1951 - Dame Elspeth 'Holly' Hollanby and her no-nonsense dresser, Ivy, drive to west Wales to join a star-studded Christmas concert as a favour for a friend. At their very first rehearsal, they learn that a young singer has died - one of a group of talented students known as the Four Canaries. It is soon discovered that she was poisoned, and hers will not be the last murder...

Holly and Ivy are equally at home among the stars staying 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 cannot resist asking questions. Before long, they find themselves in a life-or-death race to uncover the truth.