Tears of the Giraffe, by Alexander McCall Smith, is the second book in the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. This story picks up where the first book left off, following the life of Precious Ramotswe and her adventures as Botswana’s only detective. The reader is treated to the same witty, innocent style that has made this series so unique.

In this book, Mma Ramotswe uses her keen observation skills to investigate a cheating wife and a cold case involving a long-missing boy. Along the way, she begins to seriously consider the ethical implications of her work. She decides that her wold is imperfect because people have lost the “old Botswana morality,” but how can she, a woman of character, operate in such a world?

Much of Tears of the Giraffe is concerned with Mma Ramotswe’s new fiance, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. For the reader, it is a pleasure to have the chance to meet this character. He is truly a good man, honest and caring in all he does. Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni runs a mechanic’s shop and lives a quiet life, but he gets into trouble when, without the knowledge of his bride-to-be, he agrees to adopt a pair of orphan children.

This novel spends a good amount of time on the development of supporting characters. This is one of the keys to a good sequel, and is a sign of good things to come.