AUSTRALIAN COSY CRIME FICTION 2026: NEW BOOKS BY JESS KITCHING, KATE SOLLY, PENNY TANGEY and AMANDA HAMPSON
Australian crime fiction of the cosy variety seems to be going through a bit of a golden period at the moment.
After years of relative neglect, local cosy mysteries featuring amateur sleuths of various types and occupations now seem to be on the rise. Probably spurred on by the success of The Thursday Murder Club books, and similar series such as The Marlow Murder Club, Fergus Craig’s I Am Not The Only Murderer In My Retirement Village and Nita Prose’s The Maid, publishers have been quick to seek out Australian mystery books featuring charming groups of amateur detectives.
In the past few weeks alone, four such books have passed over my desk with an array of amateur detecting groups, from young mothers to tea ladies to community friends and even a writer’s group. With the exception of Jess Kitching’s The Secrets Of Strangers, all have a light, mildly amusing tone to them and are discreet when it comes to violence and gore.
The use of amateur detectives allows the authors to explore different themes and the experiences of groups often overlooked in popular culture, particularly crime fiction, including retirees, new mothers, and serving staff, such as maids and cleaners. Such books have proven very popular overseas and now it seems to be Australia’s turn.
I have included some short reviews of the recent batch I have come across.
Amanda Hampson has enjoyed good success with her Tea Ladies Mystery series and the latest one, The Model Murder (Penguin, 21 April 2026), continues the formula of the earlier books.
Set in Sydney in 1968, it follows Hazel and her fellow tea ladies as they try to prove the innocence of a glamorous model, who has been accused of murdering her fiancé. Once again, the private lives of the tea ladies provide just as much entertainment as the central mystery, especially Irene’s attempts to become a debt collector. The 1960s Sydney setting, and the historical attitudes and behaviours of its residents, add good texture to the story and give pause for thought on occasion.
Amanda is an accomplished writer and the earlier books in the series have been well received, with the first being widely nominated for awards. The Model Murder is an enjoyable romp that entertains while providing an interesting reflection on changing times and attitudes.
Penny Tangey made an engaging entry into the crime fiction world earlier this year with her first adult novel, What Rhymes With Murder? (Summit, 24 February 2026).
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 coffee at their local cafe, they are too busy having fun to realise how close they are to danger.
Penny, a former stand-up comedian, brings a good sense of humour to her book and Frida’s lively narration helps to move the story along at a decent pace. Wrapped within the humour and the clues, however, are serious themes around parenting, post-natal depression and the changing role of libraries, that help to give the book good substance. As with most amateur detective mysteries, there are credibility issues, but not enough to detract from what is an enjoyable read.
The criminal elements are very mildly dealt with in Kate Solly’s charming The Paradise Heights Miniature Railway Bust-Up, (Affirm, 31 March 2026).
Engaging young mother and sleuth Fleck Parker finds herself in the midst of a new puzzle when expensive equipment and supplies start disappearing from the Paradise Heights Community Miniature Railway. Who could possibly wish harm on a community group delivering Sunday afternoon fun on a fleet of jolly little engines? Fleck dives into the mystery, while she feeds a hungry baby, placates a cranky toddler, executes an (almost) on-time school run and copes with other domestic dramas. The more she digs, however, the darker the mystery comes.
Fans of Kate’s previous suburban mysteries, will enjoy this latest visit to Paradise Heights and its collection of interesting characters and all too familiar suburban dilemmas.
Although still in the amateur detective realm, The Secrets Of Strangers, (Simon & Schuster, 28 April 2026), by Canberra based author Jess Kitching, is more darker in tone than the other books.
Following a devastating loss, Janine and her husband, Kamal, decide to leave Manchester and start a fresh in the picturesque village of Bamblethorpe in Lancashire. Janine, a popular thriller author, needs to work on her next novel, but finds herself frozen by writer’s block and unable to move pass what has happened to her.
Things change, however, when tragedy strikes the village. A long time resident, Alexa Clarke, goes missing and Janine, along with her small writer’s group, finds herself drawn into the mystery about what happened to Alexa. Suddenly she finds herself caught up in the investigation and tracking down clues, as she comes to realise that there are disturbing parallels between herself and the missing woman.
THE SECRETS OF STRANGERS is a gently paced mystery, with an engaging cast of characters. Janine’s mental state is sympathetically portrayed by Jess, and the varying reactions to her situation are well handled. A range of emotional issues are touched on by Jess, including miscarriage, the impact of tragedy on relationships, loneliness and the challenges of writing. The story moves through some good twists, and a clever sleight of hand by Jess helps to deliver an unexpected conclusion.
The reasons for Janine’s involvement in solving the mystery, and why people talk so openly to her, never really ring true, but it is easy to move past this and enjoy the story.
So, four engaging Australian crime books for those who liked reading on the cosy side of the genre.