This was my first Inspector Morse novel, although I have seen several of the TV adaptations (including this one). It seems pretty straightforward at the beginning. Two married men, Julian Storrs and Dennis Cornford, are in competition to be named the next Master of Lonsdale College to replace Sir Clixby Bream. Julian is unfaithful to his wife, Rachel James being one of his secret lovers. Dr. Cornford is happily married to a much younger woman who is the object of much interest and speculation. When physiotherapist Rachel James is fatally shot through her kitchen window at 17 Bloxham Drive one morning, Morse and Lewis are called in to investigate. Rachel was a quiet, pretty girl, apparently without enemies, and a motive for her killing becomes more and more elusive as the investigation progresses. The neighbors, a source of much speculation and information, include Geoffrey Owens, an ambitious reporter who resides at 15 Bloxham Drive.
Morse diagnoses himself with diabetes during this case and spends 5 days in hospital, developing am incipient romantic relationship with a nurse, Janet McQueen, who insists on knowing Morse's first name (apparently this has been a source of speculation).
Dexter (and Morse) does an excellent job of weaving together 2 seemingly unrelated groups of people into an intriguing and very satisfying mystery. I would not be adverse to reading more in this series.
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