As this is a detective novel, it would be spoiling matters to summarise the plot. Instead, something can be said about the themes and the strengths of the piece.
The themes are:
¥ examination of the human condition;
¥ a Game based upon speculation on the outcome of litigation in the Civil Courts in Scotland;
¥ financial instruments, called Options; and,
¥ a close examination of Edinburgh society.
In terms of strengths, this is an intellectually challenging literary piece, concentrating on the reasons for crime (Ôwhydunit?) rather than the normal ÔwhodunitÕ. It is a very well written, keenly observed and highly stylised, piece, full of black humour and vivid descriptive prose pictures.