A fast-paced thriller, this includes sex, violence, humor, and wit, but not necessarily in that order. It introduces Hugh Reilly, an RAF bomber-pilot, womanizer, and alcoholic. Scarred by his war experiences, and quick to resort to violence, Hugh becomes embroiled in deceit, corruption, and murder when he returns to civilian life. A colorful and convincing cast of low-life characters brilliantly evokes 1940s Belfast where Reilly moves through the backstreets to (finally) his jail cell in Crumlin Road.