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University Secrets
Step back to a simpler time in this hilarious and nostalgic cosy campus novel about life at a fictional Yorkshire university, perfect for fans of James Herriot and Tom Sharpe.
York, 1990.
As a lecturer at the University of Eboracum, Doctor Tom Frith is all too aware how quickly gossip can spread on campus. Happily, news of his engagement to Music tutor Inger Larson has been met with nothing but well wishes from students and faculty alike. But with classes and a wedding to plan, it’s certainly set to be a busy academic year.
Meanwhile, an anonymous letter prompts Tom to investigate the nefarious dealings of the university’s bursar. And when a shadowy character from Inger’s past emerges, dead-set on finding his way back into her life, she and Tom have some big decisions to make regarding their future . . .
Readers love Jack Sheffield!
'It’s like a big comfort blanket . . . I could read Jack’s books all day every day!' *****
'The descriptions of York and surrounding areas are wonderful, the characters easy to emphasise with and it provides a touch of nostalgia from times not so long past' *****
'Another wonderful tale by Jack Sheffield . . . I look forward to the next book in this series' *****
'Wry observation and heartwarming humour in equal measure' - Alan Titchmarsh
'Jack Sheffield is certainly top of the class with this heart-warming and feel-good series' - Western Morning News
'Reliably entertaining' - Choice
York, 1990.
As a lecturer at the University of Eboracum, Doctor Tom Frith is all too aware how quickly gossip can spread on campus. Happily, news of his engagement to Music tutor Inger Larson has been met with nothing but well wishes from students and faculty alike. But with classes and a wedding to plan, it’s certainly set to be a busy academic year.
Meanwhile, an anonymous letter prompts Tom to investigate the nefarious dealings of the university’s bursar. And when a shadowy character from Inger’s past emerges, dead-set on finding his way back into her life, she and Tom have some big decisions to make regarding their future . . .
Readers love Jack Sheffield!
'It’s like a big comfort blanket . . . I could read Jack’s books all day every day!' *****
'The descriptions of York and surrounding areas are wonderful, the characters easy to emphasise with and it provides a touch of nostalgia from times not so long past' *****
'Another wonderful tale by Jack Sheffield . . . I look forward to the next book in this series' *****
'Wry observation and heartwarming humour in equal measure' - Alan Titchmarsh
'Jack Sheffield is certainly top of the class with this heart-warming and feel-good series' - Western Morning News
'Reliably entertaining' - Choice
Hardcover
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About the author
Jack Sheffield
27 books79 followersJack Sheffield (born Jack Linley, 1945) is a British author who wrote a series of books of fiction about the headmaster of a village school in a fictional Yorkshire village. The stories are set from the late 1970s to the early 1980s and attempt to portray life in Yorkshire as it was at that time.
He was trained as a teacher at St John's College, York and later became head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire and then senior lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall.
He took up writing after retirement, and his first novel "Teacher, Teacher!" sold 100,000 copies
He was trained as a teacher at St John's College, York and later became head teacher of two schools in North Yorkshire and then senior lecturer in primary education at Bretton Hall.
He took up writing after retirement, and his first novel "Teacher, Teacher!" sold 100,000 copies
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
February 2, 2026
Jack Sheffield’s gentle novels are always enjoyable. They have provided some respite from some of my more challenging times, as well as being something of a palate cleanser after a tricky book club read. Set in 1990 this is the third book detailing the lives of Tom Frith and his colleagues as they teach future teachers at the University of Eboracum in York and it was lovely becoming reacquainted with them all over the course of an academic year. The references to news, sports events and music of the time made me realise just how much water has gone under the bridge in the last 35 years and how things have changed. As always, I loved the book and will miss Tom, Inger, Owen, Victor, Zeb and the gang and will wonder how their lives turned out.
November 30, 2025
I Love Jack's Books
Been Reading Them Since Teacher Teacher Came Out
Number 1 UK Fan
Been Reading Them Since Teacher Teacher Came Out
Number 1 UK Fan
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews