The novel introduces the Motswana Mma Precious Ramotswe, who begins the first detective agency in Botswana, in the capital city Gaborone, after her beloved father dies.
When her father dies, she moves from Mochudi to Gaborone, the capital city, to begin her detective agency.
She solves three cases, and meets important new people, her secretary Grace Makutsi and good friend, the excellent mechanic, Mr JLB Matekoni.
In the second chapter, the author states, through Obed's character, that Precious’ father is proud to be a Motswana because of Botswana's political stability.
Alexander McCall Smith describes Mma Ramotswe as an African patriot, who loves Africa "for all its trials."
Always needed for food, care of cattle is a vital skill, and in some ways a currency in the local economy.
Part of the novel's plot is based on the murder of Segametsi Mogomotsi in 1994, a ritual killing in Mochudi.
[2] The novel gives a happier ending to the story, as the kidnapped child is not murdered, and Mma Ramotswe rescues him.
"[4] The Dallas Public Library review says of Precious Ramotswe: "Always optimistic and appreciative of her life in her beloved country, Mma has more than common insight into human foibles and is therefore able to tackle her cases not so much from evidence (of which there is some) but from the psychology of the people involved.
"[1] The novel explores Botswana with a deft touch as well as telling the detective stories, "in a way that is both penetrating and light".
The first American publication of this 1999 debut has been preceded by two special Booker citations and two sequels, Tears of the Giraffe (2000) and Morality for Beautiful Girls (2001), both forthcoming in the series.
1 Ladies' Detective Agency was made in 2007, directed by Anthony Minghella (who also co-wrote the screenplay), and scripted by Richard Curtis.
A series of six programs for television was made jointly by the BBC, HBO and some other production companies.
Twelve specially created songs incorporate African dance, reggae, pioneer-style jazz and gentle ballads.