Ann Cleeves Classic Crime - engaging mysteries to savour, beloved characters to meet again.
A Lesson in Dying is the first mystery novel in the Inspector Ramsay series by Ann Cleeves, author of the Shetland and Vera Stanhope crime series.
Who hung the headmaster in the playground on the night of the school Halloween Party?
Almost everyone in Heppleburn either hated or feared the viper-tongued Harold Medburn. Inspector Ramsay is convinced it was the headmaster’s enigmatic wife but Jack Robson, school governor and caretaker, is determined to prove her innocence.
With the help of his restless daughter Patty, Jack digs into the secrets of Heppleburn, and uncovers a cesspit of lies, adultery, blackmail and madness . . .
Continue the classic whodunit series with Murder in My Backyard.
About the Author
Ann Cleeves is the author of more than thirty-five critically acclaimed novels, and in 2017 was awarded the highest accolade in crime writing, the CWA Diamond Dagger. She is the creator of popular detectives Vera Stanhope, Jimmy Perez and Matthew Venn, who can be found on television in ITV's Vera, BBC One's Shetland and ITV's The Long Call respectively. The TV series and the books they are based on have become international sensations, capturing the minds of millions worldwide.Ann worked as a probation officer, bird observatory cook and auxiliary coastguard before she started writing. She is a member of 'Murder Squad', working with other British northern writers to promote crime fiction. Ann also spends her time supporting access to books and advocating for reading to improve health and wellbeing. In 2021 her Reading for Wellbeing project launched with local authorities across the North East. She lives in Northumberland where the Vera books are set.
Industry Reviews
A fine debut -- Susan Hill * Good Housekeeping *
A quietly entertaining mystery * The Sunday Telegraph *
Cleeves is quietly carving out a reputation as the new Queen of Crime * Sunday Mirror *
Ann Cleeves is a skilful technician, keeping our interest alive and building slowly up to the denouement. Her easy use of language and clever story construction make her one of the best natural writers of detective fiction * Daily Express *
Nobody does unsettling undercurrents better than Ann Cleeves -- Val McDermid
Ann Cleeves has an enviable talent . . . I love these books * CrimeSquad *
A good debut for Inspector Ramsay; quiet, puzzled, very human * The Times *
As a huge fan of both the Shetland and Vera series of books, I had high expectations for Cleeves's latest . . . A stunning debut for Cleeves's latest crimefighter -- David Baldacci on The Long Call
Clever, compassionate and atmospheric, with a great cast of new characters to love -- Elly Griffiths on The Long Call
Another sure-fire hit -- Martin Edwards, author of Gallows Court, on The Long Call
