Rating: 
Summary: The last of Inspector Morse
Review: A 318 page story separated into 80 chapters, a prolegomenon, and an epilogue, this is the last of the Inspector Morse novels. Morse is protrayed as an alcoholic diabetic who does not take care of his health. He gets a substantial portion of his calories from Glenfiddich and various brands of ale. He has been on medical leave, but is ordered, along with Sgt. Lewis, to take responsibility for investigating a case. A year before, a married woman with loose morals was found murdered in her bedroom. The case was never solved, but is now reopened when Chief Inspector Strange reports mysterious telephone calls.The case takes some new twists and turns when people involved start turning up dead. Investigations reveal that the woman was not the only one sleeping around. Some evidence had conveniently disappeared during the initial investigation. The case is well known to Inspector Morse fans as it was a TV production. However, the written story has some differences from what was on TV, which is usually the case. I would rate the novel PG-13 based on content.
Rating:
Summary: The last of Inspector Morse
Review: A 318 page story separated into 80 chapters, a prolegomenon, and an epilogue, this is the last of the Inspector Morse novels. Morse is protrayed as an alcoholic diabetic who does not take care of his health. He gets a substantial portion of his calories from Glenfiddich and various brands of ale. He has been on medical leave, but is ordered, along with Sgt. Lewis, to take responsibility for investigating a case. A year before, a married woman with loose morals was found murdered in her bedroom. The case was never solved, but is now reopened when Chief Inspector Strange reports mysterious telephone calls. The case takes some new twists and turns when people involved start turning up dead. Investigations reveal that the woman was not the only one sleeping around. Some evidence had conveniently disappeared during the initial investigation. The case is well known to Inspector Morse fans as it was a TV production. However, the written story has some differences from what was on TV, which is usually the case. I would rate the novel PG-13 based on content.
Rating: 
Summary: Fitting eulogy for the series
Review: Although the writing is a bit heavy-handed at times, this book is a fitting end to a wonderful series. All sorts of doubts are raised throughout with a resolution that proves devastating. Very Wagnerian and dark, the novel raises questions about Morse's character and integrity. As the title promises, a remorseful day is indeed delivered.
Rating: 
Summary: Entertaining but Not Superior End
Review: And thus does the great detective's career end. but Mr. Dexter doesn't put together all that convincing or original a mystery for this last Morse novel. I'm never really sure why Dexter has Morse go through the hoops he does here, or how exactly the case is solved. Perhaps this is why Dexter is wrapping this up as he seems to have little new left to say. Morse also seems a bit too out of character for the first half of the book, only becoming the man we know and love closer to the end. Still, even a weak Morse novel is a treat, and Dexter's deft and surprisingly light touch keeps things moving briskly. Moreover, this is a Lewis novel, and the much put-upon Watson of the series has his best hour. I hope that Dexter starts something new, maybe even a non-crime novel, so we won't be long without his skills. He's my favorite contemporary mystery novelist, one who rarely lets the bleakness of the world consume the reader, as happens too often in PD James' novels. if you want to read a superior Morse book, try Walk Through the Woods or The Wench is Dead, both of which are quite unconventional.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Tribute to Quirky Morse
Review: As an earlier reviewer said, this isn't the best book in the series, but every little quirk of Morse comes to the forefront, and that is a treat for long-time fans. It's sad to see him go, but I can't wait to see what will come next from Colin Dexter.
Rating:
Summary: A Wonderful Tribute to Quirky Morse
Review: As an earlier reviewer said, this isn't the best book in the series, but every little quirk of Morse comes to the forefront, and that is a treat for long-time fans. It's sad to see him go, but I can't wait to see what will come next from Colin Dexter.
Rating:
Summary: I haven't read it yet!
Review: But I bought it. Morse is sitting next to Poirot(Curtains, which I haven't read yet either))and I can tell you they are having a fine time of it. I will keep them alive a bit longer!!
Rating:
Summary: The End ? I hope not !
Review: Colin Dexter continues the excellent 'Inspector Morse' series with a fascinating and captivating crime story, full of surprises and unexpected events. Morse dies at the end - is this the end of the series as well? I am certain that I am not the only one who hopes that it isn't : Colin Dexter could (should!) come back with the famous inspector, maybe with stories from his younger days. I'd like to point out that Sergeant Lewis finally starts to step out of the shadow of the great inspector. What about him being the 'hero' of future novels by Colin Dexter... ?
Rating:
Summary: Well done, Dexter: A valediction, forbidding mourning.
Review: Colin Dexter has penned a bittersweet farewell to Inspector Morse, who enters paradise irascibly, accompanied by the angels, inspired by poets, succoured by his favorite scotch, comforted by an attractive nurse and deeply mourned by his faithful Lewis. Morse's nasty final puzzle fascinates and repels, leading Lewis and ourselves on yet another peripatetic journey; he bequeaths to his colleagues a reputation for integrity and intelligence as he saves his superintendent's privacy and good name. This admirable novel, pleasurable and melancholy, offers a fine denouement to a wonderful series.
Rating:
Summary: Skillful twists lead to demise
Review: Colin Dexter's ability to weave a good tale is masterful indeed. His work truly works one's mind. There is no easy way through a Morse tale, even this last one. Dexter's use of appropos tidbits to introduce each short chapter have the links one finds in Annie Proulx. These Dexter novels are no simple whodunnits. I, too, love the PBS Mystery series featuring Morse and plan on taping and watching The Remorseful Day and its prequel The Final Morse this Thursday night. I am glad that I met the challenges of reading the novel first. One feels that Morse's death is a self-fulling prophecy. His alcoholism and diabetes do not produce a new Morse, just a dying one. This demise is both inevitable and in character. All the strings are found and tied up with this final chapter of his life. I find that I am not only entertained by Dexter's writing. I grow mentally as well. I really must get to Oxford before I die. Now that Morse is gone, I have one more reason.
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