Sheila O'Brien must defend her newly acquired criminal empire against a ruthless Birmingham rival following her husband's death. Sheila has taken the reins of Manchester's underworld after her husband Paddy's demise, determined to rule on her own terms. Her ambition is immediately challenged by Nigel Bancroft, a formidable figure from Birmingham intent on seizing control of the city. Sheila faces a brutal power struggle, where maintaining her authority means risking everything, even her life.

This novel is recognized for its gritty and gripping portrayal of Manchester's criminal underworld, earning praise as a leading example of Mancunian noir. Readers familiar with authors like Martina Cole and Kimberley Chambers will find a familiar, hard-edged narrative style. The story is structured to be accessible as a standalone, focusing on Sheila O'Brien's determined fight to maintain control of her empire against formidable opposition. The pacing is described as heart-stopping, promising an intense reading experience for fans of crime thrillers.