Dead Man's Walk — Antony James

This new novel, produced in conjunction with the Inspector Morse Society to help fund the Dexter Memorial, is an unofficial fan-based story that follows closely in the grand tradition of Colin Dexter's original creation. Set in 1971, DS Morse is confronted by two deaths along Dead Man's Walk that he feels are connected to the Oxford Martyrs of the 1550s.

There are clues and red-herrings aplenty as Morse uses his detective skills to be metaphorically furlongs ahead of the field, albeit on the wrong racecourse. For Morse there is romance, an unpleasant Oxford academic with which to contend, beer, opera and even a cameo appearance by Dexter, but above all there is a murder mystery puzzle, set against the backdrop of 1970s Oxford, which only he can solve.

Recommended for all those who love Oxford and lament the passing of Inspector Morse in book form.