'Craig anatomises the state of the nation with wit and empathy' JONATHAN COE

'She's such a skilful storyteller who vividly dramatises our lives with wit, wisdom and compassion' BERNARDINE EVARISTO

'Amanda Craig is a delicious storyteller' ROSE TREMAIN

'One of the most brilliant and entertaining novelists' ALISON LURIE

In the worst day of the year, and on the twelfth day of Christmas, a group of people come under siege in Cross St, North London.

A gang is hunting for a child who has been drawn into crime with tragic results; there is a riot outside the church where asylum seekers have been sleeping, and many cities have descended into fierce protests.

Inside the Literary Cafe, a group of writers, bakers and shopkeepers are sheltering. Their petty feuds and past quarrels must be forgotten if they are to survive a gang armed with knives and a gun.

Over a few hours, the divisions between high and low, old and new, haves and have-nots are thrown into violent contrast. Are they going to try to save themselves, or each other?