Taking centre stage: Honno signs new theatrical cosy crime sleuth duo

This September Honno will be shining a spotlight on a new pair of showbiz sleuths in Red as any Blood, the debut novel from author Sue McCormick. Set at Christmastime in 1950’s, beloved actress Dame Elspeth Hollanby and her dresser Ivy visit Black Gairy a remote mansion in the Galloway Forest, for a reunion with old theatre friends, but Christmas celebrations quickly turn bloody when press tycoon Max Coyle is found murdered.

When storms hit the grand house the reunion is snowed in, the phone lines are down, and one of the guests is a murderer. In a house brimming with post-war secrets it’s up to Holly and Ivy to uncover the dramatic truth.

Mulling together the glamour of 1950’s theatre in the shadow of post-war secrets Red as any Blood is a whodunnit with a depth that will keep readers guessing and cheering for an encore.

“Gorgeous fun. I devoured this like a delicious mince pie!” Rebecca Parfitt - Commissioning Editor, Honno

Red as any Blood is perfect for readers of Nicola Upson, Kate Watson, Anthony Johnson and Helena Dixon.

Red as any Blood will arrive on shelves in September 2025.