Richard, a hapless, middle-aged academic in a central London university, becomes involved in a possible murder mystery. Led on by Sara, his young and energetic friend, they search for the truth behind the apparent suicide of the university's HR Director. Richard, not a natural detective, bumbles self-effacingly through the investigation as they crisscross the university and a regenerating South London, repeatedly stumbling across badgers, a mysterious Director of Studies and a strange cohort of students. Helped by his old friend, the misogynistic but wily Professor D'Arcy, they are pitted against Professor Steele, the sinister head of department, and three clone-like administrators, the three Tims. Set within the confines of crime and intrigue, the themes of loneliness, purpose and identity gently underpin the story.