As Botswana awaits the familiar blessing of the rains and the resumption of the eternal cycle, seismic upheaval is taking place at the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Not only is Mr J. L. B. Matekoni attempting to reform himself into a modern husband, but after her marriage to Phuti Radiphuti, Mma Ramotswe's challenging but irreplaceable associate Mma Makutsi has joyful news. With the arrival of an heir to the Double Comfort furniture empire and Mma Makutsi busy with motherhood, cobras and a senior aunt, Mma Ramotswe must grapple alone with tea-making, detective work and a new uncertainty. Disturbing developments over the will of a local dignitary, Edgar Molapo, point to fraud and a shocking family secret, while tracing the source of a smear campaign against the Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon, in which notorious troublemaker Violet Sephotho may or not have a hand, proves to require a keen eye and an open mind. But the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is resilient and adaptable, and change brings salutary lessons: that our enemies are not always obvious, that a snake under the bed may be an ally, and that a mother's love conquers all.
Alexander McCall Smith
Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific Scottish writer best known for his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series, which follows the adventures of Precious Ramotswe in Botswana. His writing style is characterized by gentle humor, vivid descriptions of landscapes, and insightful observations on human nature. McCall Smith's works often explore themes of morality, ethics, and the complexities of human relationships. He has made significant contributions to the genre of contemporary fiction, particularly in the realm of cozy mysteries and feel-good novels. His most famous work, The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, has been adapted into a successful television series and has garnered international acclaim for its charming characters and engaging storytelling.