120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

Overnight NZ-wide delivery 🚀 Auckland Bookstore • Open 7 days, 8:30am–5pm

The Full Cupboard Of Life

The multi-million copy bestselling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series
By Alexander McCall Smith
Series: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
0.0 (0 reviews)
4.03 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating. ( 34,557 ratings, 1,670 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith is a charming instalment in the series featuring Mma Precious Ramotswe, the first female private investigator in Botswana. In this story, Mma Ramotswe faces a plight involving a wealthy woman seeking assurance about a potential husband, while simultaneously navigating a personal impasse regarding her own engagement. The narrative weaves together elements of everyday life, human dilemmas, and the warmth of African culture.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2500
Elsewhere:
$2799
OVERNIGHT NZ-WIDE DELIVERY

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book may appeal to you if you enjoy gentle, heartwarming stories set in the charming landscapes of Botswana. Join a beloved lady detective as she navigates the challenges of life and love with wit and wisdom, weaving tales of everyday mysteries and human relationships that will put a smile on your face.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

The fifth book in the multi-million copy bestselling No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series

*The fifth in the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency series *Highly original 'detective' stories with unique setting and characters for people who are fed up with aggressive literature which dwells on selfishness, discourtesy and conflict.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

The Full Cupboard Of Life continues the delightful story of Mma Ramotswe, who remains engaged to Mr J.L.B. Matekoni following the events of the first book. Yet, she finds herself pondering when a date for the wedding will finally be set, all the while being careful not to exert too much pressure on her fiancé.

Mr J.L.B. Matekoni, however, has his hands full as well. He faces a daunting request from Mma Potokwani, the assertive matron of the Orphan Farm, which adds its own weight to his mind.

Meanwhile, Mma Ramotswe is approached by a wealthy lady, whose wealth originates from her successful hair-braiding salons, seeking her help to investigate a few potential suitors. This lady wonders if these suitors are genuinely interested in her or merely after her fortune. Though this task may seem challenging, Mma Ramotswe, with her natural intuition, is perfectly suited to uncover the truth.

Visit the author's website at www.mccallsmith.com for more information.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith is praised for its charming depiction of daily life in Botswana. The author's engaging style is highlighted, with the book often evoking a smile through its humour and warmth. It is appreciated for its insightful and delightful storytelling, capturing readers through its gentle narrations.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780349117256

Publisher: Little, Brown Book Group

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 July 2004

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Abacus

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 19.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 179g

Pages: 224

Collections

Alexander McCall Smith Best Sellers at Book Hero Fiction General Fiction In Stock Books In-Stock Fiction Books Literary Fiction New Release Fiction Series: No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency

About the Author

McCall Smith is is a Professor of Medical Law as well as an author who has written over 50 books on a wide range of subjects: from Forensic Aspects of Sleep to The Criminal Law of Botswana, The Perfect Hamburger(children's fiction) to Portuguese Irregular Verbs (short stories).

Also by Alexander McCall Smith

View all
  • The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency
    Wayward daughters. Missing husbands. Philandering partners. Curious conmen. If you've got a problem, and no one else can help you, then pay a visit to Precious Ramotswe, Botswana's only - and finest - female private detective. Her methods may not be conventional, and her manner not exactly Miss Marple, but she's got warmth, wit, and canny intuition on her side,...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Miracle At Speedy Motors
    BOOK 9 IN THE BELOVED NO.1 LADIES' DETECTIVE AGENCY SERIES The one with the poison pen letter . . . For the first time in her career as Botswana's no. 1 lady detective, Mma Ramotswe suffers a blow to her faith in the goodness of humanity (and of her neighbours in particular) when she receives a threatening letter. But she...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Saturday Big Tent Wedding Party
    As the countdown to Mma Makutsi's wedding begins, all is not as it should be at the No.1 Ladies' Detective Agency. While investigating unpleasant occurrences on a southern cattle-post, Mma Ramotswe, always on the side of the weak against the strong, has reason to reflect on Rule No.3 of The Principles of Private Detection: never lie to the client. Apprentice...
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Handsome Man's De Luxe Café
    Even the arrival of her baby can't hold Mma Makutsi back from success in the workplace. No sooner does she become a full partner in the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency—despite Mma Ramotswe's belated claims that she is only 'an assistant full partner'—she also launches a new enterprise of her own: The Handsome Man's De Luxe Café. Grace Makutsi is...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Precious and Grace
    Precious and Grace is the seventeenth book in the beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. The one with the woman who lost her past . . . Precious Ramotswe and Grace Makutsi's friendship is tested by a curious case: a client who left Botswana thirty years ago and remembers little of her past. The quest for the truth takes...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Colours of all the Cattle
    The nineteenth book in the beloved No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series The one with the election . . . When Ramotswe enters politics to oppose the construction of the dubious-sounding 'Big Fun Hotel', her opponent turns out to be local troublemaker, Violet Sephotho. But the general air of excitement cannot eclipse important matters of detection. Charlie, assigned a mysterious...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Joy and Light Bus Company
    Catch up on the latest from Mma Ramotswe, Mma Makutsi, and other favourites in this new instalment of Alexander McCall Smith's The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. "Mma Ramotswe is a glorious creation" - Mail on Sunday Mma Ramotswe knows she is very lucky indeed. She has a loving family, good friends, and a thriving business doing what she...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Song of Comfortable Chairs
    THE ONE WHERE MMA POTOKWANI SAVES THE DAY A Song of Comfortable Chairs follows Grace Makutsi's husband, Phuti, who finds himself in a bind. An international firm is attempting to undercut his prices in the office furniture market, and their slick new advertising campaign seems hard to beat. With Mma Ramotswe's help, however, Phuti devises a campaign that may just...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • 44 Scotland Street
    Immediately recognisable are the Edinburgh chartered surveyor, stalwart of the Conservative Association, who dreams of membership of Scotland's most exclusive golf club. We have the pushy Stockbridge mother, and her prodigiously talented five-year-old son, who is making good progress with the saxophone and with his Italian. Then there is Domenica Macdonald who is that type of Edinburgh lady who sees...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Corduroy Mansions
    Welcome to Corduroy Mansions in Pimlico: a temple of Arts and Crafts architecture, with comforting, weathered brickwork and frankly frivolous dormer windows, it is home to a delightfully eccentric cast of Londoners. In the top flat lives William, with a faithful ex-vegetarian dog named Freddie de la Hay and a freeloading son who he hopes will soon fly the nest....
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • From a Far and Lovely Country
    The twenty-fourth book in the multi-million copy bestselling and perennially adored No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series. If you are the founder and Managing Director of the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency, you may expect complete strangers to approach you with their problems when they see you having dinner with your husband in a peri-peri restaurant. And if you are...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Discreet Charm of the Big Bad Wolf
    In the hilarious new novel in the best-selling Detective Varg series, Ulf Varg will need to resolve both a sensitive crime and his own delicate dilemma in the hopes of preserving the peace. The Department of Sensitive Crimes is downsizing in light of a recent downturn of sensitive crime, and staff members are wondering who among them will be transferred...
    By Alexander McCall Smith
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today

More from General Fiction

View all
  • Lizzy's Pick Lizzy's Pick
    Yesteryear
    A BOLD AND BITING SATIRE. WILL HAVE YOU GASPING TO THE FINAL PAGE — Nita Prose WICKEDLY FUNNY, BEAUTIFULLY WRITTEN AND FRIGHTENINGLY PERCEPTIVE — Abigail Dean INVENTIVE, ADDICTIVE, A WILD RIDE — Ashley Audrain SHOT THROUGH WITH HUMOUR AND LACED WITH DARKNESS — Clare Mackintosh The Stepford Wives meets The Handmaid's Tale — Hannah Deitch My name was Natalie Heller...
    By Caro Claire Burke
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • Dylan's Pick Dylan's Pick
    Theo of Golden
    THE INTERNATIONAL BESTSELLING PHENOMENON'For anything to be truly good, there must be love in it. Nothing is what it's supposed to be if love is not at the core.' One morning, a stranger arrives in the town of Golden. No one knows who he is or where he came from…His name is Theo and he's arrived there by chance –...
    By Allen Levi
    Paperback
    $2899
    Elsewhere:
    $3499
    (6)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • The Wedding People
    'BEST READ OF THE YEAR SO FAR' THE TIMES 'BOOKS AS FUN AS THIS ONE ARE FEW AND FAR BETWEEN' GUARDIAN Phoebe Stone arrives at a grand beachside hotel in Rhode Island wearing her best dress and least comfortable shoes. Immediately she is mistaken for one of the wedding people — but she's actually the only guest at the Cornwall...
    By Alison Espach
    Paperback
    $2399
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    (3)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses Paperback Box Set (5 books)
    All five of the Court of Thorns and Roses paperbacks packaged together in a gorgeous box set. "Passionate, violent, sexy and daring." —USA TODAY on A Court of Thorns and Roses Feyre is a huntress. The skin of a wolf would bring enough gold to feed her sisters for a month. But the life of a magical creature comes at...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Set
    $9999
    Elsewhere:
    $12495
    (4)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Wings and Ruin
    The third instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. In A Court of Wings and Ruin, the gripping third book of the ACOTAR series, Feyre Archeron faces the ultimate battle for her world. Having returned to the Spring Court, she is determined to gather...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Thorns and Roses
    The first instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON and TikTok sensation, from multi-million selling and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan – Time Harry Potter magic, Taylor Swift sass, Fifty Shades-level athleticism – The Sunday Times With bits of Buffy, Game of Thrones and Outlander, this is a glorious series...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (2)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Mist and Fury
    A Court of Mist and Fury by Sarah J. Maas continues Feyre Archeron's epic journey in the world of the High Fae. Having survived the brutal trials under the Mountain, Feyre returns to the Spring Court. Though she now possesses the immortal powers of the High Fae, the traumatic experiences have left scars on her human heart. Haunted by the...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Frost and Starlight
    In A Court of Frost and Starlight by Sarah J. Maas, readers are invited to revisit the enchanting world of Prythian in a heartwarming and introspective narrative. Set against the backdrop of the Winter Solstice, Feyre Archeron and her mate Rhysand return to centre stage as they strive to restore the Night Court after the devastating conflicts of A Court...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Frost and Starlight - Night Court Edition
    Limited Edition
    A Court of Frost and Starlight - Night Court Edition
    The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. An unmissable companion tale to the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2300
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Silver Flames - Night Court Edition
    Limited Edition
    A Court of Silver Flames - Night Court Edition
    The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2500
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Silver Flames
    The latest instalment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million and #1 Sunday Times bestselling author Sarah J. Maas. Maas has established herself as a fantasy fiction titan - Time Think Game of Thrones meets Buffy the Vampire Slayer with a drizzle of E.L. James – Telegraph Spiced with slick plotting and atmospheric world-building...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2499
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships today
  • A Court of Wings and Ruin - Night Court Edition
    Limited Edition
    A Court of Wings and Ruin - Night Court Edition
    The magic and beauty of the Night Court is captured in these LIMITED EDITIONS of the Court of Thorns and Roses series! This Night Court Edition features the Night Court symbol on a striking black and silver foiled cover and includes black sprayed edges. The third installment of the GLOBAL PHENOMENON, romantic fantasy epic and TikTok sensation, ACOTAR. From multi-million...
    By Sarah J. Maas
    Paperback
    $2400
    Elsewhere:
    $2799
    In Stock
    Ships today

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.

General Fiction lists from the team

Explore our curated lists from our heroes to find your next read!

The Latest at Book Hero

View all