Brought up in north Belfast, Gerry McCullough graduated in English and Philosophy from Queen's University, Belfast, then went on to gain an MA in English. She lives just outside Belfast, in Northern Ireland, has four grown up children and is married to author, media producer and broadcaster, Raymond McCullough, with whom she co-edited the Irish magazine, ‘Bread’, from 1990-1996. In 1995 they published a non-fiction book called, ‘Ireland - now the good news!’ (end of bio reference)

My favourite part of the book? (quote) "Ha! What have we here? Stowaways, by my oath! Speak! Who are you, and what do you want with me, aboard White Lady?"

White Lady? But just before the storm, they had been safely on board their own boat, Lady Molly! What was happening? What were they to do? Was there any way out? Any way to get home? (end of quote)

This is taken from the prologue, and it is exquisitely well written. The language is crisp and evocative. From my own pop culture, I "hear" these words spoken by a salty sea captain. I "see" Nora and Jik, two frightened children, eyes wide open in mind-blowing terror, unimaginable horror, paralysing fear, and protective madness, intermingled with an intensely incredible, time-stopping - frozen - vivid moment. For me, there was "no way out." I must read this book. So, I read this book from cover to cover, unable to put it down for a moment. I recommend it to readers of all ages. You are sure to enjoy it as much as I did.

Reviewed by Thomas Jerome Baker
Author of "Pecha Kucha" & "English Language Teaching: Changing The Classroom"

I loved how Jip and Nora got caught up in adventure after adventure going back in time to deal with a variety of famous Irish icons, like the female pirate Grania, in their quest to discover why their ancestor was never credited for inventing the radar used by boats to manoeuvre safely through dangerous waters.

Their relationships with fellow crew men, slowly seeped into their own time as they made some interesting discoveries about new and old friends.

The snapper guided them on their journeys, ensuring they kept to a strict code of ethics to further their cause. Including consequences if they were led off the moral path.

I’m sure kids and young adults alike would enjoy Lady Molly. It’s written in excellent prose to suit the intended audience and has enough antics to keep any young mind turning the page.

We all love a good family tale and this is one that I would highly recommend.

Nora seeks help, but it comes in an unexpected form. As she and Jik undertake their quest, there are new friends to meet, challenges to face, lessons to learn and enemies to overcome. They are aided by The Snapper - a colourful character, though an unlikely kind of saint.

The story magically weaves some of Ireland’s nautical history with modern teenage life in the bustling City of Dublin. The kids travel from a world of mobile phones and internet cafes to one of swords and daggers, where honour is valued, technology is non-existent and life is often perilous.

This book involves a learning experience for the children on several levels - family relationships, friendship, history, morals - and for the adults as well. Eventually, they end up a much wiser and more united family. Very satisfying!