Title: The Daughters of Cain
Author: Colin Dexter
First published November 11, 1994
320 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780804113649 (ISBN10: 0804113645)
Rating: 4.02
Overview
Inspector Morse is back on the case, this time investigating the murder of a prominent professor at Wolsey College. With his trusted partner Lewis by his side, Morse sets out to unravel the clues and uncover the killer.
Meanwhile, three women in Oxford find themselves caught up in a web of deceit and danger. As Morse delves deeper into the investigation, he begins to see a connection between the murder and these women, known as the daughters of Cain.
With his signature wit and charm, Colin Dexter delivers another masterful crime novel that will leave readers guessing until the very end. “Audacious and amusing,” says The Wall Street Journal.
“Very cleverly constructed,” adds the Los Angeles Times. Don’t miss this latest installment in the celebrated Inspector Morse series.
About the Author
Norman Colin Dexter, a celebrated English crime writer, became famous for his Inspector Morse novels. He began writing mystery novels in 1972 while on a family vacation in North Wales.
During a rainy day, Dexter wrote the first paragraphs of his first potential detective novel, Last Bus to Woodstock, which was published in 1975. His novels are known for their abundance of false leads and red herrings, and for featuring the character of Inspector Morse, a detective who shares Dexter’s interests in cryptic crosswords, English literature, cask ale, and Wagner.
Dexter gained further recognition when the TV series Inspector Morse, consisting of 33 episodes produced between 1987 and 2001, became a massive success. In almost all episodes, Dexter made a cameo appearance, much like Alfred Hitchcock.
Recently, his character from the Morse series, Sgt. Lewis, was featured in 12 episodes of the ITV series Lewis, with Dexter appearing in some episodes.
Dexter named the English poet A.E. Housman as his “great life” on the BBC Radio 4 program. Both Dexter and Housman were classicists who found success in writing different genres.
Dexter has received numerous awards throughout his career, including 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 1996, Dexter received a Macavity Award for his short story, Evans Tries an O-Level.
He was also elected a member of the Detection Club in 1980, an exclusive club by invitation only. In 2000, Dexter was awarded the Officer of the Order of the British Empire for his contributions to literature.
Editoral Review
The Daughters of Cain by Colin Dexter is a thrilling mystery novel that was first published on November 11, 1994. Dexter is a renowned British author who has written several books, including the Inspector Morse series, which was adapted into a successful television show.
The Daughters of Cain is a standalone novel that follows a similar style to the Inspector Morse series, with a complex plot, intricate characters, and an engaging mystery.
The book is set in Oxford, England and centers around the murder of a retired Oxford don, Felix McClure. McClure was a controversial figure in his academic field, and his death sparks a chain of events that leads Inspector Morse and his assistant, Sergeant Lewis, on a wild chase to uncover the truth.
The investigation leads them to a group of feminists, who call themselves the Daughters of Cain, and who are suspected of being involved in the murder. The detectives soon realize that the case is much more complicated than they initially thought, and they must navigate through a web of lies and secrets to solve it.
Dexter’s writing style is elegant and precise, with vivid descriptions that transport the reader to the streets of Oxford. His characters are well-developed, with complex personalities that make them feel authentic and relatable.
The pacing of the novel is excellent, with enough twists and turns to keep the reader engaged throughout the story. The themes of feminism, gender roles, and academic elitism are handled with sensitivity and nuance, making the book relevant even today.
Despite its strengths, The Daughters of Cain is not without flaws. Some readers may find the plot overly convoluted, with too many characters and subplots to keep track of.
The ending is also somewhat predictable, with some readers guessing the culprit early on in the story. However, these flaws do not detract from the overall quality of the book, which is a well-crafted and engaging mystery.
Compared to other works in the genre, The Daughters of Cain ranks among the best. Dexter’s writing is on par with other notable writers such as Agatha Christie and Arthur Conan Doyle, and his characters are just as memorable.
Fans of the Inspector Morse series will find much to love in this standalone novel.
Overall, The Daughters of Cain is a must-read for fans of mystery novels. Its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and nuanced themes make it a standout in the genre.
While it may not be perfect, it is still a highly enjoyable and satisfying read. I would give it a rating of 4 out of 5 stars, based on its excellent writing, engaging plot, and nuanced themes.
