In Lady of the Lake the peace and tranquillity of a lakeside village is broken by the murder of a quiet if somewhat inquisitive stranger. The ticking of an old clock brings back childhood memories of a formidable old woman in Kate the Bush. The short story The Homecoming explores the relationship between a father and son against the background of immigration and advancing years. In A Grave Matter Flaherty's Pub is frequented by local drunkards, headers, wasters and anybody else who happens to be passing by and has the misfortune to call in.