A stray snowball thrown in a small town initiates a lifelong web of guilt, obsession, and transformation that binds three men together across decades. Dunstan Ramsay, the narrator, seeks to reconcile his past actions and the influence of the saints he studies with the reality of his mundane life. He is constantly pulled into the orbit of Boy Staunton, a man of immense wealth and ambition, and Paul Dempster, a magician whose life is defined by early trauma. The narrative framework spans multiple decades, utilizing a reflective, first-person perspective that examines the intersection of psychological depth and the supernatural.

Readers frequently highlight the intellectual density and the intricate, layered prose that defines Davies' writing style. Discussion often centers on the philosophical inquiries regarding morality, fate, and the hidden influences that shape an individual's character. Critics often praise the balance between the grounded, realistic settings and the subtle, fantastical elements that permeate the narrative. The pacing is noted for being deliberate, favoring character introspection and thematic development over rapid-fire action sequences. Many readers find the exploration of the 'fifth business' concept to be a compelling framework for understanding the supporting roles people play in the lives of others.