Tears of the Giraffe by Alexander McCall Smith, R. A. McCall Smith (2002, Paperback, Reprint)

SPOILER WARNING: Do not read this review if you have not already read the first book in the series, the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
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Tears of the Giraffe is the second in a series of books about Precious Ramotswe, the very first lady detective in the African nation of Botswana.

This second book opens with Mma Ramotswe newly engaged to that very fine man and excellent auto mechanic, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. In amongst the mysteries presented by the detective agency's clients, Mma Ramotswe must solve the little mysteries of combining two households into one, coordinating two busy and successful businesses and learning more about this man to whom she is about to be married. And before she really has a chance to settle in to being engaged, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni surprises her with two additions to their family.

Meanwhile, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni deals with his two hopeless apprentices, Mma Makutsi is promoted to assistant detective, and Mma Ramotswe solves many mysteries, small and large, for her clients, including a heartrending one involving a missing young American. Botswana itself is, as always, a vital character in the book, molding its people and shaping events under the timeless African sky.

Alexander McCall Smith is a Scotsman who lived for many years in Africa, has written an extensive list of legal texts, and has now successfully turned his hand to fiction writing. His main characters are frequently strong, interesting, formidable females. His novels are addictive and leave one anxiously awaiting the next release in the series. If you enjoy detective stories, stories based on cultures other than your own, or just quality fiction with strong characters and values, then I recommend this entire series. Start with The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency if you have not yet read it, and buy them all to keep, as you will wish to read and reread them many times.