The discovery of the Vice-Chancellor’s corpse atop the chapel roof triggers a chaotic investigation into the volatile academic environment of Oxford. Inspector Autumn of Scotland Yard arrives to navigate a landscape of eccentric dons, professional rivalries, and institutional madness. The narrative follows the inspector as he attempts to decipher a series of bizarre events and interpersonal conflicts that have culminated in murder. The story unfolds within the claustrophobic and tradition-bound setting of the university, where the logical constraints of the law clash with the absurd behaviors of the faculty.

Readers frequently highlight the sharp wit and satirical tone that defines this mystery. Discussion often centers on the author's ability to capture the absurdity of academic life while maintaining a coherent investigative plot. Critics often note the balance between the lighthearted, humorous prose and the darker elements of the central crime. Many readers appreciate the atmospheric setting, which serves as both a backdrop and a catalyst for the narrative's central conflict. The work is often cited for its clever subversion of traditional detective tropes within a highly specific cultural environment.