In the University of Notre Dame's philosophy department two young scholars, Amanda Pick and Hans Wiener, are competing for the same tenure position. Sleuth Roger Knight is a friend to both, and as he painfully witnesses the fierce competition unfold, he also becomes keenly aware of the many secrets that both professors have to hide. While Amanda is a beloved teacher who incorporates a passionate and liberal approach to her students' learning, Hans follows a more conservative route, and has a family to support. Through their designs, both earn the ire of their many colleagues, until Amanda Pick crosses the wrong path and ends up dead.

At the same time, speculations are building about the true origins of an unknown manuscript by G. K. Chesterton, who spent time on the Notre Dame campus. How is the awkward researcher of these papers tied into Amanda's death? And how did Notre Dame's foremost Chesterton scholar, Sean Pottery, fall madly in love with the young ill-fated professor?

Displaying Ralph McInerny's trademark wit and intelligence, Irish Tenure is another clever romp through the hallowed halls of academia, and once again demonstrates why McInerny is considered a master of the mystery form.