Sharp as any Thorn: 2 (A Holly & Ivy Mystery) - Softcover

Sue McCormick

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1916821537 ISBN 13: 9781916821538

Publisher: Honno Welsh Women's Press, 2026

Synopsis

1951 - Dame Elspeth 'Holly' Hollanby and her no-nonsense dresser, Ivy, drive to west Wales to join a star-studded Christmas concert, a favour for a friend. At only their first rehearsal, they hear a young singer has died, one of a group of talented students nicknamed the Four Canaries. It is soon found to be poison and hers will not be the last murder... Holly and Ivy are equally at home with the stars at the ghostly Nanteos Mansion and the students in their seafront digs. Despite warnings from the dashing Inspector Lloyd, they know how to read between the lines with performers and can't help asking questions. They soon find themselves in a life-or-death race for the truth.

About this title

About the Author

Sue McCormick was an actor for 40 years, and wrote four professionally produced plays. She studied at Aberystwyth University, then completed an MA in Creative Writing at Lancaster. She was a finalist in the Scottish Arts Club Competition 2020, and her debut novel, Small Acts of Courage, was shortlisted for The Retreat West Novel Prize. She now lives in a small village in Dumfries and Galloway. Her first Holly and Ivy mystery, Red As Any Blood, was published by Honno, September 2025.

Edition details

• Publisher: Honno Welsh Women's Press
• Publication date: 2026
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1916821537
• ISBN 13: 9781916821538
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 1