The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection (No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series) Paperback – March 5, 2013

I had the pleasure to watch The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency drama, starring Jill Scott as Precious Ramotswe, on HBO, and the book is just as enjoyable. The backdrop is Botswana, and the protagonist, Precious Ramotswe, who is sensitive, forthright, and thorough, is the founder and owner of a detective agency and is asked to investigate a wealthy businessman who may be deceitful in his transactions with an orphanage. Then you have Grace Makutsi, her quirky assistant, who thinks she is on par with the owner of the agency. The relationship between these two characters is thoughtful, sometimes amusing, and noteworthy. Some of the other characters are smart, witty, down-to-earth, while a few are underhanded and condescending. Drawn into their world, you begin to witness the subtle differences between the wealthy and those with the least and traditional customs at odds with the modern world. The plot slowly expands into many scenarios that will expose fraud, deception, and an unexpected secret at the end.

First, I enjoyed this novel very much: I think it's one of Smith's finest. Second, I found myself asking, "What Limpopo Academy of Private Detection? There's no Limpopo Academy of Private Detection in this book." I asked myself that question about a third of the way through the book, half way through, three-quarters of the way through . . . why did this book bear the title it has? Finally, in perhaps the last 10 percent of the story, we're given the answer.And the answer, I think, indicates that Smith will either end the series as it now stands, or send it off in an entirely new direction. He seems to have gone as far as he can with Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi and their spouses and families and friends. All seem comfortable in their lives, and, truth be told, the "mystery" part of the series dwindles more and more into simple and somewhat obvious underhanded dealings and dishonesties. The characters and the setting, however, are so awesome and inspiring that the lack of any traditional mystery can be overlooked. I'm eager to see if my anticipation is correct . . . or if Smith deliberately planted these hints but intends to ignore them.In any case, the story involves dishonest building contractors, Mma Potokwane of the orphanage, a new house for Grace and Phuti, Charlie and Fanwell, incompetent lawyers, the appearance of Clovis Andersen, and much, much more. And it all flows smoothly and effortlessly. So sit back in y our favorite chair with a cup of your favorite tea and delight in another book in this wonderful series.

I'll start this review out by saying I'm a HUGE fan of Alexander McCall Smith and I especially love his "No. 1 Ladies'" series, along with the Isabel Dalhousie series. I've read all the books in both series numerous times and I really, really enjoy them. Of course, I have my favorites in both series- some of the books seem really stellar, and some just so-so, but they all come together for a nice, cozy continuous read when I feel like carving out a little time for an entire series."The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection" is no exception to the rule. I can't say it's my favorite in the "No. 1 Ladies'" series, but it's certainly not my least favorite, either. I totally enjoyed reading it, wherever it stands on the ranking.I think the main thing about this book is that it's *busy*. A LOT happens, which is a little unusual for Mma Ramotswe and the rest of the crew on Tlokweng Road. Mma Makutsi and Phuti Radaphuti begin building their house together, Fanwell (one of the apprentices at the garage) finds himself in legal trouble, Mma Polokwane finds herself at odds with the new board of directors at the Orphan Farm, and ... (this is a BIG one)... none other than CLOVIS ANDERSEN (yes, THE Clovis Andersen that wrote the detection textbook that basically is the foundation of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency) drops in for a visit which turns into an extended stay. Usually, all of this action is enough for maybe TEN books in the series, but Alexander McCall Smith packs it to one volume.The book was interesting, and definitely had a lot going on, but I have to admit I sort of miss the little bits of wandering and mindfulness that seem to be the trademarks of the series. There are quite a few musings and conversations about tea, which I enjoyed because I'm an obsessive tea-drinker myself (though not at the level Mma Ramotswe is revealed to be...), and the usual profound simplicity of Mm Ramotswe's observations about life and the people in it.Busy or not, it's a worthy part of a wonderful series. I really enjoyed my time back in Botswana and I can't wait for the next book!

The author continues to produce heart-warming plots with his in-depth key characters - Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi. This novel has a special guest character whom I will not give away to future readers - I thoroughly recommend you read this wonderful story and find out for yourself.