From Publishers Weekly
In the British author's latest, his admirable Inspector Morse and Sergeant Lewis investigate a murder committed on New Year's Eve at a hotel in Oxford. Three couples are housed in the hotel annex, and one man, winner of the prize in the fancy-dress contest, is found dead in his room. The first problem facing Morse and Lewis is locating the other five guests, including the victim's wife, all of whom have fled, having registered under fake names and addresses. The irascible inspector needs patient Lewis's calming presence more than ever since the killers seem to have carried out a deep-laid and devious plot. They are so clever that the case challenges Morse's talent for spying each tree in a forest of tricks. Engrossed in the story that Dexter tells in his witty and stylish fashion, readers will savor the mystery of the masquerade and the detecting partners' ultimate triumph. Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
The Secret of Annexe 3 features Dexter's (The Jewel That Was Ours, Audio Reviews, LJ 9/15/94) popular Inspector Morse investigating a murder that results from a husband's discovery of his wife's infidelity. The story begins somewhat slowly but eventually captures the listener's attention through Dexter's ability to draw his characters and scenes so well. The interrogations are especially well done. Morse is as brooding and moody as the Wagnerian operas he loves. Stage and screen actor Michael Pennington's reading is clear, and the tone of his voice highlights the minor key of this work and Morse's character. An enjoyable work for public libraries.Michael T. Fein, Catawba Valley Community Coll., Hickory, N.C.Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
Inspector Morse mysteries always bring multiple pleasures: unique characterization of the inspector's eccentric personality and his relationship with his partner, Lewis; an Oxford setting, a clever twist; and, in this story, even a romantic interlude for the austere Morse. Narrator Pennington enhances an already excellent work. He presents differences in class, age and gender commendably. An astute listener will enjoy just the anticipation of his varied deliveries. Each of the many characters, all at a New Year's Eve masquerade party, maintain a separate identity, making this "whodunnit" particularly compelling. S.G.B. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Book Description
This suspenseful new audio tale features Inspector Morse, star of 13 books and numerous PBS Mystery! episodes. On New Year's Day, Inspector Morse is roused from slumber far too early and for an unpleasant reason - a murder at the Hawthorne Hotel. The victim, clad in Rastafarian garb, lies on a blood- soaked bed. Colin Dexter, whom Publishers Weekly has called "a masterful crime writer," delights listeners anew with this perplexing case. "[T]he most prickly, conceited, and genuinely brilliant detective since Hercule Poirot." - The New York Times Book Review

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This suspenseful new audio tale features Inspector Morse, star of 13 books and numerous PBS Mystery! episodes. On New Year's Day, Inspector Morse is roused from slumber far too early and for an unpleasant reason - a murder at the Hawthorne Hotel. The victim, clad in Rastafarian garb, lies on a blood- soaked bed. Colin Dexter, whom Publishers Weekly has called "a masterful crime writer," delights listeners anew with this perplexing case. "[T]he most prickly, conceited, and genuinely brilliant detective since Hercule Poirot." - The New York Times Book Review

FROM THE CRITICS

AudioFile

Even the good cheer of a New Year's Eve party can be ruined by murder. This is no surprise to Inspector Morse when he is called to the Haworth Hotel to find out who killed the gent in full Rastafarian costume. Michael Pennington shows us precisely why a British "cozy" should be left to a skilled British reader. This Shakespearian actor presents a nicely nuanced cast of characters, but he seems most at ease when he conveys the grumpy and occasionally supercilious Morse, as well as his long-suffering sidekick, Sergeant Lewis, who is not ready to give ground to his superior. P.B.J. ￯﾿ﾽ AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine

AudioFile - Susan G. Baird