Reviews

This was a fair start to this series, I suppose, but very dated in terms of how the women were portrayed (initially published in 1975). Inspector Morse was irascible and aggravating but I do look forward to the rest of the series as he was also a little endearing and bumbling at times too.

annettelt's review against another edition

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5.0

Dexter deftly paints Oxford as a main character in this first Morse crime novel.

natniss's review against another edition

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2.0

I struggled to get to the end of this. Morse and the other male characters are disgustingly misogynistic and celebrate each other for it. The female characters are objectified, harassed and slut-shamed throughout, whether they are alive or dead, and throw themselves at Morse in a way that reminds me of a James Bond narrative. I won't be continuing with this series.

trisha_thomas's review against another edition

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5.0

I love inspector Morse!! It was nice to be able to picture the more recent people (PBS Masterpiece Mystery) since I haven't really seen the old ones. It was a great little mystery!

mizzunet's review against another edition

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mysterious medium-paced

3.0

ipreferquiet's review against another edition

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4.0

I've started reading some Inspector Morse books after finishing the tv series. I think the books and screenplay really complement each other and the combination gives the characters a lot more depth.

ralphw's review against another edition

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3.0

I kept seeing John Thaw in the pages which was actually enjoyable for me. However overall spoilt by Dexter misogynistic writing and old fashioned attitudes. Written in 1975 but still....
Won't bother with another.

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