The Limpopo Academy of Private Detection is the thirteenth mystery novel by Alexander McCall Smith in The No.

In this novel, Precious Ramotswe is faced with serious problems among two who are very close to her, Mma Potokwane of the orphan farm and young Fanwell, assistant mechanic in her husband's garage.

Besides help from her assistant, Mma Makutsi, both are aided by none other than the author of their well-used handbook on private detection, Clovis Andersen, visiting from America.

The Limpopo River marks one border of Botswana and runs near Gaborone; Grace Makutsi suggests that as a name for an academy of private detection when Andersen is their guest for dinner.

Reception was generally positive, focussing on the interplay between Mma Ramotswe and the American with his concise summaries of any situation, as well as the moral clarity of the world described by McCall Smith.

Mma Silvia Potokwane, who heads the orphan farm and Fanwell, the younger of the two assistant mechanics, both need help.

Then a stranger from America appears at her office to say hello, none other than Clovis Andersen, the author of the book on which she and Mma Makutsi rely for good advice.

Mma Potokwane is dismissed from her position at the orphan farm by the board, which has decided to build a central cafeteria in place of meals cooked and served at the homes by the housemothers.

Clovis Andersen suggests they follow the money, that is, learn who is to gain by getting the contract to build this unwanted cafeteria.

[2][3][4] The Guardian's Philip Womack wrote, "It is all but impossible to criticise this novel; that would be like kicking a slightly senile labrador that always retrieves a ball when you throw it, whether you like it or not.

"[3] A review in The Scotsman notes that whenever Clovis Andersen "helps Mma Ramotswe, his principles for successful sleuthing deliver almost instantaneous results.

Mma Ramotse's "musings on power, mortality and human frailty and foolishness seem more perceptive" and Grace Makutsi is "wrestling with guilt at her newfound status as the wife of a prosperous man".