In a captivating collection of fourteen stories, the macabre aspect of human nature is exposed with a rare combination of candour and piercing black humour. Mankind's worst and best attributes are highlighted as a range of challenging situations present themselves. Detective Doyle investigates murders in the most bizarre of circumstances, not helped by an overzealous temporary colleague and obstinate witnesses. A bereaved twin sister fiercely pursues a disturbing web of people traffickers. A flood of near-biblical proportions prompts survivors to desperate measures. An ordinary, downtrodden wife suddenly finds previously unknown literary inspiration from an undetectable source. The arrival of an oval-shaped gift from above and a sudden virus on communities provoke powerful reactions on those affected. Alice the intrepid Airedale displays unintentional heroism. There is very little that is predictable in this multi-faceted exploration of the human condition.