What do you think?
Rate this book
The Complete Inspector Morse (Updated and Expanded Edition): From the Original Novel to the TV Series
Inspector Morse, the ever-popular Oxford sleuth, has delighted audiences worldwide, from his first appearance on TV screens in 1987 right up to his farewell performance in 2000. Actor John Thaw gave a memorable performance as the rough-diamond bachelor cop, a character who first appeared in a series of books by Colin Dexter. Now, this illustrated guide offers a critique of every Morse episode ever produced; a comparison of the character on the page and on screen; and full background information on both the inspector and his able assistant, Sergeant Lewis. It is a book for die-hard fans as well as new converts to the series.
- GenresMysteryNonfiction
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2002
42 people are currently reading
70 people want to read
About the author
David Bishop
133 books39 followersDavid James Bishop is a New Zealand screenwriter and author. He was a UK comics editor during the 1990s, running such titles as the Judge Dredd Megazine and 2000 AD, the latter between 1996 and the summer of 2000.
He has since become a prolific author and received his first drama scriptwriting credit when BBC Radio 4 broadcast his radio play Island Blue: Ronald in June 2006. In 2007, he won the PAGE International Screenwriting Award in the short film category for his script Danny's Toys, and was a finalist in the 2009 PAGE Awards with his script The Woman Who Screamed Butterflies.
In 2008, he appeared on 23 May edition of the BBC One quiz show The Weakest Link, beating eight other contestants to win more than £1500 in prize money.
In 2010, Bishop received his first TV drama credit on the BBC medical drama series Doctors, writing an episode called A Pill For Every Ill, broadcast on 10 February.
He has since become a prolific author and received his first drama scriptwriting credit when BBC Radio 4 broadcast his radio play Island Blue: Ronald in June 2006. In 2007, he won the PAGE International Screenwriting Award in the short film category for his script Danny's Toys, and was a finalist in the 2009 PAGE Awards with his script The Woman Who Screamed Butterflies.
In 2008, he appeared on 23 May edition of the BBC One quiz show The Weakest Link, beating eight other contestants to win more than £1500 in prize money.
In 2010, Bishop received his first TV drama credit on the BBC medical drama series Doctors, writing an episode called A Pill For Every Ill, broadcast on 10 February.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
August 3, 2019
“The Complete Inspector Morse” by David Bishop is a must have book for the person who reads, or wants to read, the ‘Morse’ books or views the excellent television show. ’Morse’ appeared in 33 episodes of the ITV British drama series “Inspector Morse” (1987–2000), in which John Thaw played the title character. Additionally there are 13 ‘Morse’ novels (1975-1999).
My first encounter with ‘Morse’ was the television series. Thus, when I began reading the books I pictured John Thaw as the ‘Morse’ character. He is also perfect for the part. It must be mentioned that also staring along with Thaw is Kevin Whately, who in his role as Robert "Robbie" Lewis in the crime dramas, portrays the "sidekick" to Morse. Lewis is a detective sergeant in the Thames Valley Police, and also appears in all 13 Morse novels. His character was later spun off in another T.V. show series titled “Lewis” from 2006-2015, another case of perfect casting.
The book covers the evolution of ‘Morse’ both in print (pages 12 – 103) and on screen (104 – 280). The ‘In Print’ section gives a summary of the plot for each tale, picking out the crucial moments. This does not detail every plot twist or red herring in that particular book. Likewise the ‘On Screen’ section analyses the 33 shows and the 2006 “Lewis” spin off.
Like Sherlock Holmes, Colin Dexter brought his best-selling, prize-winning series of novels to a close by killing off his curmudgeonly detective in 1999. The final television episode aired in November 2000. Actor, John Thaw, passed away in 2002.
So much information is available in the pages of this book. To tell more would constitute adding certain spoilers. The novels are intelligent and highly readable. Some slight tidbits however. Seven ’Morse’ novels were published prior to the first television adaption being broadcast. The television series has dropped “Morse’s’ strong interest in pornography and erotica, but only to the extent of enjoying it should the opportunity arise during an investigation.
A most enjoyable book.
My first encounter with ‘Morse’ was the television series. Thus, when I began reading the books I pictured John Thaw as the ‘Morse’ character. He is also perfect for the part. It must be mentioned that also staring along with Thaw is Kevin Whately, who in his role as Robert "Robbie" Lewis in the crime dramas, portrays the "sidekick" to Morse. Lewis is a detective sergeant in the Thames Valley Police, and also appears in all 13 Morse novels. His character was later spun off in another T.V. show series titled “Lewis” from 2006-2015, another case of perfect casting.
The book covers the evolution of ‘Morse’ both in print (pages 12 – 103) and on screen (104 – 280). The ‘In Print’ section gives a summary of the plot for each tale, picking out the crucial moments. This does not detail every plot twist or red herring in that particular book. Likewise the ‘On Screen’ section analyses the 33 shows and the 2006 “Lewis” spin off.
Like Sherlock Holmes, Colin Dexter brought his best-selling, prize-winning series of novels to a close by killing off his curmudgeonly detective in 1999. The final television episode aired in November 2000. Actor, John Thaw, passed away in 2002.
So much information is available in the pages of this book. To tell more would constitute adding certain spoilers. The novels are intelligent and highly readable. Some slight tidbits however. Seven ’Morse’ novels were published prior to the first television adaption being broadcast. The television series has dropped “Morse’s’ strong interest in pornography and erotica, but only to the extent of enjoying it should the opportunity arise during an investigation.
A most enjoyable book.
August 22, 2024
I was really pleased with this book: it is now my 'go to' reference book for the Morse television series!
August 20, 2012
This is a great study of the Inspector Morse series. However, I would advise people to try to find the third edition of this book. The third edition is much more comprehensive than the first. Author David Bishop includes much more information in the third edition than he does in the first or second. The latter edition also corrects some of the mistakes made in the previous editions. Finally, the third edition also discusses and analyzes episodes of the Inspector Lewis series, thus making it a nice companion to that program as well.
August 31, 2017
Morse
Slipped through it as I wasn't want bought it was. It was just about the books 📚that Colin Dexter. But not brilliant
Slipped through it as I wasn't want bought it was. It was just about the books 📚that Colin Dexter. But not brilliant
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews