Review of 'Tears of the Giraffe'

Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith
2nd book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series

I have read many of the “No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency” books over the years (and enjoyed the BBC television series a few years ago) so I recently made a list of all of the books in the series to make sure I have read them all. They are a light, easy read that has characters that are at once amusing as well as poignant in their relative simplicity. It is very much a break from my normally rather heavy book reading with my often finishing a Detective Agency book in a single sitting.

Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's premiere (and only) lady detective, now engaged to Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni proprietor and chief mechanic of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, is faced with a difficult case involving an young American who went missing nearby many years earlier. The young man's mother seeks closure despite agreeing he is likely dead. Mma Makutsi, Ramotswe' eager secretary is promoted to assistant detective and tasked with determining whether a husband's wife is being unfaithful. Meanwhile, Matekoni's assistance with the local orphanage's water pump results in him bringing home two unexpected treasures: A boy and a girl. But how will Botswana's famous react when faced with the doubling of her family?

As with the other Detective Agency books there is a deep core of morals and ethics at play here as the story revolves around tricky personal issues. But, somehow, these issues are addressed in a perfectly satisfactory way with the resolution clearer that you might expect. The characters are all so personable, easy to understand and yet so very human though perhaps living a much simpler existence than most readers. it is an idealised world yet one that feels so very human. McCall Smith has a talent in clearly expressing exactly what is required without distraction.

Another entertaining escape into the world of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. The on-going story that has captivated so many readers.

Rating: “Nearly perfect, but not quite”

Review Date: 2021-10-24

Genre: African

Publisher: Abacus

Publication Date: 2000

ISBN: 0349116652

• The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Book 1)
• Morality for Beautiful Girls (Book 3)
• The Kalahari Typing School for Men (Book 4)
• The Full Cupboard of Life (Book 5)
• In the Company of Cheerful Ladies (Book 6)
• Blue Shoes and Happiness (Book 7)
• The Good Husband of Zebra Drive (Book 8)
• The Miracle at Speedy Motors (Book 9)
• Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (Book 10)
• The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party (Book 12)

• 44 Scotland Street (Book 1 of 44 Scotland Street)