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Book Reviews of Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2)

Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2)
Tears of the Giraffe - No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2
Author: Alexander McCall Smith
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ISBN-13: 9781400031351
ISBN-10: 1400031354
Publication Date: 9/3/2002
Pages: 240
Rating:
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 631

4 stars, based on 631 ratings
Publisher: Anchor
Book Type: Paperback
Reviews: Amazon | Write a Review

84 Book Reviews submitted by our Members...sorted by voted most helpful

reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 133 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
Another of the wonderful Mme. Ramotswe and The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, full of McCall Smith's gentle philosophy and humor! In this one, the detective agency must track a wayward wife and deal with a coniving maid while trying to discover what happened to a young American man who disappeared years ago. Then Mr. J.L.B Matekoni, Ramotswe's fiance', finds sudddenly that he has agreed to keep two children from the Orphans' Home, and he wants to be kind but doesn't know how to tell Mme. Ramotswe the "good" news!
jai avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 310 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 6
This book was charming. The main characters, Mma Ramotswe, owner of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency and her fiance Mr J. L. B. Matekoni, are a little old fashioned in their idea of politeness and respectability, but refreshingly so. The mysteries that Mma Ramotswe solves are pretty straightforward to the reader; there are no twists in the solving of the crimes, but this is what is so charming about the book. Life in Mma Ramotswe's world is straightforward and full of moral fiber. Her story of what happens in the day to day in Botswana is so different from life in the west, but has its strengths and I can see how much Mma Ramostwe loves her country. I would recommend this book just for the insights it gives about a different culture and way of living.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 39 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 5
This is the second book in Alexander McCall Smiths series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. On the cover of this book is a quote from The New York Times Book Review, The Miss Marple of Botswana.

As someone who is only vaguely familiar with either Miss Marple or Botswana, Im surprised that Ive so far enjoyed the books in this series. The reading is light, the characters are engaging, the humor is character driven, and the country of Botswana is endlessly interesting.

Im looking forward to reading the rest of the books in the series.
amichai avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 368 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
This is the second in the series I've read, although it may be the third in the series. I find the simple prose and storytelling pleasant, the main characters likable, their relationships engaging and the depiction of Botswana, a place I don't know, interesting. I'd catagorize these mystery novels as "cozies." The detective, Precious Ramotswe, solves her cases via intelligent conversation and intuition.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 36 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 3
Have gotten absolutely hooked on the series.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 30 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first book I have read in this series. I found it to be entertaining and humorous. I love the main character, an older type lady with a lot going for her. We need more heroines like this. Another thing Iliked about this book was there was no innuendo or racy references---a good clean book that everyone can enjoy. Too often a good book comes along but you have to skim through the racy stuff. If you like a book of good clean fun this would be a good choice for you.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I love this series, though the writing is a bit slow the characters are rich. When I read his writing I can feel the heat and sun of Africa and the slow life of the culture.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 3352 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
An excellent series - good plot, fine characterization
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 5 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This is a great series of books. They take you to a different world and have a different pace of life than many of us are use to.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 31 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Book #2 in the wonderfully addictive No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. Spunky Precious Ramotswe, proprietor of Botswana's first ladies detective agnecy, finds her family unexpectedly increased by two while she ponders her impending marriage.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on
Helpful Score: 1
Wonderful series. The characters in Alexander McCall Smiths books are very believable and they draw you into the story. You won't want to put this one down.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 75 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Beautifully written series - Mr. Smith continues the story of Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi and Mr. JLB Matakoni. These characters become all but real as the story progesses. Delightful and memorable books that everyone should read!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 6 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I just finished this book up and enjoyed it as much as the first. It is a quick read and I enjoyed the fresh perspective of Precious Ramotswe and her world view (the books are set in Botswana). If you haven't read the Ladies Detective Agency series, I recomend trying them. In this book (the 2nd in the series), she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. For me it was a nice change from my usual commuter reading of romance novels.
abbykt avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 113 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This book has an slow pace that I enjoy. It is not slow in action, it just seems to take on the flavor and feel of the culture and people. I very much enjoy that about the book. This book brought some new characters that I am interested to discover more about in the following books. I really enjoy the way the Smith moves the detective cases in and out of the action but wraps them up at the end.
KsPaula avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Precious Ramotswe is the eminently sensible and cunning proprietor of the only ladies' detective agency in Botswana. These books are a joy to read. They flow with imagery and leave a nice feeling when completed. Precious is so wise and so real. She is the friend you wish you could talk things over with, and have her help coping with life. "McCall Smith has an easy command of storytelling and a gift for describing dusty, sunbaked Botswana. His books are also gentle but incisive commentaries on Africa, men and women, and life in general." The Seattle Times
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 8 more book reviews
Nice book,easy read. Smith is doing a good job developing the main characters.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 13 more book reviews
The second book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series - a fun read.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 12 more book reviews
I love all of Alexander McCall Smith's books, and especially the ones about Botswana and Precious Ramotswe. They are wonderful and I really enjoyed Tears of the Giraffe, which I hadn't read yet. His books are a delight and a treasure.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 44 more book reviews
Another great journey through Africa...
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 57 more book reviews
I love all the books in this series. They are a quick easy read.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 48 more book reviews
Relaxing, amusing read.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 43 more book reviews
The second in the series finds Precious Ramotswe's detective agency flourishing as is her romance with Mr. JLB Matekoni as she gets involved with a 10 year old missing person case and a philandering wife.

Botswana and its people come to life in this series as Precious and her secretary, who has earned a promotion to assistant detective, must ponder the question of being honest to their clients with causing grief and unhappiness. An enjoyable and different kind of mystery. A cosy in the English tradition, but set in Africa. Her views of other countries on the continent are refreshing and biting.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 15 more book reviews
Precious is up to her old tricks that read so well in the first book of the series, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. I am always dubious of sequels, but this one introduces some delightful new characters and moves along with interesting sub plots. Once you get hooked, you will want to collect the entire series.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 28 more book reviews
The story continues: same characters, similar problems...but still warm and familiar. Like welcoming old friends.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 38 more book reviews
Love this series!
alaskaiceyrider avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 34 more book reviews
Anyone who likes a sweet, gentle story will love the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, by Alexander McCall Smith. They are cleverly crafted and amusing, and give the reader a flavor of life in Botswana. The characters are very human, but also very endearing. When reaching the end of the book, you can't wait to start another.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 61 more book reviews
Thought it was a great book. Neat characters
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 26 more book reviews
Precious has a couple of challenging detecting jobs to complete. This book was interesting in the way it combined practicality, compassion for others, and a little trickery. I thoroughly enjoyed this one.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 27 more book reviews
Still reading the book, but I can comment on it.
Tired of scandals, ill will towards others. This story is just right.
It is charming.The characters are vividly portrayed.
It is a pleasure to read .
The heroine is a detective,who uses her common sense to figure things out. She also gets engaged to a gentleman, who lives up to the title.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 17 more book reviews
another wonderful book in this series! You can't help but fall in love with the characters, especially Mma Ramotswe!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 3 more book reviews
I love this series.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on
Loved it. The characters are so lovable and comical. A beautiful read.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 5 more book reviews
Book #2 of the No.1 Ladies Dectective Agency is another wonderful series of Precious Ramostwe of Botwana Aftica. Alexander McCall Smith does a wonderful job developing the main characters and all of the secondary characters as well. I read this book in one day since it is hard to stop reading once you start.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
In this second book, the two lovebirds are getting used to being engaged. There are a couple mysteries that are solved, including one involving an unfaithful wife.

It's quite well written and very very good for reading
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 1438 more book reviews
This is a quick reading mystery with a cultural twist. The detective and the mystery takes place in Botswanna. I enjoyed this little read very much.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 26 more book reviews
This is the second book in the Series by McCall Smith. She continues to weave interesting stories of life in Botswana as a female detective agency is a small community. In this book, she tracks a wayward wife, uncovers an unscrupulous maid, and searches for an American man who disappeared into the planins many years ago.
Honeygirl62 avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 165 more book reviews
In this second book, Precious promotes her secretary to assistant detective, and her fiancee takes in two foster children from the orphanage. I really like the characters and reading about Africa. Quick read...done in one night.
annapi avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 334 more book reviews
This second book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is even better than the first. If you are looking for thrillers or pretzel-like mystery twists, look elsewhere. But this is a cozy mystery that you can sit back with and relax while drinking a cup of tea, and armchair travel to distant Africa with its fascinating culture. Mma Ramotswe and her fiance, Rra J.L.B. Matekone, are preparing for their upcoming wedding. The agency's new case involves finding out what happened to the son of an American woman who went missing 10 years ago, and Mma Ramotswe's secretary, now promoted to assistant detective, investigates a man's wife who he suspects is cheating on him. And while Rra Matekone fixes the pump engine for an orphanage, he finds himself agreeing to take two orphans home. This book is filled with warmth and the amusing human foibles that show that, cultural differences aside, people are pretty much the same everywhere.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 34 more book reviews
I really like this series.
Debisbooked avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 136 more book reviews
Precious Ramotswe is the Miss Marple of Botswana, Africa. Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is a breath of fresh air in the mystery genre. In this book, Mma Ramotswe uncovers an unscrupuous maid and searches for an American man who disappeared into the plains many years ago. I am looking forward to reading more of his works.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 77 more book reviews
I could hardly wait to see what was next...just a fun light read. I'm off to order the next two in the series.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 9 more book reviews
This is the second book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. A fun, enjoyable story which continues the adventures of Precious Rambanawee (sp?) in Botswanna.
katethegreat avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 69 more book reviews
A good follow up to No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. Precious Ramotswe is presented with some ethical dilemas and handles them with her beloved Botswana style. I think this is a great series for those not looking for your typical mystery.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
Loved it. Easy to read and kept my interest throughout the book.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 7 more book reviews
I enjoyed the whole series. They are a quick read, entertaining, and transport the reader to Africa. A mini vacation to a simpler place.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 44 more book reviews
wonderful as usual. This mystery kept me wondering who and what really happened. Excellent.
ladycholla avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 2081 more book reviews
Another great story about Africa. Such a delight these books are. Kindness, love, a different view of life in each book. The reading is wonderful. Little mysteries abound, and the characters are developing nicely.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 2 more book reviews
Simple, easy book that is refreshing to read.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 431 more book reviews
I always enjoy this series!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 18 more book reviews
Excellent book!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 318 more book reviews
Who doesn't love Precious Ramotswe and her gentle adventures in Botswana. This is a particularly good one in the series - includes the story of her and Mr. J.L.B.'s adoption of the two children. A lovely read.
Dove avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 262 more book reviews
The #1 Ladies Detective Agency is set in Botswana, where Mma Ramotswe has opened the first woman owned detective agency. It is knowing human nature that allows Mma Ramotswe to solve her cases. This is a down to earth book, that allows you to think you could actually do the same thing she is doing. Very believable characters. I have enjoyed each of the books in the seies so far.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 81 more book reviews
In excellent brand new condition. Great sequel to the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
As usual another great #1 Ladies Detective Agency book!
GracefulFire avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 65 more book reviews
Wonderful read, the heroine is spunky and a wonderful surpirsing person! Very good summer fun!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 110 more book reviews
The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is a wonderful series. It's nice to read a book where good things happen and even when bad things occur, it always works out in the end. This series is perfect summer reading.
BookIt avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 20 more book reviews
Set in Africa, this book gave me a whole new perspective on African living.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 23 more book reviews
This is really fun to read.
lynnn1112 avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 51 more book reviews
A charming book in an extremely charming series.
ToniG avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 163 more book reviews
I tried this series when it first came out and was not that impressed...I do not know what has changed in me , but I love it now and am devouring the first 2. This is the second. I love Precious!! Cannot wait to start the next. It is an absolute delight to read!
DEC avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 134 more book reviews
A very enjoyable read!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 27 more book reviews
Another one to enjoy
Aubs avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 15 more book reviews
Another entertaining book by Smith. This is the second book in the series and like the first is a quick read. This book focuses on the search for a missing American son, lost over 10 years ago.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 13 more book reviews
Another gentle, humorous, yet simply told story of life in Africa through the eyes of a wise woman detective.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 12 more book reviews
Second book in the series. Just as good as the first. A quick read - "Smart and sassy...Precious' progress is charted in passages that have the power to amuse or shock or touch the heart, sometimes all at once." - Los Angeles Times
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 59 more book reviews
Great read! The second in the #1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series. No spoilers, but some expected things don't happen in this book and some unexpected ones do!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 21 more book reviews
This is the second in the series of No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency books. It tells a lot about the people of Botswana, as well as details of a couple of Mma Ramotswe's cases. She also gets engaged!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 7 more book reviews
Delightful and funny. Mma Ramotswe and her cohorts give the audience the gift of innocence and naivete.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 4 more book reviews
Very good - I'm enjoying reading the series
Gracious-Granny avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 137 more book reviews
one of my favorites!!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 56 more book reviews
Reading the books in this series is a sweet escape.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on
Enjoyable!
thebeakeeper avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 167 more book reviews
another great book in the series. i really like the characters and love that they are remaining the same. ive never read any book that takes place in africa and i really enjoy mccall smith's descriptions of the country and it's people. it really makes me want to visit there.

the book is fast and easy- i dont think itll take much time to get through the series. its a lot of fun to read- the mysteries she solves are interesting. i also am enjoying how there are a lot of morals- without the novel or characters being uppity or perfect.

starting the third book right now and really looking forward to what its going to bring and where these characters are going.
perryfran avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 1178 more book reviews
Second installment of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series was just as good or maybe even better than the first book which I recently read. In this book Mma Ramotswe discovers what happened to a man missing from an agricultural research site 10 years before. She also promotes her secretary, Mma Makutsi, who is given a case of her own to determine if a man's wife is being unfaithful. And she received a diamond ring from her intended, Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, who also surprises her by agreeing to take care of two foster children. What a full life Mma Ramotswe has! Highly enjoyable and I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 25 more book reviews
this is a good series. can't wait to read next one
2JsmomJCJK avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 27 more book reviews
Great summer read. Quick, not too deep. Yet a fascinating intro into another country and its culture.
GrkMum avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 32 more book reviews
I really enjoy this detective series. Nice and easy read!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 18 more book reviews
Mme Ramotswe does it again---- I love the mind of the Botswanaian(SP)
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 34 more book reviews
More of a gentle drama than a mystery, this book was a pleasant, quiet read. The author has a very tender approach to human differences.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 15 more book reviews
good book. enjoyed it a lot
CraftyTJ avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 381 more book reviews
Alexander McCall Smith (The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) offers the second and third installments of his dignified, humorous Botswanan series. In Tears of the Giraffe, PI Precious Ramotswe tracks a missing American man whose widowed mother appeals to Ramotswe; meanwhile, the imperturbable detective is endangered at home by her fianc's resentful maid.
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 17 more book reviews
Awesome book with insight into the African culture!
reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 87 more book reviews
Interesting...
cocoamomo avatar reviewed Tears of the Giraffe (No.1 Ladies Detective Agency, Bk 2) on + 83 more book reviews
2nd in McCall Smith's series, "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency."