Surely one of the highlights of the literary year is reading the latest installment in this inspiring, life affirming series.  Mma Ramotswe has to track down a ranger on a game reserve when an American lady leaves him a bequest in her will, an old friend is convinced that her husband is having an affair, and Mma Makutsi’s fiancé, Phuti, has a terrible accident... and a terrible aunt.

It is easy to see why these books are so loved, and perhaps sad that they are also so unique.  The protagonists find joy in the ordinary things of life like good friends, a cup of tea out of a favorite pot, and the coming of the life-giving rains.  When faced with the darker aspects of existence, they are as affected by them as anybody else but have a deep well of wisdom to draw upon which they share with us readers.  This time the coziness is rather less evident however as Phuti has his accident to contend with. But, this is offset by an adventure in the Okavango Delta and various successful outcomes to cases.  I guess the greatest appeal lies in the depiction of Botswana as a beautiful country with its own problems but lacking many of the worst newsworthy aspects of many other African countries.  We are too used to seeing Africa shown in a negative light as a place needing aid that getting to see it like this is a rare treat—a bit too rare.  Long may Mr Smith continue to write these uplifting tales.

Reviews of other titles in this series

Blue Shoes and Happiness, #7
The Good Husband of Zebra Drive, #8
The Miracle at Speedy Motors, #9
Tea Time For The Traditionally Built, #10
The Double Comfort Safari Club, #11
The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party, #12
The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon #14
The Handsome Man’s DeLuxe Café #15
The Woman Who Walked In Sunshine #16
Precious and Grace #17
The House of Unexpected Sisters #18
The Colours of all the Cattle #19