Panthe
on
Published September 30, 2025
Reviewed by Meredith Frazier
For those familiar with the long-running series and those just being introduced to it, In the Time of Five Pumpkins is quintessential Alexander McCall Smith and his No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novels. This latest novel in the series features all the beloved characters, from Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi to Mma Potokwane and even Grace’s shoes. It also features McCall Smith’s trademark voice and gentle philosophizing about the human condition as Ramotswe and Makutsi take on the investigation of a married couple, representing both husband and wife who each suspect the other of infidelity. This is tricky, of course, but after much thought, Ramotswe decides there is no conflict of interest if she treads carefully, especially considering that there are no other detectives to whom she can refer the case.
The investigation leads to lunches, a visit to the Orphan Farm, and a bit of a puzzle to be worked out, but the puzzle itself isn’t the point so much as are Ramotswe’s musings. There’s also an expected twist/side investigation, and this time it’s a bit more dire than usual: Ramotswe’s husband, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, makes a new friend who may or may not be a good friend and, in fact, may be a threat to Matekoni’s life. This side investigation has to be handled very delicately and leads to more musings and some real dangers. But, this is a No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency novel, so all is well in the end.
McCall Smith has an uncanny ability to hold the reader’s interest and propel the plot, even when the action is minimal. He is also able to sustain interest in a series that now runs to 26 installments. His characters are engaging, interesting, and wise; there’s often elements of quiet humor; and the personalities and revelations are always intriguing and relevant to life outside the novel. As with all the books in this series, In the Time of Five Pumpkins is an ode both to the human condition with all its joys and foibles and to Botswana and its traditions, a strong, supportive backdrop that informs the lives of all the characters.