A review by kartrick
Last Seen Wearing by Colin Dexter

2.0

This one certainly had me mentally blurting "dammit" a few more times than "The Last Bus to Woodstock", but my verdict ends up the same (sadly).

The plot is really interesting, and the multiple mistakes Morse makes adds to the fun of it. His change in attitude (not caring for the case any longer) as he reaches these dead-ends is slightly off-putting, but forgivable. As one other reviewer mentioned, part of Colin Dexter's skill lies in how he manages to distract the reader and lead them down a completely hopeless alley the moment they start getting close to the truth. As I got to the final pages, I remember having started to think along those lines earlier, but somehow had gotten sidetracked. The smoothness of the transitions are impressive.

Perhaps this book left slightly fewer loose ends than did the previous one, but I cannot say for sure whether I like the ending any better. For one, it was terribly rushed. Secondly and more importantly, I don't understand why

Spoiler

they don't pursue her, when they have at least one lead, which is the petrol pump attendant who saw her waiting for a hike. It certainly shouldn't be much trouble, as Morse has questioned countless bus conductors and the like earlier.

Thirdly, the ending for me was a disappointment. My reaction to it would be a sarcastic scoff. It wasn't a meaningful climax. I get the kind of effect he was going for, but I don't feel it fits well with the story.