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Liz Nugent and Ardal O’Hanlon talk to Kim Sherwood

Mystery Stories Rooted in Ireland

Hay Festival 2026, 

Irish storytelling comes to the fore in this discussion between writer Liz Nugent and actor Ardal O’Hanlon. They discuss their new books, the craft of creating a mystery story and how Ireland’s heritage and culture impacts their work, with author Kim Sherwood.

Nugent’s The Truth About Ruby Cooper is about sisters Ruby and Erin, whose world implodes when Ruby is involved in an incident, causing a wake of destruction that lasts decades. Nugent brings experience in film, theatre and television to her work as a writer. O’Hanlon’s A Plot to Die For is the first in a new mystery series about beloved celebrity gardener Finn O’Leary, who returns to his hometown to care for his mother and finds himself trying to solve a murder, or two. Father Ted star O’Hanlon is one of Ireland’s best-loved actors and stand-up comedians.