Who wrote the 'Inspector Morse' novels, on which the British TV series was based?

Norman Colin Dexter (29 September 1930 – 21 March 2017) was an English crime writer known for his 'Inspector Morse' series of novels, which were written between 1975 and 1999 and adapted as an ITV television series, 'Inspector Morse', from 1987 to 2000. His characters have spawned a sequel series, 'Lewis', and a prequel series, 'Endeavour'.

The initial books written by Dexter were general studies text books. He began writing mysteries in 1972 during a family holiday. 'Last Bus to Woodstock' was published in 1975 and introduced the character of Inspector Morse, the irascible detective whose penchants for cryptic crosswords, English literature, cask ale, and Wagner reflect Dexter's own enthusiasms. Dexter's plots used false leads and other red herrings.

The success of the 33 two-hour episodes of the ITV television series Inspector Morse, produced between 1987 and 2000, brought further attention to Dexter's writings. In the manner of Alfred Hitchcock, he also made a cameo appearance in almost all episodes.