A Lesson in Dying is book 1 in Ann Cleeves’ Inspector Ramsay series, and was my first Ann Cleeves novel but won’t be my last. I’m surprised it has taken me so long to pick up one of her books because I love most of the series’ based on her books.
Note that this is a rerelease of a book that was first published in 1990, so may seem dated to some readers. Personally, the time period felt a bit nostalgic for me, so I rather enjoyed it.
In this first novel, Inspector Ramsay is mostly absent from the novel for at least the first half. Instead the first part of the story is told, in third person, through the eyes of many of the villagers who knew the victim.
A Lesson in Dying was relatively slow paced, but was very interesting, and kept my attention throughout, so it didn’t feel like it dragged at any point.
The ending, when it did come, was quick and suspenseful, and kept me on the edge of my seat.
I would recommend A Lesson in Dying to any fan of traditional mysteries.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This new edition will be available on March 25 2025.
Life, Tea, and Everything 