BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Remorseful Day - Colin Dexter  

Well, this is the final Inspector Morse novel and like the rest, it was an intriguing and eventful ride.

The Inspector, himself, was a complex and at times irritating man, a thought often voiced by those who worked with him and knew him best. And the loyal Sergeant Lewis never failed to have his boss' back. Even when Morse was wrong, Lewis knew he'd figure it out.

My husband gifted me with the complete BBC Inspector Morse series for my birthday, and I watched it as I worked my way through the books. (novel, episode, repeat)

All the novels were part of the series, spread out through the seasons, and this last one ended the series. Although there were definite changes between page and screen, they didn't compromise the integrity of the story or feel arbitrary.

I enjoyed the entire series, but complex murder mysteries are my 'drug' of choice.  So I might be a bit biased.

Also, you might be interested to know that Sergeant Lewis gets promoted and continues on in his mentor's footsteps in the BBC series Inspector Lewis.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

Death is Now My Neighbor - Colin Dexter   

As always, Inspector Morse unravels the tangled threads of blackmail and murder, with the steadfast Sergeant Lewis by his side.

Our Morse's health seems to have taken a few hits from his lifestyle choices over the years - but whose hasn't.

I've only one novel left to read in this series, The Remorseful Day.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Way Through the Woods - Colin Dexter  

The case remained unsolved for a year until Inspector Morse took over. 

He headed in a different direction than all the rest and managed to bring it all to a satisfactory if surprising conclusion.

Morse makes his share of mistakes, but he always figures it out in the end.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Daughters of Cain - Colin Dexter   

Inspector Morse needs to take better care of himself. I guess after ten books I'm getting a bit protective.

The smoking and drinking might be taking a toll on his health, but he is as good a detective as he ever was. Only two novels left to read.

Oh, my birthday present from my husband arrived today. Bet you can't guess what it is. The complete Inspector Morse Collection (33 episodes) on DVD.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Jewel That Was Ours - Colin Dexter    

Once again our intrepid Inspector Morse, with the help of Sergeant Lewis of course, solves the puzzle. 

Things do not necessarily end with everything tucked in nicely and neatly in Dexter's novels. And I like that.

Well, on to number ten.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Wench is Dead - Colin Dexter    

This one was different, but I was intrigued and I enjoyed it. 

There was a bit of a scare, perhaps foreshadowing? But the Inspector comes through. 

How far would you go to solve the unsolvable?

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Secret of Annexe 3 - Colin Dexter  

I'll be honest, this was not my favorite of the Inspector Morse books so far. But it was still pretty good. I'm quite fond of the cranky old guy.

Efforts by Colin Dexter that fall short, still end up well above many others in the genre.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Riddle of the Third Mile - Colin Dexter    

Another puzzle confronts Inspector Morse. And this time out we learn more about the good Inspector's own history.

I thought, having watched and loved the PBS series, I might be put off by the original novels. The characterization is a bit different. 

But I'm not at all. If anything, I'm finding a deeper understanding and appreciation of both.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Dead of Jericho - Colin Dexter   

Once again Inspector Morse comes through, along with the faithful and intrepid Sergent Lewis.

And I'm on to number six.

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

Service of All the Dead - Colin Dexter   

This one was on par with the first three and I enjoyed reading it. I admit that as an American, I occasionally find myself looking up English idioms. But anyone communicating in a second language is faced with that.

Did I say second language? 

Isn't there a saying to the effect that America and England are two countries separated by a common language?!

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn - Colin Dexter  

I never see it coming.

I've read enough murder mysteries to be pretty good at this, but just when I think he's going to turn left, he turns right, then right again, and a couple of lefts.  I need GPS!

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

Last Seen Wearing - Colin Dexter   

Sergent Lewis was a bit under the weather this time out, and he and Inspector Morse had a rough go of it, but it was still an enjoyable read nonetheless.

What?

BOOK REVIEWS. Sort Of.

Last Bus to Woodstock - Colin Dexter     

I have missed Inspector Morse so. PBS hasn't run his series in years and I am too poor to buy the DVDs. So I decided to read the originals by Colin Dexter. I am so glad I made that decision.

This is the first book of the series, and introduces us to Morse, Lewis, and their Oxford. I think we all know what I will be reading for a while.

Go ahead, talk amongst yourselves.