The Number 1 Ladies Detective Agency Quiz

Answer: Precious

Precious Ramotswe, a lady of 'traditional size', has a knack of solving her cases using innate common sense and a knowledge of human frailties and foibles - rather like Miss Marple, the famous sleuth created by Agatha Christie. However she also refers frequently to her 'Bible', Clovis Andersen's 'Principles of Private Detection', which she often quotes.

Answer: Botswana

Details of life in Botswana are described frequently in the stories, giving a fascinating insight into a country which is not generally well known.

Answer: The Sunday Philosophy Club

"The Sunday Philosophy Club", although written by Alexander McCall Smith, is set in Edinburgh and involves a different cast of characters.

Answer: Trumpet

Note Mokoti was a jazz trumpeter. Mma Ramotswe suffered a good deal during her brief marriage to this violent, vain and selfish man.

Answer: 97%

Mma Makutsi gained the highest mark ever attained at the Botswana College of Secretarial and Office Skills, and there are constant references to it throughout the books.

Answer: Garage proprietor

Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, as he is always called in the books, owns Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors and is passionate about engines. He cares little for modern technology and is sceptical about the durability and reliability of computerised engines, whereas he believes that with nurturing and care, an old fashioned car could last for ever. He takes great care of Mma Ramotswe's little white van.

Answer: A small white van

Mma Ramotswe is very fond of her small white van which copes surprisingly well on often difficult roads considering the load it has to bear, Mma Ramotswe being 'of traditional size'. Fortunately she has Mr J.L.B. Matekoni to maintain the vehicle for her!

Answer: Zebra Drive

Mma Ramotswe is very proud of her comfortable home, and following her marriage to Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, they make the decision to live there together, and let out his home for rent.

Answer: An orphan farm

Described as a 'redoubtable matron' Mma Potokwani has the knack of getting whatever she needs for the orphans at the farm. Mr J.L.B. Matekoni maintains the worn out boiler and other machinery, and Mma Potokwani even persuaded him to adopt two of the orphans from the farm, a crippled girl, who intends, despite being in a wheelchair, to become a mechanic like Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, and her younger brother.

Answer: of traditional size

Mma Ramotswe is very comfortable with her size, and Mr J.L.B.Matekoni is obviously in full agreement! The books about Precious Ramotswe and the cases she solves are written in a gentle, unsensational way. I highly recommended them if you haven't encountered them already!