Crime writer and creator of Inspector Morse dies

The University has learnt of the death of the author Colin Dexter, most famous for creating the character of Inspector Morse and the series of thirteen novels that he features in. Dexter is an honorary graduate of the University and was conferred a Master of Arts degree in 1996 by the University.

Before his celebrated writing career, Colin Dexter spent his working life in education until his retirement in 1988, beginning his career as Assistant Classics Master at Wyggeston School, Leicester. After taking up positions at other East Midlands schools, he moved to Oxford in 1966 to work for the University of Oxford Delegacy of Local Examinations.

Morse first appeared in Last Bus to Woodstock in 1975 and featured in a further twelve novels and numerous short stories. To huge acclaim the novels were adapted for television in more than 30 episodes starring John Thaw and Kevin Whately, and then followed by the spin-off shows Lewis and Endeavour. The books frequently incorporated elements of his own experiences, such as the Oxford setting and its namesake university.

In 2008, Colin Dexter spoke at one of the headline events of the University’s very first Literary Leicester festival, meeting and signing books for fans after the event.

He received many awards during his lifetime, including several Crime Writers' Association awards, a Macavity Award and an OBE for services to literature in 2000.