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What Rhymes with Murder?
Not yet published
Expected 24 Feb 26
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
‘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
271 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication February 24, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
February 2, 2026
I was hooked on What Rhymes with Murder? from the very first pages. This was such a clever, original cosy mystery and an absolute pleasure to read.
Set around a Baby Rhyme Time session at the local library, the story introduces us to Frida, an exhausted new mum who is anxious, sleep-deprived, and feeling a bit lost. When a scream turns an ordinary morning into a crime scene, Frida finds herself swept up in an unlikely investigation alongside a wonderfully quirky group of amateur sleuths.
I really enjoyed how well this book was put together. The pacing felt just right, the humour was spot on, and the mix of everyday life, friendship, motherhood, and mystery worked beautifully. The café chats and community feel added so much warmth and charm to the story.
And that twist — I genuinely didn’t see it coming. I didn’t guess the killer or the motive, which made the reveal especially satisfying and showed just how well crafted this mystery is.
A smart, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable cosy crime. I’ll definitely be reading more from Penny Tangey. ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
Set around a Baby Rhyme Time session at the local library, the story introduces us to Frida, an exhausted new mum who is anxious, sleep-deprived, and feeling a bit lost. When a scream turns an ordinary morning into a crime scene, Frida finds herself swept up in an unlikely investigation alongside a wonderfully quirky group of amateur sleuths.
I really enjoyed how well this book was put together. The pacing felt just right, the humour was spot on, and the mix of everyday life, friendship, motherhood, and mystery worked beautifully. The café chats and community feel added so much warmth and charm to the story.
And that twist — I genuinely didn’t see it coming. I didn’t guess the killer or the motive, which made the reveal especially satisfying and showed just how well crafted this mystery is.
A smart, funny, and thoroughly enjoyable cosy crime. I’ll definitely be reading more from Penny Tangey. ⭐⭐⭐⭐½
January 26, 2026
3 1/2 stars
Frida, the mother of a six month old boy Finn, decides to attend the local library’s Baby Rhyme Time in an effort to get out of the house and among other people. Little does Frida know, her life will be turned upside down, when a woman at the library dies in suspicious circumstances, just metres away from the group of parents and babies.
The death of the woman haunts Frieda and she finds herself drawn to Josh, another parent who was also attending Rhyme Time on the day. Together, Josh and Frida reflect on the events that occurred, usually over coffee in the nearby cafe. Over time, their interest in the case develops from cafe chit-chat to an active undercover investigation, meeting a variety of interesting characters along the way.
This story sways between a humorous adventure of new parents on the hunt to solve a crime, with more serious underlying themes such as the effects of living with anxiety and the conflict abortion creates in society. The lightness of Josh and Frida’s friendship balances the heavier underlying themes.
Thanks to Better Reading for providing me with a preview copy of this book.
Frida, the mother of a six month old boy Finn, decides to attend the local library’s Baby Rhyme Time in an effort to get out of the house and among other people. Little does Frida know, her life will be turned upside down, when a woman at the library dies in suspicious circumstances, just metres away from the group of parents and babies.
The death of the woman haunts Frieda and she finds herself drawn to Josh, another parent who was also attending Rhyme Time on the day. Together, Josh and Frida reflect on the events that occurred, usually over coffee in the nearby cafe. Over time, their interest in the case develops from cafe chit-chat to an active undercover investigation, meeting a variety of interesting characters along the way.
This story sways between a humorous adventure of new parents on the hunt to solve a crime, with more serious underlying themes such as the effects of living with anxiety and the conflict abortion creates in society. The lightness of Josh and Frida’s friendship balances the heavier underlying themes.
Thanks to Better Reading for providing me with a preview copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
thank you to netgalley and the publishers for providing me with this ARC of the novel.
i was actually so excited to pick this up, because it sounded so good. a cute, cozy little mystery set in melbourne based around this found family of a bunch of neighbours with nothing better to do but to investigate this murder, with themes and conversation on pregnancy and abortion throughout. but honestly, this fell flat.
for starters, the plot was just SO boring. we spend the entire book tiptoeing around this genuinely interesting premise of a woman dying at the library, meanwhile the main character sits here doing fuck all, accusing absolutely everyone and living the same day over and over. "i'm a mother, but i'm kinda anxious. my husband's too busy installing solar panels, so i better go for a walk and find something to do! oh hey, here's josh, the guy who also witnessed the murder! let me solve it with him!" over, and over, AND OVER AGAIN.
and after dragging out the plot THE ENTIRE TIME and nothing happening at all, we're then given a quick, cheap ending. i think we get maybe two whole pages of detail on what actually occurred, after 304 pages of filler. SO anti-climactic just for two rushed chapters at the end, especially given how interesting the whole premise was.
i also found the characters to be so forgettable. apart from the whole found family aspect, which was honestly quite cute and done in a smart way to bring them together, everyone was just so boring and basic. the three sisters completely came out of the blue, and just ended up blending into one. there was no individuality in the characters, nothing special to define them. literally just words on paper. they were cute as a whole, but did i actually know who anyone was?? no.
the only part which kept this book CLINGING to a 3 stars was the discussion about childbirth and the themes of abortion. i found it really interesting to be learning about the main character's anxiety and post-partum depression, and how she begins to cope with this. it was super interesting to see how being a mother has changed her life, both for the worse and the better.
i also really enjoyed how the author linked the plot with the abortion clinic in a non-tacky way, handling the topic really delicately but not as something taboo to be ignored. the whole pregnancy aspect as a whole was really well done, and i applaud the writing and detail on that aspect. however, it just couldn't save this book for me.
overall, i really enjoyed the main themes and messages of pregnancy that was intertwined into this story and made for a genuinely interesting novel, however the actual plot just didn't do it for me. i would be keen to read more by penny tangey in a more literary or contemporary fiction, as i felt we were trying to do too much here and it was poorly executed.
i was actually so excited to pick this up, because it sounded so good. a cute, cozy little mystery set in melbourne based around this found family of a bunch of neighbours with nothing better to do but to investigate this murder, with themes and conversation on pregnancy and abortion throughout. but honestly, this fell flat.
for starters, the plot was just SO boring. we spend the entire book tiptoeing around this genuinely interesting premise of a woman dying at the library, meanwhile the main character sits here doing fuck all, accusing absolutely everyone and living the same day over and over. "i'm a mother, but i'm kinda anxious. my husband's too busy installing solar panels, so i better go for a walk and find something to do! oh hey, here's josh, the guy who also witnessed the murder! let me solve it with him!" over, and over, AND OVER AGAIN.
and after dragging out the plot THE ENTIRE TIME and nothing happening at all, we're then given a quick, cheap ending. i think we get maybe two whole pages of detail on what actually occurred, after 304 pages of filler. SO anti-climactic just for two rushed chapters at the end, especially given how interesting the whole premise was.
i also found the characters to be so forgettable. apart from the whole found family aspect, which was honestly quite cute and done in a smart way to bring them together, everyone was just so boring and basic. the three sisters completely came out of the blue, and just ended up blending into one. there was no individuality in the characters, nothing special to define them. literally just words on paper. they were cute as a whole, but did i actually know who anyone was?? no.
the only part which kept this book CLINGING to a 3 stars was the discussion about childbirth and the themes of abortion. i found it really interesting to be learning about the main character's anxiety and post-partum depression, and how she begins to cope with this. it was super interesting to see how being a mother has changed her life, both for the worse and the better.
i also really enjoyed how the author linked the plot with the abortion clinic in a non-tacky way, handling the topic really delicately but not as something taboo to be ignored. the whole pregnancy aspect as a whole was really well done, and i applaud the writing and detail on that aspect. however, it just couldn't save this book for me.
overall, i really enjoyed the main themes and messages of pregnancy that was intertwined into this story and made for a genuinely interesting novel, however the actual plot just didn't do it for me. i would be keen to read more by penny tangey in a more literary or contemporary fiction, as i felt we were trying to do too much here and it was poorly executed.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I could absolutely see this being turned into a comedy/drama series for the ABC in Australia. What a fun, cozy, murder mystery.
Since going on maternity leave, Frida’s been experiencing some new-parent anxieties, and now her new KPI is keeping her baby alive! Things aren’t helped when an incident occurs during her local library’s Rhyme Time session. A woman is found dead. Was it an accident or murder? Frida and her group of unlikely sleuths are on the case.
Whether you’re a new parent, about to be a parent, or have been a parent, this story is for you. I found it hilarious. I also loved the setting in Melbourne, as that’s my home town, so it was very nostalgic and I had a good laugh about the coffee orders. The character of Frida is so relatable. My babies are teenagers now, but this took me right back to Rhyme times, mothers groups and that constant parental guilt “am I doing this right?!” Throw in a very good whodunnit and it makes for a wonderfully fun read with heart.
This isn’t a fast paced mystery and it’s not trying to be. There are other themes of pregnancy loss and abortion rights that are also a focus but aren’t too heavy. I think the front cover definitely fits that Only Murders in The Building and Thursday Murder Club vibe, which was what drew me to the book initially.
This is Penny Tangey’s first adult novel and I look forward to more! Thank you to @netgalley and @simonschusterau for the advanced copy. Loved it!
Since going on maternity leave, Frida’s been experiencing some new-parent anxieties, and now her new KPI is keeping her baby alive! Things aren’t helped when an incident occurs during her local library’s Rhyme Time session. A woman is found dead. Was it an accident or murder? Frida and her group of unlikely sleuths are on the case.
Whether you’re a new parent, about to be a parent, or have been a parent, this story is for you. I found it hilarious. I also loved the setting in Melbourne, as that’s my home town, so it was very nostalgic and I had a good laugh about the coffee orders. The character of Frida is so relatable. My babies are teenagers now, but this took me right back to Rhyme times, mothers groups and that constant parental guilt “am I doing this right?!” Throw in a very good whodunnit and it makes for a wonderfully fun read with heart.
This isn’t a fast paced mystery and it’s not trying to be. There are other themes of pregnancy loss and abortion rights that are also a focus but aren’t too heavy. I think the front cover definitely fits that Only Murders in The Building and Thursday Murder Club vibe, which was what drew me to the book initially.
This is Penny Tangey’s first adult novel and I look forward to more! Thank you to @netgalley and @simonschusterau for the advanced copy. Loved it!
December 11, 2025
Frida is a new mum and like many new mums she is plagued with guilt for not doing everything right; not appreciating her time with her baby enough; for being on her phone; for wishing she could be at work; wishing she didn't feel like such a burden because of the sudden, overwhelming anxiety that hit her as soon as she gave birth. Encouraged by her husband and her therapist, Frida makes a goal of leaving the house everyday and today is the first chance she has had to go to Baby Rhyme Time at her local East Melbourne library. What could go wrong? How about a murder?
Frida is shocked, of course, but she is also curious. Was it an accident? Was it murder? Could someone from rhyme time be involved? There are tensions going on in the firmly middle-class suburb that Frida had not been aware of. With new friends and a new interest Frida finds herself stepping out from anxiety for the first time since her baby was born, but is she stepping right into the line of danger? After all, someone has a murder to cover up!
It was great to read a book set in Melbourne, and this cosy crime was right up my alley. From meet ups in the local cafe, to spying on suspects in the Fitzroy gardens this group of concerned citizens not only set out to solve a crime but also take us on a tour of Melbourne sights while the do it! It is a super fun read and I look forward to seeing what scrapes Frida and her new friends get into next.
Frida is shocked, of course, but she is also curious. Was it an accident? Was it murder? Could someone from rhyme time be involved? There are tensions going on in the firmly middle-class suburb that Frida had not been aware of. With new friends and a new interest Frida finds herself stepping out from anxiety for the first time since her baby was born, but is she stepping right into the line of danger? After all, someone has a murder to cover up!
It was great to read a book set in Melbourne, and this cosy crime was right up my alley. From meet ups in the local cafe, to spying on suspects in the Fitzroy gardens this group of concerned citizens not only set out to solve a crime but also take us on a tour of Melbourne sights while the do it! It is a super fun read and I look forward to seeing what scrapes Frida and her new friends get into next.
January 28, 2026
Murder and mystery books always call out to me and I am so glad that I picked this up at the start of the year. This was such a fun, cozy read. The story follows Frida, an exhausted new mother who stumbles into a murder mystery after a baby rhyme session at the local library in East Melbourne.
The book starts off slowly by gradually building the mystery around the murder at the library. As the story moves forward, I really enjoyed how the author brings together a group of distinct personalities to help solve the case.
What I loved most was how the book balances humour and mystery with very real themes of motherhood, exhaustion and finding a sense of purpose again. The group of unlikely parents/godparents, plenty of cafe chats and Frida’s quiet determination made this feel comforting, funny and surprisingly thoughtful. A cozy crime with a lot of caffeine and Melbourne explorations.
After reading this book, I am definitely going to try a Magic at a cafe in Melbourne!
The ending was a little unsatisfactory for me, as I ended up with more questions than I started with. That said, the author does manage to keep the mystery of the murderer intact, even though some readers may be able to predict it around the middle of the book.
The book starts off slowly by gradually building the mystery around the murder at the library. As the story moves forward, I really enjoyed how the author brings together a group of distinct personalities to help solve the case.
What I loved most was how the book balances humour and mystery with very real themes of motherhood, exhaustion and finding a sense of purpose again. The group of unlikely parents/godparents, plenty of cafe chats and Frida’s quiet determination made this feel comforting, funny and surprisingly thoughtful. A cozy crime with a lot of caffeine and Melbourne explorations.
After reading this book, I am definitely going to try a Magic at a cafe in Melbourne!
The ending was a little unsatisfactory for me, as I ended up with more questions than I started with. That said, the author does manage to keep the mystery of the murderer intact, even though some readers may be able to predict it around the middle of the book.
Review of advance copy
I really enjoyed this novel mainly for its “cosiness” and the way it weaved in serious social/historical issues with the day to day minutiae of East Melbourne residents and their assorted lives. Having spent my student days in West Melbourne and Parkville, I could see some place in my minds eye and felt a wave of nostalgia (sigh).
Frida, a young mum battling some mental health issues, finds her confidence and self esteem improve as her social interactions increase. Unfortunately her first outing at Baby Rhyme Time coincides with the murder in the library, which, while shocking, is more a catalyst for the Baby Rhyme time attendees and some others to have cosy catch up coffees and the odd night time outing in pursuit of leads.
The actual unveiling of the “murderer” is quite intense and interesting ….there are no crazy car chases or people leaping over fences….the main characters after all have prams and baby carriers to contend with.
I look forward to another instalment to enjoy while sipping a ‘magic’, if such a thing can be found in my neck of the woods. 😉 Thanks to Better Reading for the preview copy.
Frida, a young mum battling some mental health issues, finds her confidence and self esteem improve as her social interactions increase. Unfortunately her first outing at Baby Rhyme Time coincides with the murder in the library, which, while shocking, is more a catalyst for the Baby Rhyme time attendees and some others to have cosy catch up coffees and the odd night time outing in pursuit of leads.
The actual unveiling of the “murderer” is quite intense and interesting ….there are no crazy car chases or people leaping over fences….the main characters after all have prams and baby carriers to contend with.
I look forward to another instalment to enjoy while sipping a ‘magic’, if such a thing can be found in my neck of the woods. 😉 Thanks to Better Reading for the preview copy.
February 6, 2026
When nervous new mother Frida takes the first tentative steps out of her house to go to a Rhyme Time session at the local library with her baby, she never imagines they’d witness a murder. Then, when a pram mix-up, a threatening note, and run-ins with others from that terrible day become more than just a coincidence, she joins forces with another new parent from the library to see if they can track down a killer.
While it might deal with dark subjects, this novel is actually a refreshing, cosy read. Frida and her fears as a new mother are relatable, the situations she gets into are more high jinks than horror, and the murder team that forms to solve the crime are entertaining characters you just want to spend more time with. The reveal of who committed the crime was something I didn’t see happening until it was happening, which is always a good thing when reading whodunits. Highly recommended for fans of lighthearted crime fiction that also deals with heavier topics related to motherhood with a respectful hand.
While it might deal with dark subjects, this novel is actually a refreshing, cosy read. Frida and her fears as a new mother are relatable, the situations she gets into are more high jinks than horror, and the murder team that forms to solve the crime are entertaining characters you just want to spend more time with. The reveal of who committed the crime was something I didn’t see happening until it was happening, which is always a good thing when reading whodunits. Highly recommended for fans of lighthearted crime fiction that also deals with heavier topics related to motherhood with a respectful hand.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Penny Tangey’s novel is an absolute delight. Am I allowed to say that when it’s a book about murder? Oh yes indeed! The group of very quirky neighbourhood sleuths that she has produced is at times laugh-out-loud funny, but most of all totally believable.
It all starts with Baby Rhyme Time at the local library. We’re introduced to Frida & baby Finn, and the cast of characters who become the backdrop to this intriguing little murder mystery. What starts as curiosity about the victim and speculation about what may have happened, spirals into an intrepid group of locals who end up as the most unlikely of detectives.
The sights and sounds of East Melbourne are brought to life alongside these characters, which adds another layer of delight. There are also some very real social issues cleverly woven into the story to ground the humour that seeps through.
Who can be trusted? What do these neighbours uncover? You’ll just have to read the book to find out. And read it you must!
It all starts with Baby Rhyme Time at the local library. We’re introduced to Frida & baby Finn, and the cast of characters who become the backdrop to this intriguing little murder mystery. What starts as curiosity about the victim and speculation about what may have happened, spirals into an intrepid group of locals who end up as the most unlikely of detectives.
The sights and sounds of East Melbourne are brought to life alongside these characters, which adds another layer of delight. There are also some very real social issues cleverly woven into the story to ground the humour that seeps through.
Who can be trusted? What do these neighbours uncover? You’ll just have to read the book to find out. And read it you must!
Review of advance copy
Frida is a new mum who has anxiety about leaving her apartment and keeping her baby alive. She keeps getting told to cherish the time with her baby as once it's gone, it's gone for good so she decides to attend her local library's Baby Rhyme Time session - little does she know that a murder is about to take place and turn her life upside-down.
She quickly befriends another dad, Josh and finds herself in the midst of gossip and trying to solve the mystery of whodunit.
With pram swaps and a young cop, the story definitely keeps you guessing and questioning who the killer is. It's an easy read and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it as it kept me on my toes. I was definitely surprised at who the killer was.
She quickly befriends another dad, Josh and finds herself in the midst of gossip and trying to solve the mystery of whodunit.
With pram swaps and a young cop, the story definitely keeps you guessing and questioning who the killer is. It's an easy read and I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed it as it kept me on my toes. I was definitely surprised at who the killer was.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Frida is struggling with the anxiety of a new baby and not feeling like she can fit in with others, trying to keep up with the washing, and not wanting to leave the house.
When she takes her baby Finn out to the library for a baby rhyme time, a horrible death occurs that may have been quite so accidental.
Frida teams up with others in the group to investigate.
While the investigation was interesting and Frida is suspicious of many people, it was lovely to see Frida overcoming some anxiety and finding friends.
Being from Adelaide, the Melbourne setting is quite similar, and the people felt real.
Baby Finn definitely has a piece of my heart.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
When she takes her baby Finn out to the library for a baby rhyme time, a horrible death occurs that may have been quite so accidental.
Frida teams up with others in the group to investigate.
While the investigation was interesting and Frida is suspicious of many people, it was lovely to see Frida overcoming some anxiety and finding friends.
Being from Adelaide, the Melbourne setting is quite similar, and the people felt real.
Baby Finn definitely has a piece of my heart.
(ARC provided by NetGalley)
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
A fun cosy read from Penny Tangey. Thanks to Better Reading and Simon and Schuster for an ARC of What rhymes with murder.
Frida is struggling to adapt after birth of her first baby Finn. She attends Baby Rhyme Time at her local library and witnesses the death of a young woman. Could it be murder?
Frida finds a new group of friends when she joins in some amateur sleuthing. Lots of quirky personalities feature and a deeper topic is brought into the limelight which will engender discussion among readers.
A light easy read set in East Melbourne. The familiar landscape will appeal to readers who are fans of Richard Osman and Amanda Hampton.
Frida is struggling to adapt after birth of her first baby Finn. She attends Baby Rhyme Time at her local library and witnesses the death of a young woman. Could it be murder?
Frida finds a new group of friends when she joins in some amateur sleuthing. Lots of quirky personalities feature and a deeper topic is brought into the limelight which will engender discussion among readers.
A light easy read set in East Melbourne. The familiar landscape will appeal to readers who are fans of Richard Osman and Amanda Hampton.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Advanced Reader copy
“What Rhymes with Murder” by Penny Tangey was such an enjoyable surprise. I usually gravitate towards British cosy crime, but this debut novel by Australian author Penny Tangey completely won me over and had me hooked from the start. With its clever plotting, warm characters and classic cosy crime feel, it kept me guessing right to the end — I definitely didn’t pick the outcome and I usually can! A highly recommended read for fans of the genre and a perfect choice for a relaxing holiday escape.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Penny in this genre.
“What Rhymes with Murder” by Penny Tangey was such an enjoyable surprise. I usually gravitate towards British cosy crime, but this debut novel by Australian author Penny Tangey completely won me over and had me hooked from the start. With its clever plotting, warm characters and classic cosy crime feel, it kept me guessing right to the end — I definitely didn’t pick the outcome and I usually can! A highly recommended read for fans of the genre and a perfect choice for a relaxing holiday escape.
I’m looking forward to reading more from Penny in this genre.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Thoroughly enjoyed this cosy read. Took me right back to new motherhood with all its fears and uncertainties - except the possible murder! Great characters, a good plot, relatable setting (I want to visit the Fairy Tree now!) but lost its way in the middle a little. Finished strong though. Looking forward to the next adventure.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This was the perfect read in one day book for a warm sunday! Twisty with the right amount of emotion!
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
An easy read but not really cosy, the characters and mystery are a little bland. Best enjoyed post rhyme time with a baby, so maybe a niche market there (it’s me, I am the niche market).
February 14, 2026
A really easy read that had me not wanting to put it down. A fun mystery with an unexpected twist at the end.
I really enjoyed Penny Tangey’s style of writing particularly for her first adult novel
I really enjoyed Penny Tangey’s style of writing particularly for her first adult novel
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews