Exploring the World of Inspector Morse
The renowned British author Colin Dexter (1930-2017) is celebrated for crafting one of literature’s most enduring fictional detectives: Endeavour Morse, more commonly recognized worldwide as ‘Inspector Morse’—though it is worth noting that Morse holds the rank of Chief Inspector throughout the series. Dexter’s novels and the subsequent ITV drama series they inspired have significantly contributed to the perception of Oxford as ‘the murder capital of the world.’
Morse, with his distinctive tastes for cryptic crosswords, real ale, opera, and poetry, as well as his bachelor lifestyle and pedantic habit of correcting his loyal sidekick Sergeant Lewis’s grammar, has become an iconic figure. Dexter’s adventures featuring Morse began to grace the shelves in the mid-1970s, culminating in the hugely popular television adaptation that premiered in 1987, featuring the exceptional John Thaw in the titular role.
Before Morse, Oxford had its fair share of fictional detectives—Edmund Crispin’s Gervase Fen stands out as a notable example. However, Morse has now become synonymous with the city, known for its medieval colleges and distinguished landmarks such as the Bodleian Library and the Radcliffe Camera.
Interestingly, Morse is as well-known for his missteps and erroneous deductions as he is for his triumphs. He often finds himself following misguided paths and flawed lines of inquiry, requiring him to reassess his theories midway through various investigations. His cantankerous and sometimes ungrateful demeanor only serves to make him more relatable and human.
Colin Dexter penned a total of thirteen Inspector Morse novels from 1975 to 1999. Below, we present an overview of each book, arranged in chronological order:
- Last Bus to Woodstock (1975)
The inaugural novel introduces readers to Morse and Lewis, surprising many fans of the TV adaptation since Lewis is depicted as older and Welsh, rather than Geordie. The duo investigates the murder of a young woman named Sylvia Kaye, with a red car—seen giving the victim a lift—serving as a pivotal clue. - Last Seen Wearing (1976)
This second installment centers around the two-year-old disappearance of a schoolgirl, Valerie Taylor, whose case was previously handled by a detective who has recently perished in a car accident. Morse and Lewis take it upon themselves to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. - The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn (1977)
One of Dexter’s more clever plot devices revolves around the reliability of lipreading. The murdered individual, Nicholas Quinn, was deaf and worked for an exam syndicate. The question arises: did he overhear his colleagues plotting to sell exam answers? This novel draws heavily on Dexter’s own experiences, as he worked in a similar capacity after losing his hearing. - Service of All the Dead (1979)
This ‘church’ mystery unfolds within the confines of the fictional St Frideswide’s Church in Cornmarket, where multiple murders occur. The first victim, Harry Josephs, raises questions about the true nature of the crimes. The book’s structure is notably innovative, comprising four distinct sections named after books of the Bible, each written in a unique style, including witness statements and court proceedings. - The Dead of Jericho (1981)
The first Colin Dexter novel adapted for television, this story involves Morse’s personal connection to the victim, Anne Scott (renamed Stavely in the adaptation). After developing an interest in her, Morse is heartbroken to discover her dead, initially believed to be a suicide. This book features the clever integration of the Oedipus myth into Morse’s investigative process. - The Riddle of the Third Mile (1983)
Adapted as ‘The Last Enemy’ for the TV series in 1989, this installment intertwines college politics with a dark event from World War II involving one of three brothers lost in action. While it may not reach the heights of previous novels plot-wise, it still offers an entertaining narrative. Additionally, it provides intriguing backstory for Morse, including his troubled academic past at St John’s College, Oxford. - The Secret of Annexe 3 (1986)
This engaging novel, featuring a clever use of disguise, stands out as the only Morse novel not adapted for television. The title refers to a hotel room where a guest is discovered dead in a pool of blood. As Morse attempts to unravel the mystery, the novel showcases Dexter’s trademark literary epigraphs, enhancing the thematic depth. - The Wench is Dead (1989)
Adapted into a TV episode in 1998, this cold case mystery delves into the 130-year-old events surrounding a woman’s death in Victorian Oxford. While laid up in the John Radcliffe Hospital, Morse examines historical evidence to solve the case and determine whether justice was misapplied. - The Jewel That Was Ours (1991)
An exceptional entry in the Morse canon, this novel serves as a novelization of an original episode from the TV series, ‘The Wolvercote Tongue.’ The plot follows a wealthy American tourist who arrives in Oxford with a precious jewel intended for donation to the Ashmolean Museum, only to be found murdered. - The Way through the Woods (1992)
Taking its title from a poem by Rudyard Kipling, this novel is a favorite among fans. It incorporates a poetic riddle and is inspired by a real-life case involving a missing Finnish woman. Additionally, it marks the poignant death of Max, the pathologist familiar to readers from earlier novels. - The Daughters of Cain (1994)
This title reflects the three main female suspects in the murder of Dr. Felix McClure, who is killed under mysterious circumstances. The plot thickens as Morse navigates the complexities of the case, initially devoid of obvious suspects or motives. - Death Is Now My Neighbour (1996)
While avoiding spoilers, this novel features a compelling case of mistaken identity tied to housing, offering a rich narrative that deepens the world of Morse. It also marks the revelation of Morse’s first name, adding to the lore surrounding this beloved character. - The Remorseful Day (1999)
The final novel in the Morse series, released a year before its television adaptation, poignantly concludes Morse’s story. As he grapples with the toll of a lifetime of heavy drinking and smoking, the investigation unfolds with a bittersweet intensity. The title itself is a clever nod to both Dexter’s and Morse’s favorite poet, A. E. Housman.