With her first adult novel, WHAT RHYMES WITH MURDER? Penny Tangey transports us to East Melbourne for a tale of books, babies and murder.
It’s a simple enough premise – New mother Frida doesn’t get out as easily anymore and she decides to take her newborn to ‘Baby Rhyme Time’ at the local library. What starts as a simple outing of reading books and meeting other parents from the neighbourhood ends in mayhem as a woman falls over a balcony railing to her death. As paramedics and police arrive, library patrons are interviewed which leads Frida and her new Baby Rhyme Time acquaintances to question, ‘Did she fall or was she pushed?’
With that, it’s time to settle in and follow Frida and her co-investigators who get to work trying to solve the mystery, strengthening friendships along the way.
WHAT RHYMES WITH MURDER? follows the traditions of a cosy crime mystery, making it a quick and fun read. There are a few plot holes but as with any mystery, it’s best to keep reading and enjoy the ride. And Tangey makes that very easy.
But beneath the familiarity of the much-adored genre, Tangey offers understanding and empathy in her portrayal of the trials and tribulations experienced by new mothers. Whether it be trying to get a pram up a set of stairs, balancing appointments with disrupted baby schedules or anxiously questioning whether they are inflicting lifelong traumas upon their children, Tangey captures the essence of parenthood in all its joyful messiness.
Tucked between Frida’s mission to decipher clues and stalk suspects are charming tales of sleep deprivation and anxiety that are universally relatable to new mums everywhere. Balancing the hallmark traits of a classic whodunnit with a sympathetic portrayal of modern parenting adds charm and encourages grace, reminding us of the complexity of juggling family life, especially with a newborn baby.
She writes with tenderness, creating charming characters that are fleshed out beyond the immediate role of the parent to create a supportive community that any mum would be happy to be a part of.
WHAT RHYMES WITH MURDER? is 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.
Penny Tangey’s WHAT RHYMES WITH MURDER? has been published by Simon and Schuster Australia.
