Colin Dexter

Colin Dexter is an acclaimed English author, best known for his crime fiction novels featuring the main character Inspector Morse. Dexter's interest in writing detective novels began on a family holiday in North Wales when it rained on a Saturday. With nothing else to do, he sat down at the kitchen table and started writing what would become his first detective novel. Before becoming a published author, Dexter taught and worked as a secretary at Oxford.

Dexter's writing is characterized by its distinctively British tone and his attempt to progress the genre in a more cerebral direction. He has built a reputation as one of the most beloved crime fiction writers, with his series recognized globally. His first novel, "Last Bus to Woodstock," was published in 1975 and introduced the world to Inspector Morse, a character whose penchants for cryptic crosswords, English literature, cask ale, and Wagner reflect Dexter's own interests. Dexter's plots are known for their use of false leads and red herrings, which keep readers guessing until the very end.

The success of the TV series "Inspector Morse," which aired between 1987 and 2001, brought further acclaim for Dexter. He made a cameo appearance in almost all episodes, similar to Alfred Hitchcock's tradition. Dexter's character from the Morse series, Sgt. (now Inspector) Lewis, features in the new ITV series "Lewis," which aired from 2006 to 2015. As with Morse, Dexter makes a cameo appearance in several episodes.

Dexter has received numerous awards for his work, including several Crime Writers' Association awards: two Silver Daggers for "Service of All the Dead" in 1979 and "The Dead of Jericho" in 1981, two Gold Daggers for "The Wench is Dead" in 1989 and "The Way Through the Woods" in 1992, and a Cartier Diamond Dagger for lifetime achievement in 1997. In 2000, Dexter was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire for services to literature. He has also been elected a member of the Detection Club, an invitation-only club for mystery writers.