The Remorseful Day (Signed Edition) [Hardcover]

Colin Dexter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 29, 2000

For a year, the murder of Yvonne Harrison has baffled Thames Valley CID. But one man has yet to tackle the case, Chief Inspector Morse. So why is he adamant that he will not lead the reinvestigation, despite two anonymous phone calls that hint at new evidence? And why does he seem to be carrying out his own private investigation?

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Over 13 novels and a popular television series later, Colin Dexter's Inspector Morse has taken his place alongside Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, Lord Peter Wimsey, Philip Marlowe, and a handful of other famous sleuths. Like most of them, Morse possesses an uncanny intelligence, especially in matters of crime and crosswords, but Dexter has always made sure that his detective remains fully a man--flawed and uncertain despite an outward bravado. In this final, difficult story, Morse's humanity unfolds much as his cases do: with the slow revelation of secrets and surprises that frequently catch the reader off guard.

The novel begins with events now a year old. Yvonne Hamilton had been found in her home murdered--handcuffed and naked. The Thames Valley Police had supposed robbery, but their suspects had dissolved and all the leads had dried up. A year later, while Morse is on furlough, two anonymous calls to Chief Superintendent Strange open the possibility of a new line of inquiry. Strange wants his best man on the case. Morse, however, shows a surprising reluctance to embroil himself in what seems to be a classic Morsean puzzle. When he finally does reopen the investigation, his unorthodox approach worries even his longtime sidekick, Sergeant Lewis--who begins to suspect that his boss has a personal connection to the victim. What could Morse be up to? And--as many readers will be asking throughout--what could possibly bring his career to a close?

Like the work of few other mystery writers, Dexter's Morse series has consistently blended the dignity of high art with the grimness of crime and punishment. While it's a cliché to say that he transcends the genre, he has certainly expanded its range to novels that entertain while they instruct--even when that instruction is grammatical. The Remorseful Day is indeed a remorseful farewell, a delicately handled conclusion to a series that will now remain artfully complete, not lingering beyond its time. --Patrick O'Kelley --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Publishers Weekly

The first Inspector Morse novel, Last Bus to Woodstock, appeared a quarter-century ago. This finale to a grand series presents a moving elegy to one of mystery fiction's most celebrated and popular characters. The murder of nurse Yvonne Harrington two years earlier remains unsolved, but the Oxford police receive an anonymous tip that prompts them to revive their investigation. Morse's superior, Chief Superintendent Strange, wants him to take over the case, but Morse is stubbornly and curiously reluctant to do so. Morse's faithful dogsbody, the long-suffering Sergeant Lewis, is left wondering whether Morse himself is some how connected to the crime, since the inspector had encountered the murder victim during a stay in the hospital. It falls to Lewis to do most of the delving, with Morse prompting him along the way. The case seems impenetrable until the murder of burglar Harry Repp - though what could be the connection to the original murder? Lewis continues to probe while Morse remains his oracular self. Dexter has fashioned another brilliantly intricate puzzle, one of his finest, with the valedictory tone of the highest possible note, perfectly pitched. (Feb.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 384 pages
• Publisher: Crown (February 29, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0609502956
• ISBN-13: 978-0609502952
• Product Dimensions: 9.6 x 6.5 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.6 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (54 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,098,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

24 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Remorseful Day-Colin Dexter, March 6, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Remorseful Day (Inspector Morse Mysteries) (Hardcover)

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.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Will you please write a "prequel," Mr. Dexter?, July 10, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Remorseful Day (Inspector Morse Mysteries) (Hardcover)

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?

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sadly, The Last Of Morse, August 4, 2000

By 

Caroline P. Hampton (Columbus, Ohio USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Remorseful Day (Inspector Morse Mysteries) (Hardcover)

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.