Listen free for 30 days

  • The Punishment She Deserves

  • A Lynley Novel
  • Written by: Elizabeth George
  • Narrated by: Simon Vance
  • Length: 22 hrs and 48 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (131 ratings)

Pick 1 audiobook a month from our unmatched collection.
Listen all you want to thousands of included audiobooks, Originals, and podcasts.
Access exclusive sales and deals.
Premium Plus auto-renews for $14.95/mo + applicable taxes after 30 days. Cancel anytime.
The Punishment She Deserves cover art

The Punishment She Deserves

Written by: Elizabeth George
Narrated by: Simon Vance
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $34.96

Buy Now for $34.96

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

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

What the critics say

"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

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    89
  • 4 Stars
    36
  • 3 Stars
    2
  • 2 Stars
    2
  • 1 Stars
    2
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    99
  • 4 Stars
    16
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    3
  • 1 Stars
    2
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    79
  • 4 Stars
    28
  • 3 Stars
    10
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    3

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

From begging to end i enjoyed this book

Sometimes a long story can drag on but it was entertaining throughout the characters and performances outstanding.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Fantastic and complex story

This is a wonderful and complex story. Elizabeth George does a wonderful job of both the characters that we know well and the new characters that we are introduced to in this book. I thought the narrator did a great job as well, with all the different accents and genders.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The Punishment she Deserves. by Elizabeth George

Great reading by Simon Vance.
As usual excellent book by Elizabeth George. I have read most of her books. Several times I am always waiting for the next one with great anticipation.
Inspector Lynley and Sgt.Havers are such interesting characters. They work their magic ways through such intricate plots and come out on top each time.
Ms. George has such an understanding of the people involved in her stories she is a master of information in the complexities of the mind.
Thank you for another great read.


Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

A pleasant reunion

It has been a long time since I had read a Lynley novel. And I was pleasantly surprised to see that Ms. George has not tired of her characters and still writes a fine mystery. I like the way she explores the various characters: their motivations and in this case, their dysfunctional family lives and how this has impacted them. The depiction of the struggle with alcohol experienced by Isabelle is particularly evocative and enlightening. I've already decided to read the next one. Cheers to Barbara Havers and her tap shoes (spoiler).

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Engaging listen

Great voices and story! Elizabeth George and Simon Vance at their best. Easily a recommendation

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Linley and Havers Together Again.!

This book is a compelling read. Takes a few unexpected turns to an exciting finish. a who done it that is not easy to figure out.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Classic Elizabeth George!

It’s New Scotland Yard at it’s best. Lynley and Haversack unraveling details of crimes in the English countryside. A classic whodunnit.... I can’t wait for the next one!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars

Love.

#Audible1
Always enjoy Elizabeth George and the narration of Simon Vance is excellent
This is my 4 audible book by her

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Excellent!!

I have loved Elizabeth George's books for years! Inspector Lynley and Barbara Havers never disappoint.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

The Punishment She Deserves

Couldn't put it down. Captivating plot line and masterful narration with some dry British humour thrown in for good measure.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!