This is book number 12 in The Number 1 Lady’s Detective Agency Series. out of 21 and counting. This series is the one he is best known for, though he has published numerous volumes in 13 other series plus 24 children’s books, 8 stand-alone novels, several non-fiction books, short story collections and a few other odds-and-ends. Oh, his day job? He is a world respected expert in medical laws. His name appears on at least 60 books.

This book can be read on it’s own, but having read the first in the series will give you important roots regarding the characters. You will feel the richness at a deeper level. You will find all the books in the series in the mystery section of the library.

At a remote cattle post south of Gaborone two cows have been killed, and Precious Ramotswe, Botswana’s No. 1 Lady Detective, is asked to investigate by a rather frightened and furtive gentleman. It is an intriguing problem with plenty of suspects—including, surprisingly, her own client. (This paragraph stolen from the Amazon blurb.)

This is a typical case for Ma Ramotswe and it requires most of the book for her to solve it. You will soon learn that the case is no more important than the day-to-day lives of those around the Number 1 Lady’s Detective. You will also learn that Smith has great wit. It is clear that he loves the people he has created and he enjoys letting them get themselves into a tight spot and get themselves out in a way that will keep us smiling as we read on.

I always look forward to the next in the series.

Five stars.

Mike Lawrence