'Blue Shoes and Happiness'

By Alexander McCall Smith

Pantheon, $21.95.

The latest of Alexander McCall Smith's series about the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency begins rather slowly. And then it continues on rather slowly.

But, as with Smith's previous books, eventually the reader relaxes into the rhythm of life in Botswana.

In "Blue Shoes and Happiness" we find head detective Precious Ramotswe investigating blackmail and several other mysteries all at the same time. She is also considering going on a diet.

That the "traditionally built" heroine has to worry about her blood pressure makes the reader sad. Of course, her girth is just one of many African traditions that Smith describes so lovingly.

Smith writes of a web of relationships, now in danger of being destroyed by the AIDS epidemic. But for the time being, anyway, people in Botswana feel an obligation for each other. They believe, "Nobody should starve; nobody should feel that they were outsiders; nobody should be alone in their sadness." Another lovely book by Smith. — Susan Whitney

'The Random House Dinosaur Travel Guide'

By Kelly Milner Halls

Random House, $10.99 (softcover).

Like dinosaurs? Then this travel guide is a must. It lists more than 300 sites in all 50 states (17 in Utah) and Canada.

While it is not a book you are likely to sit down and read cover-to-cover, it will come in handy for dinosaur lovers as they hit the road for vacations or trips.

Superbly organized, this book shows just how widespread they were in North America. It also lists trivia and dinosaur history relative to a particular state.

The book also includes a shopping guide for dinosaur related items — from soap to toys to clothing to jewelry. — Lynn Arave

'The Traveler's Diet'

By Peter Greenberg

Villard, $14.95 (softcover).

Written by Peter Greenberg, travel editor for NBC's "Today Show," this book tries to help travelers keep weight down and fitness up while on the road.

After logging 400,000 air miles a year for 20 years, Greenberg himself got on the scale one day and found he had gained 70 pounds. Whoops!

Since he had previously shared travel secrets on hotels, airlines and cruise ships, he decided he needed to write a new one about diet, exercise, sleep and losing weight while on the road.

He discovered many things make a difference — what time-zone changes do to your metabolism, which airports have the best and worst food, and what to eat before flying, among other things. — Dennis Lythgoe