In the seventh book in this very popular series by Alexander McCall Smith, we once more get into the minds of the thoughtful cast of characters of Gabarone, Botswana. We listen to the usual ruminations of the No. 1 detective, Mma Ramotswe, and her husband and mechanic, J.L.B. Matekoni, as they decry the passing of the old ways of Botswana and the coming of the new generation of more careless, materialistic young people as particularly exemplified in the apprentice mechanics who spend every leisure moment ogling the girls who pass by the repair shop. Mma Ramotswe summarizes by saying, "People did not know just how much we had in those days--those days when we seemed to have so little, we had so much." Although we have often heard Mma Ramotswe's description of herself as "traditionally built," in this book we see the inner musings of a woman challenged to call her condition in blunter terms and go on a diet with all the attendant temptations and rationalizations. The incendiary topic of feminism is also dealt with as both J.L.B. Matekoni and Assistant Detective, Mma Makutsi in different situations have to confront and perhaps modify their positions. The subjects of Mma Ramotswe's detective ventures this time deal with ancient superstitions, an advice columnist of questionable activities, falsified blood pressure readings and the threatened love life of her co-worker, Grace Makutsi. All done with a warmth and gentleness that keeps us in anticipation of the next offering of Alexander McCall Smith. ( )

I read the first six books of this series some time ago and pretty much back-to-back. It took me a pretty long time to get this book though for various reasons, and I have to admit after finally reading it, I was slightly disappointed. The characters are still as wonderful and engaging as ever, and I love McCall Smith’s writing style – it’s simple yet deep at the same time. However, this particular book in the series really strayed from the detective work of Mma Ramotswe, which I enjoy a great deal. There were hardly any cases in this particular novel and they were not the main focus of the book. Rather, this book liked to look more at the inner workings of Mma Ramotswe’s mind, particularly her silly daydreams. This was not what was I expecting from a No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency book, and I’m hoping that the next in the series will be more in line with the first six than with this one. ( )

Mma Ramotswe is back in full detective mode in this book with cases of blackmail, witchcraft, and medical malpractice to investigate.

Just as charming as ever. I had hoped to continue with the series but the book has sold out in my local bookshops, and apparently the ebook version is only available to customers in the USA and Canada. How do they expect to stamp out piracy if they refuse to sell to legitimate customers? ( )

This was another enjoyable installment of the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency that is chock full of the old Botswana morality. The apprentices are still at work trying to earn their certification and Mma Makutsi is still trying to light a fire under them to give them something to strive for. This book doesn't contain many mysteries for Mma Ramotswe to solve, but it does share plenty of simple life lessons that should be followed by all.

Since Mma Makutsi is now engaged to be married it is sure fun to watch the dynamics from her relationship as it evolves. She has always been such a strong woman, working hard to take care of herself, that I really don't see that aspect of her life changing in the future. Throughout this book it was brought to her attention several times that because she is preparing to marry a successful furniture store owner, that she probably will not need to work any longer. Don't count on her giving up her rank of Assistant Detective any time soon. The relationship does experience a bit of turmoil so you find yourself wondering if Grace Makutsi will be getting married after all.

Several times throughout this book the subject of Mma Ramotswe's unhealthy body weight is brought to her attention. Although she is still referred to as a traditionally built woman, there are more negative undertones in these comments than there have been in the past.

After reading these books it was so fun to watch this series when it aired on HBO. They did such a great job of casting characters that fit the descriptions so well. And now I have a good picture of them as I read more of these novels. Mr. Polopetsi has returned in this novel and it will be interesting to see how is character develops in future installments. Several questions about his past have been left unanswered in this book to give him a colorful future in this series.

My book club discussed this one last night and although it was enjoyable, most of the group didn't enjoy this one as much as previous installments. We always look forward to discussing books from this series together and I am sure we will be reading the next one. These books are always such a fun and delightful reading experience, so if you are looking for something quick and light, you might want to look into reading this series. ( )

It is hard to believe that this is the seventh book I have read in this series. Each one reads so quickly and is like a little burst of fresh air. Like all the other ones, this seventh installment brims over with the author's love for Botswana. I have to say that I had never given Botswana much thought before reading these books - but now, each time I pick one up I find myself enchanted with the land and the people described by the author.

All the characters that we have come to know and love through the series are here and well represented. The stories are gentle and would be much better described as character studies than mysteries.

All in all - another successful installment in a series that has consistently delivered warm stories about characters who are easy to like and care about. ( )