Mma Ramotswe’s ever-ready tiny white van has recently developed a rather disturbing noise. Of course, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni–her estimable husband and one of Botswana’s most talented mechanics––is the man to turn to for help. But Precious suspects he might simply condemn the van and replace it with something more modern. Can she find a way to save her old friend?
In the meantime, Mma Makutsi discovers that her old rival Violet Sephotho, who could not have gotten more than fifty percent on her typing final at the Botswana Secretarial College, has set her sights on none other than Mma Makutsi’s fiancé, Phuti Radiphuti. Can Mma Ramotswe’s intuition save the day? Finally, the proprietor of a local football team has enlisted the No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency to help explain its dreadful losing streak. The owner of the team is convinced he as a traitor in his midst. But how is Mma Ramotswe, who has never seen a football match in her life, going to discern who is throwing the game? Help, it turns out, may come from an unexpected quarter.
There are few mysteries that can’t be solved and fewer problems that can’t be fixed when the irrepressible Precious Ramotswe puts her mind to them. A good cup of red bush tea might be the best solution of all.
My Review:
This installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency is definitely one of my favorites out of the series to date. Many may categorize these books as mystery novels, but they do not fall into that category for me. These are sweet novels, full of guidance and morality that keep a smile on my face during most of the book.
There were not many mysteries for the detectives to solve in this installment, but there is plenty of action in the lives of Mma Makutsi and Mma Ramotswe. Grace is still keeping the secret of the ruined bed from the previous novel, but her newest problem is the appearance of her archenemy from the Secretarial College. When Violet is hired at Phudi's shop to work in the mattress department, Grace knows she has other intentions. It doesn't take the detectives long to figure this one out at all!
As Mma Ramotswe works on her latest cases she also must accept that her tiny white van has seen better days. When her husband decides that the white van should be put out to pasture, he surprises her with a new van. Mma Ramotswe has difficulty reconciling with her feelings as her white van has helped her through so many difficult times. She has no choice but to say good-bye to a lifelong friend. But I won't be surprised if the van makes an appearance in a future segment of the series.
If you are looking for a mystery that is full of suspense, murder, and action, then this book is not for you. But if you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, smile, and just feel happy while reading, then I highly suggest this one. With themes of honesty, friendship, and family, this novel was an enjoyment to read. I highly recommend this book for personal leisure or as a book club discussion.
My Rating: 5/5
Disclosure: I purchased this ebook to read for personal enjoyment and as a book club selection.
3 comments:
I read every book in this series for a while and then they all began to feel the same to me. The fact that this may be your favorite in the series makes me think I need to revisit it.
Very nice review! I like this series, too, but have fallen seriously behind. He writes way faster than I can read. One day I hope to catch up.
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