The story comes in the third person POV. It alters between limited third-person (of both the leading ladies) and omnipresent narration. There is no end to the pleasure that may be extracted from these . . . books.” —Janet Malcolm, The New York Review of Books Throughout it all, the ladies (and their men) muse on many topics: unheeded parental wisdom, the benefits of occasional consumption of unhealthy food, the proliferation of extra features on any saleable item, the demise of dining tables and plates, and the curse of phased redundancy and planned obsolescence. Tea and fruit cake often accompany these musings. The novels of Alexander McCall Smith aren't yet prescribed on the NHS, but it might not be a bad idea' Daily Telegraph The books, like their author, have charm. You cannot overstate the power of this—it’s the missing ingredient in contemporary fiction.” — The Guardian

I feel like I just was in Botswana visiting with my friend, Mma Ramose and all her family and friends. What a pleasant trip it was. Alexander McCall Smith tells such warm delightful tales and each story has a moral point. I can’t wait for the next issue to come out. Grace Makutsi's husband has a furniture business, which is in trouble. An international is selling furniture for cheaper prices. While Phuti Radiphuti is particular about quality and comfort, the new competitor is intent on sales and profits.Narration: I thought the narrator, Lisette Lecat, did an excellent job. She has a wonderful accent and a pleasant voice. There are many characters in this story and she was able to give each one of them a unique voice. The two ladies put their heads together and come up with clever and successful solutions to both issues. All the familiar characters are here lending audience and support to the good hearted ladies. And, yes, the talking shoes do make a cameo appearance!

stars. This is the 23rd book in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency set in Botswana. I am happy to have read them all and am already anticipating the next edition. They make a charming and relaxing break from the many books of murder and mayhem I often read. They are steeped in kindness, common sense, and a gentle philosophy about leading one's best life, and of course added wisdom on how to be a successful detective from a well-read manual. In this story, the main conflict centers around an upstart business threatening Phuti’s furniture store and the hard-earned peace of mind of Mms Ramostwe’s right hand woman, Grace Makutsi. The thing that I most loved about this book is the insight into the human condition that is the mainstay of all McCall Smith’s books. He seems to be saying, “I know this irritates you about your friend, but look closer. Something is causing this behavior. Be patient. Find out what the problem is.” He manages to reveal these truths in the gentle unfolding of the story rather than clunking one over the head with preaching. As with the other 22 books in this series, this is an enjoyable read that combines humor, social commentary, mystery and well-developed characters. I enjoy the author's writing, so I enjoy this series.In a world where there aren’t always answers and at a time when we are all looking for answers, this is a fabulous read. I know any book in this series will end well and that Precious and Grace will solve the cases. For a few hours, all is right with the world and my worries are set aside. We could all do with a little Botswana wisdom in our life. When you are with somebody you love the smallest, smallest things can be so important, so amusing because love transforms the world, everything. And was that what had happened? In this 23rd book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series - set in Gaborone, Botswana - Mma Precious Ramotswe's concerns include a problem in the office; a furniture store's cutthroat business practices; and a rebellious teen. The book can be read as a standalone, but familiarity with the characters is a bonus. Human nature is so predictable….even in a little corner of Botswana. I shook my head when I read about the seemingly petty jealousy Precious had to deal with. As is always the case, the world over, there’s a reason for a behaviour…and Precious graciously waits and finds it out. I could learn from her. I’m a reactor rather than a responder. I need to change that. Now.