One of my goals in 2020 is to read more. See other books I've read or listened to here.
I had a hankering to listen to another Inspector Morse Mystery. The Way Through the Woods is the 10th book in the series by Colin Dexter.
Morse is called back from his yearly furlough, perhaps to his surprise, but not to his chagrine, to take of the case of a young beautiful swedish girl who went missing over a year ago.
I’ve been working my way thru the Inspector Morse books by listening to the audio books read by Kevin Whately who plays Lewis in the tv series. And let me tell you, they are a delight. I love Whately as a reader. I think I say this every review of these audio books, but I feel that his having played the Lewis really lends him to be able to know the books and feel for Lewis, Morse and their relationship, how they feel about the victims and how they decipher the mysteries. I’m not sure I would like these books so well if not for that. Dexter is definitely a writer of his time: sexist, racist, and outdated by todays standard. It’s interesting to see, especially in this book written in 1992, how ideas are now changing in the books and in the real world. This is the first book where more modern amenities are mentioned, like car phones, the first book that does’t feel very very old. I find that books and stories set in England tend to seem older than they are and I would say that this was definitely true about many of the Morse series I have read perviously. Although they were written in the 1970s thru the 1990s, they feel like a time set apart, too different from now to only be less than 50 years ago. It’s nice to see the author and creations step closer to the modern day. And luckily, Morse doesn’t loose his cantakerous nature, poor health habits, or surly demeanor. His flaw of thinking so highly of himself is especially noted in this book, and it’s interesting that it is sad, tragic maybe, but not un-endearing. Although he is a mean boss, a puffed up self important detective, and a lecherous male, I find that I still like Morse. I would recommend this book for those who have read other Morse novels, I think this was my 3rd favorite of the series. Those who enjoy cop dramas with some comedic elements, British mysteries, and or fans of the characters from the TV series may also enjoy this book.
Who are some unlikely characters that you like despite their flaws?