A massive black cloud approaches the solar system, with calculations and estimations laid out as part of the text. The first 2/3 is a high realism disaster novel, between boiling layers of atmosphere and massive temperature drop from lack of sunshine.

The whole novel reads like a screenplay, though I suspect Hollywood would remove the calculus. This ensemble piece doesn't have a main character, though cold-hearted scientist Professor Kingsley (apparently modeled after the author) comes close. The primary setting of Nortonstowe has a very British feel.

A very enjoyable book.