Review of 'The Good Husband of Zebra Drive'

The Good Husband of Zebra Drive by Alexander McCall Smith
8th book in the 'No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency' series

Returning once again to Botswana we see Mme Ramotswe's, now, husband Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors looking to see what it is like to be a detective himself and proving himself a worthy husband by taking on the case of a suspected cheating husband. Mma Makutsi is feeling like she is not meant to be Mme Ramotswe's assistant so decides to leave the detective agency. Mme Ramotswe herself investigates the mysterious deaths at a hospital. At Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors one of the useless apprentices decides to open his own taxi service…

If it sounds a bit like a soap opera, yes, I suppose it is as we return to the gentle world of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency. Life goes on with our favorite characters with the same charm and simplicity that have captured our hearts. In this eighth installment in the series things are not going smoothly with key characters looking for change. It is good to see a bit more of reality intruding into the idealistic life these characters live. Similarly, seeing a case of suspected murder ramps up the stakes for Mme Ramotswe who also encounters institutional cover up. As simple and light as these books seem to be they do not shy away from at least some of the grittier aspects of life.

Another enjoyable, light read from McCall Smith continuing the story of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Rating: “Really good but I have some issues”

Review Date: 2023-11-04

Genre: African

Publisher: Abacus

Publication Date: 2007

ISBN: 9780349117737

• The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency (Book 1)
• Tears of the Giraffe (Book 2)
• 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 Miracle at Speedy Motors (Book 9)
• Tea Time for the Traditionally Built (Book 10)
• The Double Comfort Safari Club (Book 11)
• The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party (Book 12)

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