As lockdown number one kicked in back in 2020, I found myself rummaging, as I tried to find something to break the enforced monotony. Having been in the loft several times over the previous weekends – filling bags for charity, as well as bags of bits that just needed to be binned – I decided to tackle a brimming cupboard that stood forebodingly in the back corner. Within the cupboard was all manner of random objects: games from numerous Christmases, Lonely Planet guides, maps, old sticker albums and books. Quite appropriately, within this brimming cupboard was Alexander McCall Smith’s “The Full Cupboard of Life”, the fifth in his “The No.1 Ladies’ Detective Agency” series.

I picked up the book and read the first few pages while in the loft, being drawn into the story by the author’s gentle humour, the engaging imagery and the warmth that emits from lead character Precious Ramotswe. The language is simple and uncomplicated, while remaining insightful, perceptive and descriptive. Ideal for a tired brain looking for a little escapism as the world went crazy over toilet roll and pasta.   

For those that are unfamiliar with the series, Mma Ramotswe (Mma and Rra (masculine) are used throughout the books and are formal terms of greeting and respect), boldy sets up the first and only female-run detective agency in Gaborone, Botswana. A kind-hearted lady, of “traditional build”, Precious employs her intuition, common sense and compassion to make her agency a success.

Through the series, we are introduced to her supporting cast – Grace Makutsi (an awkward yet very efficient secretary, who is later promoted to associate detective), J.L.B. Matekoni (the widowed owner of Tlokweng Road Speedy Motors, who will eventually become Mma Ramotswe’s husband) and, later, their two adopted children Puso and Motholele.
Other characters include Mma Potokwani (possibly my favourite character), the resourceful matron of the Orphan Farm who uses her ingenuity to run the orphanage through donations of funds, time and labour. She also expertly uses her famous fruitcake as a lure – a cunning tactic and one which I may start to utilise! We meet and J.L.B’s mechanic apprentices Charlie and Fanwell (the latter’s name is only revealed in book 10).
We are also introduced to Mma Ramotswe’s late father, Obed, who tells his own story in the first novel. Still much loved and revered by his daughter, who refers to him frequently in the books, Obed worked down the mines in his younger days to support his family.

I read “The Full Cupboard of Life” over a few days, after which I promptly started making my way through the series, first heading to the four proceeding books and then reading the series in order, completing “The Double Comfort Safari Club” (number 11 in the series). I paused here, as I’d bought other books that were tempting my attention. However, I already have the next three books waiting on my shelf, so my return to the series will be happening one day soon!

It is hard to pick out individual books, as after a while, they all blend into a rich catalogue. You know the characters well and as each new book is opened, you are keen to know how they are getting on. Indeed, it feels like the characters and their lives, play as much a part in the novels as solving mysteries. That isn’t to say that serious or difficult themes aren’t covered. Domestic violence, death, clinical depression, bullying, ethics and philosophy, infidelity, kidnapping and corruption are all covered, as well as many other areas.

However, these issues are handled in such a way that the topic matter does not deter the reader. We are keen to know how the characters will handle the issues they face – and it is generally with inspiring compassion, creativity, knowledge of self-worth and a lack of maliciousness.

The author conveys his love of Botswana through his writing, which pulls you in and makes the setting feel comforting and familiar. With 22 novels in the series (as of 2021), the popularity of Precious and her crew shows little sign of waning. 

Finding this series during the pandemic was a gift. Being able to escape to a beautiful setting, filled familiar characters, where friendship, charm and humour are never far away, proved to be a comfort while the world outside felt crazy. 

I look forward to picking up again with Mma Ramotswe – with a slice of cake and a mug of bush tea in hand.