Another great book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. ( )

My introduction to Precious Ramotswe and Botswana. A wonderful title, full of insights into interpersonal relationships. I will be reading more in this series!

This is one of the best No. 1 Ladies novels in a while. A misunderstanding between Precious and her friend and colleague, Mma Makutsi, creates tension, and carries through most of the story. I confess that I was hoping as the story unfolded that Mma Makutsi would get a bit of a comeuppance, since she has evolved into a character I don't like very much. But, the conclusion brings about something else, and I can only hope that Mma Makutsi learns some new life skills without having to be dressed down too harshly by Mma Ramotswe. This story is brimming with the humanity that I have come to expect from this great lady, and I continue to be satisfied with the continuing saga of Botswana. ( )

Another great read from McCall Smith. I had missed this series and this book didn't disappoint though the "mystery" was not so great, but then that's not unusual. ( )

Book number 16 in Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. This one sees Precious Ramotswe taking a holiday from work. Somewhat amusingly, given that fact, I think it ends up spending more time than usual focusing on a detective case. Not that that's saying much, as the plots are never really the point of these. For me, the point is more about getting the chance to hang out for a while in the calm, pleasant, reassuring presence of Mma Ramotswe. Sixteen books in, and somehow that presence, and these books, have never stopped being comforting. I've been having a rather stressful time lately, and reading this has been like having a nice cup of tea, a hug, and a chat with a wise friend who can put all of one's troubles in perspective. Definitely the right choice of book for this particular moment! ( )