I'm always so excited to see another outing with the wonderful characters from the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. In this most recent adventure, the two ladies in charge of investigating the problems of the people of Gabarone are tasked with finding out what is going on at a small hotel outside of town. The manager happens to see Mma Ramotswe out shopping and asks if she can help him. The hotel has recently been turned over to three cousins to run after their uncle retired from the business. Since that time, many problems have plagued the hotel, including food poisonings and creepy crawlies discovered in guest rooms. Word has gotten around and the hotel has started to lose business. The manager asks if they can try to get to the bottom of the problem. Unfortunately, when they go to the hotel on a fact-finding missing, Mma Ramotswe herself is struck down with food poisoning so it's up to Mma Makutsi to try to get to the truth. At the same time, Mma Ramotswe's mechanic husband, Mr. JLB Matekoni, has been tasked with finding a flashy sportscar for a client. This client's brother is responsible for most of the business at the garage, so he doesn't feel like he can refuse the request. Mma Ramotswe isn't too pleased when she hears that this is a clandestine assignment, meant to be kept secret from the man's wife.

This book has the trademark gentle humor and endearing characters that we've come to love. There were some strange things with this book, however. Mma Ramotswe didn't act like her normal wise and kind self for part of the book. She was calling out behaviors to people who offended her right to their faces, when before she would be more laid back and forgiving. She also was quite harsh with Mr. JLB Matekoni and treated him as if he were her child rather than her husband. While Mma Ramotswe was ill and off work, her husband forbade others to visit her but he himself brought people to the house and had her out and about. It was all very strange. Still, the overall tone and action of the book was pretty much what we've come to know and love. Even Mma Makutsi's talking shoes made a reappearance! I just hope next time out Mma Ramotswe's character will revert to her former placid and benevolent demeanor.

One of Mr. JLB Matekoni's customers wants his help in getting a fancy sports car, with the strict instructions that his wife is not to know. Mma Ramotswe feels that the truth is the best option--will the customer listen to her wisdom? Another case involves the Great Hippopotamus Hotel, where bad things seem to be happening. When Mma Makutsi learns that her old nemesis Violet Sephoto may be involved, she is determined to solve the case. These books always provide a relaxing read and comforting gentle wisdom. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review this advance copy.