From a Far and Lovely Country, Alexander McCall Smith
From a Far and Lovely Country, Alexander McCall Smith
List: $24.99 | Sale: $17.50
Club: $12.49

From a Far and Lovely Country

Author: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrator: Lisette Lecat

Unabridged: 10 hr 15 min

Format: Digital Audiobook Download

Publisher: Recorded Books

Published: 10/31/2023


Synopsis

In this latest installment in Alexander McCall Smith’s cherished No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, two confounding cases compete for Mma Ramotswe’s attention—and she may need to call in back up.

Mma Ramotswe and Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni are enjoying a nice meal out at a periperi restaurant when an American woman named Julia approaches seeking Mma Ramotswe’s help. Julia’s beloved late grandfather was Botswanan, and he instilled in her an abiding love of his homeland. Now, years after his passing and during a rough patch in her own life, Julia has come to visit the land he had spoken of so often and to find her relatives. Unfortunately, her grandfather’s stories, while remarkably charming and entertaining, were somewhat light on detail; all Julia can remember are a few first names and some descriptions of his village. It’s not a lot to go on, but if anyone is well poised to help, it’s Mma Ramotswe, Botswana’s premier detective.

Meanwhile, a second case leads Mma Ramotswe to look for assistance from an unexpected quarter. For the first time ever, Charlie leads his own investigation at the detective agency, going undercover into a dubious, word-of-mouth gettogether known as the Cool Singles Evening Club, where married men are encouraged to pretend to be single and meet women under false pretenses. Who could be behind such a distasteful venture? Getting to the bottom of this will be a tall order, to be sure, but Charlie is eager for the opportunity.

As Mma Ramotswe learns more about Julia, she begins to understand that Julia’s heartbreak runs deeper than she had initially realized. Together, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Potokwane must find a way to help their client heal and move forward—from both her past and her present. Julia had originally come to Botswana seeking family and connection, but in the warm embrace of Mma Ramotswe and Mma Potokwane, what she ends up finding is a home.

About Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over one hundred books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities. He was knighted by the King in 2024.


Reviews

Goodreads review by Barbara

In this 24th book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series - set in Gaborone, Botswana - Mma Precious Ramotswe and her colleague Mma Grace Makutsi address a variety of concerns, including a shady nightclub, an American woman looking for family connections, and a red dress. The book can be read......more

Goodreads review by Alisha

I've got it! I just realized how to explain why I enjoy Alexander McCall Smith even though he's somewhat plotless. It just occurred to me while reading this book: it's his ability to create Winnie-the-Pooh type asides. It's a very specific vibe, but I don't think I'm wrong in saying he has some styl......more

Goodreads review by Ellery

Another lovely installment in this charming series.......more