I had enjoyed Veronica Stallwood’s previous novels featuring aspiring historical novelist Kate Ivory, who had an unfortunate penchant for becoming embroiled in murder investigations. I wonder, however, whether this fourth instalment represented a case of having taken the pitcher to the well once too often. I acknowledge, however, that it may simply have been that I have read too many books in this sequence within too short a period.

This time around, an impecunious Kate finds herself being taken on by Bartlemas College, to help with the administration of its summer school following the untimely death of the man in charge of the project. He had died after falling from the high college tower, as it happens, only very shortly after encountering Kate herself in a busy Oxford street. As Kate gets to grips with the work, she starts to find a few oddities in the files, and also begins to receive rather threatening messages.

So far, so good. However, each chapter begins with an encounter between Kate’s deceased predecessor and an angel, who is overseeing the dead man’s access to heaven. This is basically a rather clumsy vehicle for insights into episodes from the dead man’s past. I found this exceptionally irritating, and out of step with the rest of the novel.

Kate remains an appealing and broadly empathetic character, but I think I will wait much longer before progressing to the next book in the series. ( )

My first Kate Ivory novel and it didn't leave me wanting to read more, despite the respectable reviews of her books on the cover of this one. I certainly think that there is no chance of Morse being knocked of his pedestal as the premier Oxford detective series, based on this sample. Kate Ivory, a less than successful writer is desperate to earn some money between books and steps into the shoes of an Oxford College's Development Officer, who recently died under suspicious circumstances, to manage a summer school. It seems that her presence is unwelcome and a number of people have something to hide and don't want an unwelcome light shone on their activities.

The book doesn't seem to take itself very seriously and the plot is pretty thin and doesn't provide much meat for keen crime readers. It may have some limited appeal for those familiar with Oxford and academia, who may recognize some of the stereotypes portrayed, but it left me expecting and wanting more. I also didn't like the style of interspersing the main story with a recap of events by the deceased, supposedly in heaven. ( )