Precious Ramotswe, the ample and good-natured owner of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency is experiencing staffing difficulties. Her relationship with her assistant, Mma Makutsi, is strained. Mr J. L. B. Matekoni becomes involved in the agency's work when he investigates an errant husband. But can a man investigate such matters as competently as one of the ladies? Mma Ramotswe has her doubts. One thing, though, that she does not doubt is the good nature of Mr J. L. B. Matekoni, who stands for all that is solid and true in a shifting world.