IN THE TIME OF FIVE PUMPKINS No 1. Ladies' Detective Agency, Book 26

Bianca Amato's performance perfectly re-creates the wonderfully realized characters in Alexander McCall Smith's latest No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency episode. Listeners will enjoy the company of wise Mma Precious Ramotswe, owner and founder of the agency; Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, her husband and owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors; and her irrepressible assistant, Mma Grace Makutsi. This adventure includes an unfaithful spouse, a wheeler-dealer who has devious plans for Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni, a hungry crocodile, and a venomous puff adder. Amato is so comfortable with the African names and phrases that listeners are transported to Gaborone. With Mma Ramotswe, time moves slowly, pumpkins flourish in the rainy season, and a cup of bush tea sounds delightful. S.J.H. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]