Colin Dexter

1930–2017

1 series 13 books in order

Colin Dexter (1930–2017) was a British author best known for the Inspector Morse mystery novels. He was born in Stamford, Lincolnshire, England, and earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in classics from Christ’s College, Cambridge. Dexter taught classics at secondary schools until his deafness forced him to leave the profession. From 1966 to 1988, he worked at the University of Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations. He began writing mystery novels in the early 1970s during a rainy family vacation. His novels feature Chief Inspector Morse, an erudite and curmudgeonly detective, and his partner, Detective Sgt. Lewis. The first Inspector Morse novel, Last Bus to Woodstock, was published in 1975. The series inspired a popular British television show that ran from 1987 to 2000, as well as two spin-off series.

Born: 1930
Known for: Inspector Morse

Series by Colin Dexter

Inspector Morse

13 books in order · 1975–1999

Last bus to Woodstock

1975 · Colin Dexter
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Last Seen Wearing

1976 · Colin Dexter

The statements before Inspector Morse appear to confirm a simple truth: after leaving home to return to school, Valerie Taylor completely vanished…
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The Silent World of Nicholas Quinn

1977 · Colin Dexter

In another great Inspector Morse mystery, Inspector Morse and his assistant, Sergeant Lewis, are called to a house where the dead body of a member of…
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Service of all the dead

1979 · Colin Dexter

Chief Inspector Morse wakes to the calm presence of Reason, which urges him to examine the problem carefully before rushing to a solution. He is the…
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The dead of Jericho

1981 · Colin Dexter

The Dead of Jericho, published in 1981, is a work of English detective fiction by Colin Dexter and the fifth novel in the Inspector Morse series. In…
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The riddle of the third mile

1983 · Colin Dexter

Inspector Morse investigates a mysterious body found in the Oxford Canal. The victim appears to be an elderly Oxford don who was last seen boarding a…
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The Secret of Annexe 3

1986 · Colin Dexter
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The Wench Is Dead

1989 · Colin Dexter

The Wench Is Dead is a partially historical crime novel by Colin Dexter, part of the Inspector Morse series. It is the eighth book in the series and…
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The Jewel That Was Ours

1991 · Colin Dexter

A group of American tourists is staying in Oxford as part of a tour through English towns. One tourist is found dead in her hotel room, and her…
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The Way Through the Woods

1992 · Colin Dexter

Detective Chief Inspector Morse and Sergeant Lewis are investigating the disappearance of a young Swedish student who has been missing for over a…
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Show all 13 Inspector Morse books in order →

Frequently asked questions

How many books has Colin Dexter written?

We list 13 books by Colin Dexter across 1 series, published between 1975–1999 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Colin Dexter's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “Last Seen Wearing.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Colin Dexter's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.