"Last Bus to Woodstock" is the first novel in the Inspector Morse series by Colin Dexter. The book follows Chief Inspector Morse as he investigates the murder of Sylvia Kaye, a young woman found dead in a pub car park in Woodstock. The plot is intricate, with numerous suspects coming to Morse's attention, leading him to high-powered individuals within the University at Oxford. The writing style is described as quick-paced, reflecting Morse's character, and the book introduces recurring characters in the early stages of their development.
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Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Content warnings include themes of misogyny, outdated views on rape, infidelity, and heavy drinking, which may be distressing to some readers.
Has Romance?
There is a medium level of romance, with Inspector Morse displaying flirtations and romantic interest in various female characters throughout his investigation.
From The Publisher:
"[Morse is] the most prickly, conceited, and genuinely brilliant detective since Hercule Poirot."
-The New York Times Book Review
"YOU DON'T REALLY KNOW MORSE UNTIL YOU'VE READ
HIM. . . . Viewers who have enjoyed British actor John Thaw as Morse in the PBS Mystery! Anthology series should welcome the deeper character development in Dexter's novels."
-Chicago Sun-Times
Beautiful Sylvia Kaye and another young woman had been seen hitching a ride not long before Sylvia's bludgeoned body is found outside a pub in Woodstock, near Oxford. Morse is sure the other hitchhiker can tell him much of what he needs to know. But his confidence is shaken by the cool inscrutability of the girl he's certain was Sylvia's companion on that ill-fated September evening. Shrewd as Morse is, he's also distracted by the complex scenarios that the murder set in motion among Sylvia's girlfriends and their Oxford playmates. To grasp the painful truth, and act upon it, requires from Morse the last atom of his professional discipline.
"Few novelists write books as intelligent and deliciously frightening as those by Colin Dexter. . . . What Mr. Dexter does so well, so brilliantly, is weave a thick, cerebral story chock-full of literary references and clever red herrings."
-The Washington Times
"A MASTERFUL CRIME WRITER WHOM FEW OTHERS MATCH."
-Publishers Weekly
Ratings (4)
Incredible (1) | |
Loved It (2) | |
It Was OK (1) |
Reader Stats (8):
Read It (4) | |
Want To Read (2) | |
Not Interested (2) |
2 comment(s)
I finished the book almost a week ago and forgot to document it on GR so I don't quite remember what I tought about it. I liked it but it's not an audiobook that has stayed with me but I want to listen to more books in the series.
This is undeniably a well-crafted mystery that proved to be a genuinely enjoyable read, offering a captivating storyline that kept me engaged throughout. However, it falls into a category of books that, despite the initial intrigue, tend to blur into a collective memory of similar reads—a fate not unique to this particular book or author.
This characteristic is more a reflection of my preferences for this genre rather than a criticism of Dexter's work. I often find myself engrossed in mysteries, thoroughly enjoying the plot twists and turns, only to find the details fading from my memory soon after. This book is no exception. While I remember the general ideas, even upon reading the synopsis again, I struggle to recall the specific details of the plot.
The whole story, however, was undeniably absorbing. Dexter weaves an intricate plot with numerous twists and compelling subplots. The latter part of the book, in particular, was filled with unexpected developments that managed to surprise me, even if my suspicions were occasionally on the mark. One aspect that truly caught me off guard was the darker and more somber undertone surrounding the story of the main character, Morse—a facet I hadn't anticipated.
This is just the first installment in a series. While the intricate plot and unexpected developments will stay with me for a while, the finer details will elude my memory sooner rather than later. Nonetheless, I did appreciate the time spent within the pages of this book and could foresee revisiting Dexter's works in the future, even if I know the specifics of this story will likely slip away. It was an enjoyable ride while it lasted.
What can you read after
Last Bus to Woodstock?
About the Author:
Colin Dexter twice won the Gold Dagger Award, the Crime Writers' Association's honor for the best novel of the year. He was the author of many novels, novellas, and short stories featuring Inspector Morse. He died in 2017.
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