When Mma Potokwane suggests to Mma Ramotswe that she run for a seat on the Gaborone City Council, Mma Ramotswe is unsure until she learns that developers plan to build the flashy Big Fun Hotel next to a graveyard. Her opponent is none other than Mma Makutsi's old nemesis Violet Sephotho. Violet is intent on using every trick in the book to secure her election, but, for her part, Mma Ramotswe refuses to promise anything beyond what she can deliver.

Meanwhile, to impress a new girlfriend, Charlie volunteers to take on the role of lead investigator in a case for an old friend of Mma Ramotswe's late father. With Charlie's inquiries landing him in hot water and Election Day fast approaching, Mma Ramotswe will have to call upon her good humor and generosity of spirit to help the community navigate these thorny issues, and prove that honesty and compassion will always carry the day.