Alexander Mccall Smith's Ladies' Detective Agency books---

[Janie]

Do these need to be read in order?

Thanks!

Makin' my beach reading list....5 weeks (from today) and counting!

[pmegan]

I think if you read them out of order you could figure out the story and what is going on... but they do reference events in previous books and the characters grow and change and reveal secrets about their past and that sort of thing.

[Cinder]

I agree. I listened to these via NetLibrary--the reader is wonderful, BTW--and accidentally skipped a couple. I could tell I had missed some events in the storyline but it wasn't confusing nor was it enough to keep me from enjoying the stories I had missed. I personally found the first book a little slower than the rest, maybe because you're just learning about the characters. Once they're established the rest of the stories are more enjoyable and you'll find yourself wondering what will happen to them next.

Enjoy,
Cinder

[LaMere Academy]

I would read them in order as they build on each other.

[Hilary]

I envy you ... the beach AND getting to read all these novels for the first time. Sigh!

[6packofun]

I say read them in order if you can! Relationships develop and such and it's just easier to follow, although a good bit of recapping is done. :)

[Lori D.]

The books are written in a chronological order, so, as others have said, the characters grow/change and events happen. I also agree that the first book is rougher, a little out of character, and not quite as well written as the rest of the series. Love the series, though... books 5 and 6 were especially charming to me! It's great when a series actually gets BETTER as you go along!! Enjoy! Warmest regards, Lori D.

[Cindy in the NH Woods]

these books are just so warm and charming. My mom lives in Africa most of the year, so these books help me feel closer to her.

Enjoy!

Cindy