Detective Precious Ramotswe is back in her lopsided white van solving the latest mystery in her area of Botswana. Mma Ramotswe and her assistant Grace Makutsi are dealing with problems on the nature preserve, a whistle-blower, and blackmail. Both ladies take a look at what makes them happy. Grace thinks that blue shoes will make the difference. Precious, who is traditionally built, decides to go on a diet, but after reflection concludes that she really doesn't want to change. Of course, the personal growth is as interesting as the traditional "who dunnit". So, a mystery within a mystery.

I enjoy this series because it is a glimpse into the African culture with women in the key positions. Smith has made this another entertaining story in The No.1 Ladies Detective Agency Series.

I have to admit, that I liked the first book best, (No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency) because Precious Ramotswe ( the main character) is more developed, created and nurtured by the author. I don't think Blue Shoes and Happiness gives enough of the background to help the reader fully understand.

I noticed that Smith is really developing the secondary characters: Grace and Mr. Polopetsi (whom Mma Ramotswe has befriended and works in her husband's garage). Could it be that there will be some spin-off with these characters? Precious keeps talking about moving back to her home village. Maybe she'll have a franchise detective business. :)