The Miracle at Speedy Motors: The New Novel in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series    by Alexander McCall Smith Order:  USA  Can Pantheon, 2008 (2008) Hardcover Read an Excerpt     Reviewed by Mary Ann Smyth Miracle at Speedy Motors is another charming book from Alexander McCall Smith, featuring Precious Ramotswe, owner of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency in Gaborone, Botswana. Mma Ramotswe is a gentle person who firmly believes one should meet hatred with love, that red bush tea will set most any situation right, and that if she ignores the ominous knocking in the engine of her beloved little white van, it will repair itself. She is a woman with a traditional figure and a husband by the name of Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, who owns Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. Mma Makutsi works with Mma Ramotswe in the Detective Agency. Phuti Radiphuti has bought his fiancée Mma Makutsi a lovely new bed, to be admired by one and all. When tragedy strikes, Mma Makutsi spends several nights in turmoil. A client of the detective agency desires to find her roots. Mma Ramotswe does a great job – but not what was expected. These gentle and soothing novels by Smith reveal people with a wonderful outlook on humanity. He digs deeply into the human psyche and draws out the good in his Botswana characters. I feel he could do the same with the rest of us. The author presents truths we could all face, and does it so delightfully that he makes it hard to wait for Precious Ramotswe's next exploits. If this novel is the first you read in the series, it would behoove you to start at the beginning and work your way forward. But be careful. It is quite easy to become addicted to the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews