A Lesson in Dying

The First Inspector Ramsay Novel

By: Ann Cleeves

Narrated by: Simon Mattacks

Before Shetland and Vera, Ann Cleeves wrote the Inspector Ramsay series featuring a talented, brilliant detective—now available for the first time in the US.

"Narrator Simon Mattacks is terrific at setting the local Northumberland scene. He's also adept with subtle voice adjustments as the perspective changes between characters." — Kirkus

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 . . .

A Macmillan Audio production from Minotaur Books.

Very strange

If this had been my first Cleeves book and I hadn't read her other series, I would never have picked up another story of hers. I would not describe the detective in this first book as brilliant and talented with one of the worst investigative techniques I've ever seen and virtually no recognizable police procedure. Add to that, the strange characters and what a mess. it was like a dark comedy. It was so bad I may get one more out of sheer curiosity.

Bad narrator

The story line was good but the person reading was boring to listen. I have always enjoyed Ann Cleeves books but the person reading this one made it a real chore for me to finish.

Interesting character development except for the main detective

The story is good and I found it engaging, but felt a little disappointed to not get to know the main detective a little better. The story may be starting out slow. Aside from that, I really liked seeing Anne Cleeve’s excellent third person subjective narration come through.

I Never Suspected Who The Killer Was

I was surprised to find out that I didn't much like Inspector Ramsey. He didn't seem very competent until the end. He didn't even seem to be the main charscter, This was likely one of Ms Cleeves' earlier books &, although Inspector Ramsey's character didn't seem well developed, I certainly glimpsed the brilliance of her later writing by the end. It was worth reading to see how characters in her later, most popular books had flaws yet could capture the hearts of readers.