The Minor Adjustment Beauty Salon

For a series now with 14 entries, McCall Smith's Botswana-set books starring Mma Precious Ramotswe have maintained a remarkably high standard. Every novel adds new depth to its beloved characters while spinning plot twists that are sufficiently intriguing to make each book work on its own as a satisfying detective story. This latest (after The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection) explores the effect of motherhood on Precious's recently married associate, Mma Makutsi. The latter's maternity-leave causes the unfailingly sensitive Mma Ramotswe to redefine her professional relationship with her assistant. Meanwhile, the agency confronts troubling cases of a possibly false heir to a farm and a beauty salon targeted by a vicious rumor campaign. Despite the country's many admirable qualities, all is not well in Botswana. Lisette Lecat's narration is, as always, pitch perfect.