A LESSON IN DYING Inspector Ramsay, Book 1

When principal Harold Medburn is found dead at the school Halloween party, no one seems terribly sorry. Medburn delighted in keeping his teachers under his thumb with meanness and blackmail. This is the first in an older Cleeves series featuring Inspector Stephen Ramsay and previously only available on audio in the UK. 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. When Ramsay enlists the help of a local school board member, a somewhat bored housewife, listeners will hear the thrill she feels at interviewing the locals and going undercover. It's not the most satisfying mystery ever--Cleeves has gotten better--but with Mattacks at the helm, it's still a lot of fun. [Published: JANUARY 2026]