The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
The Complete BBC Radio Series
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The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
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About this listen
The collected radio adaptations of Alexander McCall Smith's hugely popular novels, dramatised by the author himself.
When Precious Ramotswe receives an inheritance from her father, she decides to set up Botswana's very first private detective agency—'for the problems of ladies, and others'. Aided by the loyal, resourceful Grace Makutsi, and multiple cups of red bush tea, she sets out to investigate cases including missing husbands, wayward wives, unscrupulous con artists and unexpected deaths.
She may not be an old-school investigator like her idol, Clovis Andersen, but her warm heart, empathetic nature and common-sense approach enable her to solve the most curious of mysteries—and win the heart of gentle motor mechanic Mr JLB Matekoni....
Included here are all 35 stories from the acclaimed BBC radio series, written and adapted by Alexander McCall Smith from his own internationally bestselling books. These charming dramatisations are brought to life with vibrant, evocative African music and a first-rate cast, including Claire Benedict and Janice Acquah as Mma Ramotswe, Nadine Marshall as Mma Makutsi and Joseph Marcell and Ben Onwukwe as Mr JLB Matekoni.
Written and dramatised by Alexander McCall Smith
Produced and directed by Gaynor MacFarlane, Kirsty Williams and Eilidh McCreadie
Cast:
Mma Ramotswe - Claire Benedict/Janice Acquah
Mma Makutsi - Nadine Marshall
Mr JLB Matekoni - Joseph Marcell/Ben Onwukwe
Mr Polopetsi - Paterson Joseph/Steve Toussaint
Mma Potokwani - Janice Acquah/Adjoa Andoh/Sarah Niles
Phuti Radiphuti - Nyasha Hatendi/Jude Akuwidike
Violet Sephotho - Anna Bengo/Sarah Niles
Charlie - Jude Akuwudike/Tyronne Lewis/Maynard Eziashi
Fanwell - Beru Tessema/Kedar Williams-Stirling
With: Gbemisola Ikumelo, Bhasker Patel, Ben Thomas, Peter Gevisser, Heather Imani, Tehmina Sacranie, Nancy Crane, Noma Dumezweni, Chuk Iwuji, Alibe Parsons, Emmanuel Ighodaro, Willie Jonah, William Gaminara, Aicha Kossoko, Don Warrington, Danny Sapani, Ndidi Ama, Ayesha Antoine, Sam Dale, Naomi Taylor, Mo Sesay, Babou Ceesay, Obi Abili, Eleanor Crooks, Kulvinder Ghir, Sudha Bhuchar, Amaka Okafor, Kai Francis-Lewis, Jason Barnett, Clare Perkins, Barbara Barnes, Saffron Coomber, Lorna Gayle, Debbie Korlay
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 10 September 2004-23 September 2019
Episode list:
The Daddy
The Bone
The Maid
Tears of the Giraffe
The Chief Justice of Beauty
The Confession
The Kalahari Typing School for Men
The Admirer
How to Handle Men through the Application of Psychology
House of Hope
The Return of Note
The Ceremony
There Is No Such Thing as Free Food
The Best Profession for a Blackmailer
A Very Rude Woman
Talking Shoes
The Miracle at Speedy Motors
Tea Time for the Traditionally Built
The Seller of Beds
An Exceptionally Wicked Lady
Canoeing for Ladies
A Late Van Just Glimpsed
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding
A Man from a Far Place
The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection
The Modern Husband Course
The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon
The Handsome Man's Deluxe Café
The Dish of Yesterday
This Is Not A Rubbish Boy
The Woman Who Walked In Sunshine
The Fat Cattle Club
Precious and Grace
House of Unexpected Sisters
The Colours of All the Cattle
©2023 BBC Studios Distribution Ltd (P)2023 BBC Studios Distribution LtdListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
"Opening with the joyous strains of Botswana children singing, this production never ceases to sound high-spirited and joyful.[...] Whether Mma Ramotswe is tracking down lost relations, debunking a local witch doctor, or teaching typing to fumble-fingered men (one of the silliest sound effects ever created for radio), these programs subtly introduce the listener to Botswana's culture while creating bright, unforgettable characters. Touching, rhythmic, and laugh-out-loud hilarious, these world-renowned stories are sure to delight listeners of all ages." (AudioFile Magazine)
"Must-listen...beautifully cast, precisely timed, simply wonderful." (Daily Telegraph)
What listeners say about The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sandra Edwards
- 13-11-23
A cup of life- affirming comfort
A wonderful adaptation by anyone wanting an uplifting listen .However it is not a gripping detective mystery so best avoided if you are looking for that!
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Lee
- 05-08-24
Cosy, comfy and entertaining
Escapism at its best with characters who will captivate you. Filled time while dog walking. Recommend. Freebie in a BOGOF sale.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Readinglady50
- 26-06-24
Absolutely delightful
These wonderful stories were brought to life beautifully, just as I imagined them. I didn't want them to end. Finest writing, excellent actors, all superb.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 20-08-24
A joyful retelling
This is uplifting and joyful to listen to; it is an immersive experience with realistic sound effects in the background. It’s a wonderful story (although not a fast-paced detective story) and by the end you feel as though you are friends with the characters!
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Sarah C
- 17-05-23
Perfect escapism
I read the first 5 books years ago and came across this dramatisation by accident on audible when searching for something to listen to while recovering from from a cold.
This was the perfect distraction! 26hours flew by!
I loved the characters and how they’ve been brought to life, best credit I’ve spent on audible!
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3 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Anonymous User
- 15-07-24
I didn't want it to end
I have always enjoyed listening and reading about these two ladies and their adventures. When this long listen came to an end it was like saying goodbye to two old freinds. My only criticism was the changing of some of the cast. This would probably not been an issue had they been individual audiobooks.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Ros Pawling
- 07-06-23
Loved this!
I’ve always enjoyed reading these books but this dramatisation brought this to life. I will re-listen again.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- stephen paul toop
- 29-10-23
An audio hug
The characters are played brilliantly by amazing actors. Great comedy turns by the lady playing mma makutsi, she cracks me up! And charlie the apprentice mechanic, useless but loveable. Violet sapoto is a bit of a becky sharpe baddie, a social climbing villain who keeps turning up like a bad apple.This fantastic radio drama is definately character driven and most of those characters i felt were my friends so warmly and convincingly played were they.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- John Redpath
- 09-12-23
Memories
I read these books the first time round and now can listen and love them again. Bliss
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Jeremy Sowter
- 18-05-23
Perfect
The plot, the actors and the story telling are fantastic. I am said because I finished it.
Thank you.
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