The body of Joanna Franks was found at Duke's Cut on the Oxford Canal at about 5.30 a.m. on Wednesday, 22nd June 1859. At around 10.15 a.m. on a Saturday morning in 1989 the body of Chief Inspector Morse - though very much alive - was removed to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital. Treatment for a perforated ulcer was later pronounced successful. As Morse begins his recovery he comes across an account of the investigation and trial that followed Joanna Frank's death . . . and becomes convinced that the two men hanged for her murder were innocent . . .
In "The Wench is Dead", we find Morse in hospital feeling lonely and getting a little too excited for his own good over a nurse or two. At the same time, he puts a trashy novel aside to delve into a historical murder. Does he end up shedding light on the miscarriage of justice that took place over a century ago? You'll see. The general gist of what's going on probably won't come as a surprise to mystery fans, but the "one percent doubt" is removed on the last page. My advice to you, take notes and play around with words, names, and letters (as always with Colin Dexter) if you want to tie the loose ends up before Morse does.
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16 August, 2018:
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16 August, 2018:
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