A wealthy, misanthropic dentist hosts a series of sadistic dinner parties designed to humiliate his guests and test the limits of human greed. Alfred Jones, a middle-aged translator, finds himself drawn into the orbit of the enigmatic Dr. Fischer, a man who uses his immense fortune to manipulate the social elite of Geneva. As Jones navigates a burgeoning relationship with Fischer's daughter, he must contend with the dentist's cruel psychological games and the moral decay of the guests who endure them. The narrative, presented through a first-person perspective, examines the tension between personal integrity and the corrupting influence of wealth. The story unfolds within the confined, claustrophobic settings of Fischer's estate, emphasizing the logical progression of his nihilistic philosophy.

Discussion often centers on the novella's bleak outlook and its sharp critique of capitalist excess. Readers frequently highlight the effectiveness of the titular 'bomb party' as a symbol for the moral bankruptcy of the characters involved. Critics often note the economy of Greene's writing, which strips away extraneous detail to focus on the core conflict between Jones and Fischer. The work is frequently analyzed for its theological undertones and its stark portrayal of human greed in a controlled environment. Many readers find the concise nature of the book allows for a focused examination of the protagonist's internal moral struggle.