The Miracle at Speedy Motors

Written by Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by Lisette Lecat

Under the endless skies of Botswana, there is always something Mma Ramotswe can do to help someone and here she finds herself assisting a woman looking for her family. The problem is the woman doesn't know her real name or whether any of her family members are still alive. Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi is the recipient of a beautiful new bed that causes more than a few sleepless nights. And, at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has come under the influence of a doctor promising a miracle cure for his daughter's medical condition, which Mma Ramotswe finds hard to accept. Nonetheless, Precious Ramotswe handles these things in her usual compassionate and good-natured way, while always finding time for a cup of red bush tea.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Recorded Books, Inc.
• Release date: Apr 25, 2008
• ISBN: 9781436133081

Alexander McCall Smith

Alexander McCall Smith is the author of the award-winning series The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency, and he now devotes his time to the writing of fiction, including the 44 Scotland Street and the Isabel Dalhousie series. He is the author of over eighty books on a wide array of subjects, and his work has been translated into forty-six languages. Before becoming a full-time writer he was for many years Professor of Medical Law at Edinburgh.

Reviews for The Miracle at Speedy Motors

[chocolatemilkmaid · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

A.M. Smith's whimsical looniness is evident here in his latest Precious Ramotswe installation. The mystery involves a misplaced name and family, miracle cures and an uncomfortable bed situation, but all ends quite nicely. If you love The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, try another of Smith's creations, the Portuguese Irregular Verbs series.

[isabelx_21 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The apprentice, standing beside her, suddenly tugged excitedly at the sleeve of her dress. ‘Look, Mma Ramotswe! Look!’She looked in the direction in which he was pointing and immediately saw what he had seen. Flying ants. Suddenly, unexpectedly, the air was filling with flying ants, rising up from their secret burrows in the rain-softened ground, gaining altitude on beating wings, dipping down again. It was a familiar sight following the rains, one of those sights that took one back to childhood no matter what age one was, and brought to mind memories of chasing these ants, grabbing them from the air, and then eating them, for their peanut-butter taste and crunchiness.‘Go and catch some,’ she said to the apprentice.He handed her the spanner he was holding and rushed out in the last few drops of rain to snatch at the termites, a boy again. He caught some easily, and de-winged them before stuffing them into his mouth. Above him there were other, hungrier dangers for the ants; a flock of swifts, materialising from nowhere, had swept in and were dipping and swooping over their aerial feast. The apprentice looked up at the birds and watched them, and smiled; and she smiled back. What does it matter, she thought, if businesses are left unattended, if people are not always as we want them to be; we need the time just to be human, to enjoy something like this: a boy chasing ants, a dry land drinking at last, birds in the sky, a rainbow.I enjoyed the ninth No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency novel, which was mainly about family relationships. I love the descriptions of Botswana and its people, and my absolutely favourite thing is how the characters say 'late' instead of 'dead'. Mme Makutsi's uncle's decision about how many cows to ask for her dowry was amusing too!

[liciasings · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Just ok. Pretty feel-good, but very redundant and slow and repetative. I'm not really sure why I keep reading these. I love the pictures and the feeling of being in Africa with these characters and their worldviews. That is nice... I always can trust these books to make me feel a certain way. It will be a long time before I pick one up again, but I know that when I do, it will be peaceful, happy world to escape to.

[sweetiegherkin · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The ninth installment of the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency presents the reader with a number of new mysteries, not the least of which is that Mma Ramotswe is receiving threatening letters from an anonymous person. On the personal side, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni thinks he has found a doctor who will cure Motholeli’s paralysis and Mma Makutsi doesn’t known how to tell her fiancé that his new gift to her has been ruined. The characters are as entertaining as ever, and I felt there was a little more emphasis in this book on the mysteries themselves.

[juliebean_1 · Rating: 1 out of 5 stars]

This was my first foray into Smith's well-regarded novels. I had been warned that they moved slowly, but that is not necessarily a criticism. Many brilliant works move slowly, not only because of the rhythm of the prose, but also because the reader lingers over passages.This text, on the other hand, is just downright dull. The entire story could be distilled onto one piece of paper, and it's hardly an interesting story at that. The writing is so simple that I began to suspect that Smith thinks his primary audience of readers is either barely literate or brain-damaged.Maybe people are attracted to these novels because they're the sort of stories that you can read while half asleep or otherwise distracted, and not miss a thing. Or because you could lose your place in the text and start reading many pages later, and still not have missed anything. In that case, however, I do not see the point of reading anything. I've read nutrition labels with more interest.One other problem is that I'm sure that many people who have never been to Africa are interested in these novels because they take place in Botswana, and it is fun to read about locales we have never visited. However, there seemed to be very little in this novel that gave the reader any insight into Botswanan culture. If you changed the characters' names to more common Anglicized ones, and dropped the practice of referring to dead people as "late", and dropped the minor side story about trading cattle for a bride, you'd have a story that is so generic that it could take place anywhere.So, the novel is slow, dull, and tells us little about the culture where it takes place. Sorry, Smith, but that's not my idea of a good read.

[niecierpek · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Charming. Love it read by Lisette Lecate.

[tadad_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I don't have much to say about this. It's a perfectly serviceable addition to the Precious Ramotswe stories. However, they are starting to blur together for me in their sameness. I think any future volumes will have to wait for me to find them in a second hand store.

[alirob_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Up to his usual standard; a real feel-good read.

[marzia22_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Fully up to the admirable standard of the series. As the New York Times Book Review says "...escape into a wold of simple, picturesque pleasures and upstanding virtues."

[debnance_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The ninth book in the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series. The characters are just as lovely as ever. Precious Ramotswe has reached an age where she is a person of great wisdom. She takes action only after careful reflection, and her actions are taken out of love for her people and her country. She is a person I am happy to know, even if it has to all take place within the pages of a book.

[colmena_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Great quick read. The portrayal of Botswana is magical.

[reading_fox · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Same chram as the others really. A number of cross grained cases almost overwhelm Mma Ramotswe's ability to cope, but a trip out to her roots enables her to decide on various courses of action. Even if following through on them isn't quit so easy.Annoyingly rather than in previous cases where Mma Ramotswe has taken some pains to be at least slightly deductive here she suddenly starts being all intuative - often wrongly. And while it's important to remember that everyone deos make mistakes, the theme is harped on a bit.Overall though it's still the same gentle engaging enjoyable writing about people who love their country and are only human. If you've liked the others you'll like this too.

[julyso · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I always enjoy reading the next book in Alexander McCall Smith's #1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. The Miracle at Speedy Motors is another enjoyable story of Precious Ramotswe and her assistant, Grace Makutsi. At the agency, the ladies have a mysterious letter writer and a lady looking for relatives. At home, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni meets a doctor who claims he might be able to heal their adompted daughter and Mma Makutsi has a little incident with a new bed. This series is always charming, warm, and feels like an old friend.

[prop2gether · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Smith McCall is back to form in this installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective series. Very entertaining.

[drsyko_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is another winner in the Ladies Detective series. Just as with most of these books, not that much really happens. It's more how things happen and to whom they happen that is important. Mms Ramotswe shows her considerable compassion to someone who is writing her insulting and threatening letters because she understands why the person is doing this. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni is given hope that perhaps his daughter's illness can be healed, and even though Mms Ramotswe, and the reader, can see that it is much more likely that the doctor who is making him promises really only wants his money, she lets him try, and even comes up with the money herself. During this process of him pursuing the alleged cure, there is such tenderness and love that Mr. J.L.B. has for his daughter that it almost brought tears to my eyes. We see a side of him in this installment that we have not seen before. And of course there is Mma Makutsi and her normal neuroses to contend with in that quiet and gentle way that Smith has. This is another great story in a long series of lovely reads. If you have enjoyed the previous books, you'll enjoy this one as well. It has such a aura of tenderness and quiet understanding of human nature and its foibles that I felt inspired to try to be a nicer person to those who are not always nice to me. I'm not sure what higher recommendation I could give.

[annelim_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another in the popular series set in Botswana

[sarah1e · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is one of the best books of the series. It is interesting enough for someone who has not read other Ladies Detective Agency books to enjoy it. If you have read the series, you will enjoy seeing some maturity and growth from the main characters. This book is good for Mma Ramotswe's character - she reflects on her life, her friends, and the nature of truth. I always enjoy Mma Makutsi, and this book shows her as more than a caricature. I found it to be an all around great (and fast!) read that was thought-provoking afterward.

[doondeck · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

And so the story continues. Precious still remains one of the most admirable characters.

[jo3jo_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

When my book club got together in March we met to discuss The Miracle at Speedy Motors. Most of you probably know that we have been reading one novel in this series every year, but I can tell you from my viewpoint anyway, Smith did not disappoint once again with this installment.These books are always a short, light read, but also filled with good morals and lessons within the pages. As Mma Ramatswe tries to solve mysteries. her good manners and common sense always come first and help to create a positive outcome. She learned early on that by just asking people what she is looking for, she will usually get the answers she is looking for.There were only a couple of mysteries in this novel, and that was the main complaint from most of the ladies in the book club. Some thought that Smith spent a lot of time reviewing events that had taken place in previous novels and that may have taken away from the current story. I did not feel that way, as I felt a close connection with the current story. Overall, it seemed to be a novel about finding one's place in the world when you don't have any family left. Now that your family is gone, you have to embrace the new family that is given to you and move on with your life. Like I said, I really enjoyed this book and with themes of love, family, and acceptance, you may too! Although it wasn't one of our favorites this year, we still enjoyed the entertainment it provided. It's such fun to sit down and read this book with a cup of tea, as you can feel that Mma Ramatswe is right there with you.

[LibbyLintonSellers · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Love this whole series. They will take you to a culture that is slower paced and that values family and relationships. Its like a breath of fresh air

[poonamsharma_1 · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This was a better book in this series.

[seoulful · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

More adventures in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series that continue the longstanding themes of the passing of the old ways in the society of Botswana, of the handling of life's problems with kindness rather thatn vindictiveness and of looking upon life with gratitude rather than bitterness. All of these subjects are ruminated upon in the minds of the individuals as well as discussed openly as the cars in Mr. J T. L. Matekoni's shop are repaired and as the cases in Mma Romotswe's agency are solved. The lady detective, Mma Romotswe and her husband, Mr. J.T.L. Matekoni are the leading examples of kindness as they seek a miracle for their crippled adopted daughter, as they try to find a gentler way to break bad news so as not to unduly distress people and as they struggle to maintain the traditions, values and manners of the old Botswana. This latest from Alexander McCall Smith is written with the same insight into character and humor that his fans have come to expect.

[rightantler · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great slice of Botswana life!

[lecia1167 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This series is one of my favorites. It never disappoints! The now-familiar characters in this edition all seem to grow even more and become more understanding of each other. There are things that will make you laugh out loud and others that will make you want to cry. But in the end, Botswana and its residents are truly colorful, funny and compassionate people who know how important it is to be kind to others and use good common sense.

[riverwillow · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

An enjoyable read. Precious Ramotswe is an endearing character whose wise optimism is a philsophy more of us should follow. I know these books come in for heavy criticism from some, but they have a subtle depth which grows as we slowly get to know each character.

[gmac_11 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

I love Precious Ramotswe's outlook on life - helping people with their problems and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.Mma Ramotswe is busy investigating her latest case: a woman who is looking for her family. The problem is, the woman doesn't know her real name of whether any members of her family are now living. Meanwhile, Phuti Radiphuti has bought Mma Makutsi a glorious new bed. Unfortunately, it will inadvertently cause her several sleepless nights. And life is no less complicated at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, where Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni - Mma Ramotswe's estimable husband--has fallen under the sway of a doctor who has promised a miracle cure for his daughter's medical condition, which Mma Ramotswe finds hard to believe. But Precious Ramotswe deals with these difficulties with her usual grace and good humor, and in the end discovers that the biggest miracles in life are often the small ones.

[clara53_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Enchanting, like all his books.

[neale_2 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Another great book in the series. I saw AMS talk a few weeks ago and he mentioned the shopping trolley chase in this book.

[mrslee_1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Not much new or exciting in this story, yet it feels like a visit to old friends. I walk alongside them as they grow in understanding of each other and try to make the best of their lives. As I read these things, it causes me to stop and ponder people I know and their motivations, or simply to chuckle at their human foibles. A gift from the author of quietness and peace.

[authormarion · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This installment in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series brings us back together with the unforgettable characters of Precious Ramotswe (owner of said detective agency), her capable assistant Mma Makutsi, her calm and understated husband Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, and of course those irrepressible garage apprentices. Most everyone tends to think of a miracle as something grand and extraordinary. The people who work at or near Speedy Motors are surely due for something grand to happen in their lives and we are not disappointed. The first miracle we encounter is the start of the rainy season bringing with it a downpour of biblical proportions. Within a day the parched and thirsty countryside is turned from brown to a lush green and gives the promise that the crops will produce abundantly. Mma Makutsi and her fiance find a wonderful piece of furniture in their newly bought marriage bed which becomes destroyed when Mma Makutsi has the deliverymen leave it outside her home because it won't fit through her doors. Of course it was the life-giving rain that destroyed the beautiful red brocade heart-shaped headboard. How will she ever tell her fiance what she has done? Mma Ramotswe has undertaken to find the family of a woman who became orphaned while trying to ascertain the author or nasty letters that arrive at the agency. Could it be that Precious Ramotswe has somehow offended a former client and how can she make things right? This situation is resolved by Charlie the garage apprentice who spots the culprit and a chaplinesque chase through the grocery store ensues. Thanks to the rain, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni has been summoned to help start the car of a doctor who believes that there is hope for the wheelchair-bound adopted daughter of the garage owner. Mr. Matekoni finds himself applying for a mortgage on the garage to take the child to Johannesburg and to a clinic there where it is hoped they can help her walk again. Indeed, I found myself hoping wholeheartedly that this would be the miracle promised by the title.Alas, Mr. Matekoni and his daughter return home with her still bound to her wheelchair. Mma Makutsi learns that her fiance is a forgiving man when she tells him of the destroyed bed. And Mma Ramotswe's client, who at first learns that she has a brother, is quite happy with the turn of events at learning that our intrepid lady detective was the recipient of incorrect information. It seems that along with everyone in Gaborone, and especially at Speedy Motors, we are reminded to look for the miracles in our everyday lives: seeing the sun upon awakening, hearing the call of a bird in the tree, having a roof over our heads and someone with which to share a cup of bush tea. I highly recommend all of the books in this series and look forward to the next one.