Tea Time for the Traditionally Built

In what is surely one of McCall Smith's finest books in the "No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" a truly wondrous mystery is presented to Mma Ramotswe and her assistance Mma Makutsi. The book centers around the solving of a problem with the local Soccer Club and why after such a great performance as a winning club, the team should start to lose game after game. In resolving the case, so many of "The Principles of Private Detection," Mma Ramotswe's `bible' of her craft, are put to use. The author of this book, Clovis Anderson, often gives advice about Private Detection that Mma Ramotswe uses and applies to her job every day. Such things are well represented in this story and are of significant usefulness in almost everyone's private and public life. Through the use of good, old fashioned detective work combined with insightful ratiocination and some helpful hints from her son Puso, Mma Ramotswe is able to get to the bottom of the problem with the soccer team. Along the way to this resolution, she assists her assistant in putting to rest a concern which threatens her relationship with her fiancé, Phuti Radiphuti, and her concern that he may be stolen away by Mma Makutsi's old nemesis, Violet Sephotho. It is very much one of the attractions of McCall Smith's writing that his characters appear over and over in his books and that they continue to be developed as the books are written in the series. This book is no exception in this regard and the reader can look forward to not only meeting with the two Mma's again, but also hearing about Mma Ramotswe's husband, J.L.B. Matekoni and his two apprentice mechanics. In fact in this book, the second apprentice, Fanwell, is developed as a character. In previous books, most of the development of the apprentices has centered upon Charlie, who is the more forward of the pair. But in this volume, McCall Smith takes time to utilize Fanwell's character and to develop him as a sensitive and caring individual who takes care of a large family as he works his way toward the completion of his mechanic's apprenticeship. Faithful readers of this series will recognize McCall Smith's life lessons in ethical behavior and might even be enlightened by his words. Smith is an expert in the field of bioethics and has served on many boards and groups devoted to the resolution of questions in that field. Issues of ethical behavior come up aplenty in this book, and Smith helps his characters find their way through those moments of common human doubt to a place of moral satisfaction. Thus Smith is true to form in this, his tenth installment in the series of "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency." As is usually the case, the reader may feel that the book ends too soon. This feeling is a welcome one, in a world of often verbose authors whose books seem to go on for 50 to 100 pages or more too much. But in the case of McCall Smith, the opposite is usually true. This book proves to be no exception to that general feeling. The book is very highly recommended to all readers interested in detective novels and in ethical human behavior. Of all Smith's books in the series, this one is particularly satisfying and makes a very suitable and enjoyable read.

This installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency is definitely one of my favorites out of the series to date. Many may categorize these books as mystery novels, but they do not fall into that category for me. These are sweet novels, full of guidance and morality that keep a smile on my face during most of the book. There were not many mysteries for the detectives to solve in this installment, but there is plenty of action in the lives of Mma Makutsi and Mma Ramotswe. Grace is still keeping the secret of the ruined bed from the previous novel, but her newest problem is the appearance of her archenemy from the Secretarial College. When Violet is hired at Phudi's shop to work in the mattress department, Grace knows she has other intentions. It doesn't take the detectives long to figure this one out at all! As Mma Ramotswe works on her latest cases she also must accept that her tiny white van has seen better days. When her husband decides that the white van should be put out to pasture, he surprises her with a new van. Mma Ramotswe has difficulty reconciling with her feelings as her white van has helped her through so many difficult times. She has no choice but to say good-bye to a lifelong friend. But I won't be surprised if the van makes an appearance in a future segment of the series. If you are looking for a mystery that is full of suspense, murder, and action, then this book is not for you. But if you are looking for a book that will make you laugh, smile, and just feel happy while reading, then I highly suggest this one. With themes of honesty, friendship, and family, this novel was an enjoyment to read. I highly recommend this book for personal leisure or as a book club discussion.

I feel like I shouldn’t like these books but I do. They feel good and have interesting situations in them which are handled with kindness and care.

# 10 in a FABULOUS SERIES OF BOOKS !! A light, enjoyable and easy read...describes the land of Botswana, as though you were there !! Mr. McCall was raised there, so he knows the land, and people. Try # 1, and you'll want to read them all ! Unlike other " series books " available, Mme. Ramotswe always pleases, with a never ending supply of mysteries, characters and changing plot lines, scattered through the pages of every book ! Even the "ODD THOMAS" series by Dean Koontz, tired by the last book !! And, don't get me started on Janet Evanovitch...she petered out before book #3 ! The descriptive narrative is always just right...not so long, that the story line gets lost, but just long enough to put you "right in the moment" ! If you love a "series of books" based on a central group of characters, I'm sure you'll love this one. This series has past on from me to my husband, age 76, my son age 43 and 4 granddaughters aged 13-23 !! A well read set of books in our family !!! ENJOY, IF YOU DON'T already.

The author of this series, and many other series, has developed characters that form relationships with the readers. Alexander McCall Smith was born and raised in Zimbabwe. His love for Africa and its traditional values comes through in his writings. The books are also informative about the culture and characters and what makes up the country of Botswana. He weaves threads of social interactions without a lot of moralizing, but the points he makes particularly through Precious Ramotswe, the main protagonist, are reminders of gentler eras. Excellent and can't wait to start on his next series!

Uniquely wonderful. Mma Ramotswe and her family are always The Best Read Ever. Especially in these frightening times

I long to visit that country and walk where Mma Ramotswe walks. I recommend this series to anyone who enjoys deep warmth in the characters, slightly quirky and all together unique!

I have read all the Ladies Detective Agency books several times, the only books that I have read more than once as I am able to see it all in my mind being a South African who has visited Botswana. I enjoy the description of not only the people but the environment and places described. I believe these stories written by Alexander McCall Smith to be among the best I have read

Just another GREAT novel in the series....to laugh, and to emphasize with....while learning a lot about Botswana's culture, history, and environment. An easy enjoyable read !

Others would make a sensationalist frantic tale of such a by line. Here it is with humour, insight and compassion that our favourite No 1 Ladies Detective Mma Precious Ramotswe takes life and a detectives challenges. A satisfying book that left me feeling positive and warm at the end. In these troubled times, we need to find and cherish the real Precious Ramotswe amongst our family, friends and people yet un-met.