This is number 6 in the Inspector Morse series.  Morse is more reflective here, thinking of his past, perhaps lost opportunities at school and in love and even his relationship with Lewis.  The case involves a body pulled from the canal with all identifiying features removed, head, hands and even legs.  Everything points to a missing Oxford don named Browne-Smith, but the more Morse investigates the more muddied the case becomes.  Who was the body in the canal and who put him there?

This case is full of misdirections, links to the past briefly mentioned, red herrings and mistaken identity.  I definitely had to slow down my reading to follow what was happening.  There is some interesting discussion of “politics” at institutions of higher learning and the examination process.  There are also references to WWII and the repurcussions for certain characters.  A well done mystery and a really enjoying read.  I particularly liked the headings of the chapters giving you hints of what was to come.  I also appreciated getting this glimpse into the life events that have made Morse the man he is today.  A must read for Morse fans!