In the Time of Five Pumpkins

No 1. Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 26

By: Alexander McCall Smith

Narrated by: Bianca Amato

In this newest installment of Alexander McCall Smith’s beloved No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency series, Mma Ramotswe takes on a number of perplexing situations, and while she tries to maintain her usual impartiality, it’s difficult when one of the cases involves someone so close to her heart.

“Delightful … The warm humanity infused throughout [these] novels is what brings readers back … [McCall Smith] brings out the profound importance of everyday revelations.”—San Francisco Chronicle

Mma Ramotswe can sense the rain long before it comes. It’s been a long, dry summer, but the first downpour of the season tends to bring with it new growth. In this case, it also brings a new client, who suspects his wife of having an affair. Mma Ramotswe is on the case, and she decides to bring Charlie along. But as they look further into the matter, they begin to suspect their client may not have been entirely truthful in explaining his predicament.

Meanwhile, Mr. J.L.B.’s Matekoni has struck up a new friendship with a man named Mr. Mogorosi, a prominent figure in the motor trade business. Mma Ramotswe is concerned that Mr. Mogorosi may have ulterior motives for his attentions. When the two go on a fishing trip in waters teeming with dangerous crocodiles, she begins to worry for Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni’s safety.

And though Mma Ramotswe has never quite perfected Mma Potokwane’s delicious fruit cake recipe, she can always rely on her old friend for a steaming cup of red bush tea, some wise counsel, and a generous slice of cake. As welcome storms roll in to the little city of Gaborone, the pumpkins in Mma Potokwane’s garden flourish, as do her keen insights. These will prove invaluable to Mma Ramotswe as she navigates these sensitive matters with her usual good humor and compassion.

©2025 Alexander McCall Smith (P)2025 Recorded Books

Characters

The optimism need it in this climate It’s what is needed today The character are so developed

In the time of 5 pumpkins

This series always delivers. Simple reminders for what humanity needs to hear in a
burdensome world. Amusing
& poigniant.

Lovely Story

I was hoping this would be narrated by Lisette Lecat, but it was still good.

A Touching Story

I love all the bits of Africa from the wise sayings to the culture. The narrator makes me feel like I’m there.

Another wonderful adventure.

The Characters and their stories always leave me a better human being. Botswana must have been the original Paradise.