Book Review- Alexander McCall Smith's The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine

The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine is the sixteenth book in Alexander McCall Smith's No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. It's amazing to me that I've been following these characters since 1998. I'm even more astounded by Smith's productivity. He writes several different series and stand-alone books for both adults and children, releasing multiple books every year. I can't think of a contemporary author who is more prolific. Maybe he's dreaming of taking a vacation like Mma Ramotswe? Keep writing Smith!

PLOT - Workholic Mma Ramotswe is convinced by Mma Makutsi, to take a much deserved vacation. However, Mma Ramotswe cannot help but be a detective, even while attempting to take a break.  Mr. Polopetsi has been given a temporary job in the agency and Mma Makutsi is determined to show that she can handle things while Mma Ramotswe is on holiday. To complicate matters, Mr. Polopetsi asks for Mma Ramotswe's help, when he fears that Mma Makutsi has a case that she cannot handle. 

LIKE- In this series, characters always take center stage. Sixteen books and I still can't get enough of this story world and its inhabitants. Smith has a wonderful understanding of human nature and I get a kick out of how his characters interact, both the manners and the subtext. 

 I enjoyed the secondary plot line of Mma Ramotswe saving a young child and finding out what happened to his mother. The ending of the book is sentimental and touching. There are plenty of thought provoking themes woven throughout the story involving honesty, friendship, and secrecy. 

DISLIKE- This is one of the weaker books in the series. The big mystery involving the Potokwane family, wasn't very compelling. The only compelling component is the way it handled scandal, with Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi showing compassion towards Mma Potokwane. Similarly, the confrontation with Violet Sephotho, Mma Makutsi's arch enemy, lacked impact. 

RECOMMEND- If you're a fan of the series, you have to read The Woman Who Walked in Sunshine, not because it's the best, but simply because who can skip any books in a series? I can't. If this is your first experience with Smith or the series, don't pick this book to start. 

As a bonus, check out Smith's author page. I like the cheerful music!

Book Review- Alexander McCall Smith's The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon

Alexander McCall Smith is a prolific author. Even with all of the various series that Smith writes, I can always count on an annual installment of his No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency Series, one of my all-time favorite book series. 

The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon marks the fourteenth book in the series. So far, the series has not grown stale and with every book, the character development has grown richer. As the series continues, there has been a subtle shift away from the mystery solving element and a bigger emphasis on the characters personal lives. 

In this book, Mma Makutsi has given birth to her first child and is on maternity leave from the detective agency. Mma Ramotswe quickly learns the value of Mma Makutsi, not only as an employee, but also as a dear friend. This book is a sweet ode to their friendship.

There is also a great side story involving Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni's efforts to become a more modern husband. It made me laugh-out-loud, which is a rarity in Smith's books, which are always funny, but not enough to elicit such a big reaction from me. They most often leave me with a smile.

If you've never had the pleasure of reading a book from this series, then go get one now! I highly recommend starting with the first, however each book stands on its own and you would easily be able to understand the characters and their relationships. What you would miss if you read them out of sequence is the evolution of the characters, which is an aspect of the series that I've really loved.

These books will make you feel good. I liken them to an episode of Little House on the Prairie, sweet stories with a moral lesson and endearing characters. They are my happy spot!