The Great Hippopotamus Hotel

About the book

In this latest installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi embark on a new and intriguing case, uncovering surprising truths along the way.

Nestled in the rolling hills just outside Gaborone, amidst a grove of acacia trees, you will find The Great Hippopotamus Hotel. Offering spacious rooms with views of the Botswanan countryside and a dedicated staff, the hotel has long been a sanctuary for weary travelers. However, a series of unfortunate events threaten to tarnish the hotel’s impeccable reputation. From food poisoning to disappearing laundry and a guest being stung by a scorpion, these incidents seem too frequent to be mere coincidences - something sinister is at play.

Mma Ramotswe and Mma Makutsi take on the case to uncover the culprits behind these mishaps. Initially, all fingers point to Violet Sephotho, but as they delve deeper, they realize the situation is more complex than they anticipated. Meanwhile, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni faces a delicate situation as he is asked by a valuable client to find a sports car, all while keeping it a secret from the man’s wife. With their trademark humor and compassion, Mma Ramotswe and her team must restore the hotel’s reputation, proving that even the most challenging circumstances can be overcome with honesty and empathy.