The Punishment She Deserves

A Lynley Novel

By: Elizabeth George

Narrated by: Simon Vance

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

Critic reviews

"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)

Involving story of contemporary sex crime

This is a good one with Barbara and Lynley and the alcoholic Isabel working on a case in the provinces where police misconduct is suspected. I’m almost ready to forgive Elizabeth George for killing off Helen eight or 10 books ago.

Narrator

It's so fast talking you can't enjoy it. I had to stop listening to the book.

Fantastic!

I’m an avid follower of Lynley and Havers and I consider this one of the best. Three cheers to Elizabeth George for pulling off a fascinating mystery and beautiful evolution of characters. Can’t wait for the next one!
Simon Vance was brilliant as usual.

It’s Simon Vance after all

.....and I could listen to him read the phone book...enthralled the entire A to Z. But the story was convoluted but without my being lost in the turns. Mostly because of Mr Vance’s reading. But it was pure fun and some good English humor on top of that English Police Procedural that I do love. A charmer for sure.

Simon Vance!

I got this book because I enjoy the narrator. Simon Vance is so good. I did, however, really enjoy this book. I understand now that it's part of a series, and had I read some of the earlier ones, I might have understood some of the characters better. Still, it was an interesting read/listen. I recommend it!

Barbara was right

A great story enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. Only criticism is that there are too many back stories.
Simon Vance did a masterful narration. Every character could be identified by voice alone.

Elizabeth at her best!

loved it! great plot and pace. great development of characters. always keeps you guessing. Great.

ELIZABETH GEORGE IS BACK!!!

ELIZABETH GEORGE IS BACK!!!
The finest The finest detective novelist of the century, Truly one of the greats. Start with her first novel And you will never miss another. I have missed her. Thank you Miss ms. George for your return. MPG

Better and better

I’ve been an Elizabeth George fan since she started and have loved how she sticks to such a strong theme in each book. This one was full of different parenting approaches with admittedly lots of bad outcomes. But the writing, storyline, complexity and very good narration made it all a delight. It was especially great to see Lynley and Havers working a case together again!
I’m sorry it’s over.

Now I’m Onboard

I was suspicious when George started spending half the book in the intimate lives of nonreoccuring characters. This time she Repeats that plus giving new developments for the recurring ones. Bravo!