Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith: Book Review

Mma Ramotswe has just gotten engaged to Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni. But she’s not going to let a little thing like that change her life too much. She’s still running her business and solving mysteries with her unique blend of luck, insight, persistence, and wisdom.

I’m missing something. I know I am. Too many people love these books for it to be a fluke. I just don’t love them. I don’t dislike them either. I don’t really feel much either way.

I like Mmma Ramotswe herself. She has a kind heart and I love her solutions to problems. I remember her being a little trickier in the first book, but it has been years since I read it, so maybe I’m wrong.

Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni doesn’t really know what he’s gotten himself into. He has a kind heart as well, so I like him with Mma Ramotswe, but I think he’s going to get trampled by her personality. Although I was shocked at one big thing he undertakes without first consulting with Mma Ramotswe!

I tried this second book in the series on audio, thinking that the stories have a bit of a “spoken word” feel to them. It worked a bit better for me, but I’m still not left longing to read more. The bonus of the audio was that I wasn’t constantly tripping over unfamiliar names. I feel perfectly confident saying them now. I thought Lisette Lecat’s soft voice was a perfect accompaniment to these simple-on-the-surface tales.

I think I’m going to give up on the series now, but if you’re interested in them, definitely give them a try. I seem to be in the minority in not loving them.

Read an excerpt.

My review of the first book, The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency

Find author Alexander McCall Smith on his website, Facebook, and Twitter.

Buy Tears of the Giraffe at

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