A hard of hearing member of the examination board is found dead, which may be linked to the sale of exam answers.

The wolvercote tongue is a precious gem which has been stolen. The crime is compounded when its owner is found murdered.

A body is found in the canal of the Oxford and only clue to its identity points to a connection with one of the colleges. As Morse and Lewis proceed with their investigation, they discover that beneath the tightlipped, respectable veneer of college life lies a cauldron of deception, corruption and ruthless ambition.