The book explores the desire among many in the modern Christian West for a faith that balances spiritual commitment with secular relevance. It addresses the quest for a belief system that is intellectually robust and emotionally fulfilling, while remaining applicable to contemporary life. Through this lens, it envisions a "republic of heaven" where spirituality and modernity coexist harmoniously, appealing to those seeking a deeper, more satisfying religious experience in today's world.
The book presents a fresh perspective on the origins of Scandinavian place-names in England, challenging conventional views. It proposes a new model of place-name formation that suggests significant migration of settlers from Scandinavia, providing insight into the cultural and historical influences on English geography.
Signal Failures takes the reader to the Peak District. The wild country contrasts with the quarrying and mining that has gone on there for centuries but by the 1870s they are in conflict, driven by the Industrial Revolution. A dead woman presents newly promoted Sergeant Spray with his first murder investigation in charge of his own office.