The 1983 General Election is just weeks away when Special Branch discovers that at least one IRA terrorist cell is planning an attack on mainland Britain. DS Tom Ashton and his newly recruited DC, Charlie Ross, are suddenly at the heart of a police operation that leads them into a web of intrigue and danger. Some will emerge with acclaim and honours; others will not be so fortunate. "Firearms teams, telephone intercepts, 24-hour surveillance. It was all getting rather surreal. If Bill Nevis had next asked him whether he liked his vodka martini shaken or stirred, he would not have been overly surprised..."