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Leila's Reviews > Tears of the Giraffe

Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
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really liked it
bookshelves: adventure, my-challenge-books, so-many-books-so-little-time, thrillers-and-mysteries
Read 2 times. Last read March 30, 2018 to April 4, 2018.

I have never really have any interest in reading the books by this author, but recently a member friend suggested I would probably like them so I decided to give the first one a try. Actually I chose the second in the series by mistake. In the end it didn't really make any difference.

The book is fairly short and an easy read. The cover is colourful and striking. The style of writing is quite unique. It is simple and straightforward with a gentle feel, almost old fashioned in a way and somehow it reflects the atmosphere of Africa. The book is set in Botswana. I did find the names of the characters initially confusing and had to keep checking as to who was who. The main character is a lady detective and is an intriguing personality. The pace is slow in an unhurried fashion and the crime seems to take a back step in that the book is much more about the characters. Madam Precious Ramotswe is a quiet personality on the surface. She is warm and kind. Her intuitive nature is a great aid in that it helps her solve her cases with little fuss and she misses nothing. The man she is engaged too...Mr J. L B Matekoni is also a kindly and gentle personality. I wasn't blown away by the book but it was often touching. There is an absence of the violence often found in the thrillers/crime/ mystery genre. I liked the main characters and it did hold my interest throughout. I will be reading Book One.
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Reading Progress

Started Reading
2018 – Finished Reading
January 11, 2018 – Shelved
January 11, 2018 – Shelved as: to-read
March 30, 2018 – Started Reading
March 30, 2018 –
page 57
24.46%
April 4, 2018 – Shelved as: adventure
April 4, 2018 – Shelved as: my-challenge-books
April 4, 2018 – Shelved as: so-many-books-so-little-time
April 4, 2018 – Shelved as: thrillers-and-mysteries
April 4, 2018 – Finished Reading

Comments Showing 1-20 of 20 (20 new)

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Julie Carpenter I love his books. My mother in law introduced me to them years ago. She gave me the first one about Mwa Ramatswa( I think I'm spelling it right) and the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency when my third daughter was born. I was sitting for many feedings and read through it fast and was hooked. He actually came and my mother and father in law went and listened to him speak a few months ago. They said he was fabulous to listen to. Wish I could have been there. 😊


Hilary Great review Leila, glad you enjoyed this. I agree a lovely gentle read, I loved the setting and the old fashioned politeness of the characters!


Leila I think it was probably you that recommended these books to me Hilary. The first in the series is on its way and expected at the weekend so this may well help me get a clearer picture of the whole setting. Thank you so much for leaving a comment. It is greatly appreciated.


Jennifer ~ TarHeelReader Lovely review, Leila! This sounds very good! There is something to be said about the absence of violence.


Leila Absolutely Jennifer and it was one of those books that really took me by surprise. If you ever decide to read it don't be put off by what seemed to me to be a slow start. It can be a nice change too to read something gentle in tone.


message 6: by Cheri (new)

Cheri What a lovely review for what sounds like a charming read, Leila!


Leila Thank you Cheri. I'm quite looking forward to Book One in the series.


Julie G (remembering the good old days of GRs) I love Precious Ramotswe!!


Leila Julie wrote: "I love his books. My mother in law introduced me to them years ago. She gave me the first one about Mwa Ramatswa( I think I'm spelling it right) and the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency when my third ..."

Thank you Julie. I wish I had begun to read them sooner.


Leila Julie wrote: "I love Precious Ramotswe!!"

Hi Julie, I am so glad I discovered these books and what a delightful character Precious Ramotswe is. Glad too that you love them.


Julie G (remembering the good old days of GRs) I love her, and I’m quite fond of the author. He recently participated in a modern retelling of Ms. Austen’s “Emma,” which I also adore.


Leila I studied Jane Austen's books for my teacher training main subject course Julie, though my favourite was always 'Pride and Prejudice' It is a very long time since I read 'Emma' and you've encouraged me to re-read. Do you mean he participated in a modern retelling of another book?


Julie G (remembering the good old days of GRs) Leila,
Alexander McCall Smith participated in the "Austen Project," and took on a modern retelling of Emma. I just sent you a recommendation.


Leila Thanks ever so much Julie! It's on its way! I just bought it. It sounds really good.


Meredith (Trying to catch up!) Wonderful review, Leila!


Leila Thank you Meredith. The book has arrived!


message 17: by Maureen (new)

Maureen Really lovely review Leila.


Leila Oh thank you Maureen. It was a lovely introduction to a new author for me. I've since managed to get the first in the series.


message 19: by Deanna (new)

Deanna I'm glad you enjoyed it! Very nice review!


Leila Thank you Deanna for so kindly leaving a comment.


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