This was my first No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency read, I found the story inquiring and quite enjoyed how the author explores the topic of human nature.

As usual an enjoyable read from the Number One Ladies Detective Agency Series. This novel made me feel at peace as they always do.

Alexander McCall Smith explores human nature in How to Raise an Elephant.  This is one of the best Botswana detective agency stories with human compassion for people and animals.  Read and enjoy.

How to Raise an Elephant by Alexander McCall Smith is the latest addition to the wildly popular series, No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.  Once again, we are swept off to beautiful Botswana to join Mma Precious Ramotswe and a familiar cast of characters as the capable Precious is called upon to test her investigative skills, this time in several capacities.

Charlie has borrowed Mma Ramotswe's trusted van and has returned it not only damaged, but with a peculiar smell that cannot be easily identified.  While this mystery continues to stump the seasoned investigator, a distant relation named Blessing has come to ask for assistance, another circumstance that does not smell quite right to Precious.  If anyone can root out the truth, it is Precious Ramotswe, and with the help of her steadfast support system, it is only a matter of time before order will be restored in beautiful Botswana.

This is a charming series that is always a pure delight to read.  Filled with heart, humour, and invaluable life lessons, Mr McCall Smith has created a community of characters that very quickly feel like family.  I hope that this series will long continue.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Much thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House for this charming book. I am always delighted when there is a new book in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series and this is the 21st. Set in Botswana which is becoming more modern and prosperous, the characters express nostalgia for the quieter and more tightly knit community of their youth. 

  Alexander McCall Smith writes with wit and wisdom and a gentle philosophy of life. The conversations are amusing and often thought-provoking. These lovely, relaxing stories are always a pleasure to read. The author writes with deep insight into human nature.

  The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series is devoid of violence, high crimes and misdemeanours. Instead, they mainly focus on solving peoples' everyday problems and dilemmas with compassion, decency, and understanding.

  Precious Ramotswe, the founder of the detective agency, is an intelligent, patient, and generous woman. Her former secretary, Grace Makutsi, has over the series promoted herself to associate detective. She is still conceited, arrogant and argumentative, But Precious's kindness has influenced her to quietly help a less fortunate woman. The two women have learned to work well together, both in the office and in their investigations.

  Charlie is now working part-time in the mechanic shop owned by the husband of Precious and also assists in the detective office. He has married but still retains his boyhood exuberance. One day he borrows the office van and transports an orphaned baby elephant to his home and ties him in the backyard. He has done this for an intimidating acquaintance. It seems the man plans to return for the young elephant and perhaps deliver it to a butcher for meat. Charlie does not know of this intention. Mma Precious Ramotswe and her friends know that the baby elephant being tied up in Charlie's yard is wrong. They must find a way to rescue it and bring it to a sanctuary. There is also a request by a far distant cousin for money from the generous Precious. Grace investigates and believes the reasons for her request are fraudulent and that the cousin is lying. Precious subtly advises a new neighbour on ways to save her faltering marriage.

  This enjoyable series is always well-written and the characters always a joy to know and to follow their lives and activities.