What Rhymes with Murder?

By Penny Tangey

About The Book

Only Murders in the Building meets The Thursday Murder Club in this hilarious new take on cosy crime.

‘I loved this charming story about murder, motherhood and caffeine. Frida is a delight; a quirky and modern Miss Marple.’ SARAH BAILEY, author of The Housemate

When exhausted new mother Frida attends Baby Rhyme Time at the local library, she feels a sense of purpose that has been lacking in her anxious, apartment-bound, sleep-deprived life. But at the end of the session a piercing scream is heard, followed by the thump of a body, and the library becomes a crime scene.

Before long, Frida finds herself part of an unlikely group of sleuths investigating the murder. Between gossip and cups of magic at their local cafe, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger . . .

‘Sharp, funny and sneakily profound.' VIKKI PETRAITIS, author of The Unbelieved

‘Murder, mystery and sharp takes on motherhood, all threaded into a great domestic noir. Oh, and it’s a hoot!’ MATTHEW SPENCER, author of Black River

About The Author

Photograph © Breeana Dunbar
Penny Tangey

Penny is a librarian, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne. She’s published a number of children’s books with UQP, one of which, As Fast As I Can (2020), won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children’s Book Prize. Her latest middle-grade book, Music Camp, was published in June 2025. What Rhymes with Murder? is Penny’s first novel for adults.

Product Details

  • Publisher: S&S/Summit Books (February 24, 2026)
  • Length: 304 pages
  • ISBN13: 9781761634031

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Raves and Reviews

'Perfect for those who love a good mystery and are eager to find out “whodunnit”, but still need a balance of safety and laughter.'

– Inner City News

'Once again Tangey has come up with an entertaining approach to exploring serious issues in an highly enjoyable way. I think the final pages suggest that this novel might not be the only foray into fun adult murder mystery. Let’s hope for a sequel.'

– ReadPlus

'Tangey captures the essence of parenthood in all its joyful messiness . . . an enjoyable read. It’s as warm as a flat white in the park on a gloriously sunny afternoon, leaving the reader hopeful that they’ll be lucky enough to enjoy the company of Frida and her Baby Rhyme Time friends again soon.'

– Sydney Arts Guide

'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.'

– Books+Publishing

'Penny Tangey – already an award-winning middle-grade author – has knocked it out of the park (or maybe thrown it out of the pram?) with this hilarious mystery.'

– Fiona Hardy, author of Old Games

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What Rhymes with Murder?

By Penny Tangey
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