In this episode of Between The Lines, Chelle and Leanne chat with Australian author Penny Tangey about her delightfully funny cosy crime novel What Rhymes with Murder?

The story begins with Frida, an exhausted new mother searching for something to break up the sleep-deprived blur of early parenthood. When she attends Baby Rhyme Time at her local library, it feels like a small but meaningful step back into the world.

Then someone screams… and a body hits the floor.

Suddenly the library becomes a crime scene, and Frida finds herself drawn into an unexpected amateur investigation alongside a group of unlikely sleuths. Between gossip sessions and plenty of coffee at their local café, the group begin piecing together what happened — without realising just how close they might be to danger.

In our conversation with Penny, we talk about:

• The inspiration behind What Rhymes with Murder?

• Writing cosy crime with humour and heart

• The chaotic and identity-shifting experience of early motherhood

• How libraries and community spaces bring people together

• Creating an amateur detective who feels real, relatable and funny

Penny Tangey brings warmth, wit and sharp observation to this story, blending murder mystery with the messy reality of new parenthood.

If you enjoy cosy crime with quirky characters and plenty of humour, this is a great one to add to your reading list.

Penny Tangey is a librarian, mother and former stand-up comedian living in East Melbourne.

She has written several children's books with UQP, including As Fast As I Can, which won a Queensland Literary Award and the Readings Children's Book Prize. Her middle-grade novel Music Camp was published in 2025.

What Rhymes with Murder? is her first novel for adults.

Chelle and Leanne created Between The Lines because they love books and great conversations — and wanted to share both with you.

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