In the Time of Five Pumpkins (No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency #26) by Alexander McCall Smith

I cannot deny, I am a huge fan of this series. At twenty-six installments, McCall Smith still doesn’t fail to deliver yet another heart-warming tale involving his beloved characters in Botswana.

As usual there are a few threads to follow. Mama Ramotswe, Charlie and Mama Makutsi are investigating a cheating wife, or are they? Mr J.L.B. Makatoni, Mama Ramotswe’s husband has made a new friend, but does this new friend have an ulterior motive?

As always, at the core of this book is Botswana; its landscape, its people, and its way of life. There are gentle philosophical conversations to be had with Mma Pokotoni, accompanied by her legendary fruit cake and copious cups of rooibos tea. There are evenings spent with Mama Ramotswe and Mr J.L.B. Makatoni sitting companionably on their porch before dinner and watching the sun descend and the day cool.

These books are to be savoured, not rushed. They are like a balm for the soul. Pour yourself a cup of tea, cut a slice of cake and find a comfortable spot to lose yourself in this delightful world that McCall Smith has created.

Reviewed by Gaby Meares
Murder on a Monday Reading Group