A scientist struggles to dismantle a dangerous new German booby-trap bomb while battling his own physical pain and professional disillusionment. Sammy Rice, a research scientist working for the British government during World War II, finds himself caught between the bureaucratic incompetence of his superiors and the lethal reality of unexploded ordnance. His objective is to neutralize a sophisticated enemy device, a task complicated by his dependence on alcohol and his chronic foot injury. The narrative employs a tense, internal perspective that emphasizes the claustrophobic nature of wartime research and the psychological toll of high-stakes technical work. The story unfolds through a series of mounting pressures, both personal and professional, as Rice navigates the rigid hierarchies of the military-industrial complex.

Readers frequently highlight the clinical precision with which the author depicts the technical aspects of bomb disposal. Discussion often centers on the stark contrast between the high-pressure environment of the field and the stifling, often petty atmosphere of the office. Critics note the effectiveness of the protagonist's internal struggle, which serves to ground the narrative in a realistic, human experience rather than mere action. The pacing is often described as deliberate, building tension through psychological depth and the slow accumulation of professional obstacles. Many readers appreciate the lack of romanticized heroism, finding the focus on the mundane realities of wartime service to be a defining feature of the work.