The Jewel That Was Ours

By: Colin Dexter

Narrated by: Frederick Davidson

The case seems so simple that Inspector Morse deems it beneath his notice. A wealthy, elderly American tourist has a heart attack in her room at Oxford’s luxurious Randolph Hotel. Missing from the scene is the lady’s handbag, which contained the Wolvercote Tongue, a priceless jewel that her late husband had bequeathed to the Ashmolean Museum just across the street. Morse proceeds to spend a great deal of time thinking—and drinking—in the hotel’s bar, certain the solution is close at hand, until conflicting stories, suspicious doings, and a real murder convince him otherwise.

©1991 Colin Dexter (P)2000 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Good story but distracting narration

I did not finish this book. While I like the Inspector Morse series I found the narrator's affectation too distracting

Morse in print

First time author for me. I admit, I listened to this book as I have watched some of the Inspector Morse series on TV, all of the Endeavour TV series and was intrigued enough to give one of the author's books in the series a listen.

I wouldn't say it was a great crime thriller although it was enjoyable. A group of American tourists is visiting England, one of the stops being Oxford, and one of the group members turns up dead. It appears it was an innocent heart attack but Morse suspects something is awry and sets out to determine what foul play has been afoot.

The crime and investigation weren't that tantalizing. What was enjoyable was the setting and timeframe with a good explanation of British traits and settings during the 1990s.

Of special interest was the mention of all the horny 19–22-year-old US military in England before D-Day and how the British gals were up to the task of welcoming them. Three on the tour had been part of that era and it played a partial part of the story. I have a friend that found out in his 60s that he had a half-brother from this era that his dad had deposited there, and the brother only contacted his siblings and he after he knew both his bio dad and his wife had passed.

Also, I find the character of Morse and the character of Detective John Rebus in the Ian Rankin book and TV series quite similar. The main difference is Morse is in Oxford, Rebus in Edinburgh.

Frederick Davidson is all you need

I’m not so sure I like the story, or Inspector Morse. Colin Dexter is a good storyteller, but it comes with the baggage of misogyny and homophobia typical of the 80’s. However, Frederick Davidson is transcendent. He makes everything delightful and interesting. One of my top 3 narrators ever, I’ll try anything he narrates.

Irascible Morse at his best

Overall very enjoyable. Dragged a
bit in places but always recommend Morse stories and you will too.

Fun

Another great one , better than tv shows but John Thaw is spot on as Morse