A sleuthing Oxford professor hunts a village blackmailer, in a novel by an author who “combines a flawless plot, witty dialogue, and a touch of hilarity” (The New York Times).

In the sleepy English village of Sanford Angelorum, Oxford professor and amateur detective Gervase Fen is taking a break from his books to run for Parliament. At first glance, the village he's come to canvass appears perfectly peaceful, but Fen soon discovers that appearances can be deceiving: someone in the village has discovered a dark secret and is using it for blackmail. Anyone who comes close to uncovering the blackmailer's identity is swiftly dispatched.

As the joys of politics wear off, Fen sets his mind to the mystery—but finds himself caught up in a tangled tale of eccentric psychiatrists, escaped lunatics, beautiful women, and lost heirs . . .

“His books are full of high spirits and excellent jokes, with constant literary allusions . . . But at times the mood turns darker, and Crispin is capable of passages of both genuine suspense and ingenious deduction.” —The Daily Telegraph

“One of the most literate mystery writers of the twentieth century.” —Boston Globe