Amanda is unsure about her chances since her scholarly writings have been few and far between. The chance discovery of an unpublished manuscript by G.K. Chesterton, an author of detective novels who spent time on the Notre Dame campus in the 1930’s, lifts Amanda’s spirits. Perhaps this find will be considered worthy addition to her CV (curriculum vitae).

Within days, Amanda’s body is found in a lake on campus. Because she is wearing her roommate’s jogging suit, questions arise as to whether or not Amanda or her roommate Laura was the intended victim.

Hoping to dispense with the matter quickly, the University engages the services of Phil Knight, private eye and brother of University professor Roger Knight, to investigate the murder. There is no shortage of suspects, even if Amanda was the intended victim. They include Hans Wiener, who was competing with Amanda for tenure, Sean Pottery, a senior faculty member who is an expert on Chesterton, who professes to be madly in love with Amanda and against whom she has filed harassment charges. In addition, an unscrupulous book dealer has recently learned of the Chesterton manuscript.

Irish Tenure is a strong addition to Ralph McInerny’s second series (the other is the Father Dowling mysteries). McInerny creates a believable academic setting, complete with petty jealousies and rivalries at one of the world’s most famous universities. The clerical staff, especially the one who spent time in Bangladesh, provides smiles whenever they appear.

Roger and his brother Phil are good foils to each other, yet each may be more like the other than either would admit. The supporting faculty and administrators, while not very developed, represent those typical of their positions.

Several suspects, each of whom you would like to pin the murders on, a strong setting and a pair of likable detectives make this a more than welcome addition to a fledgling series.

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry