A Beautiful Signed & Inscribed Colin Dexter Association Copy.

A superb Near Fine copy of the fourth Inspector Morse novel, inscribed and signed by Colin Dexter directly on the title page:

"With best wishes, always" Colin Dexter

An increasingly desirable signed Morse title, presented in exceptionally well-preserved condition. Bound in black cloth with silver spine lettering and retaining the original dust jacket, which remains bright, unfaded and unclipped, with no tears, creases or restoration. The book is equally well preserved, clean throughout with no inscriptions or markings other than the author's own inscription and signature.

Service of All the Dead is widely regarded as one of the finest early Morse mysteries. Set in Oxford, the novel begins with the killing of a churchwarden during Sunday service. What initially appears to be a straightforward crime develops into one of Morse's most intricate investigations, involving religious rivalry, hidden relationships and multiple murders. Dexter's trademark blend of intellectual detection, wit and psychological depth is on full display as Morse unravels a mystery where almost everyone seems to have something to hide.

A particularly attractive copy for:

• Collectors of signed Colin Dexter first and early editions.

• Inspector Morse enthusiasts seeking signed examples from the classic series.

• Collectors of modern British crime fiction.

• Readers of P.D. James, Ruth Rendell, Reginald Hill and Dorothy L. Sayers.

• Those assembling a signed run of the Inspector Morse novels.

While it is a Book Club Associates edition rather than the first Macmillan issue, signed and inscribed copies in this condition are becoming increasingly difficult to locate. A striking shelf copy and an excellent addition to any serious collection of British detective fiction.

256 pp.