After living in Australia for the past decade, Fitz and Judith return to Manchester in 2004 for their daughter Katie's wedding. Drinking too much at the reception, Fitz stumbles through a rambling toast, which only embarrasses the bride. Instead of spending time with his grandson, son of his married son Mark, Fitz opts…

After a businesslike introduction to the manufacture of crackers (did you know the cardboard centres were called tum-tums?), this appealing short suddenly switches tone, as a festive family prances around a Christmas tree and pulls a gigantic cracker. But what - or who - lurks within? (Alex Davidson)

A tale of adultery, religion and perversity as Fitz attempts to unravel a strange murder case. Meanwhile, his wife, Judith, is about to split the family assets down-the-line, leaving Fitz and his son Mark to fend for themselves.

Fitz has to increase his lectures at several universities as he is broke. The attentions of one of his pupils leave him unaffected until he realises that she may be involved in murder and harming his family.