The Ruthless Furnace is the second of three works of fiction featuring psychotherapist Dr Max Maxwell and his work with patients. Badly wounded in Afghanistan, Corporal Frank Bright finds it impossible to return to everyday life; his marriage suffers and after discharge from the army he has been living rough in London.

Two cousins take him in after he stumbles into their church after being inspired by the sound of singing. They encourage him to visit a clinic run for soldiers suffering PTSD by Dr Maxwell. He and Max embark on a complex and ultimately transforming therapeutic journey together. Frank carries the shame of his attack upon his wife. Max carries a secret shame as his own private life is falling apart.

Elizabeth Wilde McCormick worked as a psychotherapist in many different NHS and private settings for forty years. She is also the author of a number of best selling psychological self help books including Change for the Better, Surviving Breakdown, Living on the Edge. The first novel in the trilogy is called The Pale Green Room.