Felix McClure, an Oxford University professor, is stabbed to death in his college study. Not only was he an expert in his field but he was one of the University&♯39;s key fund-raisers. The investigation focuses on Brooks, a one-time cleaner for McClure who quit his college job abruptly after a student, Mathew Rodway, jumped out of a college window high on drugs. When Morse learns that Brooks&♯39; daughter was the object of affection for both Rodway and another student, he has another possible suspect. Brooks&♯39; wife also worked for one of McClure&♯39;s friends and Morse uncovers a conspiracy that he may not be able to prove.