
In the Time of Five Pumpkins
Alexander McCall Smith(Author)
Abacus (Publisher)
Will be published approx. on 3. September 2026
Book
Paperback/Softback
224 pages
978-0-349-14772-7 (ISBN)
Description
Book 26 in the multi-million copy bestselling and perennially adored No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series
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. Freddie Mogorosi has invited Mr J.L.B. Matekoni to go fishing with him on the local dam - which is home to some fairly nasty crocodiles. They do not catch anything, but something nearly catches them.
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.
For Botswana is a kind country, and 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.
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. Freddie Mogorosi has invited Mr J.L.B. Matekoni to go fishing with him on the local dam - which is home to some fairly nasty crocodiles. They do not catch anything, but something nearly catches them.
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.
For Botswana is a kind country, and 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.
Reviews / Votes
Alexander McCall Smith offers a gentler, more reflective approach to crime fiction... Ramotswe solves everyday mysteries with empathy. intuition and quiet humour * Mirror * Warm tone, thoughtful storytelling and memorable characters... a perfect cosy mystery for readers who enjoy gentle and uplifting narratives * Sunday Guardian *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
London
United Kingdom
Publishing group
Little, Brown Book Group
Dimensions
Height: 198 mm
Width: 126 mm
Thickness: 22 mm
ISBN-13
978-0-349-14772-7 (9780349147727)
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Schweitzer Classification
Other editions
Additional editions

Person
Alexander McCall Smith is the author of over one hundred books on a wide array of subjects, including the award-winning The No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. He is also the author of the Isabel Dalhousie novels and the world's longest-running serial novel, 44 Scotland Street. His books have been translated into forty-six languages. Alexander McCall Smith is Professor Emeritus of Medical Law at the University of Edinburgh and holds honorary doctorates from thirteen universities. He was knighted by the King in 2024.