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The Colors of All the Cattle

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My absolute favorite mystery series. Mma makes me want to know her and visit her in Botswana. 5 standing applause stars

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Thank you very much for allowing me the opportunity to read this book! I appreciate the kindness. <3

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I love this series and can't recommend these books enough. I love learning more about the characters while Alexander McCall Smith just keeps getting better.

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I have read every book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency and I adore each and every one. Precious Ramotswe is a wonderful, rich character, and her cast of friends help to bring the thoughts, ideas, and traditions of Africa to those of us who have never been there. Once again the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency is on the trail of a mystery. A well-known doctor has been hit by a car and no one knows who has done it. At the same time, Precious has been requested by her friends to run for council of the city. This was another wonderful book in the life of Precious Ramotswe and her favorite country.

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Alexander McCall Smith began writing his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency twenty years ago. I am so glad he is still adding to the series, and that I had the joy and the privilege recently of reviewing book number 19 in the series—The Colors of All the Cattle.

I LOVE these books and many of the characters that inhabit them—characters that are gracious and honorable that balance out those who are not in the corner of the world—Botswana—where the novels are set. And although the books are set in a different part of the world than I am familiar with, I can readily identify with them because they deal with basic everyday problems that all people deal with. These detective stories have a gentle but satisfying pace, and I delight in the conversations between the main characters. They are so beautifully written and profound. I always feel GOOD after finishing one of these books—and that is a rare commodity nowadays.

The latest book does not disappoint. Mma Precious Ramotswe, besides solving a case, is persuaded to get involved in local politics. Normally a book about politics would not be pleasant to read would it? Well this one is!

She is the ideal person to become a politician—although she is convinced to become one quite reluctantly. Why? Listen to her husband’s description of her early in the book:

“Mma Ramotswe was a fine-looking woman, a woman of traditional build, a woman of sound and sensible views, a woman who embodied all that was praiseworthy in the national character. Yet she was also human. She was reluctant to condemn other people for not being quite as good as they might be. She was not one to expect unattainable standards. She understood that many of us would like to be better in our personal lives but somehow could not seem to achieve it. She recognised that sometimes the best we could do was simply to muddle through, getting some things right but also getting many things wrong. She knew all that, and was never too quick to blame or offer reproach.

She was kind; she was forgiving. She did not think that people should be punished too severely for their actions, as long as they acknowledged that what they had done was wrong. If you punish somebody harshly, she said, then you are simply inflicting more pain on the world. You are also punishing not only that person, but his family and the people who love him. You are punishing yourself, really, because we are all brothers and sisters in this world, whether we know it or not; we are all citizens of the same village.”

And her own wise thoughts about politics expressed early in the book:

““Ah,” said Mma Ramotswe. She did not have strong views on politics. She did not like the confrontational nature of much political discussion; why could people not argue politely, she wondered, taking into account the views of others and accepting that people might differ with one another in perfectly good faith?”

The detective case that she takes on in this book involves a hit and run car accident. The pedestrian who is hurt was a friend of Mma Ramotswe’s late father. And for anyone who has lost their parents, there is such wisdom in what is said when that client first comes into the detective agency to explain what has happened to him:

“Dr. Marang looked thoughtful. “Nor, I think, would your late father have imagined that his daughter would end up in a No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.”

Mma Ramotswe laughed. “He certainly would not, Rra. He always thought I should run a hardware store if I went into business. Hardware stores are very sensible.”

Dr. Marang seemed to appreciate the humour of the situation. “I’m sure he would have been happy. He was always very proud of you, you know.”

Mma Ramotswe swallowed. It was hard, sometimes, when people spoke of her father; they always said good things—nobody to her knowledge had ever spoken ill of Obed Ramotswe—but it was still hard, even after all these years.

It was as if Dr. Marang had read her mind. “You must still miss him,” he said. “Even now.”

“Yes,” she said. “I do.” She could have said so much more. She could have said what she said to those who had lost somebody: Late people are still with us. And they were. They were with us in the things that they had said, which we remembered long after they had gone; they were with us in the love that they had shown us, and which we could still draw about us, like a comforting blanket on a cold night; and, if the late people had had children, they were with us in the look in the eye of those children, in the way they held their heads, in the way they laughed, or in the way they walked, or did any of the other things that were passed on, deep inside, within families. She did not say any of this, although she was thinking it. She answered, instead, what he had said about pride. “I am the one who was proud,” she said quietly. “I am the one, Rra.”

“I can see that, Mma,” said Dr. Marang. “But let me tell you what I have come to see you about. You are a busy lady, I think, and we should not take up too much of your time. Let me start.””

While trying to solve the hit and run case, there is also a plot line where one of the young mechanics that works for her husband ( and who has fallen in love with a girl whom he thinks beyond his means because of her family’s wealth)—Charlie—is nurtured with wise counseling while he helps with the case. ( He is a detective-in-training.)

Does she win the election? Well, you will need to read the book to find out. But, I can’t resist sharing one more quote from the morning of the election when Precious Ramotswe first wakes up:

“The sun came up, at first a curved slice of golden red, and then a shimmering, glowing ball, lifting itself free of the line of tree tops, light, effortless, floating. And then the sky opened up, freed of its veils of darkness, a great pale blue bowl above . . . above me, thought Mma Ramotswe—and all the other people who were getting up now in Botswana; above people for whom this was their first day on this earth—the tiny, fragile babies—and above those for whom it was their last—the aged people who had seen so much and who knew that the world was slipping between their fingers . . . all—or most of us, at least—trying our best, trying to make something of life, hoping to get through the day without feeling too unhappy, or uncomfortable, or hungry—which was what just about everybody hoped for, whether they were big and important, or small and insignificant. She sighed. If only people could keep that in their minds—if they could remember that the people they met during the day had all the same hopes and fears that they had, then there would be so much less conflict and disagreement in this world. If only people remembered that, then they would be kinder to others—and kindness, Mma Ramotswe believed, was the most important thing there was. She knew that in the depths of her being; she knew it.”

I highly recommend this series as well as this latest addition to it, and thank Pantheon and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of the book and for allowing me to review it. It was a delight!

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I can't believe this series is already at volume 19, but I have read and enjoyed every one. Each installment is like a visit with old friends, you know the ones you can pick up right where you left off, even if it has been a long time since you last saw them. Let's just say that readers of this latest offering are in for a treat. Mma Ramotswe is back in top form as she ponders the way things are in her town, and whether she is capable of being the impetus for change. You can read the official blurb to find out what the story line is about, but trust me as a loyal fan of the author and his beloved characters: you won't be disappointed.
This review is based on a digital ARC generously provided by the publisher via NetGalley.

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If you are a fan of the Ladies' No. 1 Detective series, you must read this 19th book in the series. All the wonderful, endearingly sweet and funny characters are here, and there's a bit of politics thrown in to boot.

Mma Precious Ramotswe is back trying to solve a hit-and-run accident, manage her employees, and run for the town council (against her will!) and, of course, nothing goes as expected. It was so wonderful to again visit the village/town of Gamborone. It's been a long gap for me, and it's so nice to see that nothing has changed.

Some will find these stories repetitive and unimaginative, but for others it's sure to be a comfort in the familiarity. If you're a fan, enjoy! This should not be your first foray into this world, however, since so much of the humor would be lost. Although the storyline itself does stand alone, I think a new reader would miss so many of the inside jokes. Read #1 first, then the rest....in order!

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Alexander McCall Smith takes on the Colors of All the Cattle; the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency has been asked to determine who ran down a retired doctor friend of Mma Ramotswe. Charlie has his first chance to use his contacts in the auto repair world to find answers. Meanwhile Mma Ramotswe is inveigled into running for town council in order to oppose a big hotel with gambling and booze being built right beside a graveyard where the town's late relatives rested. Charlie also has a potential girlfriend who is from a rich family and he feels he cannot compete for her attention. Filled with the commonsense honesty of most Botswanan citizens, this story also shows the underside of politics and human affairs. Great comfort reading.

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Once again an intriguing story of Precious Ramotswe, owner of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I enjoyed reading the philosophical bent of the this tale. This is more about the ordinary lives of women and men than it is about detecting [even though that is a part of the story.] Plus, there is the entrance of a reluctant Precious into running for city council. Read and enjoy

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This is another excellent volume from Alexander McCall Smith. It again immerses the reader into a slower paced world, one where kindness and solid Botswana values mostly hold sway. Despite that the reader may feel some real tension as Mma Ramotswe is persuaded, against her wishes, to run for political office. She finds that she can not even vote for herself--not because she believes she is not the better candidate, but because of her ingrained sense of modesty.. As usual, McCall Smith's further development of the other characters in the series nicely adds to this gentle but compelling read.

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Alexander McCall Smith touches on timely topics—politics, income inequality, and gender--in his latest Mma Ramotswe novel, "The Colors of All the Cattle." Precious and her partner in private detection, Mma Makutsi, continue to assist clients and, of course, enjoy their daily tea breaks. Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni, Mma Ramotswe's devoted husband and the owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, lovingly cares for his customers' automobiles as if they were human beings in intensive care. In addition, Mma Ramotswe pays frequent visits to her dear friend, Mma Potokwane, who operates her Orphan Home with love, compassion, and grit. So what has changed? There will be a council election in Gaborone, Botswana, and the malicious, ambitious, and greedy Violet Sephotho appears to be a shoo-in. Violet supports the building of the Big Fun Hotel near a cemetery, a proposed project that would garner a hefty profit for the developers, and lead to revelry next door to a graveyard. Sepotho's glamour is likely to attract male voters and, in addition, she makes extravagant promises to the electorate.

Mma Potokwane tries to convince Precious Ramotswe to run against Violet, a prospect that horrifies the modest and low-key founder of the No. One Ladies' Detective Agency. This plot line will resonate with readers who are put off by candidates who, like Violet, lie and exaggerate in order to obtain votes. Meanwhile, Charlie, the apprentice mechanic who has worked for Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni for years, plays a larger role than usual. This young man, who has become more thoughtful and mature of late, has a girlfriend, Queenie-Queenie, whom he truly cares for. However, she comes from a wealthy family, while he is virtually penniless. Charlie also lends a hand with an investigation concerning a hit-and-run that severely injured a kindly doctor.

As always, McCall Smith entertains us with humorous dialogue, an exploration of the ups and downs of relationships, and a demonstration of how Mma Ramotwe's actions reflect her kindness, humility, and integrity. There is a memorable scene between Mma Makutsi and her husband, Philip Raduphuti, who argue about what women should and should not do. It is unfortunate that the author rushes the conclusion; it is a bit too contrived and tidy to be believed. Still, "The Colors of All the Cattle" is a diverting and amusing tale in which McCall Smith demonstrates the value of toning down acrimony and rancor, and cultivating goodwill, generosity, and empathy, both in our private lives and in the public sector.

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Despite her reluctance, Precious Ramotswe is persuaded to run for a seat on the City Council and runs on the simple platform of "I can't promise anything – but I shall do my best." Not surprisingly, politics and Precious do not get along, so she resigns her seat, thinking there will be a new election. Too late, she learns that the election's runner-up will fill her vacated seat, and that's when the fun begins.

I don't know why, but I really like this series. There is definitely no fast-paced plot to follow, and while there are mysteries involved in each story, I don't recall one murder in the entire series. But I enjoy the primary characters and the description of life in Gabarone, so I'm always eager to see what happens to them next . By the time I finish each book I'm ready to book a flight to Botswana :) This book was no exception, and I liked watching Precious and her family and friends go through the election process, hoping to make a difference, all while trying not to lose herself along the way. I will most certainly look for the next book in the series.

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This is #19 in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Once again a leisurely stroll in Botswana with all our favorite characters. This time in addition to the usual "problems to be solved" for her detective agency, Mma Ramotswe enters (actually is forcefully shoved by Mma Potokwane) the world of Gabarone politics, very, very far out of her comfort zone. At the same time, Charlie... Charlie is growing up. And Mma Makutsi's shoes have a few words to say once again.
I continue to enjoy this series immensely. It is consistent in tone and characters, but never repetitive, always covering new ground and new aspects of Precious Ramotswe's beloved Botswana. Highly recommended as a quick and very enjoyable read.

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Mme Ramotswe finds herself challenged by her friends in the latest addition to the Number One Ladies Detective Agency series. First her partner makes her doubt her purpose in life. Then her friend who runs the orphanage decries the latest political happenings. To her surprise, Mme Ramotswe finds herself running for a seat on the local council with her friends urging her to stop a new hotel development. And, closer to her heart, she wants to find who caused a hit and run accident that injured a man from her vest. This latest story is one of the best in the series.

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Fans of this series will be happy about this new entry. Smith’s portrayal of MMA Precious Ramastswe and her extended family and friends is an ode to Botswana. Once again we find the owner of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency using her good sense, her knowledge of people, and her wide net of friends and acquaintances to solve both her case and the latest set of problems faced by one or another of her employees. The solution to her own dilemma is much too contrived but loyal readers will hardly care. As the others that came before it, this book offers a charming and astute dive into its characters and the culture of Botswana. It’s comfort food for the soul at its best.

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This book focused on an amazing new Charlie. He is becoming more mature and is learning about the world and all of its’ promises and inconsistencies. He even helps Precious in her investigation of a hit and run accident and offers suggestions to help Precious’ election process. What was unique about the book was that all the men made and offered wise decisions, displayed confidence, and expressed opinions. The ending was unexpected.


The ARC that my review was based on was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

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There is no more pleasant way to spend an afternoon than with Mma Ramostwe and her friends, unless, of course, you can do read while sipping tea and eating cake as they regularly do. There was plenty of tea needed to sooth Precious as she is persuaded to stand for Gabarone's city council. Add to that a frustrating hit and run case completely without witnesses, and you have the makings for another memorable installment of this delightful series. It's another win for Alexander McCall Smith!

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Another lovely few hours passed in Botswana with Mma Ramotswe and her friends and family. These are comforting, life-affirming reads.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

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Thanks to Knopf Doubleday Publishing Group. for the advance e-book. I was thrilled to receive this arc. Alexander McCall Smith is one of my favorite authors and I have followed this series from the beginning. One does not have to read these books from the beginning as they are all great stand-alone reads. I'm sure I had a permanent smile on my face as I was reading this. McCall Smith's characters are so full of insight, charm, and humor. The author does an excellent job of making you feel like you are in Botswana with the characters! I love this book and I love this series. I highly recommend this book and all the others in this series.

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In this story, the 19th book in the #1 Ladies Detective series, Mma Ramotswe, is talked into running for the City council by the forceful Mma Pokotwane. A developer wants to build a large tourist hotel right next to a cemetery. Mma Pokotwane, the matron of the orphanage and a good friend of Mma Ramotswe, is upset by the proposal. So she talks a reluctant Mma Ramotswe into running for office. The opponent is a local glamour girl, Violet Sephotho. Violet is an old enemy of Mma Ramotswe’s assistant, Mma Makutsi. Violet has also made many campaign promises including a promise to vote for the new hotel.

Violet is running a very effective campaign with all her promises and favorable press. Mma Ramotswe realizes that she cannot lie to the voters and tells an interviewer that she cannot promise them anything before the election.

Once again the various characters in the story us how simple people in the African country of Botswana behave and live.

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