The Punishment She Deserves Audiobook By Elizabeth George cover art

The Punishment She Deserves

A Lynley Novel

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The Punishment She Deserves

By: Elizabeth George
Narrated by: Simon Vance
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About this listen

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
Detective Fiction Mystery Police Procedural Traditional Detectives Solider

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)

What listeners say about The Punishment She Deserves

Highly rated for:

Intricate Storyline Complex Characters Gripping Mystery Unexpected Plot Twists Skilled Voice Acting
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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Somewhat Disappointed....

It was difficult to see Barbara take the fall...again...and to end the story with her humiliation. Lynley understands and knows her and her talents the best, but wants her to fall on a sword to protect her disreputable drunken boss... again. His meddling in her private life got her to the end with not even a pat on the back... when she is the only real detective, only to end... once again, with Barbara looking unfit and a clown...

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very satisfying & complex novel, beautifully read

This lengthy novel includes familiar George characters as well as a host of new ones. The story is rich & complex interweaving the actions of many (usually) broken lives. As a clergyperson, I appreciated salient clue.

Although the plot is resolved, it remains “open” to the future. Throughout it is engaging. Vance narrated the novel with restrained Intensity.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars

Wonderful character development

I was daunted by the length of this book; however, it's three stories together: Havers, Ardrey's, and the mystery. The deep relationship between Havers and Lynley was portrayed well. DCS Ardrey's character was a little too stereotypical, including her final surrender but I found the mystery intriguing, and the cast of characters interesting. I love the Lynley books though, so I'm inclined to read them without as much criticism as I muster with other writers.

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WHAT A WRITER

Elizabeth George is once again superb in plotting and taking the reader along for the ride. What she does better than any other ‘mystery’ writer I can think of, is to deeply explore what lies beneath the personalities we present to the world; whether in fiction or real life. Her capacity to make visible the unbearable pain behind cultural clashes or interpersonal clashes without diminishing the ordinary or moving into melodrama, makes reading her work somehow transcendent. She has guts. The reader comes away after an great story told well, a bit more willing take courage and to see clearly.

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Inspector Lynley and Barbara Havers

Another shining Elizabeth George detective story where Barbara Havers rocks!! I loved the story. I’ve read all of the Lynley series and was not disappointed with this one in any way!!

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    4 out of 5 stars

Excellent. Full stop.

impeccable narration and engaging story. Elizabeth George propels the plot forward like a finely tuned Healey Elliot.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Interesting layers and great reader

I love John Lee as a reader and he does well with Elizabeth George. This story had a nice “double” theme with stories of overprotective moms who “got it” …or not. I love George’s depiction of human frailties and addiction and her deep understanding and forgiveness. And Barbara Havers in tap shoes is classic. All in all an absorbing and compelling read.

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Intricate weaving of relationships truth lies, deception and love.

To be honest, this is not my normal genre so it took me a little while to get into the story. But later couldn’t put it down, I am impressed on how many lives were intertwined.  and the performance of each of the characters, male and female were brilliant. I would highly recommend .

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Title touches on ever female character, including Barbra Havers

Great story. Strong characters that were very 3 dimensional. Mystery and multiple storylines kept the pages turning

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excellent detective drama

Lynley & Havers investigating dark side at college campus starting with suspect suicide. Many flawed characters, including students & parents. Great job portraying struggles of substance abuse. Takes helicopter parenting to next level. Theme of sexual promiscuity or deviance which envelopes the mystery. Suspenseful to the end as multitude of loose ends tied up. Love the ending.

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