The Remorseful Day

I have been a huge fan of the television version of the "Inspector Morse Mysteries" and because I have found them to be so well done, I decided that diving into the original written word might be very interesting. This was a correct assumption on my part. What a wonderful series and an amazing character. I'm very saddened to know that this book, "The Remorseful Day" is the last in a long and well done series. The most brilliant thing about Morse is that in the end he's a normal man with flaws. You can certainly find fault with many things he does, but it's with a certain charm and mystic that makes it all very endearing. I find him to be dashing, charming, wise and very gruff. That may be one of the things I enjoy most about him. He's no pushover and certainly not a man to be taken lightly. I love everything about him and certainly rank him right up there with Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Miss Marple and all the other famous English Detectives that have wowed and amazed up all. Comic relief is always added by Seg. Lewis. (Morse's sidekick) He seems to be a bumbling idiot but, so sweet and charming you just love him. I'm very sad to see Morse go and can only take comfort in the fact that I can keep these mysteries with me for ages and ages. A wonderful conclusion to a spectacular journey.

The beginning of the story is vaguely reminiscient of two other Morse novels: The Dead of Jericho, because Morse knows the victim, and The Wench is Dead, because Morse is "in hospital". The reader puzzles throughout the book how far Morse's involvement with the victim was. Morse is a reluctant detective, and, after 12 novels, we finally begin to see Lewis' reasoning skills becoming more Morse-like. In this final Inspector Morse novel, the reader has insight into the characters more than any other novel in the series. Strange becomes a very reachable character - we see outside interests in nature and music. Lewis reveals emotion that has not been exhibited in previous novels - anger at Morse, as well as forgiveness and depth of friendship for him. And Morse's flaws and strengths are displayed magnificently, through his continued problems with alcohol and his Lewis-like loyalties. Lewis, Morse, and Strange could all win oscars for their parts, if such a thing existed for characters in novels! This book is a joy to open each time, and a sorrow to finally close. Please, Mr. Dexter, is there a possibility of a prequel?

Dazzling. A fully satisfying closure to a truly great series. Although some of the more recent Inspector Morse novels have not equalled Dexter's highest standards, The Remorseful Day represents Dexter at the peak of his formidible powers.

Fourteen stories of Chief Inspector Morse just simply weren't enough. Colin Dexter's marvelous writing and puzzles within a mystery simply added to the already page turning plots and depth of characters and always with a side trip to your dictionary. This book is no exception to his wonderful ability to make you feel you know these people and places personally and are there witnessing as the events unfold. I read the last part thru teary eyes and now hope there can be one more visit to Reichenbach Falls in literature.

I was awfully sad when I finished the novel as there will be no more Morse novels for us to cherish. As always, you will enjoy the classic detection and the delightful company of Cheif Inspector Morse (and, ofcourse, Sgt. Lewis) in this book too. Ah, there will be no more Morse..books... Dexter, don't you have any remorse ? Hope there will be his memoirs... Dear readers, don't ever hesitate to by this great book. Remember, there will be no more Morse novel, as Colin Dexter threatens.. So why are you waiting ..Get out and grab the book. Cyril Thomas Kerala, India