Forty-year-old firefighter Tommy Ferguson is an expert at fighting fires on the outskirts of Manchester. But this book is not primarily about the flaming embers of fires, but the burning embers of anguish caused by unbridled passion, infatuation and marital infidelity. The author skilfully describes how Tommy’s anguish builds up daily over six months. Increasingly obsessed with checking the movements and phone calls of his wife, Louise, Tommy unveils evidence of assignations between her and an older man. Tommy becomes convinced that his in-laws are conniving to turn their daughter in favour of the more distinguished Percy, who is a physiotherapist. Undoubtedly Tommy is a heavy-drinking, fiery-tempered, ‘one of the lads’. He is a product of Northern working-class culture which is portrayed in exquisite characterisation in the friends with whom Tommy goes to football matches. The ‘banter’ flows uncensored. But for Tommy, this was unimportant in comparison with his unwavering devotion to his wife and two children. Even during his visit to Moscow to witness Manchester United’s triumph in the Champions League Final, Tommy cannot overcome ‘the dark mist enveloping him’. Will Tommy succeed in convincing Louise that his increasingly unrequited love remains stronger than ever? Or will Tommy’s torment take a terrifying turn?
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