TO THE LAND OF LONG LOST FRIENDS

"She had already had a cup of tea at home before she left for the office, but that was no reason not to have one now. A cup of tea usually restored perspective on things, and that was what she needed now, rather than to sit and think about the ways in which the modern world was ordered. And she was right: a steaming cup of redbush tea was sufficient to banish thoughts of change and decay and to restore the spirits. This was going to be a good day - she was determined to make that so – and she was going to work steadily and efficiently through the list of tasks she had written out for herself."

To The Land Of Long Lost Friends is the twentieth book in the popular No 1 Ladies Detective Agency series by Scottish author, Alexander McCall Smith. Attending a traditional Botswana wedding, Precious Ramotswe sees a ghost. Mr JLB Matekoni worries about heat stroke, but the explanation is far simpler, and Precious decides to help her long lost friend with a family problem. An intriguing case results, with theories and advice offered by Mr JLB Matekoni and Charlie as well as Mma Makutsi.

A case of possible adultery which Mma Ramotswe believes to be concluded is taken up by Mma Makutsi, who feels there is more to learn. A puzzling letter is subsequently received and Charlie gives a male perspective. And a charismatic preacher who is very skilled at divesting wealthy ladies of their money is shown the error of his ways.

In a jaw-dropping development, given his meagre resources, Charlie becomes engaged. Mma Makutsi dares to entertain critical thoughts about Mma Ramotswe's reverence of Seretse Khama. Both Mr JLB Matekoni and Charlie are upbraided for sexist attitudes, although Mma Makutsi does admit her expectations of Charlie might be unreasonably high.

It seems that Mma Makutsi's pronouncements about excessive meat consumption have had an insidious effect on Mma Ramotswe's cooking: Mr JLB Matekoni subtly voices mild criticism of the dearth of meat in his meal.

Mma Ramotswe muses on obligation to love your brothers and sisters, even if they "were difficult people, dirty in some cases, selfish and calculating in others, even smelly" and the real difficulty of loving your enemies (Violet Sepotho?). Mma Potokwani enlightens Mr JLB Matekoni on the existence of "deserved calories".

The story includes a shady scheme, a guilty daughter, a religious charlatan and a certain silver Mercedes Benz. And there is an unexpected addition to the household of Mma Ramotswe and Mr JLB Matekoni, Motholeli and Puso. As always, McCall Smith gives the reader a novel that has humour and wisdom, insightful observations and heartfelt emotion. Delightfully entertaining.

Adjoa Andoh's narration of the audio version is a joy to listen to.