This is a tense portrayal of a mystery in Martin's past, and its affect on his life and relationships - chiefly between him and his wife Jennifer, and another couple, Stephen and Jacqui. The main themes explored in this novel are the impact of a single traumatic event on the life of an individual, the fragility of friendship, the effects of aging and changes in personality on relationships, and the impact of class origin and childhood upbringing on later life, all played out in the seeming tranquility of the Yorkshire Dales.

Mike Carter has been a lecturer at Streetbridge College of Further Education for 30 years. He has been the leader of the pack, scourge of college management, seducer of students, colleagues and wives of colleagues. But now, approaching 60, things are going awry. The younger lecturers are no longer in thrall to him, his powers of seduction are declining, and those whom he has offended over the years, sensing his diminishing influence, are seeking to exact revenge. Meanwhile, Marcia Martell, the young, newly appointed Principal, is determined to drag the institution into the 21st century in the...