Abacus, London 2003

This detective story is the fourth of a series starting with  “The NO. 1 Ladies´ Detective Agency”. Precious Ramotswe opened her detective agency in Gabarone, Botswana, some time ago, assisted by McCall Smith, who has not only given her a very substantial body, but also a uniquely wise mind and naive language full of short main clauses and simplest vocabulary.

I read the first book with great pleasure. For once you heard good news from Africa, as Ma Mamotswe is full of praise for her wise government and her wonderful country. And she solves her cases in a very unusual, unspectacular way.
In this sequel she is in the middle of preparations for her wedding with Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, the owner of a garage, when an American lady asks her to find her missing son.
Of course, this again is a very special story, but the effects of style and atmosphere are wearing a bit thin.
McCall Smith lived in Botswana for some years and obviously wanted to put his inside knowledge to good use.