Everyone would think that being engaged would bring someone happiness. Precious Ramotswe finds herself filled with concern about her new fiance, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni. They have been friends since her arrival in town, and that friendship has certainly grown and developed. She can't help but notice that he is acting strangely. He is not the confident and enthusiastic man that she once knew. He seems to be full of doubt about himself. He is so distracted that he finds he must take a break from running his garage.

Fortunately for everyone, The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency is moving in. Sharing space with the Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors would all Mma Ramotswe to improve her profit status. It also means that Mma Makutsi, her assistant side kick will be able to fill in and become assistant/acting manager for the garage. Mma Ramotswe has always felt a great deal of success for her, and this is a great way to reward her.

Little did everyone know, but Mma Makutsi proves to be quite able to manage the shop. Not only does she convince Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni's two lazy apprentices of the importance of working to their full potential, but she can also be found under the hood filling in when necessary. She is able to increase customer satisfaction and increase demand for their services.

Mma Ramotswe finds herself pulled into a different kind of case when she is approached by a Government Man. He has concerns that his younger brother is in danger from the machinations of his wife. Poisoning is a likely culprit. At first, Mma Ramotswe is reluctant to take the case because she believes it is a matter for the police, but she is talked into it.

As if running the garage wasn't enough for Mma Makutsi, a new client comes in with the hopes of hiring the agency. He runs a local beauty pageant, and he has some concerns about the honesty of the girls that are in the contest. his biggest fear is that a dishonest or immoral girl will win and disgrace the pageant, driving away much-needed sponsors. He is hoping the agency will look into the contestants and help him choose the most honest girl. Mma Makutsi takes the case and hopes to prove her investigative skills to her beloved boss.

Even with all of this going on, Mma Ramotswe makes time to sort out what is going on with Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni. After some quick research, she concludes that he is likely suffering from depression. Now, can she convince him to get the help he needs?