Precious Ramotswe is back for another adventure as she delves into the world of football, which we Americans confusedly call soccer. She has been hired by Mr. Mologololo, the owner of the local Kalahari Swoopers, because has some serious concerns about the bad record of the team. Considering the high level of talent on the team, he things that one or more of the players is doing something to make the team lose. He hasn't been able to sort out who it is, but he thinks that Mma Ramotswe's skills as a detective will allow her to root out the offender quickly.

Mma Ramotswe's assistant is finding herself being drawn into her first domestic trouble. Grace Makutsi, who earned a record 97% on her test in secretarial school, is happily engaged to the owner of a local furniture store. She and Phuti Radiphuti are looking forward to their approaching marriage. Mma Makutsi starts to get nervous when her nemesis, Violet Sephoto who was much more attractive than talented in school, applies for a position in the bedding department of Mr. Radiphuti's store. After the way Precious and Grace embarassed Violet in the last book, Mma Makutsi thinks Violet wants to get revenge by stealing the well-off and successful Mr. Radiphuti.

Mma Ramotswe is dealing with her own troubles as well. Her beloved white van, which has been trouble with mechanical problems for some time, seems to have finally reached a point when it is not worth repairing it. The little white van has been a reliable companion for her for years so she is taking the loss to heart. She understands that Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni thinks that she should have a vehicle that runs properly.

As usual, McCall Smith's tale of a detective and her friends in Botswana is a pleasurable read. Since Mma Ramotswe is not familiar with the sport of football, her investigation is quite humorous. Getting to see Mma Makutsi work with Charlie, Mr. J.L.B. Matakoni's less than reliable apprentice, in order to find out how Violet is so successful in capturing sales.

While this volume wasn't strong on the "mystery" elements, but it really gives the reader a chance to spend more time focused on some really fun characters. I really loved this one. I am a little sad since I am now all caught up with the series. That means I have to wait for the next one to come out!