Try the audio version
If you enjoy reading about the #1 Ladies detective agency, but would like to putter in the garden or house at the same time - or listen while commuting - try the audio version. They're even more hilarious than reading!

Too slow and repetitive
I have enjoyed this series but this last book I found slow and rather boring. I still appreciate the nuggets of wisdom that eventually come to light as the story develops but overall I didn't enjoy this book much. I was getting so frustrated with the repetition... seemed like a third of the book was describing once again the white van, the large glasses, the traditionally built woman, and the landscape.

Absolutely Charming, As Always
If you have not listened to the Ladies Detective Agency books on CD, narrated by the incomparable Lisette Lecat, do yourself a favor and get one immediately! I love these books, but when I listen to the pronounciations (e.g., Pooh-tee Rah-tah-POO-tee), I feel like I am right beside Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi in Botswana.

This tale is as lovely as all the rest, and one of my favorites in the series. The two lady detectives are hard at work on some difficult cases, but something is up with Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni; we fear he has been taken in by a medical charlatan, who has promised a "miracle" in curing the couple's wheelchair-bound daughter. So evocative is this situation, you find yourself talking aloud: No, Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni, please don't do it!!

Then we have the Adventures of the Bed with the Heart-Shaped Red Velvet Headboard--I won't do a spoiler here, but let us just say that the bed has captured Mma Makutsi's heart. (could not resist the pun) I was laughing aloud in my car more than once!

Yes, the lothario apprentice Charlie is very much in evidence, and actually inadvertently helps on a case!

Do yourself a favor, and read or listen to this fabulous book, perfect for summer, perfect for any time you want the gentle kindness that permeates this series.

Another good story
This is another good story in the series by Alexander McCall Smith. I enjoy reading about his respect for the landscape and traditions of this part of Africa. There is less "mystery" in this one than others which means it isn't as good as the first of the series, but still well worth reading.

Heartwarming Series of Novels
I have read the entire series of No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency novels. My only complaint is that each of these is TOO SHORT. I like to spend a long time with a good novel, but reading one of these is extremely enjoyable but soon over...kind of like eating a tasty snack--addictive, but fleeting.
I love these books mainly because of their heroine, Precious Ramotswe--a common sense, "traditionally built" woman in modern Africa. She and her quirky assistant solve simple mysteries but explore more universal truths about human nature. Smith has an engaging style that makes the narrative delightful. Hard to describe...you just have to read the books to understand. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.