Why would a sniper shoot suburban physiotherapist Rachel James as she sips her morning coffee? Inspector Morse's hunt for answers kicks off with a ...
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reviews
Aug 29, 2010
Nathan
rated it: 
Colin Dexter's The Masters-inspired academic mystery. When did Dexter get so crazily self-referential in his writing style? It seemed like he commented on his chapter epigraphs three or four times. Regardless, the mystery was engaging, especially set as it was set against Morse's continuing spiral into alcoholic ill health (including a hospitalization and an update on many of his old coworkers and compatriots who had moved on over the course of the series).
Bonus: It mentions our favori More...
Bonus: It mentions our favori More...
Nov 11, 2010
Jim
rated it: 
Pretty standard entry to the Morse series. Dexter established his template early on and never really saw fit to go beyond it. That said, it's a pretty good template. In part, it's this sense of reliability that makes the series a pleasure.
Dexter gives the reader a contrasting pair of protagonists in the grumpy, intellectual, fainty alcoholic Morse and the loyal, dogged Sgt. Lewis. British mysteries have a long tradition of the otherworldly brainbox and the common-sense, common man More...
Dexter gives the reader a contrasting pair of protagonists in the grumpy, intellectual, fainty alcoholic Morse and the loyal, dogged Sgt. Lewis. British mysteries have a long tradition of the otherworldly brainbox and the common-sense, common man More...
Aug 06, 2008
Melissa
rated it:
The mystery part of this story was pretty good - the kind where you can pretty much figure out who did it but it's trickier to figure out how it was done. I really like Dexter's narrative style, how he occasionally speaks almost directly to the reader as an aside. It's a difficult thing to pull off without becoming condescending, but Dexter manages it well and with humor.
The character of Inspector Morse is what really drives the story, and it is a shame because I really don't like M More...
The character of Inspector Morse is what really drives the story, and it is a shame because I really don't like M More...
Jul 18, 2010
Bonnie G
rated it:
Finished this in one day after I returned from my trip to England. I sat in the bar that Morse frequented at the Randolph. Don't like that he is newly diabetic in this book and his end is in sight. Portentious title, I am afraid. Anyway, I walked the streets where this mystery took place and toured the colleges in Oxford. But I would have loved the book without that background. Morse is one-of-a-kind and equalled only by Hercule Poirot, in my opinion.
Feb 10, 2012
Heather
rated it:
Inspector Morse is good for a guessing game to the end. And he's a cranky bastard. Love it. What do you love? Er-him, as Endeavor would have it, er--me. I started reading Colin Dexter just recently after enjoying Inspector Lewis on PBS. I highly recommend to those who love a good pretentious literary maze. This is not a light read by any means. Enjoy!
May 26, 2011
Daisyaday
rated it:
Morse's name is revealed finally at the end! He does his usual wonderful job detecting and solving 2 murders, but he is battling diabetes and high blood pressure. He and Lewis develop their relationship more. I just love all of the Morse mysteries; they never let me down.
Aug 13, 2011
Jim
rated it:
The audio book is read by Kevin Whately (the actor who plays Lewis in the Masterpiece Mysteries) which added to the authentic feel.
This book was not at all on the same level as Colin Dexter's The Daughters of Cain or The Jewel that Was Ours.
This book was not at all on the same level as Colin Dexter's The Daughters of Cain or The Jewel that Was Ours.
Aug 17, 2009
Russell
rated it:
I enjoyed this book. The style is very distinctive, sometimes deliberately omitting the characters names to cause the reader confusion which gets resolved later. Not altogether sure I like that aspect of it but in general a good book.
Nov 17, 2011
J. J.
rated it:
The plot and was interesting. Enjoyed the quotes at the beginning of each chapter. I also liked the characters and the setting. This is the second Inspector Morse book I've read, and I plan on reading the whole series.
Sep 09, 2011
Bonnie
rated it: 
Excellent! Who would guess that a Chief Inspector would be an expert on classical music English grammar? Colin Dexter writes of a baffling mystery that is a study of the academic and sexual jelousy behind the facade of Oxford college.
Nov 17, 2009
Carol
rated it:
Interesting flawed characters, set in Oxford. One of the things I like about Inspector Morse novels is the vocabulary--I love finding words I need to look up.
Dec 07, 2008
Emily
rated it: 
Did not like...the whole mystery book club thought this book was too wordy. The main character... Inspector Morse was very pompous.
Oct 09, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
Excellent book. My 'first' Morse novel. Had a very interesting mystery and had me close to tears with all the diabetes stuff. But still, has me excited for the rest of the series!
Jul 14, 2010
Cindy
rated it:
This was Terrific!! What a great mystery with speed and intrique and I couldn't put it down! This will NOT be my last Dexter book!
Jul 18, 2010
George
rated it:
#12 in the Inspector Morse mystery series. Morse and Sergeant Lewis work together to solve two murders involving blackmail and the successorship to the post of a college master. It is a good mystery with a lot of personal side plots involving Morse and the various suspects.
Dec 16, 2008
Tricia
rated it:
good british contemporary fiction. If you like satire on academia mixed iwth a little mystery you might get a kick out of it.
Aug 26, 2009
Kate
rated it:
My first Inspector Morse book. I think I can add him to the list of reliably good mysteries.
Jan 17, 2012
Brian
rated it:
Lovable. Well written. We learn Morse's first name. What a wonderful way to spend time
Dec 29, 2010
Casnewydd
rated it:
My god I thought I was pompous and pretentious!
That said I read it, but do feel TV series had much to do with that.
That said I read it, but do feel TV series had much to do with that.
Dec 30, 2010
Jim
rated it:
One of my favourite ever Morse novels, and that's saying something, from 1998.
Jul 18, 2010
Brian
rated it:
This was my fisrt Inspector Morse novel to read, the only one I've been able to find State-side, and I absolutely loved it. This is book 12 of 13 so some of the sub-plots I was not privy to. But It was an amazingly well written and planned mystery. Kudos to Mr. Dexter. I am actively hunting all of the series now.
Aug 14, 2011
Lisa
rated it:
A perfectly find Morse mystery. I think I'm getting tired of the genre though.
Sep 07, 2011
Beve
rated it:
Love Colin Dexter as a writing and really like Inspector Morse's wit, sense of humor and even his excesses!
Sep 30, 2008
Rachel
rated it:
The one with the race for the Master of Lonsdale and people are mistakenly shot for their ponytails, were Morse is diagnosed with diabetes and his loving nurse becomes his loving companion...
And where we find out Morse's first name.
And where we find out Morse's first name.
Apr 11, 2009
Arwen
rated it:
Just re-read this, more slowly this time. A very good, elaborate plot and I love (as always) the interaction between Morse and Lewis. And it's so nice that Morse gets a bit of luck with his lady - though he also gets the first signs of his demise.
Jul 20, 2011
Amanda
rated it:
Colin Dexter at his best.
I miss Inspector Morse, his crosswords, Oxford and his drinking problem.
I miss Inspector Morse, his crosswords, Oxford and his drinking problem.
