Characters you'll want to check in with again and again

And Emma's happy there are 26 chances to do just that!

Here’s a mystery series I absolutely adore: The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency by Alexander McCall Smith. It's set in Botswana and follows the sleuthing adventures of Ma Precious Ramotswe and her best friend and assistant, Ma Grace Makutski. Gentle, sweet, life-affirming, never too dark and always fun. The author does a wonderful job of creating characters you can believe in and will want to check in with again and again. (Since the series is currently 26 books strong, if you join me in reading it, you have plenty of rollicking entertainment ahead.) I especially recommend the audiobook versions read by Lisette Lecat. She brings the characters to life and makes you feel as if they are true friends.