many national and international organizations concerned with bioethics. He was born in what is now known as Zimbabwe and was a law professor at the University of Botswana. He lives in Scotland.