“The Glimpses of the Moon” is a detective novel written by Edmund Crispin, first published in 1977. The novel is part of the Gervase Fen series, which features the eccentric Oxford professor of English literature, Gervase Fen, as the detective.

The story is set in a small village in England, where Fen is visiting his old friend, the composer Geoffrey Vintner. Vintner has just returned from a trip to Italy, where he claims to have witnessed a murder. However, he is unable to provide any details about the victim or the perpetrator, and no body has been found. Fen is initially skeptical of Vintner’s story, but when a series of strange events occur in the village, he begins to suspect that there may be more to Vintner’s story than meets the eye.

As Fen investigates, he uncovers a web of secrets and lies that involves Vintner’s family, his acquaintances, and even his own past. The plot twists and turns as Fen races to solve the mystery before it’s too late.

Crispin’s writing is known for its wit, humor, and literary allusions, and “The Glimpses of the Moon” is no exception. The novel is full of references to Shakespeare, Milton, and other classic writers, as well as playful nods to the detective genre itself.

Overall, “The Glimpses of the Moon” is a clever and entertaining mystery novel that showcases Crispin’s talent for blending humor and suspense. It is considered one of the best books in the Gervase Fen series and a classic of the golden age of detective fiction.