Josh Hellyer

The Split Pea Tango

Out November 4, 2025

Highclere Inn & Carriage House is open for business, but don’t expect peace and quiet—because another baffling mystery is about to unfold. This time, it’s a cocktail of reincarnation theories, long-buried secrets, and just enough absurdity to keep you guessing and laughing all the way through.

When the “Society for Transcendent Understanding of Past-Life Identification and Discovery” rolls into town, Mason Valentine and his fearless cousin Cordelia "Cici" Bradshaw find themselves pulled into a case unlike any other. It all starts when two sisters arrive at the inn, desperate for help. Why? Because an 18-year-old girl knocked on their father’s door claiming to be the reincarnation of their long-deceased mother, former Highclere guest Vanessa Cromwell, who vanished without a trace before Christmas 2008.

But things get stranger from there. Armed with quick wit, curious minds, and eccentric allies including Skye Cadieux, the gang dives headfirst into an increasingly unexpected investigation. From logos of dancing flowers to a convention devoted to adult entertainment antics, and a whole heap of puzzling "Split Peas" that might just hold the key to solving it all.

With a case spanning almost two decades and secrets hiding in plain sight, Mason, Cici, and Skye are determined to untangle the truth. Did Vanessa Cromwell come back from the great beyond, or is there a far more earthly explanation?

Full of razor-sharp banter, outrageous, laugh-out-loud moments, and twists you’ll never see coming, The Split Pea Tango is your next wild adventure.

Priase for A Box of Frogs

"In Hellyer’s skillful hands, what initially seems like a simple case of blackmail to spur a quick estate sale soon reveals itself as a much more complicated scheme of revenge and concealment...It all barrels toward a resolution that many readers won’t see coming."

Josh Hellyer is a bestselling author and award winning television, film and media producer. Hellyer was born and raised in Norfolk County, Ontario. He quickly rose to success in the television world by becoming a producer of Canada’s most watched television shows including Canadian Idol, Canada AM and So You Think You Can Dance Canada. He Executive Produced the film 'Lessons In Temperament' which explores a musician's journey through mental health. Hellyer resides in Toronto.

Praise for 'A Box of Frogs'

"Whether you’re curling up on a chilly winter evening or lounging on your dock next summer, A Box of Frogs is the perfect companion. With its rich Muskoka setting, charmingly chaotic characters, and captivating twists, this novel is truly a delight from cover to cover."

"The plot is intriguing and deceptively simple, gradually revealing its actual complexity layer by eye-opening layer...it was mesmerizing watching Mason and Cici separate the red herrings from who was really pulling the strings. I enjoyed the incorporation of pop culture references sprinkled along the way. The story was compelling and full of surprises, and the tragic eleventh-hour resolution was absolutely thrilling. With its engaging protagonists and intricate, well-paced plot, I highly recommend A BOX OF FROGS to mystery and thriller readers. MUST READ."

—Reedsy Discovery Reviews

"While being hilarious, 'A Box of Frogs' does not shy away from weighty subjects but deals with them with respect and consideration and it all makes for one hell of story. Be prepared for the twists and turns and to dive head first into the world of the Valentines. The first in the series has only recently been published but I'm counting down the days til the second. I would recommend this to anyone looking for a gripping read with humour and depth."