Tears of the Giraffe

By Alexander McCall SmithAt the end of the first book, Mma Ramotswe became engaged to Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, the garage owner. This book opens with the couple's first major problem, Mr. J.L.B Matekoni's rude maid's attempt to frame Mma Ramotswe for a serious offence. In this book we also see Mma Ramotswe use her intuitive skills to help an American woman whose son disappeared in Botswana some years previously and to deal with a paternity case. We also learn more about Mr J. L. B. Matekoni as he adopts two orphans and has to figure out a way to break the news to Mma Ramotswe.

I love the second book as much as the first, a sequel really felt natural for these characters. I really recommend reading these books. They have the best of everything, a little bit of humor, morality, and mystery all while taking you away to another place.

The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

I love this book! The story follows Mma Precious Ramotswe as she uses her beloved father's inheritance to start a private detective agency. As indicated by the name of her agency, Precious is the first woman in Botswana to enter that profession. Through the curious cases that she receives, Precious encounters many dangerous and risky obstacles. Motivated by her desire to help other people and to make Botswana a better place, Precious uses her common sense and good observation skills to solve every case that she is given. Throughout the course of each investigation we learn more about Africa, the people who live there, the love they have for their land, and the many changes that are taking place in Africa.

That description just doesn't do this book justice. This isn't really a mystery book. And it isn't really a book about Africa. It is a book about a good, kind lady who uses her common sense and solves problems around her. It is a book about the observations that Precious makes on the world around her and her opinion of the people that she sees. This book is funny, yet filled with good solid values. I want to be like Precious!

P.S. I just read something on the internet, while looking for a picture of the book, that there is an audiobook version. I don't normally like to listen to someone else read, but I think this book might actually be very enjoyable in the audiobook version.