This is the fifth novel in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. Once again we are transported to Gaborone, capital of Botswana, and enter the world of Mma Ramotswe and her friends.

Mma Ramotswe, who became engaged to Mr J. L. B. Matekoni at the end of the first book, is still engaged. She wonders when a day for the wedding will be named, but she is anxious to avoid putting too much pressure on her fiance. For indeed he has other things on his mind - notably a frightening request made of him by Mma Potokwani, pushy matron of the Orphan Farm. Mma Ramotswe herself has weighty matters on her mind. She has been approached by a wealthy lady - whose fortune comes from successful hair-braiding salons - and has been asked to check up on several suitors. Are these men just interested in her money? This may be difficult to find out, but Mma Ramotswe is, of course, a very intuitive lady.

And in the background of all this is Botswana, a country of empty spaces and echoing skies, a country so beautiful and entrancing that it breaks the heart.