In the Time of Five Pumpkins

No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 26

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Adjoa Andoh

The rains are coming, but not just yet. When they do, there will be green shoots of growth throughout Botswana. Pumpkins will flourish – particularly those of Mma Potokwani, matron of a children’s home and old friend of Precious Ramotswe. Mma Potokwani and Mma Ramotswe have many other things to talk about, including a new friendship that Mr J.L.B. Matekoni has struck up with Mr Freddie Mogorosi, a prominent figure in the motor trade.

In the meantime, Mma Ramotswe looks into what seems to be a straightforward matter involving a husband who thinks his wife may be having affair. But there is a surprise in store: she, it transpires, suspects that he himself has a lover. This is obviously a case that will require tact – which of course is a quality Mma Ramotswe has in abundance. Along with kindness.

In this latest visit to The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency we are reassured that no matter how unhappy the world may be, there is always an oasis of courtesy and peace in that special place in southern Africa. To which you are now invited.

©2025 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2025 Bolinda Publishing

Critic reviews

'Wonderful characters and atmosphere with a plot that keeps surprising make this another Alexander McCall Smith treasure.' (Booklist, starred review)

'As usual in this celebrated franchise, the pace is leisurely, the felonies are minimal, the tone is reflective and the results are enchanting.' (Kirkus Reviews)

It gets simpler and more boring

I was such a huge fan of the first books of the 1st Ladied Detective agency - I read paper books, I watched it on DVD and then kept buying audiobooks. But evidently, my fascination came to the end. There is no development any longer in the latest books, and endless aimless repetitive talks or thoughts replaced joy, wit and freshness.