In a bold and surreal debut, author Prudence Bussey-Chamberlain reimagines the detective genre with Bone Horn, published by Cipher Press. The novel follows a novice private investigator determined to uncover whether celebrated American writer Alice B Toklas secretly possessed a horn — a bizarre and conspiratorial notion that serves as the book’s central mystery.
Drawing from speculative lore, Bone Horn suggests that Toklas’s iconic fringe and her distinctive hats were not merely fashion statements, but strategic attempts to conceal a small horn protruding from her forehead. What begins as a light investigation quickly spirals into an international journey through shadowy conspiracies and violent encounters, as the protagonist’s obsession grows.
Though rooted in an implausible premise, Bussey-Chamberlain manages to craft a narrative rich with dark humor, strangeness, and creative flair. The author’s talent for weaving such an eccentric idea into a cohesive detective story is noteworthy, even as the novel’s pace falters in its latter half.
Published by the independent and genre-defying Cipher Press, Bone Horn fits snugly into the press’s reputation for championing unconventional voices. While its niche appeal may limit its mainstream reach, the novel is likely to resonate with readers drawn to experimental fiction and queer literary subcultures.
Bone Horn by Prudence Bussey-Chamberlain is available now from Cipher Press (£11.99) and can be purchased through the Big Issue shop on Bookshop.org — supporting both independent bookshops and social enterprise journalism.
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