Redemption is only ever partial. Ray makes mistakes in his life yet at the last he tries to make some sort of restitution. In this novel, there is fake mysticism, empty promises, infidelity, lost chances and examples of how in extremis people can surprise and surpass themselves. There are also contrasting examples of how returning to one’s past can end up - Jan is destroyed by hers, whereas Ray finds renewed purpose and enduring loyalties in his.

Alistair Duncan is nearly killed and it’s unclear this is an accident or deliberate attempt on his life. He returns from hospital to find his girlfriend has thrown him out and he takes refuge with Jon, a War Gaming loner with perceptive insight into people. Ally’s ex-wife goes missing and he is framed for her murder by a struggling painter with no talent who is having an affair with both Ally’s girlfriend and ex-wife. Meanwhile an Asian policeman suffering from a terminal condition and his...

Alistair Duncan is nearly killed and it’s unclear this is an accident or deliberate attempt on his life. He returns from hospital to find his girlfriend has thrown him out and he takes refuge with Jon, a War Gaming loner with perceptive insight into people. Ally’s ex-wife goes missing and he is framed for her murder by a struggling painter with no talent who is having an affair with both Ally’s girlfriend and ex-wife. Meanwhile an Asian policeman suffering from a terminal condition and his...

Redemption is only ever partial. Ray makes mistakes in his life yet at the last he tries to make some sort of restitution. In this novel, there is fake mysticism, empty promises, infidelity, lost chances and examples of how in extremis people can surprise and surpass themselves. There are also contrasting examples of how returning to one's past can end up - Jan is destroyed by hers, whereas Ray finds renewed purpose and enduring loyalties in his.