What Rhymes with Murder? (Penny Tangey, Summit)

Penny Tangey’s debut cosy crime novel, What Rhymes With Murder?, is set within a charming, close-knit Melbourne community filled with nosy neighbours and a local café. The story follows new mother Frida, who becomes swept up in a murder mystery after attending the local library’s Baby Rhyme Time – an unexpected distraction from the monotony of caring for a small human. The crime becomes a catalyst for new friendships and draws the community together with the shared goal of amateur sleuthing. Although structured around a murder mystery, the novel is about far more than the crime itself, offering a thoughtful exploration of early parenthood that is deeply resonant for anyone in that exhausting stage of life and insightful for those who are not. The story is character-driven with a light, engaging rhythm from the outset, making it an easy and satisfying read. Tangey’s writing is refreshingly uncomplicated, but never at the expense of the story; instead, it adds to the book’s charm, resulting in a delightful, comforting novel that feels like a perfect holiday read. The library setting feels especially authentic, reflecting the author’s own background as a librarian. As a warm tribute to suburban libraries and the people who work in them, What Rhymes With Murder? has obvious appeal for library communities and offers strong potential for library-based events. Fans of Richard Osman’s The Thursday Murder Club series will find much to enjoy here.

Books+Publishing reviewer: Emma Nield is a community library assistant in country South Australia and an avid reader who loves matchmaking people with the perfect story. Books+Publishing is Australia’s number-one source of pre-publication book reviews.

Books+Publishing pre-publication reviews are supported by the Copyright Agency Cultural Fund.

Category: Friday Unlocked reviews Reviews