Not quite as entertaining as other books in this wonderful series, but still very enjoyable.

This book is the twelfth in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series and it shows. About one-third of the content is idle wandering from the thin thread of the main events. This waste should have been edited out. There is little new character development. One can imagine the themes are familiar from BBC soap operas and put into an African context simply to add an exotic element. There are many serious and unique issues in contemporary Africa that Smith could have in his books but he seems to avoid them. Why do I keep reading these saccharine books?

As usual, all the problems were solved, most of them just by Precious Ramotswe talking and listening to people, some of whom then acted. (Not necessrarily those causing the problem.) Now I am waiting for the next volume, to see if the proposed solution to the woman seeking election for prestige actually works. Assuming the next volume will even mention it.

Having recently viewed the well-produced HBO series chronicling Mma Ramotswe’s early cases, I found it even easier to get engaged in this latest installment of the No 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency. Although some of the main characters were not exactly as I had imagined them, I felt they all were quite accurate representations and seeing the environment of Botswana, both city and rural, helps put the stories in perspective. In this novel, I particularly like the way the main case unfolds, because it provides a slightly different twist. Even though several plausible hypothesis can be deducted, the actual truth of what happened and why remains a bit of a mystery, even when the situation itself is resolved satisfactorily. Also, glad to read that Mma Ramotswe is reunited with her trusted ally, the little white van she drove to Gabarone in to start her new life and the catalyst for her initial meeting with JLB Matekoni.

McCall Smith turns out another delightful No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency book. Mma Ramotswe must solve the mystery of the maimed cattle. Mma Makutsi finally weds Phuti. Charlie has his own problems. Of course, as always, everything works out in the end.

Delightful light reading as always with the No 1 Ladies Detective Agency

Alexander McCall Smith is one of my favorite authors and The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party is another charming episode in "The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency" series set in Botswana, Africa. Precious Ramotswe, the owner of the detective agency, is asked to investigate the killing of 2 cows. In the process of interviewing those who might have information, she discovers that events can't always come to a logical end. As usual there are side stories; such as the approaching wedding of her assistant, Grace Makutsi, and the possibility that Charlie might be the father of twin babies. Charlie is one of the apprentices at Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors which is owned by Mma. Ramotswe's husband, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni. These stories are written with a good dose of humor and show that people all over the world have the same needs and quirky, sweet human traits.

I thought that the bok starte off slow. I did enjoy the book though.

Wow! Another great volume in a wonderful series. True humanity shines through as Mma Ramotswe tackles a tough case of mutilation and lies while Mma Makutsi plans her wedding and tries to find the perfect shoes. And of course all the wonderful characters are back in this genuinely satisfying read.

LIke catching up with old friends - a comforting read. Enjoy!