Carroll paints a vivid picture of the political climate in 1980s Britain and Ireland, highlighting the deep-seated animosity and mistrust that fueled the conflict. He explores the IRA's perspective, presenting their actions as a desperate attempt to break a political stalemate and force the British government to the negotiating table. Simultaneously, he examines the Thatcher government's hardline stance against terrorism, a policy that further inflamed tensions and contributed to the cycle of violence.

While focusing on the political machinations of the conflict, Carroll never loses sight of the individuals whose lives were irrevocably altered by the bombing. He provides intimate portraits of the IRA operatives, revealing their motivations, fears, and the personal sacrifices they made in pursuit of their goals. Carroll also delves into the meticulous investigation that followed the attack, shedding light on the dedication of the investigators and the long-reaching consequences for those involved.

"There Will Be Fire" grapples with the long shadow cast by the Brighton bombing and the broader conflict in Northern Ireland. Carroll examines the attack's impact on Anglo-Irish relations, arguing that while it ultimately failed to achieve its immediate objectives, it significantly shaped the course of subsequent peace negotiations. He highlights the lasting trauma experienced by survivors and the families of victims, underlining the enduring human cost of political violence.