A European businessman finds his life in immediate peril when a mysterious death occurs during his transit across the English Channel. Georges Rivac, a man harboring a significant secret, must navigate a web of suspicion and lethal intent after a fellow passenger is cast into the sea. The narrative follows his desperate attempts to evade those tracking him while maintaining his own facade. Set against the backdrop of pre-war European instability, the story utilizes a tense, high-stakes framework to explore the protagonist's struggle for survival against unknown adversaries.

Readers often note the lean, efficient prose style that characterizes Household's approach to the thriller genre. Discussion frequently centers on the protagonist's internal state of anxiety and the external pressure of his pursuers. Critics highlight the effective use of the confined setting to heighten the sense of vulnerability and isolation. The narrative is recognized for its ability to maintain suspense through tight plotting and a focus on the mechanics of evasion rather than excessive exposition. This work is frequently cited as a representative example of mid-century suspense writing that prioritizes momentum and atmosphere.