The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

There's nothing to beat reading a good book, except perhaps having a good book read to you by an imaginative and talented actor.

On long journeys to and from Scotland, my family enjoys listening to talking books. Initially, we'd borrow some from the children's library to keep my son occupied - children's books that we parents would find entertaining too.

Then gradually we branched out into the adult section of the Sound and Vision Library. Unfortunately, our library charges for cassettes and CDs so the cost could mount up if we borrowed a few items - it's always good to have a standby in case you find one of your choices is a dud.

Recently I was lucky enough to find a few audio books on CD in our local discount store for only £2 each - almost as cheap as it would cost to hire them. The one that gave us the most pleasure this Easter holiday was Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency which was beautifully read by Adjoa Andoh, who has appeared in Casualty and Eastenders and has been a member of The Royal Shakespeare Company.

Much as I have enjoyed the television dramatisations of the Alexander McCall Smith books, I found I enjoyed hearing the book read even more. Hearing Precious Ramotswe's back story and the sadnesses she has endured makes the book less sickly than the happy-happy television adaptation.

If you come across any of the audio versions read by Adjoa Andoh, I heartily recommend them, whether they are on sale at £2 each or at the full price.