Rating: 
Summary: Too forced
Review: There is too much of this book which reads like a junior-high essay which had to be 500 words or more. Too many references to the "Little white van" and "Mr. J.L.B. Maketoni" which only add text, not meaning. (I'm sure that this gets written with "JLB" and then a search and replace with "Mr. J.L.B. Maketoni, etc) The story is formulaic, and the characters are not developed in any way.
If you liked the previous books, you'll like this one. If you were hoping it got better, it didn't.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining but not much substance
Review: These Ladies Detective Agency novels are entertaining but there are much better books out there. If you need something to read for a break from harder novels I recommend this book and the others in the series. But if you are just looking for something to read that challenges you then this novel is not for you. Secret Life of Bees and The Lovely Bones are much better and entertaining.
Rating: 
Summary: Another Book Full of African Wisdom
Review: Third in the series of the No. 1 Ladies' Detection Agency, a person could pick this up and read it on its own. But I don't recommend it. I feel everyone would enjoy this book FAR more after reading the first two books in the series. As good as the first two books were, each book only seems to get better! I couldn't put the book down, and read the whole thing in one day. Unlike some U.S. reviewers, I did not find this book to be weak. I found the fact that some cases/plots resolve more satisfactorily than others to be a mirror of REALITY. (I am an American living overseas, and have often heard British/Australians/New Zealanders criticise American movies/books for having endings that are "too pat," with too many ends tied up TOO well! Perhaps those who criticise this book about the the opposite are more used to American authors. I think part of what they are feeling is that this is a British author.) As all books do in series, different books focus more on certain characters, to the exclusion of others. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni is somewhat on the sidelines in this book, but he does come back into prominence in the successive books (and in fact, book five seems to be primarily about him). The title of this book comes from a particularly interesting case Mma Makutsi investigates while Precious Ramotswe is away investigating another particulary interesting case. The best thing about the book is the way these two cases resolve! I feel this writer has had a lot of life experience, and ends up imparting this wisdom about life through his characters adventures and investigations. Furthermore, living in Africa these past 12 years, I absolutely love the African settings and how the African people of Botswana are portrayed.
Rating:
Summary: Not a page turning mystery, but nice read
Review: This is the second book I have read in this series and still have the impression that these books are very light on mystery. I guess I would have to say this is more true for this book than the first one I read. I have to agree with several of the other reviewers that there seemed to be more lose ends (or losely tied ends) that really didn't leave me satisfied. Beyond that, as a fictional read, the descriptions of the people and country have been consistantly good in both books.
Rating:
Summary: Another good comfort read
Review: This is the third book I've read in Mr. Smith's series about Botswana and, in my opinion, it's the best so far. His writing style is beautiful, with great descriptions that take the imagination soaring. I especially like the character development of Mme. Makutsi, newly promoted to Acting Manager of the garage as well as the detective agency. She truly shines.
Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: The first two in the series were better, but...
Review: this one was OK (but at times a little tedious), and perhaps even deserves 3 and-a-half stars.
I don't think I will continue on with this series. "Morality" took me a long time to finish, even though it's an easy read, because of that tedium I alluded to earlier. But never say never. Who knows, maybe in a few months I will find myself missing those fictional residents of Botswana, and return to the series to read the fourth installment, which I believe is called "The Kalahari Typing School for Men."
These are books written in a gentle tone, and in these very trying times that is most welcome.
Rating:
Summary: Enjoyable Series,
Review: This writer has me hooked on this series! I know that anyone who enjoys this type of reading material will no doubt enjoy this book and this series!
Rating: 
Summary: Mma Ramotswe for President
Review: Well, since Mma Ramotske is unlikely to leave her beloved Botswana, maybe she could be an Advisor to Presidents There and Abroad (as in the United States). Her common sense approach to detective work and life in general is not only effective but refreshing and satisfying. In this third edition of her "investigation of confidential matters and inquiries" Mma Makutsi, her assistant and graduate of the Botswana Secretarial College with 97% in the final examination, exhibits her take-charge attitude. Mma Makutsi assumes the title of Assistant Manger of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, the repair shop of Mma Ramotske's fiance who is suffering from depression and ignoring his once well-run garage. Then, too, Mma Makutsi uses her initiative to solve a lucrative case to determine the moral character of the four finalists of the Miss Beauty and Integrity Contest. And Mma Ramotswe's firm handling of an arrogant "Government Man" could be a textbook lesson in the the fine art of assertive behavior that results in Satisfaction for all Parties. I discovered that one of my favorite tea makers sells African Red Bush tea--now my preferred drink while reading about The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Rating:
Summary: Pearls of Wisdom
Review: What a comforting and delightful series this is! Once again, the lead character, Precious Ramotswe, and her marvelous assistant, Mma. Makutsi, are set in motion uncoiling the moral and behavioral problems of their world, and they emerge from these difficulties with pearls of wisdom for all of us. Questions such as what is good behavior, what is beauty, and what makes people act the way they do are answered with a clarity and a certainty that ring true. One cannot but like Mmas Ramotswe and Makutsi and enjoy their internal ruminations on these eternal questions. Surrounding them are other well-wrought characters who struggle with life's challenges: Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni with depression, a wild boy found in the bush who now needs to be civilized, a big Government man who comes to the detective agency with a familiy problem that really resides within himself, and on it goes. In the backdrop are the ever-changing cycles of nature as we are enriched with sensual and clear descriptions of the rich countryside that is Botswana. One comes away from this book in awe of its author's clear vision and wide knowledge. And somehow, after you turn the last page, you are comforted by all you have received from visiting this world.
Rating:
Summary: Not as delightful as #1 and #2
Review: While still a sweet diversion, this book did not quite have the charm of the first two books in this series
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