Digital audiobook performed by Liset Lecat
3.5*** (rounded up)

Book sixteen in the immensely popular – and equally enjoyable – series starring Mma Precious Ramotswe and other residents of Gabaron, Botswana. In this episode Mma Ramotswe is persuaded by Mma Grace Matekoni Radiputi to take a well-deserved vacation. Except that cases still come her way: from a troubled young boy to a politician whose reputation is being sullied.

I love this series for the gentle “mysteries of daily life” and for the wonderful way that Precious arrives at the truth and solves her cases. There are no gristly murders here, though there are mysteries of human behavior. There are lessons to be learned about relationships: with husbands, children, friends, colleagues. And Precious learns something about herself as well.

Spending time with the characters of these novels is like enjoying an afternoon libation on a patio in the sunshine. May we ALL walk in sunshine!

Liset Lecat is simply marvelous as the narrator of the series’ audiobooks. She brings these characters to life.

Though still good, this was probably my least favorite in the series. It didn't have enough cases. There's usually a little more going on. I thought this one was on the boring side.
funny hopeful lighthearted mysterious reflective fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Mma Romatswe is always an enjoyable read. This one though was a little complicated for no good reason. Of course, I'll continue to read about the woman with a "traditional build." So funny.
emotional lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes

It seems like nothing much is happening while Mma Ramotswe "tries" to take a vacation. But there are problems to be solved, doubts to settle, friendships to strengthen, and old adversaries to confront.

Smith has developed a wonderful cadence in his No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Even so, the series depends on the wisdom of Mme Ramotswe and the friction of Mme Makutsi. I felt very worried for the agency and leaving Grace in charge, particularly since she is pushing her employer away. The beauty of the relationship between these two strong women is the ...

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Very entertaining! Not really much of a mystery, but delightful characters.
adventurous funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: No
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

We are back in sunny Botswana for the 16th instalment in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. While the initial books in the series were quite plot driven, it has evolved to a series that is much more about the characters with a thin, almost token, plot thrown in for good measure. Like the others, this is a charming book that left me feeling all warm and fuzzy about life, but I have to say that there isn't a lot to it.

Precious Ramotswe is convinced by Mma Makutsi to take a short holiday from work. The idea is that she will have a quiet time relaxing at home, but she finds it difficult to let work go. When Mr Polopetsi comes to her asking for help with a work assignment, she cannot resist the temptation to get involved without Mma Makutsi's knowledge. If, like me, you occasionally find Mma Makutsi annoying, you will find her extremely irritating this time around, although by the end of the book you may be thinking about the risks of jumping to conclusions. There are also a couple of smaller sub-plots but each takes up only a few pages towards the end of the book, which then stops quite abruptly as if Alexander McCall Smith's editor had rung up and said "it'll be fine, just send it now please".

What is lovely about these books is that reading them almost feels like taking a holiday. You are transported to a sunny and relaxed country where there is always time to exchange pleasantries or savour a cup of tea. There are also gentle lessons about trusting people and treating them well. The title itself refers to Mma Ramotswe's relationship with Mr J.L.B. Matekoni and how being loved and admired by him is "like walking in sunshine".