Life for the Yorkshire Dales school inspector is about to become not unlike the rambling hills of the Dales themselves--up and down and all over the place. After a routine school inspection culminates with a teacher being forced into early retirement, Gervase is left feeling his year hasn't begun on the right foot. Then come the news that his local school is closing down, the accidental demolition of a historical church, and knee injury! And still Gervase gallantly retains his sense of humour throughout, making this a charming and thoroughly entertaining read.