Description

In this newest installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s popular No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, detective Mma Ramotswe and her colleague Mma Makutsi are faced with a puzzling new mystery, uncovering unexpected truths along the way.

Nestled among rolling hills just outside Gaborone, surrounded by peaceful acacia trees, sits the charming Great Hippopotamus Hotel. Known for its spacious, welcoming rooms and dedicated staff, the hotel has long offered refuge and comfort to weary visitors. But suddenly, a series of troublesome incidents threatens its once-sterling reputation. A guest is struck down with food poisoning, laundry mysteriously vanishes from the washing lines, and another visitor suffers a painful scorpion sting. As mishaps mount, it becomes clear these events are not mere coincidence; something sinister appears to be at work.

Determined to uncover the truth behind these unsettling occurrences, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi begin their investigation. At first glance, evidence seems to point directly toward Violet Sephotho, their familiar adversary. However, as their inquiries continue, the two detectives soon discover the answers may be far more complicated than they initially thought.

Elsewhere, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni faces his own dilemma: one of his prominent customers requests help in secretly acquiring a sports car—keeping it hidden from the gentleman’s wife. Caught in this morally delicate situation, he struggles to handle the issue discreetly and honorably.

With gentle humor, warmth, and understanding, Mma Ramotswe and her colleagues work tirelessly to restore the Great Hippopotamus Hotel’s good reputation, once more demonstrating the strength of kindness, compassion, and integrity in solving even the trickiest of life’s puzzles.