Alexander McCall Smith has a truly successful franchise with this series, and he deserves the adoration of his many fans – including me. I love Precious Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi, Mr J L B Matekoni and all the other characters in these gentle detective novels. There are no murders, but still plenty of answers to be found out. This one focuses on a lost family, some vaguely threatening letters, Mma Makutsi’s plans to marry Phuti Ratiphuti, and the hope that Motholeli’s condition can be improved. McCall manages to “write” in the lilting dialect of Botswana. His love of the country and the culture are evident in this series, and really makes me want to visit there.