Blue Shoes and Happiness

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Lisette Lecat

Length: 8 hrs and 14 mins

Publisher's summary

From internationally best-selling author Alexander McCall Smith comes the seventh novel in the phenomenally popular and endlessly charming series that began with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Once again Botswana's only female detective, Mma Ramotswe, and her invaluable assistant, Mma Makutsi, puzzle out the mysteries of life while finding comfort in steaming mugs of bush tea.

Danger hits close to home when a cobra is found in Mma Ramotswe's office. Of less immediate danger, but greater general interest, are the faulty blood pressure measurements being recorded at the local clinic. But perhaps the biggest mystery is why Mma Makutsi's fiance has missed their usual dinner date. Is he discontented? And if so, will cramming her feet into a pair of fashionable blue shoes help Mma Makutsi find happiness?

Full of subtle wit and charming characters, Blue Shoes and Happiness is another unforgettable gem from McCall Smith.

Listen to the other titles in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series.

©2006 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2006 Recorded Books, LLC

Critic reviews

"The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series is a literary confection of gossamer deliciousness....There is no end to the pleasure that may be extracted from these books." (The New York Times Book Review)
"Scotsman McCall Smith renders brisk, seamless tales that are both wry and profound. Amidst the mayhem (like the cobra that slithers its way into the detective agency's headquarters) are eloquent descriptions of the serene African country that holds a special place in his heart." (Booklist)

Perfect Audiobook Adaptation

I have yet to find an Alexander McCall Smith series that I haven’t dearly loved. I’ve purchased this series in audiobook form from Audible, and the narration is absolutely wonderful! I feel truly transported to lovely Botswana! The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is like the very best therapy available. If I listen to the audiobooks in the background while I do household chores or drive, I find myself happy and smiling and calm through them. Yes, there are troubles in the world, but most can be overcome or at least mitigated by a cup of tea and a thoughtful meditation while watching the sunset. I love the gentle humanity of these books. After listening to Mma Ramotswe, the balance of the world always seems tilted toward the good. My chores get completed, yet I feel relaxed and happy, as if I’ve just returned from vacation in Botswana!

engaging and a sweet, relaxing listen

everything about this series is refreshing from the mysteries solved to the characters developed. I adore the reader and the pace. such a treat!

A Joy to Hear

Lisette Lecat has one of those wonderful voices that is a joy to listen to. I look forward to each of the books in this series to have the pleasure of enjoying her reading once more. For that alone, I rate the book highly. But Alexander McCall Smith's characters are warm and human and the events in the various plots and subplots of the book unfold at a leisurely pace--not without drama and mystery. Indeed, there is plenty of intrigue in this book. But as you listen, you know that you can count on Mma Ramostswe's good judgment, and that the occasionally foolish actions of the other characters will lead to a little more wisdom for each of them. The events don't matter quite as much as the characters they happen to.

It's a slow, rich, rolling kind of book that you can relax and enjoy. If you're looking for fast-paced action, you won't find it here. Listening to this book is a lovely experience certain to leave you satisfied and amused, and looking forward to the characters' next adventures.

Lite but Delightful

I loved the accent of the narrator, I loved the voice of the author -- the characters are characters and the laughs are gentle and sweet. The colors are vivid and the wit is soft but quite present.
A lovely way to spend an afternoon in the garden plugged into my i-pod and that far-away place right in my own back yard.

A great “feel good” book

I very much enjoy this series of books. They are filled with intrigue and wise advise, a look at how things are and how they should be. And, I am often left smiling and feeling good.

The Voice Actress is almost unbearable

How I wish diversity was available. these stories of black African women are being read by a white woman who struggles to just enunciate a name. Anyone who has came upon my listening, said they hate her pronunciation of the names as she seems to not be comfortable saying them and they leave me alone to miss out on a great story. there are African actresses who are articulate and should be offered opportunities to represent stories about women who look like them. It's pretty insulting otherwise

Refreshing

I read the first 4 books for myself and was thrilled to hear Lisette Lecat's beautiful, rich voice so easily pronouncing all those strange names. I had a very good recording on my iPod, and it was crystal clear. Don't know what happened to the other person who had a poor recording. These books are just a "breath of fresh air," that take me away from the crowds and traffic of Southern Cal.

Blackmail, Blood Pressure and Blue Shoes

The seventh in the series is one of the most delightful yet, and as I, myself, am also one of the traditionally built women, who shies away from the dreadful diets, which so plagued Mma Ramotswe in this story, I very much feel akin to her and her assistant, Mma Makutsi. I felt bad for Mma Makutsi when her fiancé asked her if she was one of the modern women which he had heard of, and she quickly answered in the affirmative. The poor man, who already stuttered, was left flabbergasted. I’m not at all sure that such women exist in Botswana, or that the old morality even lends itself to such ideas, although women and their opinions are very highly regarded there. When Mma Makutsi shared her awkward experience with Mma Ramotswe, she clued in immediately to the issue, and told her that men in Botswana were often frightened off by modern women. Having gotten her assistant onto the right track with her future husband, she was free to pursue the blackmailer and the fraudulent doctor. A male in training for a future position in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency made a mistake on a case, but was soon brought back into the fold with Mma Ramotswe’s gentle guidance. I love this series, the people in it, Mma Ramotswe’s memories of her father, his cattle and all that he taught her. The quick wit, gentle kindness and fortitude of Precious Ramotswe as she takes on a wide variety of cases, as well as deals with the interns at her husband’s car repair shop are so much fun to listen to. One of my favorite series ever!

loved it

I love this series of books. I'm trying to slow reading them so I can saver them.

Yet another

Delightfully written and narrated story from McCall. Characters are rich and interesting. The series is delightful!