A Great Deliverance Audiobook - Inspector Lynley, Book 1

Summary

Prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey through the pages of this captivating audiobook. Whether you’re an avid reader or a newcomer to the world of audiobooks, this unique listening experience is sure to leave a lasting impression. With a perfect blend of engaging storytelling and skilled narration, this audiobook transports you into a realm where the boundaries between reality and fantasy seamlessly blur.

Audiobook Info

Author: Elizabeth George
Narrator: James Langton
Duration: 17 hours and 30 minutes
Publisher: Isis Audio
Release Date: 2004-04-01

Review

Few mystery debuts have made as enduring an impact as Elizabeth George’s A Great Deliverance. Right from its haunting opening, this audiobook invites listeners not just into a crime scene, but into the tangled hearts of its investigators and suspects alike. While George’s intricate plotting and keen psychological insight are often at the fore, it’s the performance behind the microphone that first captured my attention – and truly elevates this adaptation.

James Langton’s narration is nothing short of masterful. He brings each character – whether burdened with guilt or bristling with suspicion – to vivid life. His clear diction and subtle tonal shifts ensure you never lose track of who is speaking, even as layers of secrets unfold within the brooding English countryside. Langton has a gift for making even quiet moments pulse with tension; his Inspector Lynley is both commanding and empathetic, while Detective Sergeant Havers’ rough edges come across with authenticity and heart. The result isn’t simply a story told aloud – it feels like eavesdropping on real people whose lives hang in the balance.

As for the story itself: George crafts an investigation that’s more than just whodunit – it’s why-done-it, how-done-it, and at what emotional cost. Set in Keldale – a Yorkshire village shrouded in misty secrets – the murder case seems straightforward at first: Roberta Teys confesses to killing her father without explanation. Yet every answer only leads to deeper questions about family, class divisions, and long-hidden trauma. The pacing is deliberate but gripping; early chapters lay groundwork for explosive revelations later on. By midpoint, I was utterly invested – not just in solving the mystery but understanding what had driven everyone involved to their breaking points.

Another strength lies in George’s ability to create atmosphere: farmhouses creak under old grievances; rain taps restlessly against windows as detectives pore over clues; even silences brim with meaning thanks to Langton’s attentive timing. If you’re drawn to mysteries that explore character as much as crime – or if you savor stories where setting becomes almost another character – this audiobook delivers in spades.

A quick note for those who appreciate award-winning reads: A Great Deliverance took home the Anthony Award for Best Novel in 1989 for good reason. While some listeners may find early pacing measured (a common refrain among crime fiction fans), patience pays off handsomely here with emotional resonance and plot turns that linger long after the final chapter.

Whether you’re discovering Inspector Lynley for the first time or returning for another round of British suspense, this production stands out not only for its sharp writing but also for a narrator who understands how to bring nuance and drama to every twist.

Download & Listen

Ready to immerse yourself in one of modern mystery’s most compelling investigations? Download A Great Deliverance from KTAudiobooks.com today and let James Langton guide you through Elizabeth George’s unforgettable labyrinth of secrets and suspense. This isn’t just another detective novel – it’s an atmospheric journey into human darkness that will keep you riveted until its last chilling revelation. Don’t miss your chance to experience where it all began for Inspector Lynley – press play and discover why this audiobook has become such a beloved classic among thriller aficionados!

Status: Completed Version: Unabridged Genre: Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Author: Elizabeth George Narrator: Donada Peters Updated: 25/11/2025 Series: A Lynley Novel Listening Time: 11 hrs and 2 mins