Review of 'The Kalahari Typing School for Men'

The Kalahari Typing School for Men by Alexander McCall Smith
4th book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series

kalahari_typing_school.jpg The fourth book in the ever-popular “No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency” sees Precious Ramotswe's detective agency facing competition from the “Satisfactory Guaranteed Detective Agency” which is run by the arrogant Cephas Buthelezi, formerly of Johannesburg CID. Mme Makutsi, Ramotswe's assistant, is now managing the finances of the agency and also Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, after Ramotswe's fiance Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni's recent illness. With this concern Makutsi looks at other sources of income and so opens a typing school where she starts a relationship with one of her students. Meanwhile Ramatswe is approached by a man seeking to correct some youthful indiscretions then later she is approached by a wife to look into why her husband appears to be spending far less time at home…

An easy, light, and fun read picking up on the story of the world's favourite detective agency. Amusing yet poignant at the same time, much as the other instalments with a slight surprise of an ending.

Always a bit difficult to figure out whether this is a pastiche or an actual attempt at portrayal of the reality of modern African life, I can confirm that the intention is the later (having recently spoken to the author) - It is not all bad or depressing in Africa! Have a read and enjoy…

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2016-10-16


Genre: African

Publisher: Abacus Fiction

Publication Date: 2002

ISBN: 0349117047


Other reviewed books in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series:

Other reviewed books by Alexander McCall Smith: