This well written novel is a thriller of society. Margaret Hilditch's father is the mysterious Sir Timothy Brast, patron of the SPCA, endower of Hospitals, and apparent criminal mastermind. He and Ledsam match wits and cross swords throughout the book. Post War England is well portrayed, with casual sex and a drug-fueled night life, orgies in country homes, wayward women, and wastrels of all classes. A recurrent theme from Oppenheim's work during this period was the ennui of the upper class, bored with existence, and always seeking novelty and thrill. In this work, the thrills are provided by boxing matches, and matching wits.