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In Botswana, if you want excitement, you don't have to look very far. At the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, you can always find something going on. Not to mention the fact of a shared space with Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. You never know what's in store on any given day.
Precious Ramotswe has a job and does it well. Now married to J.L.B. Matekoni, she has a whole new outlook on life, especially men. J.L.B. is a great guy who owns the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. His issue is finding good help, which seems to be virtually impossible for him. Having Mma Ramotswe is a plus, though; she is not easily ruffled and is definitely someone to get along with and learn from. After all, she does get her investigative tips from Clovis Andersen's book, THE PRINCIPLES OF PRIVATE DETECTION. Who could go wrong with that? At her side is her loyal assistant, Grace Makutsi, who is always up for a new challenge; however, she's experiencing quite a few of her own. Engaged to Phuti Radiphuti, she's finding that love and happiness aren't always what's in the storybooks.
Things start getting interesting when a huge cobra is found in Mma Ramotswe's office. Ironically, the incompetent apprentices who work for J.L.B. Matekoni try to capture it, only to blunder that mission and rely on a customer to fix the problem. It's not even interesting that their version of the story is completely different. What would you expect? Following that incident comes a tip from a local nurse about faulty blood pressure readings. Let the investigative work begin. All the while, Mma Ramotswe is continuously having doubts about Aunty Emang, the local advice columnist. Her advice is often flawed in Mma Ramotswe's eyes, or not very thorough. Is she really who she seems to be?
With witty titles for each chapter, Alexander McCall Smith definitely captures your attention in this latest installment of the series. Laughter, irony and loyalty run rampant as you are pulled into the storyline, seemingly becoming a character of your own. This is an excellent continuance for the "self-taught" detective. Several different scenarios and mysteries run throughout the story, constantly holding your attention. One thing is certain. You need some help? Then call the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency --- but you may get way more than you originally bargained for.
--- Reviewed by Belinda Williams
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