Review of Alexander McCall Smith's Newest Book "The Good Husband of Zebra Drive"

Alexander McCall Smith's newest book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is amazing as it deals with Precious Ramotswe and her husband, Mr J.L.B. Matekoni. He vividly describes the people and land of Botswana. This book is perfect for those who enjoy solving mysteries without all the tension that goes with a traditional mystery. Smith reflects on the more relaxed lifestyle of Mma Ramotswe and her husband. They enjoy the simple things in life. Mma Ramotswe enjoys a cup of bush tea, the quiet of the morning hours, a drive through the Botswana countryside and the sight of cattle. Mr. Matekoni run his garage, the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors. They have two adopted children, Puso and Motholeli. Although her life seem as perfect as it could be, things begin to happen that make her question her beliefs.

One day, Mr. J. L. B. Matekoni consults with a prospective client for the detective agency, while the assistant detective, Mma Makutsi, is out shopping. Mma Ramotswe is not very happy to learn about either of those things. It turns out that Mr. Matekoni desires to work the case himself. She doesn't think that men make very good detectives, because they do not observe things as closely as a woman. He thinks that maybe there is more to life than being a mechanic. Of course, he is a very good mechanic and Mma Ramotswe decides he can work this case. She hopes he will get his desire to do detective work out of his system and go back to running his shop. She is also upset with Mma Makutsi for leaving the agency in the middle of the day and going shopping. Mma Ramotswe does not share her passion for shopping or shoes. This starts Mma Makutsi thinking about her life. She has a good job, a side business of her own running a typing school for men and a wealthy fiance. Perhaps she should just quit working, she thinks.

Although she doesn't at that time, she eventually quits her position at the agency. This was an experiment that would fall flat very quickly. Meanwhile, Charlie, an apprentice in Mr. Matekoni's garage, quits his apprenticeship. With the help of Mr. Matekoni, he has acquired a Mercedes, a somewhat old one, but still a very nice car. It is the beginning of the No. 1 Ladies Taxi Service. He plans to serve only ladies and become the taxi driver trusted to take care of them. Unfortunately, on his first ride, he is in a very serious accident and totals the car. So ends the No. 1 Ladies Taxi Service. Needless to say, eventually, both return to their places of employment and were welcomed with open arms. Mr. Matekoni was less than pleased about Charlie wrecking the car, but he was very happy to have him back in the garage. As Mr. Matekoni works on his detective case, he wonders what makes a good husband. He discovers he doesn't really like detecting and he really likes being a mechanic. He makes some mistakes, but learns a lot about himself. Mma Ramotswe lets him handle the case on his own and discovers the treasure she has in her husband. Of course, she is very glad when he decides to give up detective work.

One thing that really stood out for me in this book was the fact that they seem like one big family. Though they have their issues, they work them out and deal with them. They all have their places and there is no one else that can fill it for them. Even in our families, most of us can't say that we feel that way, much less in our work place. Though there are several mysteries to solve, they seem to take a back seat to the relationships in the book. Thoughtfulness and kindness to our fellow man, even though they don't seem to deserve it, is a common undercurrent during the story.