A Lesson in Dying cover art

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.

©1990 Ann Cleeves (P)2017 Isis Publishing Ltd
Crime Fiction Fiction Police Procedural Small Town & Rural Mystery Suspense
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What listeners say about A Lesson in Dying

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

As someone else mentioned- not her best

I love Ann Cleeves, but I think some blame lies with the narration, all a little boring

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Not up to Cleeves normal standard

Boring story, flat characters, Don't waste your money, not to Ann Cleeves normal standards and really a waste of time

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Good performance

Not as good a Vera or Shetland, but easy listening. I actually guessed the murderer halfway through

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Great listen - well planned plot

Whilst this series is not earth movingly exciting, the characters are well formed and credible. An easy listen

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very good plot

Couldn’t stop listening to it. Very good plot. Excellent voices from the reader. Very believable.

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    2 out of 5 stars

Slow going

I found the Durham accent slightly irritating after a while. There wasn't a lot of substance to the story and some things highly implausible. Overall not a good read and I found myself easily distracted

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great listen, off to download another!

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.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Not her best work

I found this disappointing. None of the characters was very likeable and they all felt two-dimensional. The writing was a bit flat, and the plot confused. The narrator was good, although the editing sometimes jumped too fast from one tone to another.
Don’t buy this if you are expecting the quality of Vera or Perez.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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A short book

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.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Start of series

As usual with Ann Cleeves - highly atmospheric and with the main character appearing only marginally in this first of series.

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