The Perfect Pair

 

The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror

 
Authors David C Holroyd with Tracy J Holroyd
Publisher Troubador Publishing
Publication date 1st August 2012
ISBN 9781780882352 (paperback), 9781780882369 (hardback)

The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror is the graphic tale of commercial dolphins and the immensely personal account of a young boy's first love - a special love that takes him on a mystical journey deep into the world of the dolphin, effectively casting him into a reality that constantly questions man's overall appraisal of these very special people of the sea. It tells of a mind connection - a psychic bond so strong that it enables the boy and his charges to become Europe's top performing team… The best of the best. Two dolphins famed for working in absolute unison, eventually leading them into achieving the much-revered full somersault routine - a shadow ballet of exquisite grace and beauty.

A moving and emotional story, The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror will appeal to adults with an interest in dolphins and the people who work with them. Authors David and Tracy have been inspired by a number of authors and publications. David takes inspiration from Marvel comics, whilst Tracy is inspired by P G Wodehouse, Agatha Christie and Susan Hill.

"David and his sister Tracy J Holroyd tell the compelling story of dolphins Duchess and Herbe as seen through the eyes of the boy who trained them. The authors' inimitable style of writing immediately engages the reader, making the book increasingly impossible to put down."
Sheila Reeves Rigby, author of Life's Mysteries - Your Key to Understanding

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The Perfect Pair: The Mirror Cracks

 
Authors David C Holroyd with Tracy J Holroyd
Publisher Troubador Publishing
Publication date 3rd February 2014
ISBN 9781783062775 (paperback), 9781783062782 (hardback)

This is the second book in the dolphin trilogy The Perfect Pair, the factionalised memoir of Europe's top 1970s dolphin trainer. It reveals the plight of the captive dolphin and gives an insight into the relationship between one particular trainer and his dolphins, whisking the reader on a journey deep into the dolphin psyche. Sometimes heart-breaking, sometimes funny - always compelling.

Within these pages dwells a graphic story of the plight of the commercial dolphin. However, there are also heartwarming tales of the trainers and handlers who work with them. The Perfect Pair: The Mirror Cracks is the continuation of The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror (Matador, 2012) - now a core text for the BA(Hons) English and Creative Writing Course at The University of Salford. It is an immensely personal account of a young boy's first love - a special love that takes him on a mystical journey deep into the world of the dolphin, effectively casting him into a reality that constantly questions man's overall appraisal of these very special people of the sea. It tells of a mind connection - a psychic bond so strong that it enables the boy and his dolphins to become Europes top performing team… the best of the best. No one reading this book will ever view a dolphin in the same light again.

Praise for The Perfect Pair: The Enchanted Mirror
"A page-turning 'factional' exposé of what goes on behind closed dolphinarium doors. Not to be missed." Salford Star
"Exposes the lows of animals in captivity as well as the highs of working with such talented creatures." Limelight
"A moving tale of man and dolphin" Manchester Evening News
"... pulls no punches with this story..." SalfordOnline.com

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The Perfect Pair: Shards from the Mirror

 
Authors David C Holroyd with Tracy J Holroyd
Publisher Troubador Publishing
Publication date 28th February 2016
ISBN 9781785890963 (paperback)

There are literally hundreds - if not thousands - of academic works written about dolphins. This is certainly not one of them, for within these pages dwells a graphic story of the plight of the commercial dolphin. The Perfect Pair: Shards from the Mirror is the final book in The Perfect Pair Dolphin Trilogy and provides a damning exposé of the captive cetacean industry. The Perfect Pair: Shards from the Mirror will appeal to those with an interest in the realities of animal training. Like Gabriela Cowperthwaite's influential 2013 documentary Blackfish, this story will change people's perception of captive dolphins forever.

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About the authors

David Holroyd was first employed as a dolphin presenter at the age of 18, but quickly promoted to trainer. On reaching the top, he left the dolphin industry and became a casino croupier, eventually achieving inspector status. He later moved back to his roots as a signwriter and illustrator. He now also works part-time for a local radio station as an actor and writer.

Tracy Holroyd has worked largely as a further education lecturer in ICT, Business Admin and Creative Writing, as well as writing short stories and articles for several national children's/teen magazines, including Shout and Cool Girl. She published two successful children's history books in 2011.