Time for the Traditionally Built by Alexander McCall Smith

Book 10 in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series

Mma Ramotswe, is in mourning over her old tiny white van. The beloved vehicle is making terrible noises and is probably headed for the junk heap. The idea of parting from the van that has been an important part of her life for so long is breaking Mma Ramotswe's heart.

Meanwhile, the prickly and outspoken Grace Makutsi, Mma Ramotswe's assistant, has troubles of her own. Her arch enemy, the glamorous and scheming Violet Sephotho, has landed a sales job in the Double Comfort Furniture Shop, whose owner is Phuti Radiphuti, Grace's fiancé. It is obvious to the furious Mma Makutsi that Violet is determined to steal Phuti away from her.

While this book doesn't have as many mysteries to solve there is the case they are hired for by Mr. Leungo Molofololo, the owner of a losing football team, to find out why his formerly successful Kalahari Swoopers are suddenly doing so badly. So there is much time spent, traveling around and having tea and interviewing the various team members. Mma Ramotswe even goes to her first football game, taking her foster son, Puso who ends up helping her solve the case in the end. This book has a much more nostalgic feel as she tries to imagine her life without her white van, her husband and their foster children and even with out Grace and the apprentices.

It is such a satisfying read that I'm sad now that I've finished it. Perhaps this summer I'll go back and re-read all again. It's like visiting old friends. I've just started watching the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency on HBO and really enjoying it as well.