From Publishers Weekly
Dexter (The Daughters of Cain) demonstrates his absolute mastery of the art of plotting in these 11 short stories, six of which feature Inspector Morse. Morse fans might fear that, by confining the Thames Valley investigator to the short form, Dexter risks losing all that irascible interplay between the beer-swilling snob of a copper and his dogged subordinate, Lewis. Not to worry. In the title story, Morse's heretofore unrecognized largesse is put to the test when the Christmas charity collection at a local pub is pilfered. In another, a car is borrowed and the owner receives a charming letter and an opera ticket. All these stories are powered by such ruthlessly cunning plot lines that the reader is quickly tipped the wink and finds himself or herself feverishly striving to second-guess the sleuth. In one non-Morse story, "At the Lulu-Bar Motel," Dexter spins an elaborate plot but struggles to create all-American con men, but another Morseless yarn, "Evans Tries an O-Level," is a terrific prison-break tale. Watching Dexter?and Morse?work in constricted space is great, challenging fun. Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From Library Journal
You've seen him on TV, now catch him in print. Dexter's Chief Inspector Morse is back in six of the 11 short stories featured here-enough for a whole new PBS series. Dexter throws in five unrelated works for good measure.Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.


From AudioFile
Here are 10 short mysteries solved by Inspector Morse and several other top-notch sleuths, including Sherlock Holmes. The smooth narration by James Nelson keeps listeners awaiting further deductions and surprising conclusions. Nelson shifts from British to Scottish to quasi-American accents seamlessly (although the American accents slip from time to time). His slow cadence provides time for listeners to try to solve the mysteries before Inspector Morse does. Engrossing till the last, the performance is marred only by bleed-through recording ghosts on several of the tapes. M.B.K. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine


From Booklist
Although many mystery fans look askance at the short-short form, this collection featuring the superb talents of the peerless Dexter is certain to be much in demand, given the popularity and the PBS exposure of his delightful hero Inspector Morse. Dexter's come-hither plotting, always a delight, has never been better or more intriguing than in these stories, most of which feature the clever, cultured, curmudgeonly, occasionally considerate Morse, reminiscent of Sherlock Holmes at his arrogant, brilliant best. And, of course, the gentle, sweetly innocent, ever-so-modest Sergeant Lewis is there to play straight man. Together, the two create a charmingly charismatic chemistry that makes them one of the most intriguing and enjoyable detecting duos ever. The stories offer a wonderful variety--there's plenty of violence, ingenuity, suspense, intrigue, and humor, as well as Dexter's usual series of surprises, twists, and plot ploys. Two favorites: "Evans Tries an O-Level" (the story of a mind-bogglingly complex prison-escape plot) and "The Inside Story" (as convoluted and puzzling a murder-solving challenge as Morse has ever confronted). But there are nine other treasures in this collection, and each one of them is a delight to read. Buying multiple copies would be both prudent and wise. Emily Melton


Book Description
"DELIGHTFUL."--The Wall Street JournalIn short mysteries so brilliantly plotted they'll confound the cleverest of souls, Inspector Morse remains as patient as a cat at a mouse hole in the face of even the most resourceful evildoers. Muldoon, for instance, the one-legged bomber with one fatal weakness . . . the quartet of lovers whose bizarre entanglements Morse deciphers only after a beautiful woman is murdered . . . and those artful dodgers who catch the cunning and very respectful Morse with his pants down. There are mysteries featuring new characters and some familiar ones, including the great Sherlock Holmes, and a royal flush of American crooks. "BRILLIANT . . . Inspector Morse is back, and more than welcome."--Houston Chronicle"Fear not. In Dexter's dexterous hands, the short-form Morse is every bit as wily and irascible as he is in the the popular Morse novels and the long-running PBS Mystery! series."--The Raleigh News & Observer


From the Inside Flap
"DELIGHTFUL."
--The Wall Street Journal
In short mysteries so brilliantly plotted they'll confound the cleverest of souls, Inspector Morse remains as patient as a cat at a mouse hole in the face of even the most resourceful evildoers. Muldoon, for instance, the one-legged bomber with one fatal weakness . . . the quartet of lovers whose bizarre entanglements Morse deciphers only after a beautiful woman is murdered . . . and those artful dodgers who catch the cunning and very respectful Morse with his pants down. There are mysteries featuring new characters and some familiar ones, including the great Sherlock Holmes, and a royal flush of American crooks.
"BRILLIANT . . . Inspector Morse is back, and more than welcome."
--Houston Chronicle
"Fear not. In Dexter's dexterous hands, the short-form Morse is every bit as wily and irascible as he is in the the popular Morse novels and the long-running PBS Mystery! series."
--The Raleigh News & Observer

FROM THE PUBLISHER

In short mysteries so brilliantly plotted they'll confound the cleverest of souls, Inspector Morse remains as patient as a cat at a mouse hole in the face of even the most resourceful evildoers. Muldoon, for instance, the one-legged bomber with one fatal weakness . . . the quartet of lovers whose bizarre entanglements Morse deciphers only after a beautiful woman is murdered . . . and those artful dodgers who catch the cunning and very respectful Morse with his pants down. There are mysteries featuring new characters and some familiar ones, including the great Sherlock Holmes, and a royal flush of American crooks.

FROM THE CRITICS

Publishers Weekly

Dexter (The Daughters of Cain) demonstrates his absolute mastery of the art of plotting in these 11 short stories, six of which feature Inspector Morse. Morse fans might fear that, by confining the Thames Valley investigator to the short form, Dexter risks losing all that irascible interplay between the beer-swilling snob of a copper and his dogged subordinate, Lewis. Not to worry. In the title story, Morse's heretofore unrecognized largesse is put to the test when the Christmas charity collection at a local pub is pilfered. In another, a car is borrowed and the owner receives a charming letter and an opera ticket. All these stories are powered by such ruthlessly cunning plot lines that the reader is quickly tipped the wink and finds himself or herself feverishly striving to second-guess the sleuth. In one non-Morse story, ``At the Lulu-Bar Motel,'' Dexter spins an elaborate plot but struggles to create all-American con men, but another Morseless yarn, ``Evans Tries an O-Level,'' is a terrific prison-break tale. Watching Dexter-and Morse-work in constricted space is great, challenging fun. (Dec.)

Library Journal

You've seen him on TV, now catch him in print. Dexter's Chief Inspector Morse is back in six of the 11 short stories featured here-enough for a whole new PBS series. Dexter throws in five unrelated works for good measure.

AudioFile - Miriam B. Kahn