Reviews

Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter

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inquisitive_chap's review against another edition

3.0

Another good murder mystery. Another reviewer said it was a 4 star book with a 1 star ending. I think that's a bit harsh but the ending is unfulfilling. Unusually, the big reveal is only a partial reveal. There's gaps one has to fill in oneself. I suppose that makes it quirky and different. But even the motive of the killer is not entirely clear (at least to me).

There's a few too many dead ends explored, a few too many twists and turns.

That said, it's brilliantly written and engaging. One has to remember it was a book written in the 70s/80s. The language used to describe Morse's view of women is of that time.

But a solid novel

kartrick's review against another edition

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2.0

This one certainly had me mentally blurting "dammit" a few more times than "The Last Bus to Woodstock", but my verdict ends up the same (sadly).

The plot is really interesting, and the multiple mistakes Morse makes adds to the fun of it. His change in attitude (not caring for the case any longer) as he reaches these dead-ends is slightly off-putting, but forgivable. As one other reviewer mentioned, part of Colin Dexter's skill lies in how he manages to distract the reader and lead them down a completely hopeless alley the moment they start getting close to the truth. As I got to the final pages, I remember having started to think along those lines earlier, but somehow had gotten sidetracked. The smoothness of the transitions are impressive.

Perhaps this book left slightly fewer loose ends than did the previous one, but I cannot say for sure whether I like the ending any better. For one, it was terribly rushed. Secondly and more importantly, I don't understand why

Spoiler

they don't pursue her, when they have at least one lead, which is the petrol pump attendant who saw her waiting for a hike. It certainly shouldn't be much trouble, as Morse has questioned countless bus conductors and the like earlier.

Thirdly, the ending for me was a disappointment. My reaction to it would be a sarcastic scoff. It wasn't a meaningful climax. I get the kind of effect he was going for, but I don't feel it fits well with the story.