The Glimpses of the Moon

The Glimpses of the Moon marks the final novel in Edmund Crispin's Gervase Fen mystery series, published in 1977 after a 26-year gap since the previous installment. The story takes place in the Devon village of Aller, where Oxford professor and amateur detective Fen finds himself investigating mysterious events. Professor Fen must navigate through a web of rural village life, eccentric characters, and suspicious circumstances as he works to uncover the truth. The investigation becomes increasingly complex as multiple threads of evidence and conflicting accounts emerge. This book exemplifies Crispin's trademark blend of classical detective fiction and comedy, while incorporating references to Shakespeare and academic culture. The story deals with themes of truth, perception, and the sometimes deceptive nature of rural tranquility.

Readers consider this a weaker entry in the Gervase Fen mystery series, with a more meandering plot than Crispin's other works. Readers appreciated: - The witty dialogue and literary references - The eccentric cast of characters - Several clever comedic scenes - The rural English village setting Common criticisms: - Too many subplots that don't connect well - The mystery takes too long to get started - Less engaging than other Fen novels - The solution feels rushed and unsatisfying Ratings: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (237 ratings) Amazon: 4.1/5 (31 ratings) Sample reader comments: "The trademark humor is there but the plot meanders aimlessly" - Goodreads reviewer "Not Crispin's best work but still entertaining for his fans" - Amazon reviewer "The first 100 pages could have been condensed significantly" - LibraryThing review The book maintains a small but devoted following among classic mystery fans, particularly those who enjoy academic settings and literary humor.

Death at the President's Lodging by Michael Innes A murder mystery set in an Oxford college combines academic atmosphere with intricate detective work in ways that mirror Crispin's blend of scholarly references and investigation.

The Moving Toyshop by Edmund Crispin Features the same detective Gervase Fen in an Oxford-based mystery that demonstrates Crispin's characteristic mix of intellectual puzzles and literary allusions.

Gaudy Night by Dorothy L. Sayers Set in an Oxford college, this mystery explores academic life and complex detection methods while maintaining the scholarly tone found in Crispin's work.

Death and the Visiting Fellow by Tim Heald A crime novel set in a Cambridge college presents the same combination of academic setting, detection, and British intellectual life central to Crispin's mysteries.

Sweet Poison by David Roberts Set between the wars, this mystery features an aristocrat-detective solving crimes in British high society with the same wit and literary references that characterize Crispin's work.

🔍 Edmund Crispin was the pseudonym of Robert Bruce Montgomery, who was also a noted composer of film scores and church music 📚 The 26-year gap between this book and his previous novel was largely due to Montgomery's struggle with alcohol addiction 🎭 The protagonist, Gervase Fen, was inspired by Oxford professor W.E. Moore and is one of the few fictional detectives who is a working academic 🏰 The Devon setting reflects Crispin's own connection to the area - he spent his final years living in the Devon village of Dartington 🎬 During the period between his books, Crispin supported himself by writing reviews, becoming one of the most respected crime fiction critics of his time