Modern Fiction Books > S Modern Fiction Books > Alexander McCall Smith

Advantages: Entertaining read, great characters, authentic setting, gentle humour
Disadvantages: Complex names

...brought into their lives in Tears of the Giraffe and I felt that added an extra dimension to the story, which was definitely beneficial. I will look forward to reading more about them in future books. Tears of the Giraffe interweaves their lives along with the cases that come into the detective agency. Mma Ramotswe's work is different to traditional policing and the novels never get violent, frightening or gory. Although they deal with some serious ...
...gentle humour. I read Tears of the Giraffe in a few days. It is reasonably short - 217 pages - and split into chapters, which I find always helps me read a book faster. ("Just one more chapter!") I also want to find out what happens next, of course! There is one minor disadvantage to these books for me and that is the African names. I have studied several languages, but none from Africa and I do find some of the names a bit off-putting initially, ... Read review

Advantages: good light hearted read
Disadvantages: cannot get enough of them

This is the third in the series of The No.1 Ladies'Detective Agency novels.It is set in Gaborone in Botswana and the main character in the books is Precious Ramotswe. Precious Ramotswe is engaged to the mechanic and owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and as the Dectective Agency was having difficulty to exist she was forced to make some difficult decisions. She moves her business into the office of her fiance's garage and makes Mma Grace Matekoni ...
...case of a government man's brother who he thinks is being poisoned. This is a very light and amusing book and with the description of Botswana and scenary you feel you have been transported right there. You are told about how important certains things are to the country like owning cattle. Also the traditions and culture of the country. It certainly makes me want to investigate the country further as I enjoyed the book and cannot wait to read more ... Read review

Advantages: Fun, easy to read chapters
Disadvantages: Cant put it down,

...another of his books. 44 Scotland street had humour, poignancy and