A desperate act of violence forces a Donegal bar owner into a claustrophobic struggle for survival when his secret is threatened by an unknown extortionist. Roarty, a former priest turned publican, attempts to conceal the murder of his employee by disposing of the body in a local bog. His efforts to maintain normalcy are disrupted by a series of anonymous blackmail letters that suggest his crime has been witnessed. As he navigates the isolation of the Irish countryside, he encounters a mysterious Englishman who integrates himself into the community, further complicating Roarty's paranoia and sense of security. The narrative maintains a tense, psychological focus on the protagonist's internal disintegration as the external threat looms.

Readers frequently highlight the oppressive atmosphere and the effective use of the Irish landscape to mirror the protagonist's internal state. Discussion often centers on the moral complexity of Roarty and the way the narrative forces the reader to empathize with a flawed, desperate individual. Critics often point to the book's unique blend of dark humor and psychological suspense, noting that the pacing is deliberate and methodical. The work is frequently cited for its ability to sustain tension without relying on conventional thriller tropes, making it a distinct entry in the crime genre.