Thank you, John Murray press, for a copy of A Murder for Miss Hortense by Mel Pennant.
Set in the quite suburb of Biggleswade in Birmingham in the 1960’s, their lies an Afro Caribbean community. Miss Hortense is a retired Jamaican nurse. Who was once a member or a ‘Pardner’ network who was a group of Black investors that helped build the town. But an incident happened, and Miss Hortense was sent away in disgrace even though she was the leader of the network that helped the local community. In one of the members homes a body is found st the foot of the stairs, with a note with a bible reference on it. She takes it on herself and uses her skills to find out who the killer is. But, by doing so, it brings back memories that have long been forgotten.
This is a delightful read for any cozy crime series fans. Miss Hortense is a feisty character and not afraid to express herself. There is a lot of characters in this past/present storyline, and I personally thought that it was a bit overwhelming at times. Also, although I am not new to hearing Jamican slang, on some occasions I found it a little hard to understand. 3.5 stars from me.

A fun and exciting mystery, but the pacing was a bit slow for me!
Would love to read more books by the author.

A Pardner is set up by a group of Jamaicans, recently arrived in England, who find themselves 'overlooked' by unfriendly British banks. Over the years they have benefitted from this financial support; buying homes, developing businesses and investing in their community, until now. The death of the Pardner Lady- local Counsellor Constance Brown, alerts the group to missing funds and they start to question recent events and their investments. The previous Pardner Lady, Hortense, known for her savvy investment deductions, is on the case to uncover the uncomfortable truth.
Hortense is a likeable, but difficult character. Her investigation techniques are blunt, she seems to wander about accusing anybody of anything untoward, in the hope that something will get a reaction. She is respected by some, but not really liked by the Pardner members, who removed her as the purse-holder (Lady) some 30 years previously, causing her to leave the Pardner entirely. There are so many things to uncover; with family secrets, dodgy dealings, murders and accidental deaths and even Hortense herself is hiding something. This made it a complex but rewarding read.

Miss Hortense is a charming and refreshing addition to the world of amateur sleuths, blending a sharp-witted, endearing lead with an engaging mystery set in a quiet Birmingham suburb. In A Murder for Miss Hortense, we meet the retired nurse, avid gardener, renowned cake maker, and fearless investigator, Miss Hortense, who has called Bigglesweigh home since emigrating from Jamaica in 1960. With her keen attention to detail—whether it’s the precise shade of turmeric or the crispness of her lace curtains—Miss Hortense’s observant nature and wealth of nursing experience make her a formidable force when it comes to uncovering secrets and solving mysteries.

When an unidentified man is found dead in one of the Pardner network's homes, a close-knit community of Black investors determined to support each other’s success, Miss Hortense is drawn into a case that stirs up long-buried memories. A cryptic Bible quote left by the body seems to hold the key, and as Miss Hortense investigates, the past she has tried to forget resurfaces, challenging both her present and the relationships within her community.

Miss Hortense, who has lived through a lifetime of experiences, has a unique approach to sleuthing—no one is beyond her suspicion, and her fearlessness allows her to navigate difficult situations with both tact and determination. Pennant beautifully captures her character: she’s fiercely intelligent, with a heart that cares deeply for those around her. Her investigation into the tragic death is as much about solving the crime as it is about reconciling with her past and confronting long-hidden secrets.

The book strikes a perfect balance between intrigue and moments of warmth, with Miss Hortense’s actions revealing the importance of support networks and the complexities of overcoming personal history. The cultural backdrop, particularly the world of the Pardner network, adds depth to the story, making it not just a whodunit but a thoughtful exploration of identity, legacy, and the power of communal bonds.

Pennant’s writing is engaging and accessible, drawing on elements of classic detective fiction, invoking the likes of Miss Marple and Poirot. There’s an intriguing blend of nostalgia, social commentary, and suspense that keeps the reader hooked. Miss Hortense’s sharp mind and strong moral compass, alongside her no-nonsense attitude, make her a character you’ll want to see more of.

The ending of the book hints at more to come from Miss Hortense, and readers will undoubtedly be eager for the next case she takes on. With a dynamic, relatable lead and an engaging plot, A Murder for Miss Hortense is a fantastic start to what promises to be a captivating series. For fans of cosy mysteries with a touch of heart and depth, this book is a real gem.

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Great little read where the story pulls you in and continues at a great pace until the reveal at the end. The characters were brilliant except for a couple that felt a little flat. I liked the main character of Miss Hortense but felt she may grate for some people with her straight to the point and precise ways (similar to Sherlock). The community she is in is full of great interesting characters that make you feel part of the community when reading..
The big reveal at the end did feel a little Agatha Christie but I loved it all the same.
Overall I loved it and can't wait to read more from this author

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for this ARC.

This is an interesting concept, with a Jamaican mix of Miss Marple and Ladies Detective Agency.

Great read and as I can understand/speak cerole/patois this was fun for me but can understand if people struggle with this.

Would have been wonderful is Miss Hortense played a larger part in this book.

I am always keen for more Black British literature, especially set outside of London, and this one did not disappoint!

Set in the Afro-Caribbean community of Birmingham, A Murder for Miss Hortense cleverly plays around with the quite strict conventions of the classic murder mystery genre. We have an amateur detective, their bumbling side-kick, a police officer who provides a connection between the detective and the law, a cast of suspects and. of course, a reveal monologue at the end of the story. Pennant brilliantly infuses these genre conventions with the specific context of these characters and this community. For example, the role of Hortense's nephew as the 'policeman' of the story is imbued in discussions of connections between the Black community and the police force, and the very need for independent investigation is contextualised in police racism, brutality and lack of desire to actually resolve any of the issues in the Black community. The characters' speech is influenced by Jamaican Patois, adding authenticity and specificity to the story.

The tone was a bit more serious than I expected - English murder mysteries of this type tend to have a cosy feel to them, and A Murder for Miss Hortense is anything but. It really reminds me of conversations about marginalised authors writing genre according to conventions which were developed in a different context (see Akilah White aka @ifthisisparadise 's work on this). I appreciated that a genre novel written from the context of immigration struggles, racism and police violence is unlikely to have the same tone as a Miss Marple novel. I am always keen to read genre novels from marginalised authors, as it feels like the publishing industry often typecasts marginalised authors into writing very specific things - multi-generational family sagas come to mind for anything immigration-related. The very fact that this is a Black-authored Black-centred murder mystery is interesting and engaging in of itself, and the excellent execution does not disappoint.

The mystery itself is wrapped in a story which hit close to home for most of the primary characters of the novel, with past events casting long shadows. This was the one thing I was not sure about, as I am not entirely convinced that a series (and I really hope this is going to be a series!) of murder mysteries can be sustained through plots so heavily reliant on the backstory of the detective and other primary characters. I can imagine that this is going to be the formula (after all, this 'case' was Bone Twelve, implying that there are at least eleven more), and each of them will connect to something in the close-knit community's past. I am happy to give this formula the benefit of the doubt, but I am not 100% convinced by it, as it gives the specific cases less of a 'monster of the week' feel.

Overall, such an engaging read. Can't wait for the next one!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the review copy.

This novel represents an exciting addition to the ever-growing ‘amateur sleuth’ subgenre and I was particularly delighted to see it showcases the ‘Second City’, Birmingham, as well as paying tribute to the Windrush generation and the enormous contribution to the UK they made. Miss Hortense, the lead character, is a first-generation immigrant, now close to retirement, who left Jamaica for a career in nursing on British shores. Although the novel introduces a vast array of characters, often characterised by their linguistic idiosyncrasies, and the action switches between the present day and days gone by, Hortense remains a wise, steady, and reliable fixture for those around her. When a fellow mature lady named Constance is found dead in her home, Hortense springs into action and digs deep into the secrets and facts of local community life to unearth the truth. Who or what caused Constance’s death? The novel’s ending assembles all potential culprits and is particularly well executed. I would like to thank NetGalley and the publishers for my free ARC that allowed me to ‘meet’ this wonderful new amateur sleuth – and I remain curious as to what Mel Pennant will write next!

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to John Murray Press | Baskerville for granting me access to the ARC. While reading, I couldn't help but feel that this book will resonate with fans of Richard Osman, whose work I admire greatly. One character that truly captivated me was Miss Hortense. She is sort of a Jamaican Miss Marple, infused with a unique and iconic attitude. I also appreciated the exquisite details woven throughout the narrative, particularly those that highlight the rich culture of the immigrant communities surrounding Miss Hortense. Is a solid good read I recommend to people who like to read crime

This book is an interesting concept, with a Jamaican version of Miss Marple in Miss Hortense.

On the whole a good read but with a couple of reservations, the Jamaican patois was hard to read if you are not used to it, which made it harder than it needed to be.

The 'Pardener' system was a fascinating insight into something I hadn't heard of before as was the description of the Jamaican community and how they assimilated.

I don't think there was enough Miss Hortense in the book, there was a lot of description about other characters and a lot of murders!

I received a copy of this book from Net Galley. The following review is of my own thoughts, and hasn't been influenced by Net Galley, the author and/or the publisher.

This was one that grabbed my attention because of the books it was compared to. I am avid reader of Richard Osman, though I haven't read the first book of his new series, and am always on the look-out for more. So, when this showed up as one up to request a proof of, I immediately requested it. Once it was in my hands... I read it in a day. I think it was about three hours, and the only reason it took a little bit extra time was because I needed to get used to the way the characters spoke. The actual plot, the nuances of the character, the ups and downs... all of that kept me glued to the pages.

I highly enjoyed this book. It was a great mystery detective book. Miss Hortense may not be the easiest person to feel empathy for, and some of her thoughts and actions made me twitch, but this only made her more of a character. More real. She was a strong, intense and forceful character. I may not agree with her, but everything she did was true to the character we were presented to in this book. And this continued with all of the side-characters. They may not have been as fleshed out as Miss Hortense, but this was only because we were in the mind of Miss Hortense, and not the others. Yet every single one of them were good, rounded characters, except for one and I'll try to explain why I thought this without giving it away.

Only one character felt flat to me, and this was more because they were built up to be a threat. They had great potential to stop Miss Hortense from getting anywhere, but instead... It felt more that they were nothing more than a fly. There was a scene where they burst forward, accused Miss Hortense of vile actions but... It was all swept aside for the reveal of the murder. After all that built up, it was overshadowed and they just slumped in the corner and were 'no more'.

That is my only complaint. The entire murder mystery kept the plot zooming along. There were barely any moments when I felt like I could take a breath, as even when it felt that Miss Hortense's idea fell flat... I needed to keep reading because I knew it couldn't end there. I knew there was more and eagerly waited for that next high. That next thrill. When I got to the end, to the reveal... I was so tense that my entire body hurt. I read through it and I still couldn't release a breath. I had to put my kindle down and slump in the chair. And I didn't move for a while as my mind whirred.

And then a little it later, I re-read the revelation again. I had to. I wanted to make sure that I had gotten every single point in the reveal of who was the murderer; who was tied up in the murders of the past, and the current murders. Yes, this spans over many years because the past of Miss Hortense and her friends are highly influential in the murders that happen during this book. I love that.

I don't want to go too much into the actual plot. It's too brilliant and I don't want to spoil. I want everyone else to learn of the greatness of this book for themselves.

This is a solid 4.5 Stars.

Miss Hortense is the Jamaican Miss Marple but with some serious no-nonsense attitude!
I loved all of the little details, both about the rich culture of the immigrants living around Miss Hortense but also the smaller but equally important things like the difference between her day bag and night bag!
As a style of writing it is perhaps nothing new, the retired busybody should really be employed by the police, but an enjoyable read of the genre.

A delightful book full of wonderful characters and a mind boggling crime! A readers dream!!!! Was hooked right from the beginning!

This is a story of murders in an English town where the police show little interest, presumed because the mail characters are immigrants from Jamaica. One busybody, Miss Hortense sets about solving the crimes. That is an overused storyline as there are many books with a similar setting. The language used is a curious of Jamaican slang which can be hard to follow and getting the detail of Miss Hortense’s recipes is surplus to requirements. There are many suspicious deaths to be solved and the story can become confusing. Of course, at the end all the participants with an interest are brought together and the culprit is exposed. I found this to be a laborious read and am not recommending it.

An engaging read with hints of Miss Marple and Poirot, and from the ending it looks like Miss Hortense will be back to solve another case so that’s a story I’m looking forward to reading. I loved the banter between Hortense and Blossom which added to the storyline so hopefully we’ll see more of that in the books to come. A delightful 5 star read for me.

I loved the character of Hortense and the story was great, I enjoyed it and would recommend the novel highly. Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for giving me a copy of the book.

Whilst I enjoyed the overarching plot of this book, I found it difficult to follow. The language and grammar used by the characters is not what I am used to, making it harder to understand. I dipped in and out of this book for that reason, making it harder to follow the plot lines.

Bigglesweigh, a quiet suburb of Birmingham. The Black community has been there since the early '60s. Everyone knows everyone - and everyone's business.

The Pardner network is a select group on investors, determined to help their community succeed. All very noble.

Less noble, however, is the body of an unidentified man found in one of the Pardner's homes, with a bible quotation by his side.

And it falls to Miss Hortense - retired nurse, keen gardener, famed cake maker, and notorious for getting to the bottom of other people's business - to unravel the goings-on before they unravel the community

What a brilliant character. I warmed to Miss Hortense immediately; the writing brought her vividly to life and I felt as if I could see and hear her. She’s a powerful figure, blessed with an enquiring and intelligent mind, ideally suited to investigating the crime at the centre of this tale. I felt as if this story gave real insight into the community in the late 1960s. I can’t imagine what it must have been like to uproot from a warm and vibrant country and culture to a cold and often antagonistic country where immigrants were treated very badly.

This is such a clever story. It’s original, skilfully plotted and bursting with life. I loved the patois and the pages literally flew by. More please and I hope this is received to widespread acclaim. I loved it.

Set in Birmingham in the 1960’s Miss Hortense, a retired Jamaican nurse, finds herself solving the murder of one of the members of the local "pardner" savings group that she herself was once a member of.

She’s a strong, memorable character—a mix of Miss Marple and Sherlock Holmes. This murder mystery read is perfect for fans of strong female characters -I hope we get to see more of Miss Hortense in the near future!