PMJ wins Stars' murder mystery debut in five-way auction

Penguin Michael Joseph (PMJ) has acquired Murder In The Dressing Room by Holly Stars, billed as “a gripping and original murder mystery debut set in the world of drag” to publish in February 2025.

Commissioning editor Grace Long secured UK and Commonwealth rights for Murder In The Dressing Room and two more titles in a five-way auction from Hayley Steed whilst at the Madeleine Milburn Agency, now at Janklow & Nesbit. It will be published in the US by Berkeley, who snapped up rights in a four-way auction.

The synopsis says: “By day, Joe is a shy hotel accountant. But by night, they take to the stage as up-and-coming drag star Misty Divine. But when Misty’s drag mentor, Lady Lady, is found murdered in her dressing room, Misty finds herself in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons. Devastated by the loss, and frustrated by the inaction of the police, Misty is determined to unmask the killer in their midst – or face the consequences.”

“I can’t wait to launch The Misty Divine Mysteries with the incredible publishing masterminds at Penguin Michael Joseph,” said Stars. “It’s time for the crime fiction market to cover itself in glitter and rhinestones and embrace the world of drag! I have long wanted to write a murder mystery with a non-binary hero and hope that both crime and drag fans will delight as Misty serves maximum glamour on her dark and dangerous Soho adventures.”

Long commented: “I’m incredibly excited to be launching Holly Stars in 2025 as an exciting new voice in crime fiction. With warmth, humour, and a generous dose of glamour, Holly delivers a wonderfully diverse cast of characters alongside a page-turning, twist-filled mystery that will keep readers guessing until the very last page. Offering a perspective into voices and communities not often portrayed within the genre, Holly has put her personal stamp on the cosy mystery genre, and I can’t wait for readers everywhere to meet Misty Divine.”