Alexander McCall Smith gives us A Song of Comfortable Chairs, the 23rd Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency tale.
Grace Makutzi is in poor spirits because her husband Phuti is loosing business to another chair selling business. Then the detective agency discovers an old enemy is orchestrating the business and a former Phuti employee is doing the advertising and undercutting the prices. Grace also finds a childhood friend who needs help with a misbehaving son. Gentle good humor and practical solutions to problems. Special praise for this wonderful story.

Reading a book in the # 1 Ladies Detective Agency series restores my faith in humanity. I am always so grateful to be able to sink comfortably back into the world of Precious Ramotswe. A Song of Comfortable Chairs is the 23rd book in a series that I hope never ends.

I love the gentle tone of this series. The characters are not perfect; they are constantly striving to be better. A Song of Comfortable Chairs was perfectly paced with two pro-bono, personal cases. I loved seeing more of Charlie in this one and seeing his vulnerability and growth.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Warmhearted and Atmospheric

I love the #1 Ladies Detective series. The descriptions of the setting and the 'voice' are so foreign to me but oh so compelling. The plots never disappoint. So, it is no surprise that I absolutely loved "The Song of Comfortable Chairs". As a 'traditionally built' lady myself, I could just imagine myself in the showroom of the offending uncomfortable chairs....and was just waiting for the culprit of the 'industrial espionage' to be revealed... I am sure you will read other reviews with a better description of our plot and heroes...just let me tell you that I stayed up very late to finish this book and it was so very comforting to me to revisit this series.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time-constrained e-arc via netgalley. This review is optional and my own opinion.

Not for me.
This starts off soooo dryly, that I just couldn't finish it.
I ended up falling asleep more than 3 times while trying to read this.
Never a good sign.
I even tried witching from ebook to audio (the Lisette Lecat's voice was sooo soothing, I kinda want her to read me bedtime stories).
I decided to DNF it instead of forcing it.
Nothing inherently wrong with it, just not for me.
Did you read any of this series? Is there a more exciting one I should try?
Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada & RB Media for my DRC.

What a perfect title for a comforting read. I left off reading the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series after book number 9 many years ago. When NetGalley offered the newest installment for review, I snapped it up. I was curious to see how I would like the series having been away for so long.

In this installment, there has been little change in the dynamics with Mma. Ramotswe and her professional and social circle. There are two primary mysteries. Both mysteries revolve around Grace Makutsi, her overzealous secretary. Grace’s husband Phuti’s furniture store is at risk of closure due to some international competition. In addition, an old friend has come to Grace for help with her teenage son. With the help of Mma. Ramotswe and Mma. Potokwani, Grace dives in to help her husband and her friend.

As is usual with this series, the story has a slow meandering pace. The mysteries are not fully introduced until approximately 50% into the book. Despite this, the story is engaging, with clever humor and banter between the familiar cast of characters. I would recommend this book to any previous fans of the series. Jumping in at book 23 when you are new to the series may leave you with some questions, however, I am certain the story would still be entertaining for a new reader.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada, Knopf Canada for providing this ebook for review.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is such an uplifting and enjoyable series, I look forward to each new book and like to save it for a special, day when I can relax and savour it. The latest book in the series is even more heartfelt, because it doesn't have any new detective agency customers in the story, so the entire book is about the trials and tribulations of the main characters we've all grown to love.

Grace and Phuti are having problems with a new competitor trying to undercut their prices at the Double Comfort Furniture Store, and you can probably guess who is involved in this scheme! Mma Makutsi also helps an old friend from Bobonong who is having problems with her teenage son. And there are a few other interpersonal issues between staff members at the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency and Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, but Mma Ramotswe and her colleagues are ready to handle every challenge with patience and compassion.

I was lucky to have access to both the ebook and audio for this story, and I kept switching back and forth between them because I couldn't decide which one I enjoyed more, but really you can't go wrong, either way this book is a wonderful, heartwarming experience!

A Song of Comfortable Chairs is the 23rd book in Alexander McCall Smith’s No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. In this instalment, join Mma Precious Ramotswe and Mma Grace Makutsi as they save the furniture store of Grace’s husband Phuti Radiphuti from bankruptcy and help one of Grace’s childhood friends with a delicate family issue.

While I have read most of the books in the series, new readers can feel confident jumping right in as McCall Smith does a great job of introducing Precious, Grace and other regulars like Charlie, a mechanic and apprentice detective, and Mma Potokwane, the head of a local orphanage, as the story unfolds.

You won’t find any blood, gore or fighting in this book nor sleuthing using high end tools and tech. You will however get to know the kindest, most generous and clever modern-day detectives as they solve problems, give advice and go about life.

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Knopf Canada, and NetGalley for giving me an advance copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith is funny,uplifting enjoyable and well written book. If you are looking for a light , nice mystery read this book is definitely for you.
Characters are interesting, likable and well developed. It's not only funny read but also philosophical.

Another delightful installment in my favourite series. Phuti Makutsi has some competition in the furniture business and wouldn't you know that Grace's arch nemesis Violet is involved! Grab a cup of tea and get comfortable as you bask in the wisdom and delightful characters of McCall Smith.

This is a delightful book. I haven't read any previous books in the series (shame on me) so didn't know what to expect. I'd heard the series is fabulous, and was pleased to discover that the hype is worth it this time.

There isn't really a mystery in the sense of a body or theft that the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency needs to solve. There is some personal mystery (a larger desk, some chairs, a relationship that isn't quite working) that Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi endeavor to work out (as one would probably solve a mystery).

I loved the characters, the sense of a deep love for country and place. I'll for sure read more of this series now!

Thank you to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC of this book.

This is not generally the type of book I read but as the series seems to be so popular I wanted to try it. During my first hour of reading, I found that the homespun wisdom and gentle humour were sweet but still not holding much appeal for me. Nevertheless, I decided to read to the end to uphold my side of the bargain which was to provide an honest review.

I can see that these stories would appeal to many but I don't seem to be one of them. I realize now that I had read another of the series in the past but which one it was I don't recall. On the other hand for anyone who does love the series I think this will be an enjoyable read for them.

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/59746966/reviews?reviewFilters={%22workId%22:%22kca://work/amzn1.gr.work.v3.XrwFOJRxpbDcWhNx%22,%22after%22:%22NTcsMTY1OTU0NzgzNzMyOA%22}

3.5 Stars (Rounded Up to 4)

I selected A Song of Comfortable Chairs due to its unusual title. Although it's the 23rd book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series by Alexander McCall Smith, I have not read any previous books in this set or by this author.

Does this novel work as a standalone? For me, the answer is yes and no. While reading, I never felt I was missing any critical information or plot pieces. But I also did not connect as deeply with the main characters as I likely would have had I followed their development throughout time. This is unfortunate as this novel is clearly character-driven. The cases solved in this book are not centred on crime or profound mystery. Rather, they focus on pro-Bono work helping community members with personal or small business problems.

This is a feel-good book filled with gentle humour, kindness and everyday wisdom--tell the truth, don't jump to hasty conclusions and brush your teeth (honestly!). It is a wholesome, gentle read that pairs very well with a hot pot of tea. Its release date is set for September 6, 2022.

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House, Knopf Canada and Alexander McCall-Smith for granting me an Advance Readers Copy in exchange for this honest review.

As comfortable as a big, pillowy chair - another great addition to an already fulfilling series.
I really love the characters and cute storyline = made me feel happy and warm inside!!

A Song of Comfortable Chairs by Alexander McCall Smith is the latest addition to the wonderful No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series.

This time around, it is Grace Makutsi who must seek out Mma Ramotswe's help when her husband's furniture business comes under threat by an international company, and it is up to the women to find a way to save the floundering shop.

Meeting up with Mma Ramotswe and those in her community is like reuniting with old friends. As per usual, the latest dilemma is met with careful consideration to detail, and with gentle humour and cooperation. The No 1 Ladies Detective Agency books are an absolute treasure, and I will continue to read them for as long as Mr McCall Smith continues to write them.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC.

This is the 23rd book in this series. I have read them all and was delighted to be able to read this one. Mr. McCall Smith writes such delightful books, a welcome relief from the usual mystery and thriller books I normally read. Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi help two people with problems in this book. Phuti (Mma Makutsi’s husband) is being undersold by a competitor and Mma Makutsi has an old friend with a son trying to destroy her romantic relationship. Once Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi become involved … Read the book. In fact if you haven’t already read the entire series. Thanks to NetGalley, Penguin Random House Canada and the Author for allowing me to read and review this book.

"The World is full of suffering, particularly now, at this very moment. It would be easy in such circumstances to despair. Mma Ramotswe, though, would say, “No, do not think that bad things – like cruelty and lack of mercy – will triumph over things that are good – like kindness and decency. They will not. Acts of unkindness by others do not make us unkind – they simply make us all the more determined to be kind ourselves. Acts of hatred simply inspire us to love. That is the way it is. That is well known.”

I believe Mma Ramotswe is correct. Isn't she always?!

I appreciated this chance to hang out with good friends Precious Ramotswe, Grace Makutsi, and Mr J.L.B Matekoni and catch up on what has been happening in Botswana. I read about a furniture company that puts profit before quality and attempts to undercut Grace’s husband (Phuti) and drive him towards bankruptcy. I also read about Grace’s friend who has a troubled son. Both cases were solved with kindness, generosity and cleverness - the founding corners of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency.

In a world where there aren’t always answers and at a time when we are all looking for answers, this is a fabulous read. I know any book in this series will end well and that Precious and Grace will solve the cases. For a few hours, all is right with the world and my worries are set aside. We could all do with a little Botswana wisdom in our life.

Human nature is so predictable….even in a little corner of Botswana. I shook my head when I read about the seemingly petty jealousy Precious had to deal with. As is always the case, the world over, there’s a reason for a behaviour…and Precious graciously waits and finds it out. I could learn from her. I’m a reactor rather than a responder. I need to change that. Now.

I was gifted this advance copy by Penguin Random House Canada, Knopf Canada, and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

A Song of Comfortable Chairs is the 23rd instalment in the delightful No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series uniquely set in Botswana. After reading the very first one yeas ago my heart was captivated and I have felt a kinship with traditionally built Mma Precious Ramotswe and ninety seven percent Mma Grace Makutski ever since.

Though he tackles life issues and topics of the day, Alexander McCall Smith writes with tenderness, insightfulness, wit, charm and humour in a delightfully gentle way. The vocabulary, culture, traditions, landscape and food make me feel as though I am enjoying bush tea alongside the first female detectives in Botswana.

Not only are compassionate Mma Ramotswe and direct Mma Makutski colleagues but also dear friends who complement each other in their differences. Simple detecting is their work but the focus of the stories is more about the characters and daily life. This heartwarming book focuses on friendship, marriage and family with issues such as underhanded business dealings, depression and teenage angst. Grace's husband Phuti is highlighted this time as he finds his furniture business suffering as a consequence of the marketing ploys of his competition. The fact that it is kept secret affects Grace, naturally, which in turn affects her work environment and marriage. The stories are punctuated by glimpses of returning characters such as Charlie, Mma Potokwani and Violet, sweet humour and enduring love.

This is a series I turn to when craving comfortable familiarity and escapism, readable again and again. Any reader would benefit from these books. Those who have yet to discover them are in for a special treat!

My sincere thank you to Random House Canada and NetGalley for the pure joy of reading this unmissable book. I don't want this series to ever end.

This was such a great break from reading heavier books. It is always a delight to read about the #1LDA and it is so good to read about the familiar people like they are old friends.

The plots are never heavy, but always deceptively simplistic, which have easy to get messages, moral or general in nature, and the books all end on a positive note. I hadn't read a #1LDA book in a few years, but now I need to read the few that I have missed.

Thank you to Netgalley for a free copy and for this completely refreshing read.

4.5 stars. This is the 23rd book in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency set in Botswana. I am happy to have read them all and am already anticipating the next edition. They make a charming and relaxing break from the many books of murder and mayhem I often read. They are steeped in kindness, common sense, and a gentle philosophy about leading one's best life, and of course, added wisdom on how to be a successful detective from a well-read manual.

Do not expect brutal and complicated criminal cases. The Ladies Detective Agency aspires to solve troubles and conflicts in their clients' personal lives or small business problems. They often work pro bono. Reading these books is like revisiting old friends, listening to their wisdom and small arguments while sharing cups of bush tea. Of course, I would ensure that the door is locked to prevent the troublesome Violet from entering.

Precious Ramotswe, the detective agency founder, feels uncomfortable in the opening pages. She shares the office with Grace Makutsi, whom she once hired as a secretary and considers a friend. During her employment, Grace has gradually promoted herself to detective and is now referring to herself as a managing director of the firm. She has placed a brass nameplate on her desk and is in the process of having the desk expanded to make it larger and more imposing than Precious's. There are other signs that she is representing herself to clients as being above her boss. Precious says little about Grace's behaviour and realizes this is due to her feeling insecure for some reason.

Charlie continues as a part-time detective in training and half-time as a mechanic in Precious's husband's car repair shop. He is still subject to taunts and insults from Grace, who contends this is sarcastic joking.

Two cases are presented in this book. Grace's husband, Phuti, has provided her and their child with a comfortable life. He ran a successful furniture store under his ownership. Now a competitive modern store with overseas stock is undercutting its sales and taking its customers. Their chairs are futuristic in design, with modern devices to adjust the height of the chairs and enable them to recline. Owning one is a new status symbol, but they lack comfort and cost less than the chairs from Phuti's shop. Phuti is dangerously close to declaring bankruptcy. Precious must come up with a clever plan to save Phuti's business and ease Grace's worries about going broke.

The other case involves an old friend of Grace's who has been hired at the orphanage. She has a tragic background and a sullen teenage son. Life is looking brighter for her. She has moved to the city with her son to the home of a kindly water inspector she recently met. Moving into his home promised her a life of love and stability for the first time. However, her son is disrupting her newfound happiness with constant angry outbursts and meanness directed towards her new partner. He is on the verge of kicking them out of his home as her son's behaviour is too much to bear.

Precious and Grace come up with a scheme that would temporarily move the woman and her unruly son into Grace and Phuti's home. Physical punishment is forbidden in any attempt to discipline him for his bad behaviour. Their plan includes an undercover actor visiting the home and interacting with the antagonistic, hostile teenager. However, the plan is not working as the son shows no sign of changes in his attitude or behaviour. Suddenly, he is much calmer and wants to return to the previous home, apologize, and get along with his mother's new boyfriend. It seems he received a secret visit from Charlie, which improved the boy's outlook considerably. Of course, Grace cannot accept or credit Charlie's unorthodox methods of solving the case, now concluded with a happy ending.

I wish to thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC of this heartwarming and delightful book.

Put an afternoon aside, make a pot of your favourite hot tea and escape into A Song of Comfortable Chairs. McCall Smith has again written a thoroughly enjoyable #1 Ladies Detective Agency sequel..There seem to be more Clovis Andersen references than usual.. Even Charlie has been reading The Principles of Private Detection. The wealth of information that the two ladies pull from that ’ detective bible’ always makes me snicker. This time Mma Makutsi has a more active role in helping solve the cases. She and Mma Ramotswe even get into a bit of a pickle, on their way to visit their ‘sister’ Mma Potokwane. You won’t be disappointed!
Thank You to Penguin Random House Canada, NetGalley, and Alexander McCall Smith for the opportunity to escape to Mma Ramotswe ‘s Africa, once again.