Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley of New Scotland Yard investigatesmurder at Cambridge University as he continues his suit for the love ofLady Helen in George's ( A Suitable Vengeance ) latest well-craftedmystery. The high-born Lynley and his sergeant, Barbara Havers, whosepersonal dilemmas revolve around choosing adequate care for herincreasingly senile mother, are sent to advise the Cambridgeconstabulary after student Elena Weaver, a long-distance runner anddaughter of highly respected university history professor AnthonyWeaver, is found battered to death near a running path. As theinvestigation reveals that Elena, who was deaf, was not at all theinnocent naif her doting father imagined, Lynley comes to understandLady Helen's deep-rooted questions about their relationship and theirindividual independence. Another murder occurs and assortedextracurricular passions among prominent academics are bared; Georgealso explores such issues as whether deafness is a cultural stigma or agenuine handicap, the nature of family identity and betrayal, and theimperatives of the creative temperament. While elements of the plot aresomewhat stretched, George's story never fails to engage.