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Inspector Morse #3-5
The First Inspector Morse Omnibus: The Dead of Jericho, Service of All the Dead, the Silent World of Nicholas Quinn
The Dead of Jericho is a work of English detective fiction by Colin Dexter, the fifth novel of the Inspector Morse series, which was subsequently the first of a highly successful series of television adaptations of the novels. Service of All the Dead is a crime novel by Colin Dexter, the fourth novel in Inspector Morse series. The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn is a crime novel by Colin Dexter, the third novel in Inspector Morse series
Paperback
First published January 1, 1991
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About the author
Colin Dexter
176 books713 followersNorman Colin Dexter was an English crime writer, known for his Inspector Morse novels.
He started writing mysteries in 1972 during a family holiday: "We were in a little guest house halfway between Caernarfon and Pwllheli. It was a Saturday and it was raining - it's not unknown for it to rain in North Wales. The children were moaning ... I was sitting at the kitchen table with nothing else to do, and I wrote the first few paragraphs of a potential detective novel." Last Bus to Woodstock was published in 1975 and introduced the world to the character of Inspector Morse, the irascible detective whose penchants for cryptic crosswords, English literature, cask ale and Wagner reflect Dexter's own enthusiasms. Dexter's plots are notable for his use of false leads and other red herrings.
The success of the 33 episodes of the TV series Inspector Morse, produced between 1987 and 2001, brought further acclaim for Dexter. In the manner of Alfred Hitchcock, he also makes a cameo appearance in almost all episodes. More recently, his character from the Morse series, the stalwart Sgt (now Inspector) Lewis features in 12 episodes of the new ITV series Lewis. As with Morse, Dexter makes a cameo appearance in several episodes. Dexter suggested the English poet A. E. Housman as his "great life" on the BBC Radio 4 programme of that name in May 2008. Dexter and Housman were both classicists who found a popular audience for another genre of writing.
Dexter has been the recipient of several Crime Writers' Association awards: two Silver Daggers for Service of All the Dead in 1979 and The Dead of Jericho in 1981; two Gold Daggers for The Wench is Dead in 1989 and The Way Through the Woods in 1992; and a Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement in 1997. In 1996 Dexter received a Macavity Award for his short story Evans Tries an O-Level. In 1980, he was elected a member of the by-invitation-only Detection Club.
In 2000, Dexter was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to literature.
From Wikipedia
Series:
* Inspector Morse
Awards:
Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger
◊ 1979: Service of all the Dead
◊ 1981: The Dead of Jericho
Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger
◊ 1989: The Wench is Dead
◊ 1992: The Way Through the Woods
He started writing mysteries in 1972 during a family holiday: "We were in a little guest house halfway between Caernarfon and Pwllheli. It was a Saturday and it was raining - it's not unknown for it to rain in North Wales. The children were moaning ... I was sitting at the kitchen table with nothing else to do, and I wrote the first few paragraphs of a potential detective novel." Last Bus to Woodstock was published in 1975 and introduced the world to the character of Inspector Morse, the irascible detective whose penchants for cryptic crosswords, English literature, cask ale and Wagner reflect Dexter's own enthusiasms. Dexter's plots are notable for his use of false leads and other red herrings.
The success of the 33 episodes of the TV series Inspector Morse, produced between 1987 and 2001, brought further acclaim for Dexter. In the manner of Alfred Hitchcock, he also makes a cameo appearance in almost all episodes. More recently, his character from the Morse series, the stalwart Sgt (now Inspector) Lewis features in 12 episodes of the new ITV series Lewis. As with Morse, Dexter makes a cameo appearance in several episodes. Dexter suggested the English poet A. E. Housman as his "great life" on the BBC Radio 4 programme of that name in May 2008. Dexter and Housman were both classicists who found a popular audience for another genre of writing.
Dexter has been the recipient of several Crime Writers' Association awards: two Silver Daggers for Service of All the Dead in 1979 and The Dead of Jericho in 1981; two Gold Daggers for The Wench is Dead in 1989 and The Way Through the Woods in 1992; and a Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement in 1997. In 1996 Dexter received a Macavity Award for his short story Evans Tries an O-Level. In 1980, he was elected a member of the by-invitation-only Detection Club.
In 2000, Dexter was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to literature.
From Wikipedia
Series:
* Inspector Morse
Awards:
Crime Writers' Association Silver Dagger
◊ 1979: Service of all the Dead
◊ 1981: The Dead of Jericho
Crime Writers' Association Gold Dagger
◊ 1989: The Wench is Dead
◊ 1992: The Way Through the Woods
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
November 26, 2017
Morse, Morse, and more Morse...it's always a pleasure to spend some time with this grumpy, disappointed-in-love, older fellow.
Although it is the fifth of the Inspector Morse books—and I've just discovered that the books in this omnibus has the three books out of sequence, with the fifth book first and the third book last, so I read this story thinking it was the third in the series; sigh—The Dead of Jericho is the first Morse episode of Mystery! from 1987. Of course, the book is much more involved than the program, with various angles explored and so much character background, particularly having to do with the developing relationship between Morse and Inspector Lewis; what a treat. Morse goes down various dark alleys and, in the last 50 pages or so, reaches various conclusions; one of his (wrong) solutions is a literary one that, of all the detectives I've met in fiction, only Morse could have produced. And the last couple of pages contains a bitter resolution, leaving Morse full of regret. Again. Poor man.
The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn is equally engrossing, and Morse very nearly gets it right the first time nearly. I love reading and watching films (and television programs) about English academia, and this mystery offers a glimpse into a world that I didn't even realize existed—that of comprehensive examinations and the syndicate responsible for it. (Of course, the syndicate bit may be completely fictional; I've no idea.) A young man, new to the examination syndicate, is murdered and Morse believes that the man's deafness plays a major role in his death. It's delicious.
And, finally, the middle book of this omnibus—which I read last, trying to get back on track reading the books in order—was Service of All the Dead, which was gorgeous in every way. Well, aside from the deaths, of course. A church warden is murdered, the church's vicar throws himself from the roof of the church, and the music director has disappeared—presumably with the warden's wife. Oh, dear; I don't think we're in Dibley any more. Oh, I enjoyed this story tremendously. The characters were well drawn and Morse and Lewis become warmer and more real characters than ever, and the resolution was tremendously satisfying. In this book, I finally saw Morse coming a bit closer to the Morse I recognize from the television program; it's unfair to draw comparisons, but John Thaw's Morse is probably my favorite television detective and the lascivious Morse from the books has taken some getting used to...but I'm getting there.
Although it is the fifth of the Inspector Morse books—and I've just discovered that the books in this omnibus has the three books out of sequence, with the fifth book first and the third book last, so I read this story thinking it was the third in the series; sigh—The Dead of Jericho is the first Morse episode of Mystery! from 1987. Of course, the book is much more involved than the program, with various angles explored and so much character background, particularly having to do with the developing relationship between Morse and Inspector Lewis; what a treat. Morse goes down various dark alleys and, in the last 50 pages or so, reaches various conclusions; one of his (wrong) solutions is a literary one that, of all the detectives I've met in fiction, only Morse could have produced. And the last couple of pages contains a bitter resolution, leaving Morse full of regret. Again. Poor man.
The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn is equally engrossing, and Morse very nearly gets it right the first time nearly. I love reading and watching films (and television programs) about English academia, and this mystery offers a glimpse into a world that I didn't even realize existed—that of comprehensive examinations and the syndicate responsible for it. (Of course, the syndicate bit may be completely fictional; I've no idea.) A young man, new to the examination syndicate, is murdered and Morse believes that the man's deafness plays a major role in his death. It's delicious.
And, finally, the middle book of this omnibus—which I read last, trying to get back on track reading the books in order—was Service of All the Dead, which was gorgeous in every way. Well, aside from the deaths, of course. A church warden is murdered, the church's vicar throws himself from the roof of the church, and the music director has disappeared—presumably with the warden's wife. Oh, dear; I don't think we're in Dibley any more. Oh, I enjoyed this story tremendously. The characters were well drawn and Morse and Lewis become warmer and more real characters than ever, and the resolution was tremendously satisfying. In this book, I finally saw Morse coming a bit closer to the Morse I recognize from the television program; it's unfair to draw comparisons, but John Thaw's Morse is probably my favorite television detective and the lascivious Morse from the books has taken some getting used to...but I'm getting there.
June 5, 2017
Have read The Dead of Jericho and Service of All the Dead by mid March.
May 13, 2020
Intricate murder mysteries meticulously unraveled by Inspector Morse. Characters are always well developed. It's possible to catch clues and solve along the way, but there's an inevitable twist.
I enjoyed the TV series and reading the stories is interesting.
I enjoyed the TV series and reading the stories is interesting.
February 19, 2009
I have read all the books in this omnibus and more from the series. They are all very enjoyable and as much about the people as the crimes commited. They all follow the story of Inspector Morse, and slightly strange chap who loves nothing nore than a pint and a good crossword. However, he has an incredible mind, and with the help of his good friend and loyal companion Sergeant Lewis, he strives to solve the case presented to him. The series of books was transferred into a well-known and very popular tlelvision series, which is also thoroughly enjoyable. Set in the colleges of Oxford, these are enjoyable and worthwhile reads with a sense of mystery and intrigue. They provide a subtle insight into human nature and can make the reader both laugh and cry. I would certainly reccommend these books to anyone hoping to read a challenging crime novel that often have an uncanny twist!
March 19, 2021
Why are aging cops always depicted as drunk, lecherous old men. He's not as bright as he thinks he is most of the time and is often on par with the very criminals he is hunting.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 28, 2019
Very good ! I like british litterature ...
December 5, 2021
These were the first three Morse stories I read. They are good clever stories. Morse is a real card.
February 27, 2023
Excellent, gripping to the end. Dexter’s brilliant plot outline and use of apt words made me appreciate his mastery. Highly recommended.
December 17, 2023
Love this type of mystery series. Can, or have, read the many Inspector Morse novels. If you appreciate the classics in detective fiction, you must include Colin Dexter in your library.
June 11, 2019
3.5 stars
March 24, 2023
I found this book to be poorly written with odd and sometimes archaic language. Had too many confusing characters. Managed to get to the end but only just !
December 15, 2023
Book #1 of this volume: The Dead of Jericho
First published in 1997, and later adapted for the small screen, I'd completely forgotten the plot, the characters, the sequence of events and the final outcome. I don't think I've actually ever read a Colin Dexter 'Morse' book, so it was like discovering the series afresh. A great 'whodunit' story. It didn't seem too dated, although the technology has moved on since then. Outdoor telephone boxes still in use, no mobile phones, computers still primitive. The car makes and models of the cars are familiar, and Morse's Jaguar would remain his beloved car of choice throughout the series, books and TV drama adaptations.
Book #2: The Service of all The Dead
Another story that I only vaguely recall from a TV adaptation from way back when. As a former Lay Minister in the Anglican Church myself, I was familiar with all the terminology and the structure of the eclesiastical year, together with the 'high days and holy-days' that punctuate the passage of time in the Established Church of England (and Anglicanism in general).
The story was intriguing. I guess even church attendees err and 'sin' - while many are simply only nominal Christians as the CofE has not encouraged anything more in general. The High Church (often seen as 'more Catholic than the Romans') caters particularly to those whose religion needs to be more 'fuzzy' (bells & smells) than that of an Evangelical persuasion, who tend to see Romanism practice as a sort of 'idolatry'. Shame, really. Judgmentalism has no place but there it is. But I digress (again)!
The story is convoluted - and only Morse can really get a handle on what had happened. I'll leave it to other reviewers to do their own thing with it. My interest is as much in the historical context of the content. And to how little Anglican practice has changed in some parts of the Church. Almost made me nostalgic but not enough to want to explore how Anglicanism translates here in the USA. :-)
Apparently this is book 5 in the series. I appear to have skipped the first two. Oh well, never mind.
Book #3: The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn
The was the most convoluted, confusing and odd crime stories of the three in this omnibus collection, and - in common with Sergeant Lewis, Morse's sidekick, I'm not entirely sure about some of the intricacies. Yes, I could see the end results and I understood the rationale.
I don't remember seeing this story as a TV adaptation but it might have been one of the canon of episodes. I enjoyed reading it in spite of my bewilderment. It tickled and taxed my little grey cells nicely.
First published in 1997, and later adapted for the small screen, I'd completely forgotten the plot, the characters, the sequence of events and the final outcome. I don't think I've actually ever read a Colin Dexter 'Morse' book, so it was like discovering the series afresh. A great 'whodunit' story. It didn't seem too dated, although the technology has moved on since then. Outdoor telephone boxes still in use, no mobile phones, computers still primitive. The car makes and models of the cars are familiar, and Morse's Jaguar would remain his beloved car of choice throughout the series, books and TV drama adaptations.
Book #2: The Service of all The Dead
Another story that I only vaguely recall from a TV adaptation from way back when. As a former Lay Minister in the Anglican Church myself, I was familiar with all the terminology and the structure of the eclesiastical year, together with the 'high days and holy-days' that punctuate the passage of time in the Established Church of England (and Anglicanism in general).
The story was intriguing. I guess even church attendees err and 'sin' - while many are simply only nominal Christians as the CofE has not encouraged anything more in general. The High Church (often seen as 'more Catholic than the Romans') caters particularly to those whose religion needs to be more 'fuzzy' (bells & smells) than that of an Evangelical persuasion, who tend to see Romanism practice as a sort of 'idolatry'. Shame, really. Judgmentalism has no place but there it is. But I digress (again)!
The story is convoluted - and only Morse can really get a handle on what had happened. I'll leave it to other reviewers to do their own thing with it. My interest is as much in the historical context of the content. And to how little Anglican practice has changed in some parts of the Church. Almost made me nostalgic but not enough to want to explore how Anglicanism translates here in the USA. :-)
Apparently this is book 5 in the series. I appear to have skipped the first two. Oh well, never mind.
Book #3: The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn
The was the most convoluted, confusing and odd crime stories of the three in this omnibus collection, and - in common with Sergeant Lewis, Morse's sidekick, I'm not entirely sure about some of the intricacies. Yes, I could see the end results and I understood the rationale.
I don't remember seeing this story as a TV adaptation but it might have been one of the canon of episodes. I enjoyed reading it in spite of my bewilderment. It tickled and taxed my little grey cells nicely.
November 26, 2010
Service of all the Dead
What else could I read on return to York? This to me sums up everything I like about England and English culture – warmth, wit, intelligence, tolerance and humanity. Morse struggles through the case that has about three false endings for us thick readers to ponder, only because we know that this can’t be the solution because there are still too many pages still to go. Dexter even allows his detective a bit of carnality denied him in many other novels right at the end, and you feel it is absolutely right that he does – no selling dead fish in Hawaii here (see above).
What else could I read on return to York? This to me sums up everything I like about England and English culture – warmth, wit, intelligence, tolerance and humanity. Morse struggles through the case that has about three false endings for us thick readers to ponder, only because we know that this can’t be the solution because there are still too many pages still to go. Dexter even allows his detective a bit of carnality denied him in many other novels right at the end, and you feel it is absolutely right that he does – no selling dead fish in Hawaii here (see above).
February 8, 2013
je weet wat je hiermee krijgt natuurlijk: detectiveverhalen met inspector Morse in de hoofdrol: goed geschreven, vrij cerebraal (post-prandial refreshments, anyone?) en knappe plot. En het feit dat ik, na de tv-reeks, telkens John Thaw en Kevin Whateley voor me zie, vind ik helemaal niet erg. Ontspanningslectuur van de bovenste plank. En eigenlijk drie boeken samen :-p
February 10, 2013
Great mysteries - reading the whole series in order. Not really sure why the omnibus books (omnibi?) do not follow the order of the books themselves, though it is not really crucial. Very enjoyable, great mysteries, new vocabulary!
March 3, 2015
Ah brilliant, flawed and thoroughly objectionable Morse! Thank you my friend, you give me hope.
September 28, 2016
3 excellent reads.
January 13, 2017
Very intricate plots and humane understanding of people.Still not too sure If I understand Nicholas Quinn story.Truely mind boggling
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews