A fitting end to a series that has dealt with tough social and domestic issues. The old and new town of Edinburgh, overlapping at times has captured my heart for years and this really shows you how such a magnificent city has dragged itself through times of hardship. I enjoyed the dynamic between Sarah and Raven, both striving for their own goals whilst fighting their own attraction. I loved it from start to finish even though the subjects were often uncomfortable to read about but there is a need to deal with such issues to move forward.

I love Edinburgh as a setting for historical detective fiction featuring medical professionals (and aspiring female medical professionals). This book falls into one of the historical fiction types most likely to give me the ick: those focused on child sexual exploitation. It’s a dash of the plot of Taken, plus Ripper Street, mixed with a take on Sherlock Holmes’ most deplored crime, blackmail. However, the sexual exploitation is a fairly small element of the overall whole, and it wasn't off-putting at all! Unlike some end-of-series books, this one is not overlong, although the 'back catalogue' occasionally slows the pacing for readers who don't know the broader world.

This book does a neat job of introducing a number of real-life characters into the mix, covered in a short epilogue, including Emily Blackwell, one of the first female doctors, and the Butlers, a reference to Josephine Butler and her campaigning for women’s rights. There is even a thrilling fire set at one of the Butlers’ anti-prostitution meetings, echoing the fire set at one of Butler’s meetings against the Contagious Diseases Acts 1866 and 1869 (more about which you can read in Kate Morgan’s The Walnut Tree). Set a little while before, in 1854, Parry brings forward a number of specific concerns, particularly around the “white slave trade” panics of the 1880s, in both Brussels and the UK, where the panic was led by WT Stead’s “Maiden Tribute” articles (also discussed briefly in the epilogue). The difference here is that while Stead’s articles were almost entirely fictitious, an early example of journalistic “truthiness” (mis)shaping societal responses, Parry’s Edinburgh contains precisely the sort of exploitation he had in mind.

Overall, the plotting was pretty effective. There were one or two twists and turns that were predictable but still satisfying, and one or two turns not taken that were pleasing! I enjoyed the two primary leads, and it worked well as a stand-alone read that will also no doubt satisfy those who’ve been following Sarah and Will all the way along!

Swansong of a complex Victorian duo
—
In this, the final Raven and Fisher mystery, as a number of longstanding plot points are drawn together, the seedy underbelly of Victorian Edinburgh is laid bare, pale and sickening in the light of day. At last, Sarah Fisher’s plans to apprentice to Dr Will Raven are coming to fruition in their new practice funded by Sarah’s widow’s inheritance. However, not all is rosy: a distant family member entreats Sarah to find her daughter who was meant to enter service in the city but vanished on arrival; and Will’s colleagues need his advice on what to do about a blackmailer who seems to be targeting everyone close to Will. As the pair seek answers to these different cases, enemy forces pop up to deter Sarah and Will, and what had seemed to be relatively small scale cases start to grow beyond their capacity to investigate them.

With excruciating detail on the times and the most up-to-date medical procedures, Parry invites us to walk in Sarah and Will’s shoes for one last time, and what a trip! If I start listing the various subjects that thread through this book, I’d give away far too much of the plot, but also not enough. Suspects galore and even the victims aren’t as clean cut as they appear, this is an up and down thriller/mystery, almost Dickensian in its scope and flavour.

Four and a half stars

In any good continuing series there are often some unresolved matters, some with the potential to be time-bombs that could go off at any time. There has been a few such open threads left throughout Ambrose Parry's Raven and Fisher series, mostly in the romantic tension between Raven and Fisher which has been complicated by their differing backgrounds, personalities and their experiences in the medical profession. Since this is set in Victorian Edinburgh, those experiences would have been markedly different for a man and a woman. And then there is the fact that, in the three year gap between the events of The Way of All Flesh and The Art of Dying, both got married to other people. It's fair to say however - in keeping with the general tone of the series as a whole - neither of those marriages were conventional and certainly didn't resolve the feelings that they had for each other.

As we reach what is expected to be the final episode in the five part series, time is running out on the Ambrose Parry Raven and Fisher series, so you expect there to be more upheavals on that front, but there are a few other issues that have been bubbling beneath the surface, one of which is related to a mystery around Dr Simpson - a real life figure who has featured prominently in the series - and some secretive work he has been carrying out on the side in the adoption of babies. Someone is blackmailing the doctor who, even though he enlists the help of Raven and trusts his former assistant, still keeps the nature of the blackmail from him. It ties in with another personal matter that could plunge Raven into trouble just as he has struck out and opened his own surgery.

It's never good news when McLevy of the Edinburgh constabulary comes calling, but this time when he is called to the scene of a suicide at the Scott Monument it's not for professional opinion - that's hardly needed - but because it is likely that he can identify the victim. It's one that puts his prospects and family life into crisis, just as he was about to try and get himself established as a doctor and run his own surgery with the financial assistance of the widowed Sarah Fisher. Sarah meanwhile has an investigation of her own to carry out, looking for the young 15 year old daughter of a relative through her marriage. Coming in from the country to work as a maid, there has been no word from her niece since she arrived in the city and, knowing what often happens to young naïve girls who arrive looking for work, Sarah fears the worst.

Written by the husband and wife team of Christopher Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman under the pseudonym of 'Ambrose Parry', there has always been a bit of period soap opera to the Raven and Fisher series and that seems to come more to the fore in the final book. The romantic attraction side of their relationship has up to now largely taken a backseat to the crime investigation and the medical emergencies they have been dealing with, but it evidently remains simmering even if their current circumstances make it impossible to develop into anything more. Not least of which is the greater inequality that exists between men and women during this period and, as the issues that arise here relate mainly to the status and treatment of women, that is brought back into the in The Death of Shame.

That historical aspect of the series has always been instructive, and even relevant to inequalities that we can still see persisting in society today. Some of the revelations in relation to the experiences of what would happen to many innocent young women from the country arriving in the city looking for employment are shocking. We have already had a glimpse of the slow progress being made in anaesthetics and hygiene to contrast past with present, with the attitude in the mid 19th century towards women working in the medical profession, but there are more incredible revelations made here, such as a woman over the age of 12 being considered an independent adult responsible for themselves, and therefore not an issue for the police to investigate as a missing 'child'.

While the age may be different, young women are still trafficked by criminal gangs today, and if anything what the series has done has not just shed a light on past malpractices, inequality and injustice, but reflect how similar attitudes and prejudices still prevail. I don't know though, it's probably just me, but this time the modern enlightened outlook seemed a little forced and out of place in The Death of Shame. I’ve no doubt that this has been thoroughly researched and that the Edinburgh Society for the Suppression of Vice and similar organisations existed, but with Sarah and Raven out crusading - however close to home the problems may be - it all seems a little preachy this time. Sarah seems to reflect every couple of pages on the lot of women at this time and whether they will ever be treated as equals. It seems heavy-handed and I don't think it needs that amount of over-emphasis.

I think more than that though that the difference between this and previous books is that the moralising of the set agenda seems to take precedence over the medical mystery thriller escapades that have made the Ambrose Parry Raven and Fisher books a tremendously entertaining and original series up to now. It also seems to me to take precedence over the intriguing personalities of the characters as they have been established up to now, smoothing out their edges to serve the exigencies of the plot/agenda and the need to bring about a necessary resolution to the ongoing romantic tension. As such, I felt that The Death of Shame was not quite as compelling a read, and a little bit disappointing as a conclusion to what has been - and nonetheless still remains - an outstanding series.

The final Raven and Fisher mystery and what a story to go out with!

A much darker tale this time around, looking at prostitution, forced and willing. With exploitation and violence against women threaded throughout the whole story, its impossible not to read this and not feel a little dirty by association. The spirt of 1850 Edinburgh lives in these pages, brought to vividly to life by the description. The writing pair that make up this author are wonderful at invoking not only the grime, the danger, the violence, but also the curiosity. This was a moment in time unlike any other in terms of medicine and it feels so real.

There are so many fantastic call backs in this book, so many small story beats being tied up, characters coming full circle and mysteries finally being explained. You can read this book without having read any of the others for sure, the story and characters all stand up on their own. But the layers will only be fully appreciated I think, if you read the previous ones first, which are great delights in themselves.

As for the villain of the piece... he might only appear in this book, and had no direct impact on any of the others, but once you learn enough about him, you will realise his shadow has unknowingly been cast across all the previous books. A terrific person to hate and a clever villain in his own right, making Raven and Fisher be in more peril than usual. Add to that, that this is described as the final mystery, there were moments when I honestly couldn't see how they would get out of the danger with their sanity intact.

My only real compliant, as with the previous book, is the character of Eugenie. She's suffered a great deal, and perhaps in modern times would be diagnosed as having PPD, but I found her attitude too one dimensional for that to be the case. It's as if she was put into the story simply to stretch out the relationship between Raven and Fisher. A shame as I really enjoyed who she was in book three, but we never saw that version of her again.

This is the fifth full length book in the exceptional Raven and Fisher mystery series. Obstetrician Dr Will Raven has finally graduated from the tutelage of Dr Simpson and is setting up his own medical practice with the assistance of his fearless “associate” Sarah Fisher much to the displeasure of his wife who still yearns for the high life. When family members come to harm, Will and Sarah become drawn into investigating the nefarious activities of Victorian Edinburgh’s underworld once again. A reader would absolutely benefit from reading this series in order – and what a treat that would be!
My thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley. This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own unbiased opinion.

This has been an amazing series. Such great stories set amongst the medical professionals (and not so professionals) in Victorian Edinburgh. Like one half of Ambrose Parry I studied social history of medicine as part of my history degree and loved the well researched and well presented of these books. Will Raven and Sarah have been a great team and I shall miss them. This final episode of their story was interesting and well plotted. Not a nice subject but a very important one, then and now. Highly recommended - but start at the beginning to get the full impact of this wonderful, if short, series. With thanks to the publisher, the authors and NetGalley for the e-ARC to read and review.

The fifth and final part of this series. And I'm so disappointed to learn it's the last part. Each instalment has been a gripping mystery but also an education of sorts.

In this novel, Sarah Fisher is asked for help in locating Annabelle Banks, the daughter of one of her late husband's relatives. She initially thinks the same as others. Annabelle came to Edinburgh but probably ran off with a boy. But soon she realises Edinburgh is holding a dark secret. Young girls are being lured with the promise of employment but instead are kidnapped, raped and in the eyes of society ruined. From there they are trapped in a life that will either be destitution or prostitution.

Meanwhile, a shocking death causes Raven to be caught in his own labyrinth of darkness. Soon his family's loss and Sarah's crusade to help Annabelle and the other girls prove to be inextricably tangled.

Just a great novel from start to finish. Although set in the past the story felt very relevant to today. Five stars for this and the whole series.

A brilliant end to a brilliant series. But what a shame there will be no more.

Will and Sarah once again get entangled in another gripping tale which threatens the lives of people they love including each other. The authors draw on real life historical examples from Victorian Edinburgh that shine a light on the poverty and plight of women at that time. A missing niece, blackmail and murder intertwine and keep you reading to the last page. Although it felt neatly tied up in the end it would have been dreadful to have ended it any other way.

I loved the whole series each one getting better and better. The fact that the stories all had a historical basis of truth made them all the more believable. Bravo superb.

Thank you to Netgalley for a pre publication copy.

'The Death of Shame' is the 5th and final book in the Raven and Fisher series. These very unique books, are hard to describe: part historical novel, part mystery, educational, have a pinch of romance-all mixed in with a heavy dose of feminism.

Hailing from Edinburgh myself I often get beleaguered by the many, many dark detective novels set in the city. Whilst Ambrose Parry takes full advantage of the Gothic setting and grisly practices of the 19th century, it never feels overly oppressive.

Dr Simpson is sadly a lot more of a background character in this novel, which would be my main criticism. His eccentric nature provided a little light relief in earlier books.

You could probably read this as a standalone, but if you've not read the series I would start at the beginning .

The ending very much rounds off the Fisher and Raven series, so I doubt there will be another. I do hope the Ambrose Parry partnership carries on. I wonder if it is possible for Jamie Raven to end up working with Elsie Inglis?

Final instalment in the Raven and Fisher mysteries
We’re now in Scotland in 1854 and we’re seeing the seedier side of Victorian Edinburgh, drawing on real historical events showing that exploitation, trafficking, corruption and immorality were rife
A great end to the series with twists you don’t see coming.
Thanks #ambroseparry @canongatebooks & @netgalley for the well written historical/crime fiction series

The Death of Shame is the last of the Raven and Fisher Mystery series. I’ve read books one and two and I might say this is the best of an excellent series. Dr Will Raven, as he now is, has partnered with Sarah Fisher, who has invested most of her savings in the new clinic that promises the addition of Raven as an expert Edinburgh physician, a man who will cater to those other than the monied. Here the pair find themselves mixed up in blackmail, murder and suicide, which broadens into connections with those in their own circle including Raven’s father-in-law.
This is a fast-paced, eventful read which allows readers to experience 19th-century Edinburgh and the burgeoning field of medicine intrinsically, through an excellent story. I found it difficult to break away when I needed to. The complex relationship between Raven and Sarah is well drawn and the more minor characters, such as Will’s wife, feel real and whole and sympathetic. Very much recommended to historical fiction readers as a fine example of what the genre is and should be. The novel stands alone, but it won’t harm anything to read the whole series. Big praise for this one! I’m looking forward to what Parry team have for us next.

A fine and fitting end to a wonderful series of books. Whilst it’s sad for the end to come it’s done so well and I am pleased to have discovered and devoured this series in a few short months.

As ever the plots are superbly crafted and our favourite characters are likeable as always.

The Ambrose Parry team have a genuine skill in bringing Victorian Edinburgh to life and I hope they have some new and exciting stories to come

The Death of Shame by Ambrose Parry
This is the final instalment of the excellent series featuring Will Raven and Sarah Fisher. It is set in Victorian Edinburgh and focuses on the medical profession. Will is trying to set up his own medical practice with financial assistance from Sarah. Will has also offered to train Sarah in her long desired aim to become a doctor. The book is about the way in which women are used and abused by men and focuses on the shocking “white slave trade” which was prevalent in the city at that time.
Powerful men using helpless young women is a theme throughout the book and we see the way in which the development of photography could begin to be used by blackmailers. As usual there are some very close shaves as Will and Sarah investigate the disappearance of her young niece, the suicide of Will’s father in law and the blackmailing of Dr Simpson.
The seedy side of life in Edinburgh is described in wonderful detail and as always the historical detail of the period is extremely well researched. The story draws you along at terrific speed and the main characters This is a great end to a very enjoyable series and I enjoyed being in the company of these complex and well-drawn characters.
This could be read as a standalone if you have not had the pleasure of reading the other novels but I feel you would be missing out is you don’t begin their journey at the beginning. I will be recommending this book wholeheartedly at my various book groups and would give it a 4.5 rating if possible. Many thanks to Canongate, the authors and Net Galley for the opportunity to read the book in return for an honest review.

I do love this series of books and characters and this one wrapped it all up nicely. The characters are well fleshed out and flow seamlessly from one novel to the next like they are friends.

I received this book from Netgalley in return for a honest review.

"'A woman's role in medicine should not merely be to fight for the scraps men are willing to throw our way,' she said...'Perhaps a woman's role is not simply to try and emulate men...'Perhaps our role is to see things differently and to change how they are done.'"

The final in the (Dr Will) Raven and
(Sarah) Fisher mystery series set in the factual medical world of Victorian Edinburgh sees more at stake for the pair than ever before. A missing neice for Sarah, blackmail and the sudden death of his father-in-law for Raven and the seedy world of vice needs to be investigated. There is always a lot packed into these novels, character-driven, with social history and a pacy plot. I'm sad the series is coming to an end, have thoroughly enjoyed each and every book.

The fifth book of the series doesn't disappoint - Will and Sarah are drawn into another dark element of Edinburgh life in 1854 when Sarah is asked to find a relatives daughter who hasn't been heard from since she set off to take up work in Edinburgh. Combined with events in the prologue (trying to not include spoilers here ) life for Will, his family and Sarah will never be the same again. The relationships between the characters deepen with both familiar and new characters in equal measure.

If you haven't already discovered this series dive in to 19th century Edinburgh and a group of unforgettable characters

I couldn't wait for the next book in the series and it's sad to find out it's the last one but I enjoyed the story, Will and Sarah's adventures and their dynamic and the ending too.

The final book in the Raven and Fisher series set in Edinburgh and it was excellent. Will and Sarah are caught up in a number of different stories, a blackmail plot and a missing relative all eventually come together in the sordid underbelly of Edinburgh. Seemingly caught up in a web which they can't find a way out of Will and Sarah's sharp wits and refusal to accept society's constraints mean they find a way through.

Well drawn and believable characters,well plotted and a vibrant Edinburgh background make for an excellent series.

I thank NetGalley and Canongate Books for an advance reader copy of “The Death of Shame.” All opinions and comments are my own.

The final Raven and Fisher tale ends with William Raven and Sarah Fisher immersed in a complicated (and eventually, rather sordid) tale of missing young women, the saga of what is socially acceptable in 1850s Edinburgh (especially for Sarah) and family troubles, which forms a vast portion of the story. That it ends on a positive note, with a way forward and faith in the future is a testimony to author Ambrose Parry’s skill in creating a bookish world of thoughtful and entertaining characters that readers care about and can sympathize with.

The life that William and Sarah live in has never been an easy one, and as “The Death of Shame” begins nothing has much changed. In searching for a missing girl, Sarah comes across dark deeds and even darker circumstances that threatens her life as she knows it. William has his issues, too, as we know from earlier books. Indeed, “The Death of Shame” is as much about the personal problems of its characters as it is about any mysterious plotting in the pages, but as this is the final book, that is as it should be, perhaps. And at the end, the protagonists (and readers) are confronted with blackmail and possible ending of careers. But Sarah resolves that she will not feel fear or shame, and triumphs over it all, with William at her side. A fitting ending, indeed.