A Guide to the Birds of East Africa

by Nicholas Drayson

At first glance, this appears to be a read-alike for the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series. And, in some ways, it is.

Our story takes us to Kenya, where we meet Mr. Malik and Rose Mbikwa. Rose leads a weekly bird walk, and Mr. Malik is a huge fan of both birds and Rose. Sweet, huh?

Enter Harry Khan. He is visiting Nairobi. He is also Malik's archenemy from a long time ago (school). He appears to be interested in Rose also.

And now, our conflict: both gentleman want to ask Rose to the annual Hunt Club Ball. The members of the Asadi Club, however, deem it inappropriate for both men to ask Rose. In order to avoid the awkward situation of Rose having to choose between the men, the men devise a wager. Whoever can identify the most birds in a week's time will win the chance to ask Rose to the ball. Let the games begin!

While it starts out to be a gentle novel in the spirit of those by Alexander McCall Smith, this novel sometimes takes a vulgar turn. And sometimes a bawdy turn. Not too bad, but not as gentle as one would like.

12/18/08