Another Review at MyShelf.Com

The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon
The No1 Ladies Detective Agency - Book XIV
Alexander McCall Smith

Little, Brown
3 October 2013 / ISBN 9781408704318
Mystery / Contemporary / Botswana

Amazon US || UK

Reviewed by Rachel A Hyde

Although she has yet to discuss it with her employer, Mma Makutsi is pregnant. Her absence will leave Mma Ramotswe alone to cope with cases, and these include a dispute over a will and finding out who is not keen that a new beauty salon has just opened. Meanwhile, Mma Makutsi has trouble with snakes and her husband's troublesome aunt.

These delightfully life-affirming books probably ought to be available on prescription. I file them under general fiction rather than mystery, as surely the main reason for reading them is their gentle reminder about what really counts in life. I also applaud the way the series can change just enough to keep it interesting while still keeping hold of the things that appeal. There is a new addition to celebrate in the Radiphuti house, while the cases remind us that problems that seem insurmountable can be overcome with wisdom and tolerance. Those are the two words that sum up the whole series and make it magical; many of the people in these stories do not have much, but their upbeat attitude to life is a tonic to read about. Long may the series continue to charm us.

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


Reviewed 2013
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