The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum
  • Published: 13 January 2026
  • ISBN: 9781496752499
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $60.00

The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum

  • Valerie Wilson Wesley
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At the darkly glamorous height of the Roaring 20s, an independent Black intellectual and her bi-racial foster child are immersed in the vibrant world of the Harlem Renaissance – and a shocking murder on Striver’s Row – in this thrilling Jazz Age mystery for reader of Nekesia Afia, Jacqueline Winspear, Avery Cunningham’s The Mayor of Maxwell Street.

At the darkly glamorous height of the Roaring 20s, an independent Black intellectual and her bi-racial foster child are immersed in the vibrant world of the Harlem Renaissance – and a shocking murder on Striver’s Row – in this thrilling Jazz Age mystery for reader of Nekesia Afia, Jacqueline Winspear, Avery Cunningham’s The Mayor of Maxwell Street.

1926: Harriet Stone, a liberated, educated Black woman, and Lovey, the orphaned, biracial 12-year-old she is bound to protect, are Harlem-bound, embarking on a new, hopefully less traumatic chapter in their lives. They have been invited to move from Connecticut by Harriet’s cousin, Junetta Plum, who runs a boardinghouse for independent-minded single women.

It’s a bold move, since Harriet has never met Junetta, but the fatalities of the Spanish flu and other tragedies have already forced her and Lovey to face their worst fears. Alone but for each other, they have little left to lose—or so it seems as they arrive at sophisticated Junetta’s impressive brownstone.

Her cousin has a sharp edge, which makes Harriett slightly uncomfortable. Still, after retiring to her room for the night, she finally falls asleep—only to awaken to Junetta arguing with someone downstairs. In the morning, she makes a shocking discovery at the foot of the stairs.

What ensues will lead Harriet to question Junetta’s very identity—and to wonder if she and Lovey are in danger, as well. It will also tie Harriet to five strangers. Among them, Harriet is sure someone knows something. What she doesn’t yet know is that one will play a crucial role in helping her investigate her cousin’s murder . . . that she will be tied to the others in ways she could never imagine . . .  and that her life will take off in a startling new direction. . . .
  • Published: 13 January 2026
  • ISBN: 9781496752499
  • Imprint: Kensington
  • Format: Hardback
  • Pages: 336
  • RRP: $60.00
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Praise for The Mysterious Death of Junetta Plum

Praise for Valerie Wilson Wesley’s Mysteries:

“It’s been a treat to watch Wesley at work on a new series, cozier and more paranormal-tinged, which began last year with A Glimmer of Death and continues now with A Fatal Glow, featuring the sleuthing adventures of the Realtor-turned-caterer Odessa Jones.” —The New York Times Book Review on A Fatal Glow

“There's crispness in Wesley’s plotting and sparkle in the supporting characters, notably Dessa’s feisty, elderly aunts – both possessed of extrasensory gifts—and a possible love interest in ex-cop Lennox Royal. There’s also something oddly comforting about a Black woman in fiction who isn’t weighed down by societal pathology and who can appreciate a good glass of Merlot and reruns of “Downton Abbey” as much as the next woman. In between heavier mystery fare, this unicorn of a Black cozy is a welcome palate cleanser.” —The Los Angeles Times on A Glimmer of Death

“Fans of cozy mysteries will love this novel about caterer and psychic Dessa Jones.” —Marie Claire on A Glimmer of Death

“Danger, intrigue and adventure ensue in this fun whodunit.” —Woman’s World on A Fatal Glow

“Dessa is a complex and relatable adult, not prone to recklessly haring off in order to advance the plot, and an absolute breath of fresh air on the contemporary cozy scene.” —Criminal Element on A Fatal Glow

“The creator of Newark private eye Tamara Hayle dials back the wisecracks and bumps up the paranormal hints to launch a new series featuring a widowed African American realtor whose workplace is a hot mess.” —Kirkus Reviews on A Glimmer of Death

“Widow Odessa Jones, the psychically gifted narrator of this strong series launch from Wesley, can see glimmers, auralike colors that correspond to a person’s emotional state…Wesley perfectly captures her protagonist’s emotions, including the lingering melancholy she feels for her late husband…Readers will hope to see a lot more of kind, empathetic Odessa.” —Publishers Weekly on A Glimmer of Death

“A delightful new mystery…Bring on more Dessa Jones, an unusual detective with a winning personality.” —Criminal Element on A Glimmer of Death

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