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A Lesson in Dying

Inspector Ramsay, Book 1

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A Lesson in Dying

By: Ann Cleeves
Narrated by: Simon Mattacks
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About this listen

A Lesson in Dying is the first mystery novel in the Inspector Ramsay series by Ann Cleeves, author of the Shetland and Vera Stanhope crime series.

Who hung the headmaster in the playground on the night of the school Halloween Party?

Almost everyone in Heppleburn either hated or feared the viper-tongued Harold Medburn. Inspector Ramsay is convinced it was the headmaster’s enigmatic wife but Jack Robson, school governor and caretaker, is determined to prove her innocence.

With the help of his restless daughter Patty, Jack digs into the secrets of Heppleburn, and uncovers a cesspit of lies, adultery, blackmail and madness . . .

Continue the classic whodunit series with Murder in My Backyard.

Ann Cleeves Classic Crime - engaging mysteries to savour, beloved characters to meet again.

Praise for Ann Cleeves:

'Ann Cleeves is a stone cold genius' – Marian Keyes, author of My Favorite Mistake

'Everything Ann Cleeves writes is incredible' – Richard Osman, author of The Thursday Murder Club

'Ann Cleeves’s elegance as a wordsmith, the ingenuity of her plots, and the depth of her characters can be matched by few writers' – David Baldacci, author of The 6:20 Man

 Crime Crime Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Small Town & Rural Suspense

Critic reviews

A fine writer
Cleeves is quietly carving out a reputation as the new Queen of Crime
Ann Cleeves is a skilful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction
Nobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann Cleeves (Val McDermid)
Ann Cleeves has an enviable talent . . . I love these books
All stars
Most relevant
Couldn’t stop listening to it. Very good plot. Excellent voices from the reader. Very believable.

Very good plot

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I do enjoy Anne’s books but this was a
Little disappointing. Not as complex a story as others I’ve read. Still as enjoyable though.

A short book

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This is the first novel I’ve read/listened to by Ann Cleeves. My father was a big fan. Enjoyed the book and the narration. Listen to it in under 3 days, which I think says alot! If say it’s a great paced book, which leaves the reader/listened trying to guess. Lovely descriptions used. Really enjoyed.

Great listen, off to download another!

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I normally love Ann Cleeves’ books but the plot here was pretty dismal. She always writes great characters.

Not up to the author’s normal standard

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Area outlook interesting. Story mysterious to the end. I didn't guess the murderer. Main character lacked depth.

Detectivw didn't cone alive

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