A Lesson in Dying: Inspector Ramsay #1    by Ann Cleeves Order:  USA  Can Minotaur, 2025 (1990) Softcover, Paperback, e-Book     Reviewed by Hilary Williamson A Lesson in Dying opens Ann Cleeves' series featuring Inspector Stephen Ramsay. The story focuses on Northumberland's Heppleburn Primary School. Jack Robson is the school governor and caretaker, and also stands on the district council. His bored daughter Patty instigated a parents' Hallowe'en Party at a Parents' Association meeting, chaired by Paul Wilcox. Headmaster Harold Medburn is widely disliked and even feared, so there are plenty of suspects when he's found hung from a rusting netball hoop at the Hallowe'en Party. His self-contained wife Kitty, a district nurse, is arrested. He had just threatened to leave her for his mistress - embittered, indebted Angela Brayshaw. Jack has long had feelings for Kitty and sets out to prove her innocent, with Patty's help. Teacher Irene Hunt, soon to retire, is very fond of young teacher Matthew Carpenter, whom Medburn bullied and threatened to fire. The headmaster had also blackmailed Wilcox, and Miss Hunt. When Jack searches Medburn's house, he is attacked. The attacker steals letters and leaves a warning. Then come two more deaths. Jack doesn't slow down but almost meets his own end before it's over. Note: Opinions expressed in reviews and articles on this site are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of BookLoons. Find more Mystery books on our Shelves or in our book Reviews