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  • The Punishment She Deserves

  • A Lynley Novel
  • Written by: Elizabeth George
  • Narrated by: Simon Vance
  • Length: 22 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (131 ratings)

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The Punishment She Deserves

Written by: Elizabeth George
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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Publisher's Summary

New York Times Best Seller

Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Detective Inspector Thomas Lynley are forced to confront the past as they try to solve a crime that threatens to tear apart the very fabric of a quiet, historic medieval town in England

The cozy, bucolic town of Ludlow is stunned when one of its most revered and respected citizens - Ian Druitt, the local deacon - is accused of a serious crime. Then, while in police custody, Ian is found dead. Did he kill himself? Or was he murdered?

When Barbara Havers is sent to Ludlow to investigate the chain of events that led to Ian's death, all the evidence points to suicide. But Barbara can't shake the feeling that she's missing something. She decides to take a closer look at the seemingly ordinary inhabitants of Ludlow - mainly elderly retirees and college students - and discovers that almost everyone in town has something to hide.

A masterful work of suspense, The Punishment She Deserves sets Detective Sergeant Barbara Havers and Inspector Thomas Lynley against one of their most intricate cases. Fans of the longtime series will love the many characters from Elizabeth George's previous novels who join Lynley and Havers, and listeners new to the series will quickly see why she is one of the most popular and critically acclaimed writers of our time. Both a pause-resister and a deeply complex story about the lies we tell, the lies we believe, and the redemption we need, this novel will be remembered as one of George's best.

©2018 Elizabeth George (P)2018 Penguin Audio

What the critics say

"Let's face it, Simon Vance is a rock star. His performance of this complex and multifaceted murder mystery is vivid and perfectly paced....A clever puzzle, brilliantly read." (AudioFile)

“Rich with descriptive detail and emotional nuance. Several alternating plot threads unspool at length, all of which weave tightly together with pleasing inevitability.... What has been said before deserves repeating: From suspense to social commentary, from violence to pathos, from villainy to possible redemption, Ms. George can do it all, with style.” (Wall Street Journal)

“Elizabeth George has created journeys for Havers and Lynley before and this, yet again, falls among the ‘must reads’ in the suspense world. For new readers getting onboard and for those who have loved these characters for a while now, this book is one you do not want to miss.” (Suspense Magazine)

“Bolstered by George’s polished prose, the 20th Lynley mystery moves briskly along, showing the author at the peak of her powers.” (Booklist, starred review)  

What listeners say about The Punishment She Deserves

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  • Overall
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    5 out of 5 stars

The hours just flew by.

We listen at lunch and while in the car. Many times we would not leave the car just to see what would happen next. Loved the narration by Simon Vance so much we are hesitating to choose the other novels as Simon is not the narrator. Not to take anything away from the book and the author, but he became part of the experience. You will enjoy this book.

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Review

I always have enjoyed these books but this one was not my favourite. Perhaps because I was listening instead of reading, but I found it too long and too much narrative that was not germane to the story. I also thought it would have been better with a female voice.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Why do we make our decisions?

Great writing. All the characters were fleshed out and complex. Everyone in this story is flawed and has their own motivations which led them to their decisions, good or bad. Twists and turns had me speculating until the end. I really really enjoyed this book. Will definitely read another. Recommended. One of the best mystery writers I have read in a long time.

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Fantastic and complex story

This is a wonderful and complex story. Elizabeth George does a wonderful job of both the characters that we know well and the new characters that we are introduced to in this book. I thought the narrator did a great job as well, with all the different accents and genders.

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Engaging listen

Great voices and story! Elizabeth George and Simon Vance at their best. Easily a recommendation

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A pleasant reunion

It has been a long time since I had read a Lynley novel. And I was pleasantly surprised to see that Ms. George has not tired of her characters and still writes a fine mystery. I like the way she explores the various characters: their motivations and in this case, their dysfunctional family lives and how this has impacted them. The depiction of the struggle with alcohol experienced by Isabelle is particularly evocative and enlightening. I've already decided to read the next one. Cheers to Barbara Havers and her tap shoes (spoiler).

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From begging to end i enjoyed this book

Sometimes a long story can drag on but it was entertaining throughout the characters and performances outstanding.

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The Punishment She Deserves

Couldn't put it down. Captivating plot line and masterful narration with some dry British humour thrown in for good measure.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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One of her best books.! Elizabeth George is a master at making pictures in your mind. Her characters are so real you connect with them on every lebel.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Tempting Read

#Audible1 - Elizabeth George is an exquisite mystery writer and keeps drawing one into the plot further and further. Just when one believes they have the mystery figured out there is a new piece of evidence dropped in that turns one in a different direction; tantalizing one to think and listen more carefully and to even go back in the story. I wish I would have been aware of the whole "Inspector Lynley Series" at the beginning. I would have started with the first in the series instead of starting at book 17 to 20. Now I will wait with as much patience as one can muster for book 21. The author also does a good job of keeping the main characters in her books actively involved, at least in each of the stories I have listened to. Thank you for a great listen.
I will very likely go back and enjoy the first 16 books in the Inspector Lynley Series just for sheer entertainment.

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