Dead Man's Walk: An Oxford Murder Mystery

by Antony James

This new novel featuring Endeavour Morse, the first since The Remorseful Day in 1999, follows closely in the grand tradition of Colin Dexter’s original creation.

Set in 1971, Detective Sergeant Morse is confronted by two deaths along Dead Man’s Walk, which he’s sure are connected to the Oxford Martyrs of the 1550s. There are clues and red-herrings aplenty as Morse uses his detective skills to be metaphorically furlongs ahead of the field, albeit on the wrong racecourse.

For Morse there is romance, an unpleasant academic with which to contend, beer in copious quantities, opera, a crossword-type clue, and even an appearance by a boy named Dexter, but above all there is a murder mystery puzzle, set against the backdrop of 1970s Oxford, which only he can solve.

For those who love Oxford, the iconic Inspector Morse or even just a good old mystery, Dead Man’s Walk is a taut, entertaining tale of intrigue and delight.

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 15, 2018

Reviews

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars
A tribute book written by a friend of Colin Dexter and a very enjoyable read. I was a devoted fan of the BBC produced series of Morse from the 80's featuring John Thaw but I don't believe I read any of the actual source books by Colin Dexter. I may have picked up one at a book sale but cannot recall. Thus...I cannot compare this book to that ouevre. However...I can say it is a good read for fans of the series and it also serves as a guidebook to landmarks both Oxford and Cambridge with a bit of London thrown in.

As many kindle unlimited books, there are a number of editing mistakes but should not prevent enjoyment of this murder mystery that challenges Morse to arrive at the correct solution. There is also a good line of interest for those who enjoy all things philately.

Kindle Unlimited

[Jill Rowles · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good read

I always enjoy a Morse story, and, although this one has a different author it is well up to the usual standard.
Morse is a very good detective and gets the correct answer,but his personal life always seems to go wrong somehow
I can recommend this book as Avery good read!

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Took me quite awhile to finish this book but it is all worth it. There are layers here that have to be slowly peeled~off to reveal the gem of this author's creativity in building a character and in creating the nuances and textures of his story. In doing so, Mr. James insidiously pulled me into the fascinating and engrossing world of Morse's Oxford world. He has created an endearing character in Dexter (the 14~year~old truant and so much more than a train spotter) and in the flawed yet relatable journalist, Coghlan ~ the situations and events that had overtaken the tragic Hugh Latimer plus the very real circumstances surrounding the motives and characterization of his murderer as well as other events and personalities that comprise this story are all crafted into such a resonating piece.

P.S. ~ Recommended for those readers who want more depth in their characters, an appreciation of history, and willingness or even an inherent tendency to empathize.
P.P.S. ~ There are editing flaws here that may otherwise change the meaning of the sentences and what the author wants to convey. For instance in: Chapter 11~"pallet" instead of 'palate'; Chapter 25~free "reign" instead of free 'rein': Chapter 39~hair dressing "saloon" instead of hair dressing 'salon' plus some missing conjunctions or prepositions I really can not recall anymore. These flaws do not in any way affect my appreciation of the prose.

[Becky Kennedy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Let down by the proofreader

As a fan of the TV series Endeavour, I should say straight off that this is a really absorbing story, with some neat links to the Oxford setting that's so important to Morse. All the character traits are there - erudition and priggishness, his romantic side and his loneliness - and I'd be interested to read more by this author. However, the stilted lack of contractions, especially in the dialogue, made it hard to keep the flow of the characters' speech (a lot of 'I will meet you there and we will see what will happen'-style dialogue, which just doesn't read naturally); and the amount of missing punctuation or words became really frustrating, and confusing. It's a shame that the technicalities let down a very good Morse mystery.

[Doug Ward · Rating 4 out of 5]

This mystery, written by a friend of Colin Dexter, takes place in 1971, when Morse is 40-year-old Detective Sergeant. In investigating an Oxford murder case, Morse makes a number of bold conjectures, some brilliant and some brilliantly wrong, while he hopes for a change in his luck with women. In other words, it fits in well with Dexter's series of novels.

I enjoyed the author's portrayal of Morse, the literary quotations at the start of each of the 62 chapters, and the many details about Oxford and Cambridge.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this Morse story. I particularly liked the placement of Morse in time - somewhere between the young Endeavour Morse and the older Morse. Aspects of his character rang true and the development of Morse himself and his career were consistent with the much-loved Colin Dexter novels. I was a little frustrated by his drinking, the carping and bullying of those higher up the police food chain and the way his love life faltered for him - but that’s Morse, isn’t it?

[Kate Cherrett · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost have up on this book several.times. I tried to picture both young and older Morse from the TV series but couldn't quite make the connection . I found it slow and not quite my cup of tea - sorry. Think I will give this series a miss and stick with the TV reruns




Not the best review but somehow the storyline wasn't interesting and the plot weak and rather boring. Very unlike Morse

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1971 and Thames Valley Police D.S. Morse is called to investigate a suspicious death of a Hugo Latimer on Dead Man's Walk. A few days later there is another. As with any Morse investigation, red herrings and clues abound.
An enjoyable and interesting well-written mystery, strangely my first Morse book so I can't compare it to the Dexter stories.

[Mrs. A.A. Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of interest to fans of Morse and philately

A very good Morse mystery, written with pace and wit. The characters are very credible and Morse retains all of his foibles. All the Oxford haunts are there and includes items of history and interest. With twists and turns It keeps you guessing until the last. An enjoyable read.

[Shelby Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Man's Walk

I all ways like to watch Inspector Morse on Public Television but this is the first book about him I have read and I enjoyed watching his mind work. Hope to read more of his books!

[David Malmberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Almost as good as the real Morse

I have read all the Colin Dexter books and enjoyed them all. I had high hopes for this “Unofficial” Morse. It was quite good, but not quite as good as the real thing.

[Jonathan McKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

A grand read

An excellent homage to the great Colin Dexter. I really enjoyed reading this book, loved the humour. A couple of annoying homonyms that should have been picked up but a masterpiece

[Colin Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent early Morse mystery

Up there with Colin Dexter, well researched and has many of the characters in the plot from Colin Dexter novels, good plot and well written, looking forward to the next one 👍

[Pamela Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you enjoy Morse, this tribute novel will be like a pleasant afternoon, savoring 3 pints with a good friend. If you buy a copy, you support a memorial to Colin Dexter, the author who gifted us the character of E. Morsw.

[Laura Powell · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a fun read for any Morse lover. Written as Morse is a sergeant in Oxford. I followed his travels about town on Google maps and could picture it all. All the little hints about future Morse were so much fun-like the young train spotter whose name is Dexter! Just plain fun!

[Patricia Gulley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book with all its references to other future characters and the original author. Good twisty plot and lots of red herrings. Very good read.

[BarbJerry Benjamin · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable takeoff on the "official" Morse books.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A prequel to the Inspector Morse mysteries written by Colin Dexter. Highly enjoyable.

[David Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent story but full of the sort of mistakes (punctuation, grammar etc.) that would make Morse turn in his grave!

[Pat Henson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Morse lives!

A very clever story that takes the reader to both Oxford and Cambridge! It's like being there. I've been to Cambridge but not Oxford.

[Vienna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Railway inaccuracies

Not a bad tale but the inaccuracies in the early railway station chapter made me have a nagging feeling there were likely more in other areas.

[MR J E POOLE · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good

As a Morse fan the book is a continuation of a riveting tale of an unorthodox but very likeable detective.

[Rosalyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good plot with Endeavor being his usual self. The book was more real by having seen the series on TV and relating to how the characters work.

[P.]

DNF - didn't get very far either, but there may be those who'll be interested.