No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency #13! I think this one was the longest one yet- it had a lot going on! It was nine CDs instead of six or seven, like previous books in the series. It didn't feel long, though, if you know what I mean- like, I didn't begrudge the extra few CDs.
What I did begrudge- the CDs had someone say "this ends disc XX" at the end of each CD and "The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection disc XX" at the beginning of each CD. I'd much, much, much rather have my audiobooks run smoothly from one CD to the next. I don't want the dose of reality that comes with those statements- I want to stay in Botswana!
Now that I've got that gripe out of the way, on to the story...
It had a rough start. One of the mysteries involves Fanwell, one of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's apprentices. He is coerced into helping a "friend" from his school days fix up some cars for resale. It is painfully obvious to the reader (and should be to Fanwell also) that this "friend" is up to some shady stuff. He has Fanwell come over at night to work on the cars in his backyard instead of at a dealership, under the light of a bulb powered with stolen electricity. So it shouldn't be a surprise when it turns out that the "friend" is "liberating" these cars from their rightful owners! Unfortunately, Fanwell is now implicated as well. Like I said, though, it was painfully obvious that this was not going to go well, right from the start, so that was uncomfortable to listen to unfolding.
Another awkwardness in the book: Phuti has hired a builder to build him a house. He hears from one source that the builder is currently a bit down on luck and money, but then he also hears from another source that the builder is currently building himself a brand new house. Again: painfully obvious to the reader (and anyone with common sense) that Phuti is getting scammed.
Annnnnd there's another awkwardness, but if I told you about it, it'd ruin a big surprise in the book. So I won't.
As you can see, there's some pretty serious mysteries going on in this volume! Don't worry: Mma Ramotswe is definitely up to the task, especially with the help of her trusty Associate Detective, Mma Makutsi! The ladies encounter a surprise "guest star" in this volume, too, that really ups the ante of the story. I grinned when the special guest was revealed! You will too.
Despite the awkwardness I experienced on behalf of Fanwell and Phuti, I still highly recommend this one for the special guest star. You must it to find out more!
*I won't say anything more about the narration... it's the same lady from the previous twelve books, and I don't need to get repetitive.
*I checked out my copy of The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection from my local library.
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