#ramotswe

[boldlymagnificentperson]

12esima: A. McCall Smith, Le lacrime della giraffa, Tea

Da Rosa Ghislandi riceviamo Le lacrime della giraffa di Alexander McCall Smith. A questo proposito Rosa ci scrive: “Un thriller etnico arguto e divertente. <<Con le avventure di Precious Romotswe la prima e unica detective del Botswana, terra di pace e di minimi reati, Alexander McCall Smith ha portato nella sterminata galassia del giallo un tocco delicato come una tazza di tè rosso sorteggiato…

[twofoursixohjuan]

tagged by @george-the-pumpkin

Rules: make a poll with five of your all time favourite characters and then tag five people to do the same. See which character is everyone's favourite.

most of my mutuals/followers are for Brotherband so this is hard mode: no BB characters whatsoever

and I'm tagging @mostlyonthefloor @canofhappy @shrikeseams @isilee and @sickfreaksirkay

[life-in-marigold]

Fictional women to aspire to #2

Precious Ramotswe

From The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith

Puts people in their place without being unkind or unfair.

Gives Mma Makutsi a promotion even when the Agency isn’t doing well.

Gives people a second chance.

Accepts people who are different, like Puso.

Marries the kindest man in Gaborone.

Doesn’t blame Mr J. L. B Matekoni when he adopts the children without telling her.

Stands up for people who can’t stand up for themselves.

Is proud of her traditional build.

Prioritises tea time.

[witchee1014]

Blogging A to Z: Day 6 - Female Sleuths: Cozy mysteries featuring female detectives

Discover the top female sleuths in cozy mysteries and why they make great role models. Learn about the elements that make cozy mysteries featuring female detectives so appealing and why you should read them.

Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.com Buckle up, y’all, because we’re about to dive into the world of cozy mysteries featuring female detectives. Now, you might be wondering what in the world a cozy mystery is. Is it a mystery that you snuggle up with on a cold winter’s night? Is it a mystery that’s not very scary, so you won’t have nightmares? Well, my dear reader, it’s both of those things…

[uzumaki-rebellion]

Precious Ramotswe.

OTHER THAN BATMAN AND SHERLOCK

[creatingblackcharacters]

May I ask if you ever heard of the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency?

The main character is Mma Precious Ramotswe, the first female private investigator in Botswana. The recent novel in the series came out in 2022.

My ignorance is showing (and bias to the genre), but I don't think that there is any prominent Black crime fiction.

It's written by a Scottish man, so there are tells of British colonialism.

I appreciate the most recent lesson; I'm sorry Tumblr hid it.

I don't know about prominent, but here's a list I found of suggestions!

As for your suggestion, no I have not heard of it!

What's crazy is that when I looked up the author it is the whitest of white men lmao there's no excuse anymore. If this man who looks like he sips high tea at noon can write Black characters we can all do it 🤣

THERE WAS EVEN A SHOW WITH JILL SCOTT AND ANIKA NONI ROSE, IT- 😭😭😭 thank you for introducing this to me!

[docgold13]

This list reflects just one individual’s personal opinion...  that said, let’s get started:

1). Sherlock Holmes created by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle 

2). Batman created by Bill Finger and Bob Kane

3). Auguste Dupin created by Edgar Allan Poe

4). Hercule Poirot created by Agatha Christie

5). Philip Marlowe created by Raymond Chandler

6). Jane Marple created by Agatha Christie

7). Frank Columbo created by Peter Falk, Patrick McGoohan and Steven Bochco

8). Sam Spade created by Dashiell Hammett

9). Virgil Tibbs created by John Ball

10). Nancy Drew created by Carolyn Keene

11). Alex Cross created by James Patterson

12). Dirk Gently created by Douglas Adams

13). Byomkesh Bakshi created by Sharadindu Bandyopadhyay

14). Jessica Fletcher created by Peter S. Fischer and Richard Levinson

15). Mma Precious Ramotswe created by Alexander McCall Smith 

16). Velma Dinkley and Fred Jones created by Joe Ruby and Ken Spears

17). Jim Rockford created by Stephen J. Cannell and Roy Huggins

18). Shawn Spencer created by Steve Franks

19). Leroy ‘Encyclopedia’ Brown created by Donald J. Sobol

20). Harry Bosch created by Michael Connelly

21). Adrian Monk created by Andy Breckman

22). Nero Wolfe created by Rex Stout 

23). Shinichi Kudo created by Gosho Aoyama

24). Benoit Blanc created by Rian Johnson

[saintship]

“That is the problem with governments these days.

They want to do things all the time; they are always

very busy thinking of what things they can do next.

That is not what people want. People want to be left

alone to look after their cattle.”

-Obed Ramotswe,

‘The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency’

[darklingichor]

The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon, by Alexander McCall Smith

In this one, Mma Ramotswe has a few things to contend with. First is that Mma Makutsi is pregnant, but not wanting to discuss it, even down to taking maternity leave.

And then two cases, one in which a lawyer suspects that the person set to inherit a client's farm isn't who he says he is, and the other a the owner of The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon is getting threats and is being smeared about town.

With our other characters, Mma Makutsi and her husband Phuti have to put up with Phuti's traditional and overbearing aunt trying to dictate how the new baby is handled. Mma Ramotswe's husband, Mr. JLB Matekoni is doing his best to be a more modern husband.

The main theme of this book is the pull between traditional values and more modern ideas and it is mostly determined that a mix of both is best.

I... didn't like this one much. It started off promising, I liked all the stuff with Mma Makutsi having her baby and how excited everyone was. The Solon mystery was interesting an honestly finished up well, the lawyer's case started off sort of dull and then got weird.

I did like Mr. JLB Matekoni's plot line, the bit with the potatoes was so cute!

I'm not sure what the problem was here. It just sort of felt... washed out, if that makes any kind of sense. Compared to the other books, this one just wasn't as rich as feeling. Still, 14 books and only two so-so ones is a pretty good track record!

[divasgonedeadly]

The Cozy Mystery Revolution: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusivity

In the world of cozy mysteries, we've seen a transformation like no other. Traditionally, these stories were confined to familiar settings, catering to a readership that often skewed towards older white women. However, the winds of change are blowing, and it's time to explore the cozy mystery genre's exciting new horizon.

🔍 Reimagining Tradition 🔍 While cozy mysteries were once synonymous with a traditional, homogenous backgrounds, we now see stories unfolding in a wider array of settings. Authors are breathing new life into the genre, introducing diverse characters from all walks of life. "The Widows of Malabar Hill" by Sujata Massey. In this series, the traditional mystery scene is reimagined against the backdrop of 1920s Bombay, featuring the pioneering female lawyer Perveen Mistry. It's a fresh take on tradition, embracing diverse cultures and perspectives.

📚 A Genre on the Rise 📚 Mystery enthusiasts still crave the thrill of solving a puzzle, but not everyone yearns for the dark and gritty themes. Enter cozy mysteries – the genre that wraps you in a warm, literary embrace. It's a nod to the classics but with a contemporary twist, offering readers the comfort of a good puzzle to unravel. "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" by Alexander McCall Smith. This beloved series transports readers to the heart of Botswana, embracing a cozy setting while introducing Mma Precious Ramotswe as a strong, independent female detective. It's proof that the genre is evolving and capturing a diverse readership.

✨ The Essence of Cozy Mysteries ✨ What sets cozy mysteries apart? They're the 'light' side of mystery and murder, driven by meticulous attention to detail. These stories are akin to curling up with a cup of tea in your favorite armchair, but instead of sipping, you're sleuthing. It's an invitation to enjoy the thrill of discovery in the coziest of settings. "Murder, She Wrote." This incredible and iconic series, featuring the incomparable Jessica Fletcher, epitomizes the essence of cozy mysteries. With intricate plots set in the cozy town of Cabot Cove, it highlights the delight of solving mysteries in a familiar, inviting environment (Fun Fact, I almost named my cat JB Fletcher, but my sister overruled it).

📣 A Call to Writers 📣 To all budding authors out there, hear this: cozy mysteries are not bound by convention. It's time to bring your unique voice and experiences into this welcoming literary realm. Don't shy away from weaving your interests, habits, and quirks – even if they aren't traditionally associated with the cozy mystery scene. Be brave, be different, and be you!

The cozy mystery revolution is in full swing, and the world is waiting to unravel your captivating tales. Let's encourage more diverse characters, settings, and stories that reflect the rich tapestry of our society. As cozy mystery enthusiasts embrace this new era, I can't wait to see the genre flourish with imagination and inclusivity.

[quoteoftheweekblog]

…

2/10/23 - ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH

' "My name is Precious Ramotswe and I run the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency on the Tlokweng Road." ' (McCall Smith, 2017, p.142).

REFERENCE

McCall Smith, A. (2017) 'The house of unexpected sisters'. Amazon.com [E-book]. Available at: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Unexpected-Sisters-Ladies-Detective-Agency-ebook/dp/B01NAYO451/ref=tmm_kin_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&qid=&sr= (Accessed 1 October 2023.

*****

SEE ALSO

‘ “The British brought chairs … They took chairs with them wherever they went in the world. And they left the chairs behind when they went home.” ‘ (McCall Smith. 2017, pp.214-5).

BLACK/BAME HISTORY MONTH 2023

AKA AS GLOBAL MAJORITY HISTORY MONTH

WHICH I NEVER USED TO DO BECAUSE EVERY MONTH SHOULD BE BLACK/BAME/GLOBAL MAJORITY HISTORY MONTH …

BUT SO FAR THIS YEAR I ONLY HAVE

3/4/23

*****

GLOBAL MAJORITY HISTORY MONTH

*****

PLUS

‘ “It is one of the very great books of our times.” ‘ (McCall Smith, 2017, p.96).

FOR BOOK GROUP

LAST MONTH ONE OF OUR MEMBERS WAS READING AHEAD

…

SELECTION DAY

‘ … NO COMMENT YET!’

&

…

AGENT ZIGZAG

‘ … ABOUT A REAL DOUBLE AGENT IN WW2. A MIX OF FACT AND FICTION - AN EASY READ AND EXCITING.’

WHILST THE OTHER HALF

…

THE INK BLACK HEART

‘THE TV’S BETTER.��

…

ANOTHER MEMBER IS CONTINUING WITH

…

THE WHITE ROAD

‘I AM READING THE NEXT MORLAND DYNASTY BOOK, THE WHITE ROAD, WHICH IS TAKING PLACE DURING WW1.’

&

…

THE SONG OF HIAWATHA

‘I HAVE ALSO READ “THE SONG OF HIAWATHA” WHICH I ENJOYED BUT IT WAS MOST DEFINITELY NOT INCLUSIVE OF THE BITS I HAVE HEARD BEFORE. HE AND RUNNING WATER MARRY AND REMAIN MARRIED UNTIL HER DEATH. MY MEMORY TELLS ME THEY CAST THEMSELVES INTO THE WATER IN DESPAIR AT NOT BEING ALLOWED TO BE TOGETHER. THIS VERSION WAS A MARRIAGE THAT BROUGHT 2 TRIBES TOGETHER. SOMEWHERE ALONG THE WAY THERE MUST BE ANOTHER VERSION OF IT - ANY SUGGESTIONS?’

…

OUR LEADER (WHO WILL DO SOME RESEARCH RE ‘HIAWATHA’)

…

MILKMAN

‘SET IN NORTHERN IRELAND DURING THE TROUBLES - GRIM AND DIFFICULT TO READ.’

&

…

ALL THE LIGHT WE CANNOT SEE

’A WAR NOVEL SET IN 1914 AND AN EARLIER BOOK GROUP BOOK.’

…

MEANWHILE MY READING IS STILL NOT BACK ON TRACK DUE TO

DIRE TIMES

…

THE WORLD OF POOH

‘ “WINNIE THE POOH” WAS EXCELLENT BUT “THE HOUSE AT POOH CORNER” GOT ON MY NERVES.’

*****

ALEXANDER MCCALL SMITH

*****

BOOK GROUP

****

QUOTE OF THE WEEK 2011 - 2023

…

12 EPIC YEARS

FROM THE ARCHIVE

…

25/1/21

*****

[billlockyer]

Unlocking the Enigma: Dive into the World of Favorite Mystery Novels

Introduction:

Mystery novels have always captivated readers with their intriguing plots, suspenseful narratives, and enigmatic characters. From classic detective stories to modern thrillers, the genre has left an indelible mark on the literary world. In this article, we explore a selection of favourite mystery novels that have stood the test of time, drawing readers into a labyrinth of suspense, puzzle-solving, and unexpected twists.

I. The Golden Age Mysteries: Unraveling Classic Whodunits

The Golden Age of mystery novels, roughly spanning the 1920s to 1940s, marked the emergence of iconic detective characters and intricate plotlines. Agatha Christie's "Murder on the Orient Express" (1934) introduced readers to the brilliant Hercule Poirot, who faces a perplexing murder aboard a luxurious train. Similarly, Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Hound of the Baskervilles" (1902) sees Sherlock Holmes untangling a web of supernatural occurrences in the eerie moors of Devonshire. These timeless classics continue to bewitch readers with their meticulous detective work and unexpected denouements.

II. Psychological Thrillers: Unsettling the Mind

In the realm of psychological mysteries, Gillian Flynn's "Gone Girl" (2012) reigns supreme. This modern masterpiece delves into the dark complexities of a troubled marriage, weaving a tale of manipulation, deceit, and shifting perspectives. Flynn's intricate plotting and unreliable narrators keep readers on edge, questioning the truth until the final pages. Another notable entry is Dennis Lehane's "Shutter Island" (2003), where a U.S. Marshal investigates a disappearance on a secluded asylum island, only to confront his own sanity. These gripping psychological thrillers probe the depths of the human psyche, leaving readers enthralled and haunted.

III. International Intrigue: Uncovering Global Secrets

Transporting readers across continents, international mysteries offer a taste of different cultures and a global perspective. Steig Larsson's "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo" (2005) introduces Lisbeth Salander, a brilliant hacker embroiled in a complex investigation that unravels dark family secrets. Set against the backdrop of Sweden, this novel combines suspense, social commentary, and unforgettable characters. In Umberto Eco's "The Name of the Rose" (1980), a Franciscan friar investigates a series of murders in a medieval Italian abbey, revealing political and religious conspiracies. These international mysteries offer readers a passport to thrilling adventures in unfamiliar territories.

IV. Cozy Mysteries: Embracing Quaint Whodunits

For readers seeking a lighter and more charming mystery experience, cozy mysteries provide the perfect escape. Agatha Christie's "Miss Marple" series, featuring the sharp-witted elderly sleuth, delights readers with quaint English village settings and clever observations. Titles such as "The Murder at the Vicarage" (1930) showcase Christie's knack for intricate plots wrapped in a cozy atmosphere. In Alexander McCall Smith's "The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" (1998), readers are transported to Botswana, where the delightful protagonist, Precious Ramotswe, solves crimes with wit and compassion. These cozy mysteries offer a comforting and engaging reading experience.

Conclusion:

Mystery novels have a unique ability to enthrall readers, offering them the chance to become detectives themselves, piecing together clues and solving puzzles. From the classic whodunits of the Golden Age to the mind-bending psychological thrillers of the present day, the mystery genre continues to evolve and captivate. Whether you enjoy intricate unravelling plots with iconic detectives, delving into the depths of the human mind, exploring international intrigue, or embracing cozy and charming tales, the world of mystery novels holds a treasure trove of captivating stories waiting to be discovered. So, grab a magnifying glass, turn the pages, and embark on an unforgettable journey into the realm of mystery.

[thesunshinesanctuary]

You might enjoy Alexander McCall Smith’s The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency. They’re very warm and human, but also touch on some very dark subjects without being callous about them. Precious Ramotswe is a treasure of a character. The resolution often includes some merciful poetic justice.

The stratification (in marketing at least) between "grimdark" crime fiction (inc books) and "cosy" crime fiction grates on me sometimes, because I like nothing that's at either extreme. I don't want relentless pain (and I find both organised crime and serial killer plots pretty boring unless they're really well-handled), and I don't want cheerfully callous "ooh, the bodies are piling up! how inconvenient! have another slice of Victoria sponge!".

I want humanity and compassion and humour and treating deaths like they do actually matter even when they're of awful people, thank-you-so-very-much. I want the satisfaction of a puzzle solved. I want an awareness by the author that yes the human fascination with murder mysteries (going right right back to Oedipus Tyrannus etc.) is kind of odd, while also not apologising for it. I want characters I warm to and care about, even if I sometimes want to throw things at them. I want a predictable structure to some extent, because it helps my autistic brain when I'm having a rough time (see also romances!). If at all possible I like at least some awareness that there is structural oppression in the world and that capital punishment is Not Great even if by the very nature of the genre (especially in police procedurals) I never expect murder mysteries to have the same politics or morality as me[1].

Some of the murder mysteries/crime fiction I do really love: the Cadfael books, Endeavour, the Lord Peter Wimsey books, the Ruth Galloway mysteries, the Discworld Watch books, the Ian Rutledge mysteries, and every time KJ Charles or T Kingfisher get a bit murder mystery on us. And so on and so forth. There are a good number! And a fair variety in tone in all of these they just... still all operate in that blessed middle space between grimdark and cosy, and involve Caring About People, and I just wish there were even more. <3

(Do recommend your own favourites if you wish!) [1] In real life, I am very much of the opinion that ACAB, that prison is a horror, that capital punishment is one of the greatest evils there is, and that retributive justice in general is wrong and unhelpful; those views affect which murder mysteries I like and how I read/watch/listen to them to some extent but, well, fiction is not reality. And being aware of that gap helps me to keep true to my views while still enjoying stories that go very much the other way!

[justfinishedreading]

Last month I watched the film A United Kingdom (2016) and realized how little I knew about the history of Botswana. In fact, I realized how little I knew about the history of almost all countries. We’re always so immersed in our own culture that we’re oblivious to the intricate and epic history of others. After the film I thought about a book from my adolescence, a bestseller at the time but one which I’d never got around to reading: The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. I ordered a copy that night.

Now Alexander McCall Smith is a white dude, so I’m already failing my newly created goal of trying to read more fiction by authors of colour, however on the plus he does have experience and knowledge of a part of Africa: he was born in Zimbabwe, raised there until the age of 17, and co-founded and taught at the University of Botswana. It is very clear when reading The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency that McCall Smith has a love for Botswana, for its people, their mindset and way of living.

The other reason why I wanted to read this book was because I’m a fan of the detective mystery genre, I will forever love Agatha Christie and I’ve recently discovered the solid brilliance of P.D. James, and the cool cleverness of Scandinavian writers. But Africa isn’t very commonly associated with detective fiction which made The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency all the more intriguing when it was first published. It isn’t an Agatha Christie novel; there isn’t a big mystery that is solved at the end of the book, instead it follows maybe a dozen small cases, each usually resolved within a few chapters. But like Miss Marple, Philip Marlowe, Inspector Adam Dalgliesh, there is a strong yet vulnerable detective: Mma Ramotswe.

Mma Ramotswe is a black Botswanan woman in her early 30s, she is intelligent and capable. When her father dies and leaves her an inheritance she decides to invest in setting up her own detective agency, with her as its only detective. She is physically described as a large woman; her weight is commented on occasionally throughout the book but always in a positive light. This comes partly from the fact that many African countries are more socially/culturally accepting of the larger female figure. Historically in our own western world there was a time when society viewed thinness in a negative light, that’s not to say they were pro-obesity but a skinny woman was viewed as someone who lived in poverty and starvation, a woman with a fuller figure was seen as someone of wealth and leisure. Certainly, that is not the case now, but it’s interesting to see how society’s concept of beauty changes with the passing of time, and we as individuals should try to reject the idea of one universal standard of beauty, be it thin, fat or the many, many forms inbetween.

Speaking as a larger woman myself, it is such a relief to read a book in which the protagonist is large, clever and proactive, her weight is not something to be used against her. In the western world obesity is the latest “bad habit” to crusade against, once we covered smoking, (and heaven-forbid we tackle alcoholism!) we moved onto obesity. Health problems related to obesity are a real issue and there should be support and ways of prevention set up for those who want it. However there is a culture of body shaming which is not helpful or effective in a positive way. Body shaming only does two things: it makes the shamed feel more unhappy and it’s likely to worsen the problem, and it allows the shamer to feel confident and smug.

There’s controversy over whether plus-size models should be featured in magazines and shown as role models. One side believes this is promoting obesity, it is sending out the message to children, teenagers and adults that it’s okay to be fat, specifically unhealthily fat. That is a dangerous message. I understand what these people are trying to say, but in response I’d say that people who are obese, and others who are fat, and others who are just a little overweight, EXIST in the world, and therefore have a right to be represented in culture and media. The same goes for people with disabilities, and shockingly we’re still not including enough people of colour as well.

Time has already shown that a culture that only represents one idea of the “perfect” body type does NOT help the mental or physical health of that society as a whole. For decades the images of beautiful white woman have bombarded our world and instead of obesity going down, it has gone up. Now there’s various reasons for the rise of obesity; lifestyle, change in leisure activities, work, transport, food etc so I’m not suggesting it’s all down to the “evil” media, but my point is that hiding overweight women from us hasn’t helped prevent obesity and therefore there is no reason to exclude those body types -or any body types- from public view.

Which leads me to my final point on the subject: one way of thinking is that if there’s something about yourself you hate, then you should change it. I think that loving yourself is much more important, and beneficial, in the long run, than focusing on hatred and change. That seems like a very general statement but what it comes down to is that we take care and look after that which we love. If society wants to promote health then we have to promote self-love first. Nobody has ever willingly invested time and effort in looking after something they hate.

But back to The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Regarding the mysteries Mma Ramotswe has to investigate they aren’t murder mysteries, they are the mysteries of everyday life, e.g. a woman thinks her husband is cheating on her, a father thinks his daughter is dating a boy without his consent, a head doctor at a hospital believes one of his doctors may be a drug addict, another woman thinks her husband has stolen a car. What struck me the most about The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency wasn’t the things that Mma Ramotswe had to investigate but the way she investigated them, she’s resourceful and bold, she takes matters into her own hands. It shocked me how little involvement the police had, in a few occasions I thought this would be the time to contact the police! And then I realized how we in the western world are so dependent on our police force for everything, while in some countries like Botswana people might be more inclined to take care of things themselves.

This independence is one of Mma Ramotswe’s most inspiring features, she’s in her 30s but has no intention of marrying (WARNING SPOILERS AHEAD), she married early on and that ended very badly. Part of me wishes she didn’t have to have such a sad backstory; we don’t need to give a character a tragic past in order to be emotionally invest in them. But now I realise that it’s important to show how people overcome past hardships and live past that. Similarly, I disliked how a new potential love-interest was introduced, why can’t Mma Ramotswe stay single? Why MUST she marry? Society is so obsessed with romantic relationships. But then it hit me; that instead of having a strong, clever, independent woman stay single – she is so head-strong of course she will remain unmarried! Thinks the public - it is much more important to see that it’s possible for a man to stand by her side and accept her strength, intelligence and independence, to see him not feel emasculated by it.

(Side note: Unfortunately Homosexuality is still illegal in Botswana so this novel focuses very much on heterosexual relationships). TEXT CORRECTION - I’m happy to amend this, on 11th June 2019 same-sex sexual acts were finally decriminalized in Botswana! 

Overall this novel is very good from a feminist point of view, my only criticism, and this may come as a surprise, is that it is very consistently hard on men. It felt like the number of dislikeable men greatly outnumbered those that were respectable. Feminism isn’t about man-hating, it’s about equality, so if I were to read more books from this series I’d like a touch less man-hating and a sprinkle more of women-causing-trouble.

Review by Book Hamster

[sweet-christabel]

One Dress a Day - bonus challenges

Multicoloured August The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency - Precious Ramotswe (Jill Scott)

Precious wears a lot of traditional Zimbabwean garments in some amazing fabrics. I’ve always liked this brown and teal dress, but I had to include this green and blue number as well! The cut is very simple, but they look very cool to wear, and they’re so pretty.

[darklingichor]

The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection, by Alexander McCall Smith

Book 13 in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency

The stakes are a bit higher for Mma Ramotswe and company in this book. The younger apprentice at the garage is arrested for being a party in the selling of stolen cars and the matron of the orphan farm is dismissed from her post. Fanwell is frightened and swears he's innocent, Mma Potokwani is devastated. Mma Ramotswe is determined to help her friends. Helping out with this is Mr. Clovis Anderson, a detective from Indiana visiting Botswana. He is something of a super star to Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi because he wrote The Principles of Private Detection, the book Mma Ramotswe learned her trade from and based her business on. Both ladies can quote the book chapter and verse.

Meanwhile, newlyweds Mma Makutsi and Phuti Radiphuiti are building their house. Mma Makutsi is getting used to having the money for the comforts that she couldn't afford before, but is distrustful of the builder that was hired to construct their home. Husband and wife end up having something of a mystery on their hands.

I sort of groaned when I read that we meet Clovis Anderson in this one. I expected it to be a story of "Never meet your heroes" where the man our detectives hold in such high regard is a jackass.

Instead, the opposite is true. Mr. Anderson just happened upon the detective agency and out of professional curiosity, stopped in. He is utterly shocked to find that he is so well known and his book so loved by Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. He is very kind and down to earth and happily helps the two with Mma Potokwani's plight. I really liked this character and would be happy to see him pop up again.

Mma Potokwani's problem arrives in the form of a lovely blessing. This lady who does everything she can to make sure the orphans in her charge are well taken care of and feel loved is pushed out of her post when a member of the orphan farm's board and she disagree about what to do with a large sum of money given to the farm.

Mma Potokwani can be downright pushy and will beg, borrow, and manipulate to make sure the orphans get everything they need and are as happy as possible. To dismiss her from this calling made no sense to anyone, least of all our detectives. The same day that this happens, Fanwell is arrested. After a brief period of shock, the ladies and the Speedy Motors crew get to work.

Fanwell's trial sort of ends up being a comedy with Charlie finding a hilarious, if morally gray way of helping his friend.

The orphan farm and Mma Makutsi 's mystery takes a little longer and a little more patience, but they wrapped up in awesome ways.

I think my very favorite part was when Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi went on a road trip and started speculating how much tea they drink in a week. It's little sideboards like that that make these books feel like the definition of cozy.