In the Company of Cheerful Ladies   by Alexander McColl Smith

The usual gentle, happy writing style which describes the gentle, happy life of Mma Ramotswe, a Botswanan lady.

Core of story is her ex-husband turns up and tries to blackmail her on the idea that she never divorced him and is living an invalid marriage, but she learns that he had been previously married before her and didn't divorce, so everything is well. Her husband's let property is used as a /Shebeen/ (illegal drinking house), and his apprentice has fallen for the shebeen queen. Mma Ramotswe's precious white van is stolen, and she knocks a man off his bicycle who subsequently ends up in her employment.

Heart-warmingly simple, perfect for reading through hot summer days.