The Wench Is Dead

Rating:
Summary: It just goes to show, you can't keep a good detective down.
Review: Even when ill, Morse proves that great things come to those who apply themselves. Morse is indeed cranky and ill-tempered; but he tends to succeed where the system tends to fail. Inspite of the misgivings Lewis (who insists upon being a nerd) insists upon wallowing in, Morse teaches him a few valuable lessions. This book is a good read and well worth the effort.

Rating:
Summary: Couldn't put it down, even though I'd seen the TV version!
Review: I bought and read this book to study Dexter's style, even though I'd seen the TV adaptation of this same story. I'd anticipated that I probably wouldn't read the whole book through, since I already knew the basic plot. However, I was so fascinated by the way in which Dexter weaves his story that I simply couldn't put it down! As someone who aspires to write fiction that spans multiple time periods, I was intrigued by the way in which Dexter contrives to have his present-day protagonist solve a nineteenth century crime. Some of the plot developments are perhaps a little optimistic, but it is fiction, after all! Dexter demonstrated with this novel that he could conjure up not only an authentic England of the late twentieth century, but also that of earlier times (and I say that as an expatriate Englishman). Certain of Dexter's writing preferences might not pass muster in amateur "Creative Writing" circles in the US: so I wonder who knows best?! I agree with the reviewer who complained about the weak title, but nobody should allow that minor issue to deter them from this riveting mystery.

Rating:
Summary: 3 1/2 - Not as good as Tey
Review: It's apparent by reading the other reviews that the previous reviewers enjoyed this book more than I did. I give it 3 1/2 because I do think it was enjoyable read, but I can't say it will last with me for a long time. I feel this is a replica or imitation of Josephine Tey's "The Daughter of Time". That book was superb in the fact that it was a unique concept of solving a past mystery and due to the context in World History of the mystery itself. I highly recommend that book. This is the first Morse book I have read, and while I found the characters of the story interesting I can't say that I found the mystery that riveting. I just didn't find the solution that compelling. If you are already a fan of the Inspector Morse novels, I am sure that you will probably enjoy this story & I am clearly in the minority rating it as low as 3 1/2 stars. If you are looking for a intriguing mystery involving history, you should read "Daughter of Time".