Colin Dexter

File:Colin Dexter BBC Radio4 Bookclub 5 Aug 2007 b007vd4k.flac

Norman Colin Dexter (29 September 1930 – 21 March 2017) was an English crime writer known for his Inspector Morse series of novels. Dexter's work has been adapted into a successful television series, also called Inspector Morse, which has spawned spin-offs such as Lewis and Endeavour.

Early Life and Education

Colin Dexter was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire. He attended Stamford School and later went on to study at Christ's College, Cambridge, where he earned a degree in Classics. After completing his education, Dexter served in the Royal Corps of Signals during his National Service.

Career

Dexter began his career as a teacher, working at various schools including Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College in Leicester and Loughborough Grammar School. Due to deteriorating hearing, he retired from teaching in 1966 and took up a position as a senior assistant secretary at the University of Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations.

Writing Career

Dexter's first novel, Last Bus to Woodstock, was published in 1975. This book introduced the character of Inspector Morse, a curmudgeonly but brilliant detective with a love for classical music and cryptic crosswords. The series continued with titles such as The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn, The Dead of Jericho, and The Wench is Dead, among others. The final novel in the series, The Remorseful Day, was published in 1999.

Television Adaptations

The Inspector Morse novels were adapted into a highly successful television series by ITV. The show starred John Thaw as Inspector Morse and Kevin Whately as his loyal sergeant, Robbie Lewis. The series ran from 1987 to 2000 and was followed by the spin-off series Lewis, which focused on the character of Robbie Lewis, and Endeavour, a prequel series exploring the early career of Morse.

Awards and Honors

Colin Dexter received numerous awards for his writing, including the Crime Writers' Association's Gold Dagger and Silver Dagger awards. In 2000, he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to literature.

Personal Life

Dexter was married to Dorothy Cooper, and the couple had two children. He was an avid solver of crossword puzzles and a fan of classical music, interests that he shared with his famous fictional detective.

Death

Colin Dexter passed away on 21 March 2017 in Oxford, at the age of 86.

Legacy

Dexter's work has left a lasting impact on the crime fiction genre, and his characters continue to be beloved by fans around the world. The Inspector Morse series remains a benchmark for quality in crime fiction and television adaptations.

Bibliography

• Last Bus to Woodstock (1975)
• Last Seen Wearing (1976)
• The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn (1977)
• Service of All the Dead (1979)
• The Dead of Jericho (1981)
• The Riddle of the Third Mile (1983)
• The Secret of Annexe 3 (1986)
• The Wench is Dead (1989)
• The Jewel That Was Ours (1991)
• The Way Through the Woods (1992)
• The Daughters of Cain (1994)
• Death is Now My Neighbour (1996)
• The Remorseful Day (1999)

See Also

• Inspector Morse
• Lewis (TV series)
• Endeavour (TV series)
• Crime Writers' Association