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In the Time of Five Pumpkins

Published
Oct 2025
Main Genre
Mystery Mystery
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About This Book

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.

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Hardcover

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Hardcover
First Edition Oct 2025 Knopf ISBN 059370178X
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eBook

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eBook
Sep 2025 -- Not Selected ISBN B0DRWG234Q
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eBook
Sep 2025 Abacus ISBN 0349147698
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eBook
Oct 2025 -- Not Selected ISBN 0593701798
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Audio

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Audible
Sep 2025 -- Not Selected ISBN B0FG9ZRNPF
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Large Print

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Hardcover
Nov 2025 Thorndike Press Large Print ISBN 1420530070
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