A former IRA operative seeks redemption by protecting a priest who witnessed his final, forced assassination. Martin Fallon, a man burdened by the accidental killing of children during his time as an IRA hitman, attempts to escape his violent history. When he is coerced by the criminal Meehan brothers into performing one final execution, he finds himself in a moral standoff after a priest, Father De Costa, witnesses the act. Fallon must navigate a landscape of betrayal and lethal pursuit, utilizing his specialized combat skills to shield the witness from those who demand the priest's death. The narrative follows a tense, linear progression as Fallon attempts to reconcile his past actions with his current objective of salvation.

Readers frequently highlight the stark, efficient prose style that characterizes the author's approach to the thriller genre. Discussion often centers on the internal conflict of the protagonist, as the narrative balances the requirements of a high-stakes action plot with the weight of the character's moral failures. Critics often note the effectiveness of the atmosphere, which emphasizes the isolation of a man attempting to outrun his own history. The pacing is generally described as brisk, ensuring that the tension remains consistent throughout the development of the central conflict. Many readers appreciate the focus on the mechanics of survival rather than relying on overly sentimental character arcs.