This clever and compelling series, which began in 1993 with "Death and the Oxford Box", still satisfies and intrigues in the eleventh Kate Ivory
mystery "Oxford Remains". You might think by #11 we have viewed Oxford
university life from every aspect, but Ms. Stallwood continues to produce
new angles - on this occasion, Master-student relationships. We are reminded again that our lives are shaped by our childhood.
In "Oxford Remains" we have two stories told in separate decades, but
later intertwining. It's like watching two trains on an inevitable collision course. Kate's willingness to get involved in
everyone else's problems may at times exasperate - she appears unable to say "no!" - and her private life is a bit muddled. With all the mysteries she solves, how does she find time to be a published novelist? Nonetheless, the author writes convincingly and you can read the Kate Ivory mysteries in any order with great enjoyment as well as learning a
great deal about British university life.
As a devotee of English mysteries without too much violence and sex, I
recommend this series wholeheartedly.