Alexander McCall Smith's Latest: In the Time of the Pumpkins

The No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency series is one of the few series that I continue to follow despite the books numbering over 3.

I often lose interest in series after book 3 (maybe 4). And in truth, I don't stay current on any of McCall Smith's other series.

But the No. 1 Ladies Detective Agency novels continue to delight me. 

In the Time of Five Pumpkins delighted me.

It moves somewhat faster than some others. Quite often the books are very slice-of-life. I can pick them up and put them down without worrying about cliffhangers. In this case, however, I was curious about the two main cases, especially since one, rather classically, suggested a murder plot. 

It wasn't. And I didn't bother to add *spoilers* here since I knew it wasn't a murder at the time. Part of the series' charm is that it is full of exciting moments but rarely, if ever, melodramatic ones. I love murder mysteries! I also greatly admire a mystery novel that can create mystery without resorting to murder. 

McCall Smith is able to pull off this feat (Okay, it isn't murder but what could it be?) because he has the capacity to imagine new problems. By "new," I don't mean "edgy." The problems, like problems between a husband and wife, come up again and again. But they never come up again in entirely the same way as before. Nothing does. It's repetition without being repetitious. 

So even Mma Ramotswe's white van--though its problems crop up over and over--never poses the exact same problems. In The Time of Five Pumpkins, for instance, Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni brings up electric door options. Mma Ramotswe is puzzled. Are people so lazy, they can't simply go around and lock the other door? 

As someone with electric car door features that don't work, I appreciate Mma Ramotswe's point!

And McCall Smith surprised me since Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni gets a possible friend. It never really occurred to me that he didn't have a "buddy." Not everybody needs one. I'm not sure Mr. J.L.B. Matekoni needs one. But I was impressed at the possibility being presented. 

As well as insightful and unexpected moments, the book has several very funny moments (those tight pants!). 

The one wish I have is that Fanwell, like Charlie, would get a little more story. 

Maybe the next book!