When Dr. Felix McClure of Wolsey College, Oxford, is found dead the clues lead to a college servant, Edward Brooks. When Brooks is killed, Inspector Morse finds himself romantically involved with one of the suspects.

John Cade, an Oxford professor of history, is shot to death in his mansion and his son, Stephen, is charged with murder and put on trial, but Inspector William Trave believes in the son's innocence and decides to look for the murderer.

A story of horror and mystery set in Oxford, England.

Chief Inspector Morse, investigating the murder of a young woman in her North Oxford home, follows a winding trail that eventually leads him to the peaceful campus of Lonsdale College where two senior dons, aided by their ambitious wives, are vying for the Mastership of the school.