The Punishment She Deserves

An Inspector Lynley Novel, Book 17

By: Elizabeth George

Narrated by: Julia Barrie

Length: 28 hrs and 43 mins

Publisher's Summary

Award-winning author Elizabeth George delivers another masterpiece of suspense in her Inspector Lynley series. 

When a Member of Parliament shows up at New Scotland Yard requesting an investigation into the suicide of the son of one of his constituents in the beautiful town of Ludlow, the Assistant Commissioner sees two opportunities in this request: the first is to have an MP owing him a favour, and the second is to get rid of Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers, whose career at the Met has been hanging by a thread for quite some time. So he assigns Havers to the case and for good measure partners her with the one person who shares his wish to see the back of her: Detective Chief Superintendent Isabelle Ardery. 

But Ardery has her own difficulties. She is not happy to be sent away from London and as a result is in a rush to return. This causes her to overlook certain uncomfortable facts. Soon the case is opened again, and this time it is Lynley who must accompany Havers to Ludlow, with little more than a week to save the Met's reputation and Barbara's job. And the more they investigate, the more it looks as if the suicide was part of a much more sinister pattern of events. 

©2018 Susan Elizabeth George (P)2018 Hodder & Stoughton Limited

Outstanding

Another wonderful story by Ms George. never a dull moment with interesting twists and turns. the narrator is fantastic.

Terrific read

The fully rounded characters bring this intricate plot to life... couldn’t stop listening, loved it.

The pursuit of excitement

This book wasn’t for you, but who do you think might enjoy it more?

Those readers who are not expecting the style of Elizabeth George's earlier novels.

What was most disappointing about Elizabeth George’s story?

The change from her earlier style by the inclusion of multiple descriptions of sexual activity. Little is left to the reader's imagination. In addition, the increasingly bizarre actions of two of the police characters go far beyond what would be tolerated in any organisation. There would be much earlier and stronger intervention in such hierarchical structure. There were also subplots with sentimental or improbable resolutions. Most characters seemed exaggerated some to the point of being unidimensional.

What about Julia Barrie’s performance did you like?

I think her performance enabled easy identification of characters, but she did not capture the style of Thomas Lynley. I may be influenced by my liking of narrators of earlier books.

You didn’t love this book... but did it have any redeeming qualities?

The description of the meeting between Jasmine and her parents showed what the author can do.

A great read and listen

Elizabeth George has surpassed herself with this her latest book and Julia Barrie’s narration is superb. There are so many seemingly disparate threads in this story and it is fascinating to see how the author has woven them all into a complex and beautifully crafted whole. Fans of Barbara Havers will enjoy seeing her character develop and have a heart rending glimpse into her inner thoughts. The themes of teenage angst and family relationships are well defined and do not detract from an overall gripping narrative.

Masterly

This is probably the best of the series - very complex with lots of different threads - and as any reader will see - a brilliant title. The reader is outstanding - she manages the voices of the varied cast of characters - I'll say no more. For fans of Elizabeth George this is an absolute treat - for those who don't know her books - I'd say start at N° 1 and enjoy the whole saga from start to finish.

Superb

Great story as always from EG; love her books and all the characters. Can’t wait for the next one.

It dragged on and on and on....

If I hadn’t been painting my living room, (and if I hadn’t used a credit to get it) I’d have given up on this book after two chapters. You can go off for fifteen minutes and come back to find the same dreary dialogue still going on. A reasonable plot but an army of largely irrelevant and badly-drawn characters. Boring, unconvincing and very very long!

Disappointing

This book is very long, jumps from one location to another and is peppered with obscene language. While I can appreciate it may be appropriate for a character, it isn't necessary in the narrative. Neither Lyndley nor Havers rang true. The reader sounded as though she was acting out a bedtime story. I have enjoyed all of the series until now and this was a huge let-down. Perhaps not suited to Audible?

Love Lynley and Havers

Really good, kept me up listening. Very addictive. Love the interaction, between Lynley and Havers, in the books, it can be very amusing.

Phew!

Very long winded but utterly enjoyable. Havers is a delight trying hard but not always managing to keep her DCS on side. This is despite the DCS Isabelle Ardery being determined to get Barbara transferred. They go to Ludlow to investigate a ‘suicide’ which the victim’s father refuses to accept. There are funny moments from Isabelle too concerning her refusal to accept she has a drink problem. We are introduced to many of the characters who had a connection with the victim. Isabelle concludes that it is suicide but Barbara has her doubts. Eventually Lynsey joins Havers as Isabelle is moved back to London. Together they unravel the mystery.

The characters covered a diverse range of social situations, family dynamics and traditions. Julia Barrie does a fantastic job and although long and ultimately quite tragic, there are some laugh out loud moments. A very satisfactory ending

loved it

a great listen, one of those compelling books, the plot layered with back stories. very well narrated which brought the story to life. looking forward to the next one.

Worth every minute

A great story, read by an incredible narrator. The story twists and turn mean everyinute kept you interested and caring about the characters

By George - her best book yet

A masterly intricate plot , great characterisation and all served up by a brilliant narrator who produces a tour de force in terms of the range of voices and accents.