Description: "The rains are coming, but not just yet. When they do, there will be green shoots of growth throughout Botswana. Pumpkins will flourish--particularly those of Mma Potokwani, matron of a children's home and old friend of Precious Ramotswe. Mma Potokwani and Mma Ramotswe have many other things to talk about, including a new friendship that Mr J.L.B. Matekoni has struck up with Mr Freddie Mohlala, a prominent figure in the motor trade. Freddie Mohlala has invited Mr J.L.B. Matekoni to go fishing with him on the local dam--which is home to some fairly nasty crocodiles. They do not catch anything, but something nearly catches them. In the meantime, Mma Ramotswe looks into what seems to be a straightforward matter involving a husband who thinks his wife may be having an affair. But there is a surprise in store--she, it transpires, suspects that he himself has a lover. This is obviously a case that will require tact--which of course is a quality Mma Ramotswe has in abundance"--
Review Quotes: "A welcome respite. . . . It is good, indeed, to make an annual nostalgic visit to these good-humored, caring people in Gaborone. . . . There is sufficient time to catch up on their news and be reminded of the friendship, love and tranquility replete in every work of fiction by Sir Alexander McCall Smith."
--BookTrib
"[A] delight. . . . Returning readers will revel, once again, in the compassion and keen insights of . . . Precious Ramotswe. . . . Wonderful characters and atmosphere with a plot that keeps surprising make this another Alexander McCall Smith treasure."
--Booklist, starred review
"As usual in this celebrated franchise, the pace is leisurely, the felonies are minimal, the tone is reflective and the results are enchanting. Although Mma Ramotswe concludes, 'We are a detective agency--we are not menders of souls, ' readers may well disagree."
--Kirkus Reviews