Note that Colin Dexter definitely isn’t a Cozy mystery author. His books are much closer to police procedural than Cozy >>> they star an actual member of the police, and include many elements that would not be included in Cozies (mostly swearing, graphic description of violence, and much stronger sexual themes in the mysteries investigated).
Despite this, I feel that a lot of Cozy readers still have a very convenient entry point to Colin Dexter’s work >>> the very excellent and long-running Inspector Morse television series, as well as its modern spin-offs, Endeavor and Inspector Lewis (for the record, I don’t think the spin-offs, are as good as the original Inspector Morse television series).
Last Bus to Woodstock introduced us to Chief Inspector Morse (whose first name isn’t known for quite a long time, so I won’t use it either generally), as well as his Detective Sergeant, Robert (Robbie) Lewis. Morse and Lewis are an exceptional pair, working well off each other to help make sure that all potential avenues of investigation are covered. It’s obvious that both men consider the other a partner who complements their skills. Morse is a surprisingly educated man for a police officer, enjoying classical operas and crossword puzzles, though he has few personal ties. Lewis, on the other hand, is relatively uneducated, but has strong family ties. The pair are actually surprisingly well suited partners – while Morse is prone to flashes of brilliance, Lewis has the far more organized approach to crime solving, letting him gather the clues and collate the data that Morse needs to come up with whatever brilliant deduction he will eventually reach.
Though I haven’t seen the Inspector Morse television series in years, I still think that it’s worth discussing whenever Colin Dexter’s books come up. Even Dexter himself considered John Thaw’s portrayal of Morse to be beyond reproach, considering him such an iconic portrayal of Inspector Morse that he actually stopped writing Morse novels after Thaw’s unfortunate death in 2000. Dexter actually stated in his will that no further adaptations of his Morse works should be made since Thaw is no longer available (the Endeavor series is not included in that statement – Dexter approved the actor as a younger version of Morse, for stories that could be told before he reached the rank of Chief Inspector).
aye says
Agree with everything you said!!
Lydia says
I’ve not read the books, but have very much enjoyed the TV series (and both spin-offs, especially Endeavor). Maybe it’s time to start the books!
Rosie says
I really like the tv series and wish they would reshow some of them. I haven’t read any of the books but might try if i find one out there.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Rosie, I think you will like the books if you liked the tv shows.
Billie says
I read the series and watched the tv shows. I missed Insp. Morse and now miss Insp. Lewis.
marty says
I agree. I loved Inspector Morse. He’s rather cranky, but that’s ok. Not so cozy police procedural but I have read most of the books in the series. Great writing.
Very meaty. I love the cultural and intellectual challenge of the books. Watched both Morse and Lewis love British acting.
Izzy says
Thank you! I depend on your suggestions and love Audible so I can knit, garden and cook while listening. I like the older mysteries since there is very little vulgarity but want the detectives to have cell phones. Hard to get both. The David Rosenfelt dog mysteries, Simon Brett’s Fetherings, etc. are ones to download immediately! Thanks for your help and Merry Christmas from S.C.!
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Izzy, I would emphasize that this isn’t really a Cozy mystery – it does contain some harder elements. That said, if you give it a try, I do hope that you enjoy it!
Nancy says
As a gift, I got the entire Inspector Morse set of DVD’ s and watch them periodically. They are wonderful.
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Nancy, I know! Rewatching some of your old favorites can definitely be as much fun (if not more) than trying a new show you might not be as sure about!
Sharon says
Danna, your review of Last Bus to Woodstock and the Inspector Morse series sounds so good, I ordered the book and DVDs from my library! I’m not familiar with them, but they sound like my cup of tea — maybe a little Sherlock Holmesish?
Danna - cozy mystery list says
Sharon, I certainly hope you enjoy them! I’m not sure I’d compare the Morse series to Holmes though – Morse is a bit more “police procedural” in tone than most interpretations of Holmes I’ve seen. They both are certainly extremely British though!