Welcome to the world of Mma. Ramotswe and her beloved country, Botswana. Precious Ramotswe, the Founder of the Number 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency shares the premises with her fiancé JLB Matekoni, the owner of a well-known garage, Speedy Motors, and is also foster mother to two orphan children taken in by the soft-hearted Matekoni. She is ably assisted by Mma. Makutsi, the holder of a record 97% in her typing school. The efficient Makutsi, not only works as Assistant Detective, but also Assistant Manager of the Garage, where she not only manages to restore order to the chaotic office, but also helps discipline the lazy apprentices. The story follows the daily lives of the characters, new cases which need not just an ordinary detective, but one who can resolve problems with compassion, small issues faced by the children, which blow out of proportion impacting adult lives, too, the loneliness and near penury of Mma. Maakutsi’s existence, the conversion of one of the philandering apprentices to the Church, the threat of a competitor with impressive credentials and better finances. Smith’s Number 1 Detective Agency series is a breath of fresh air, and a delight to read, with commonsense, a love for tribal tradition and the real values in life, all permeated with light humour. In fact, parts of this book were hilarious. A must read for those who enjoy books with exotic settings.

The ending of this was a smidge convenient... but I still enjoy the series a LOT. I’m impressed how McCall Smith works within his formula, yet still comes up with intriguing people/situations. Always in the mood for more Mma Ramotswe!

The assignments for the detective agency and the side stories takes on even more serious subject matters in the fourth book in the series. This is not a bad thing and the narrative is still a treat; thoughtful, humorous and engaging.

Another outstanding adventure with the No. 1 Ladies' Detective, Mma Ramotswe, her assistant Mma Makutsi and the best mechanic in Botswana, Rra J. L. B. Matekoni. Mma Ramotswe helps people right wrongs from the past and save face with current missteps. She skillfully engages even the hapless mechanic apprentices in giving her needed help. Full of life lessons drawn from the wisdom of the traditional Botswana morality which Mma Romotswe holds so dear.

Why I'm reading this: Comfort and joy! I'm on a roll with this series, rereading in order after many years.