Part of No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, book 20
First published 2019
Precious Ramotswe receives a visit from a childhood friend whose daughter has fallen under the influence of a magnetic religious leader. The mother worries about the preacher's true intentions with her child. Ramotswe agrees to help but quickly learns that family disputes require careful navigation, even for Botswana's most experienced female detective. She must determine whether the preacher's spiritual guidance masks darker motives. Meanwhile, Charlie faces his own romantic complications as he struggles to afford the bride price for Queenie-Queenie's hand in marriage. Her brother offers Charlie employment to help with his financial troubles, but the arrangement proves more complex than expected. Ramotswe turns to her trusted circle for support: Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni provides his steady wisdom, Mma Makutsi shares her forthright opinions, and Mma Potokwane offers comfort through her famous fruit cake. Ramotswe must untangle these family knots while reflecting on the fundamental nature of love and human relationships.
Genres: african-literature, mystery, crime, contemporary, family-drama
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: found-family, mystery
Setting: Botswana
224 pages · Hardcover · Pantheon