SHORTLISTED FOR THE MCDERMID DEBUT AWARD
LONGLISTED FOR THE CWA WHODUNNIT DAGGER AWARD
“If you’re craving even more unassumingly canny sleuths. . . . A Murder for Miss Hortense . . . finds the titular Jamaican émigrée enjoying her golden years. . . . But when an old acquaintance turns up dead, Miss Hortense has to re-engage with the world, put aside her resentments and use her skills as a retired nurse to get justice.”
—Sadie Stein, The New York Times, “Love Agatha Christie? Read These Books Next”
“Stretches the cozy [mystery] form in appealing ways. . . . Pennant’s plot and characters are top-notch. . . . She leaves the door wide open for Miss Hortense to probe more crimes, a welcome development indeed.”
—Sarah Weinman, The New York Times Book Review
“Pennant’s splendid debut mystery introduces readers to an unforgettable new sleuth, the indomitable Miss Hortense.”
—Karen MacPherson, The Washington Post, “Five of the Best Mysteries to Read This Summer”
“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
“If this delightful murder mystery is anything to go by, then the formidable Miss Hortense will be your new favorite literary sleuth! Fresh, original and intriguing from start to finish!”
—Janice Hallett, bestselling author of The Examiner and The Appeal
“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
“I really enjoyed this! Funny, clever, and so entertaining. I’m looking forward to the sequel.”
—Jessica George, New York Times bestselling author of Maame
“Miss Hortense’s sharp mind and keen observations are reminiscent of Miss Marple.”
—Bethanne Patrick, Oprah Daily, “8 New Summer Mystery and Thriller Books That Are Like CrossFit for Your Brain”
“Perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club books by Richard Osman or The Maid’s Secret by Nita Prose.”
—Kiersten Hall, Screen Rant, “10 New Books That Are Perfect Beach Reads for Summer 2025”
“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
“A clever, funny, and suspenseful debut with unforgettable characters that anyone from a Caribbean family will recognize—unique, compulsive, and laugh-out-loud brilliant! Miss Hortense is a brilliant addition to crime fiction.”
—Nadine Matheson, author of The Jigsaw Man
“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 a particular kind of woman who will not let injustice rest.”
—Jessica Bull, author of the Miss Austen Investigates series
“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 Grape Vine
“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
“Written with a playwright’s deft pen; the scenes are neat, the action direct. What stands out most is the care with which characters are written, in how they move, dress, and—most notably—speak. As a bonus, traditional recipes are peppered throughout with great effect. . . . A memorable cozy with lots of depth.”
—Kirkus Reviews
“A lively cozy centered on the indomitable Miss Hortense. . . . Pennant populates Bigglesweigh with colorful, well-drawn characters and strikes an appealing tone halfway between sweet and melancholy.”
—Publishers Weekly
“Both a gripping mystery and an eye-opening portrait of life for the Jamaicans who immigrated to England as part of the Windrush generation, emphasizing the discrimination and mistreatment they suffered as well as their close community bonds. . . . Pennant perfectly captures the Jamaican patois in this quirky, witty tale with an unconventional cast of characters, a dark edge, and a satisfying ending.”
—Emily Melton, Booklist
“I can’t wait for everyone to meet Miss Hortense.”
—Elisa Shoenberger, Book Riot
“A Murder for Miss Hortense marks the debut of a relentless, memorable sleuth.”
—Alice Cary, BookPage
