Author: Colin Dexter Title: The Wench is Dead Signed & Inscribed First UK Edition PUBLISHER: Macmillan, London

An exceptional copy of the eighth Inspector Morse novel by Colin Dexter. This is the true first UK edition, first printing.

Signature: inscribed "to Rupert, Bless you for your support, and all good wishes always" and signed by Dexter on the title page. Condition: Book: Sharp, tight, and square copy. Clean cloth boards with bright gilt lettering on the spine. Text block is crisp and free of foxing or internal markings. Dust Jacket: Original, unclipped jacket showing the correct price. Vibrant colours with no fading to the spine. Minimal shelf wear.

An outstanding collector's copy of a landmark crime fiction novel, which won the Gold Dagger Award. Summary While confined to a hospital bed with a stomach ulcer, a bored Chief Inspector Morse reads a pamphlet about the 1845 murder of Mary Donnallan. Two canal boatmen were hanged for the crime, but as Morse analyzes the historical trial transcripts, he becomes convinced they were victims of a miscarriage of justice. Enlisting Sergeant Lewis and a local librarian to do the physical legwork, Morse sets out to solve this century-old cold case from his hospital room, determined to uncover the truth of what happened on the Oxford Canal.