Colin Dexter

Colin Dexter (September 29, 1930 – March 22, 2017) was a British mystery writer and author of the Inspector Morse crime novels, one of the most successful and beloved detective series in British literature. Born in Stamford, Lincolnshire, Dexter worked as a schoolmaster before becoming a full-time writer. He introduced Inspector Morse, the brilliant but irascible Oxford detective, in his debut novel 'Last Bus to Woodstock' (1975), followed by thirteen additional novels and numerous short stories spanning three decades. The character's wit, classical education, and complex personality made Morse one of the most iconic fictional detectives in crime fiction. Dexter's novels were adapted into the hugely successful ITV television series 'Inspector Morse' (1987-2000) starring John Thaw, which won numerous awards and became a cultural phenomenon in Britain and internationally. The series' critical and commercial success elevated Dexter's literary reputation significantly. His intricate plotting, clever wordplay, and deep characterization established new standards for the detective mystery genre. The Inspector Morse legacy continued after Dexter's death with the spin-off series 'Endeavour,' introducing the young Morse character.