AngloAddict

All of the endearing characters are back for this latest installment in the "No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency" series, "The Big Cats Dance Party." The cases, as always, are intriguing and test the detectives and their implementation of the rules in the "Principles of Modern Detection," the book they refer to in order to be the best detectives they can. In this new adventure, the owner of an elephant rescue charity has somehow made an enemy. Someone is spreading false information and rumors and generally trying to get the charity shut down. Who would be opposed to helping orphaned baby elephants? Mma Ramotswe, founder and chief detective, and Mma Makutsi, partner and co-chief detective (in her mind, anyway), must travel to the area where the elephant rescue operates in order to ask questions. This involves a trip of many hours in Mma Ramotswe's beloved, yet mechanically unreliable, Tiny White Van. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, Botswana's best mechanic and Mma Ramotswe's husband, is alarmed by the plan and instead persuades the ladies to let him drive them in his newer vehicle. They agree, but this creates a problem. With the two main employees of the detective agency away, that means the business will be left in the hands of Assistant Detective and part-time Apprentice Mechanic, Charlie. What Charlie lacks in common sense and experience is more than offset by his enthusiasm for the job. On the bright side, Mma Makutsi promises not to say, "I told you so" if this plan ends in disaster. Charlie has another case to work on. A businessman who operates many different types of businesses is concerned that one of them, a car wash, is making too much money. Everyone at the detective agency fails to see how this is a problem, but they agree to take on the case. Before Charlie can get started on the investigation, he makes a rash decision on behalf of the agency which might end his fledgling detective career.

As usual, the story is filled with many wise sayings from Mma Ramotswe and plenty of love for Botswana. Even the feud between Mma Makutsi and Charlie seems to be easing a bit, although the evil Violet Sepotho is still the enemy of all. I always feel a bit sad when finishing one of the books in this delightful series and can't wait for the next outing with these kind and endearing characters.

I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. The Big Cats Dance Party will be published on Sept. 15, 2026.

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