A Murder for Miss Hortense: 'It's Murder She Wrote as you've never seen it before' Sir Lenny Henry

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Mel Pennant

A Murder for Miss Hortense

'It's Murder She Wrote as you've never seen it before' Sir Lenny Henry

Mel Pennant

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BASKERVILLE BOOKS
10 June 2025

Fiction & Literature; Crime & Mystery

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'Splendid . . . introduces readers to an unforgettable new sleuth, the indomitable Miss Hortense' Washington Post

'The formidable Miss Hortense will be your new favourite literary sleuth! Fresh, original and intriguing from start to finish!' Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Examiner and The Appeal

'What a read! This is more than a cosy crime mystery [. . .] it's the story of a community, one I hope I get to visit again soon' Jennie Godfrey, author of The List of Suspicious Things

Death has come to her doorstep . . .

Retired nurse, avid gardener, renowned cake maker and fearless sleuth Miss Hortense has lived in Bigglesweigh, a quiet Birmingham suburb, since she emigrated from Jamaica in 1960. She takes great pride in her home, starching her lace curtains bright white, and she can tell if she's been short-changed on turmeric before she's even taken her first bite of a beef patty. Thirty-five years of nursing have also left her afraid of nobody - be they a local drug dealer or a priest - and an expert in deciphering other people's secrets with just a glance.

Miss Hortense uses her skills to investigate the investments of the Pardner network - a special community of Black investors, determined to help their people succeed. But when an unidentified man is found dead in one of the Pardner's homes, a Bible quote noted down beside his body, Miss Hortense's long-buried past comes rushing back to greet her, bringing memories of the worst moment of her life, one which her community has never let her forget.

It is time for Miss Hortense to solve a mystery that will see her, and the community she loves, tested to their limits.

'A beautiful novel, suffused with fondness and wit . . . highly entertaining'Alexander McCall Smith, author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series

'A vibrant tribute to the Windrush generation and a particular kind of woman who will not let injustice rest' Jessica Bull, author of Miss Austen Investigates

'Unforgettable characters that anyone from a Caribbean family will recognise - unique, compulsive, and laugh-out-loud brilliant!' Nadine Matheson, author of The Jigsaw Man

By: Mel Pennant
Imprint: BASKERVILLE BOOKS
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 232mm, Width: 152mm, Spine: 32mm
Weight: 420g
ISBN: 9781399814386
ISBN 10: 1399814389
Pages: 352
Publication Date: 10 June 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Mel Pennant is an award-winning playwright whose work has appeared in the National Archives, as well as on stage. Born in London, she was raised by an extraordinary village, which included her Jamaican grandparents who moved to England in the 1950s as part of the Windrush generation. Mel is drawn to stories that explore what's hidden below the surface and celebrate the richness and strength of tight-knit communities. She lives in London with her family and their dog, Bleu. A Murder for Miss Hortense is Mel's first novel and she is currently writing another mystery starring Miss Hortense.

Reviews for A Murder for Miss Hortense: 'It's Murder She Wrote as you've never seen it before' Sir Lenny Henry

Miss Hortense is sharper than Poirot, tougher than Vera and a better cook than Columbo! It's Murder She Wrote as you've never seen it before -- Sir Lenny Henry If this delightful murder mystery is anything to go by, then the formidable Miss Hortense will be your new favourite literary sleuth! Fresh, original and intriguing from start to finish! -- Janice Hallett, bestselling author of THE EXAMINER and THE APPEAL What a read! This is more than a cosy crime mystery, from the brilliant Miss Hortense and Blossom, and the rich history of their lives, it's the story of a community, one I hope I get to visit again soon -- Jennie Godfrey, author of THE LIST OF SUSPICIOUS THINGS Packed with cleverness and warmth, with an expertly plotted mystery spanning decades, you do not want to miss the unique wit and resourcefulness of Miss Hortense. This book delivers that magical combination of unforgettable characters, community, and heart, and I could not put it down -- Kristen Perrin, author of HOW TO SOLVE YOUR OWN MURDER A clever, funny, and suspenseful debut with unforgettable characters that anyone from a Caribbean family will recognise - unique, compulsive, and laugh-out-loud brilliant! Miss Hortense is a brilliant addition to crime fiction -- Nadine Matheson, author of THE JIGSAW MAN I wouldn't mess with Miss Hortense, but I would trust her with my life. Who else is as good at making a black cake as solving a murder? What a wonderful, original crime novel -- Louise Hare, author of MISS ALDRIDGE REGRETS Mel Pennant's debut, A Murder for Miss Hortense, is not only an expertly plotted, page-turning mystery, it's also a vibrant tribute to the Windrush generation and a particular kind of woman who will not let injustice rest -- Jessica Bull, author of MISS AUSTEN INVESTIGATES I really enjoyed this! Funny, clever and so entertaining. I'm looking forward to the sequel -- Jessica George, author of MY NAME IS MAAME A murder mystery that explores community and relationships all while keeping you turning the pages. Miss Hortense is a striking, singular character who will stay with me as someone to both fear and revere; I'm delighted that this is just the beginning! -- Kate Kemp, author of THE GRAPEVINE