A Murder for Miss Hortense

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.

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

Pennant's plot and characters are top-notch, but the lagniappe of the novel is her portrayal of Bigglesweigh, awash in minor drama that covers up major secrets. She leaves the door wide open for Miss Hortense to probe more crimes, a welcome development indeed ― New York Times

Pennant's splendid debut mystery introduces readers to an unforgettable new sleuth, the indomitable Miss Hortense ― Washington Post

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

This is a beautiful novel, suffused with fondness and wit. It provides a highly entertaining and intriguing insight into a very special world. A real triumph! -- Alexander McCall Smith, author of The No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency Series

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

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

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

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