The Madonna of the Astrolabe — J.I.M. Stewart

'Professor Sanctuary,' the Provost said evenly, 'favours the immediate launching of an appeal . . .' And so it begins . . . In J.I.M. Stewart's superbly melding of wit, mystery, observation and literary prowess a gripping novel develops that will enthral the reader from cover to cover. This can be read as part of the series, or as a standalone novel.In the fourth of J.I.M. Stewart's acclaimed ‘Staircase in Surrey' quintet the gravity of a surveyor's report given to the Governing Body is the initial focus. The document is alarming. The Governing Body, an assembly of which Pattullo was in awe, was equally awed by the dimensions of the crisis revealed. It would seem that the consideration was whether there would literally be a roof over their heads for much longer. The first rumblings from the college tower brings the thought well and truly home to Pattullo.