When Finn McQuaid steals St. Patrick's Cross from the Rock of Cashel to hold the government for ransom, he unwittingly triggers a chaotic chain reaction involving international criminals and inept authorities. Finn finds his criminal scheme rapidly spiraling out of control as his brother arrives from the United States carrying stolen money and bringing dangerous pursuers along with him. The narrative follows a multi-perspective structure, tracking the collision of disparate characters including a frustrated police superintendent, a French minister, and an oil tycoon. As the stakes escalate, the characters must navigate a series of absurd obstacles and shifting loyalties that threaten to dismantle their respective plans.

This novel is characterized by its whimsical approach to the crime genre, favoring situational comedy over procedural realism. The narrative relies on the rapid accumulation of eccentric characters and escalating misunderstandings to drive the plot forward. Readers likely encounter a tone that balances lighthearted mischief with the inherent tension of a high-stakes heist gone wrong. The work fits into the tradition of Irish satirical fiction, utilizing local color and absurdity to critique the various institutions involved in the protagonist's scheme.