It is such a shame that this is the last in the series of Raven and Fisher mysteries from Ambrose Parry. I have really enjoyed them all. They must involve a lot of research though to get all the period detail, and then there's the time required to create a suitably convoluted plot.

As usual we have the contrasts between the levels of society in Victorian Edinburgh and we learn more about medical practice at that time. "The Death of Shame" shows us once again what a bunch of hypocrites men were at this time, and how poorly they tended to treat women. This has been a great series of historical novels.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

The final book in this excellent series featuring Sarah Fisher and Will Raven. Focusing on the plight of women forced into prostitution, this is a dark and disturbing story which includes blackmail and murder.
The story is fast-paced and extremely well-written. I couldn't put this book down. Highly recommended.

A sad day. Reaching the end of the final Raven and Fisher novel from Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman (Ambose Parry). This has been a cracking series of novels and it winds up here with a satisfying concluding tale, of blackmail, suicide, and child prostitution. Once again the attention to medical detail and the inclusion of factual detail relating to the real world characters combine to put in back in 19th century Edinburgh, with the warmth of writing investing you in the characters of Will and Sarah. Whilst , for me, not one of the stronger books in the series, it was still i rattled through in a couple of days. If this is the end of the road for Will and Sarah, I hope is not the end of the road for Amrose Parry.

The Raven and Fisher series of mysteries, set in nineteenth century Edinburgh, has garnered high praise, a devoted fan base and been shortlisted for a raft of literary prizes. 'The Death of Shame' is the fifth, and final, book in the series.

In this instalment, Dr Will Raven and his medical apprentice, Sarah Fisher, must solve two mysteries that come to seem increasingly inter-connected as the novel progresses. The first mystery is introduced through a vivid opening scene where a man commits suicide by jumping from the Scott Monument. The blackmail that drove him to this fatal act is then investigated with our heroes encountering a range of characters all associated with the seedy underworld of Edinburgh at that time (1854) and uncovering a number of possible explanations as well as red herrings. Concurrently, Sarah’s niece, who has come to Edinburgh from Perthshire seeking work, has gone missing and Sarah promises her mother that she will find the girl.

There are many things that I enjoyed about this novel. The plotting is clever and, particularly in the second half of the novel, increasingly complex and convoluted. The resolution of the mysteries is satisfying and plausible. There are numerous discussions in the novel about the role of women and this is most clearly explored through the character of Sarah who yearns to pursue a course of medical training but cannot because of her gender; women could only become nurses at that time or lose their independence completely in marriage. However, the novel also explores a darker side to this way of thinking where women are treated simply as commodities in a thriving underworld of pornography and prostitution. The notion of ‘shame’ – as introduced in the title - is explored in an interesting and thoughtful way.

The relationship between the two central characters continues to develop with a ‘will they, won’t they’ suspense, heightened by Will’s marital difficulties. If I have a criticism of the novel, it is that characterisation sometimes plays second fiddle to the intricacies of plot while the authors’ historical research is occasionally intrusive. Nineteenth century Edinburgh is convincingly brought to life and most of the historical details help this – the medical schools, the brothels, the pubs, the increasing popularity of sensationalist journalism – but details on the scientific development of photography felt a little surplus to needs.

These are, though, minor quibbles in what is overall an enjoyable and engaging read.

A new Ambrose Parry book is always cause for celebration - and this is no exception. I'm actually really gutted that the cover for this book suggests it will be the final book in the historical crime series to feature Dr Will Raven and his (now) apprentice, Sarah Fisher - it's been such a great series from the start.

This instalment picks up Will and Sarah's story in 1854 Edinburgh - it's a city where the medical community is making great advancements in scientific understanding and practice, but also a city that struggles with poverty and has a very sinister side that both Will and Sarah have experienced before. In this book, Will finally has his own medical practice and is secretly training Sarah who is not allowed - as a woman - to study medicine. When Sarah is asked by a relative to find a young woman, Annabel, she follows a trail that leads her into the world of Edinburgh's brothels and the trade in women by powerful men. Alongside this, Will is caught up in his own mystery involving the blackmail of some of Edinburgh's most esteemed doctors. It seems that no-one is safe in this violent, immoral city - and both danger and scandal are edging ever nearer to Will and Sarah.

As with the previous books, the Victorian Edinburgh setting is evoked in all its grim detail - this is a world of baby famers, street prostitution, petty crime, lawlessness and violence. It's clear that the writers (Ambrose Parry is the pen name of married couple Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman) have extensively researched not only the places and social issues of the period, but also the key figures and medical treatments - this is a book you'll finish and then end up googling all the real historical figures and events!

Long-standing fans of the series will know that one of the common threads through the books is the relationship between Will and Sarah - they should so clearly be together, but there are just so many reasons why this isn't possible and every book brings new obstacles. This is still a key element of this book too, and it's really lovely to see their mutual respect and collaboration develop further as Will helps Sarah to achieve her medical aspirations and she leads parts of their investigations. They're really brilliant characters - flawed, human, and so engaging to follow.

If you've not read an Ambrose Parry book before, obviously I'd suggest you start at the beginning of the series with 'The Way of All Flesh'. However, if you do start with 'The Death of Shame', you'll still be rewarded with an excellent mystery that can stand alone.

If dark, twisty, historical crime fiction is your thing (and it's definitely mine!) then this series is highly recommended.

Thanks to NetGalley for my review copy of this book - opinions are entirely my own. This is due for publication on 5th June, 2025.

As much as I’m sad that this is the last book in the Fisher and Raven series it is a tremendous finale. Clear and engaging prose sheds light on factual historical events and tight plotting provides suspense and satisfying outcomes for all the characters. A delight to read.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this book.

I didn't realise until after I'd finished that this is the final in this series. I've read them all - in order - and loved every one of them. Will Raven and Sarah Fisher are engaging characters and every mystery has exposed the seedy side of Victorian Edinburgh as well as giving us insights into medicine at this time.

In The Death of Shame we have several characters being blackmailed. This affects both Will and Sarah as well as people close to them. Will's marriage is in difficulty and his wife is badly affected by the death of her father. It appears he has met with a very nasty accident by falling off the Walter Scott Memorial. Either that or he has chosen to end his own life. But why? And when Will finds out can he be honest with her? Sarah meantime is searching for a young relative who came to the city for domestic work and has disappeared without trace. The story of what happened to her and indeed to Sarah is very well executed and satisfactorily resolved.

I'm sorry to see this series end. I've loved it from the start and I hope the husband and wife team of Ambrose Parry continue to collaborate. Thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the ARC.

4.5 ⭐️

A great addition to this series. By this stage in a series, I know I'm going to really love a book because I'm so invested in the characters, but the story here was really good too. Blackmail, trafficking, corruption, prostitution, the seedier side to Victorian Edinburgh.

This is the last book in the series & it did feel like the tale was brought to a satisfying close without being overwritten. There was mention made of old characters from the beginning & it was good to see certain characters get what they deserved, both good & bad.

If you like well written historical fiction with a criminal element & brilliant characters, then I recommend you go back to the beginning of the Raven & Fisher series as it's worth the read.

‘The Death of Shame’ is the final novel in the Will Raven and Sarah Fisher series, so the front cover informs us. The duo become involved in the shady worlds of pornography and prostitution when Sarah is concerned for her young niece Annabelle, fresh in to Edinburgh and hoping to work one of the many wealthy families in the city. However, she disappears and her frantic mother implores Sarah to find her, fearing the worst.

There is less focus on nineteenth century medical practices in this novel than in some of the earlier stories. The focus is more on the growth of tabloid-style journalism, the anti-brothels protest movement and pornographic photography, alongside a good measure of blackmail! As ever, the authors have clearly researched their subject matter meticulously and there is plenty of historical detail included which ensures that the places and practices described feel authentic.

Sarah continues to feel frustrated as an ambitious woman who is denied certain medical paths. And she is well aware that there are many like her whose ambitions will never come to fruition. ‘She thought of all the other women who populated the city. All with so much to give, so much to contribute, so much light to shine, but surrounded by men intent on extinguishing these fragile flames lest they burn brighter than their own.’

However, the authors do bring the series to a close in as satisfying a way as possible for this duo, given their circumstances. Despite the times they live in, because of their loyalty to each other, they may well prosper.

My thanks to NetGalley and Canongate Books for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I am a fan of Chris Brookmyre and loved the first four Ambrose Parry books, so I was delighted and excited to get my hands on the final instalment. When I started reading, I felt a little wistful knowing it’s the last one in the series but hopeful for a satisfying conclusion. However, as I was reading I gradually started getting the sense that perhaps the series had run its course. While I mostly enjoyed the story, this final book didn’t seem on par with the previous books. The writing felt less sharp, the characters lacked the depth and complexity I had come to love, and the story wrapped up with a chick-lit, sugary ending that felt out of step with the tone of the earlier books. All in all, while it was a pleasure to revisit familiar characters one last time, the final chapter of the series left me a bit underwhelmed. Still, the series as a whole remains a favourite—and I’m grateful for the ride.

The Death of shame is the final book in the Raven and Fisher Mystery series by Ambrose Parry.

This final installment takes place in 1854, Raven is now working separately from Dr Simpson and there is the unexpected death of Cameron Todd and what seems to be a whole host of mystery surrounding his death.
There is suspected suicide, odd notes and strange circumstances.

Dr Todd was the father of Will Raven’s wife, and there is suspicion and uncertainty around it all. Dr Raven is drawn into a whole scandalous affair. This story has an almighty climax and has me shrieking in my head.

Twists that you could not have anticipated.

This is a great end to the series. The characters and the scenery has you drawn into 19th century Edinburgh Medical politics and all that it involves. I’ve loved seeing how the characters develop throughout the series and how they interact with each other. And no I don’t just love it cos it is set in my hometown. A great read.

A straight 5* novel from me! I love Ambrose Parry's novels because they always closely follow historical facts, people and social conditions! This novel is no exception focusing on women's place in society, either as wives, independent minds or striving to learn and live professionally. Unfortunately, as we know women did not have easy, particularly if we look into women resourcing to prostitution. With its thrilling , angering and brilliant plot, based on actual facts and people here as well, this novel takes the reader to a dark Edinburgh when a few dead people have a lot to say but do not dare... I loved it and highly recommended it.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

If you’re already a fan of the Raven and Fisher series, you’re in for a treat with The Death of Shame. And if you’re not, this is a brilliant place to start. Once again we’re right back in 19th-century Edinburgh, full of dark alleyways, fog, hidden corners and a whole lot of secrets. This one feels a bit deeper than the last few: it’s more emotional, more psychological but still with that clever mystery at the heart of it.

What really struck me is how well it looks at shame. Not just as something society uses to control people, especially women, but also how it eats away at you from the inside. It’s all tied into the story in a way that feels really human and very relevant, even though it’s set over a hundred years ago.

Will Raven and Sarah Fisher are still such a brilliant pair to follow. Their relationship has this lovely tension running through it — a bit of spark, a bit of frustration, loads of mutual respect. Sarah, in particular, continues to be the kind of female character I love: she’s smart, capable, determined and not afraid to push against what’s expected of her. Watching her navigate the world she’s in is one of the best parts of the book.

Parry also brings in lots of fascinating detail about early medicine without making it too heavy. You get a real sense of what it would’ve been like to live through that time. I think my favourite thing about these novels is the setting! I can picture all of the dark alleys and closes and Edinburgh actually feels like another character — moody, mysterious and absolutely full of atmosphere.

If you love a historical crime novel with real depth, strong characters and a good dose of tension, I can’t recommend this enough. Five stars from me!

Oh and I loved the historical note at the back and ended up down a Titanic rabbit hole.

The Death of Shame is the fifth and final instalment in the Raven and Fisher series, and wow, what an ending.
1854, Edinburgh....
Will's father-in-law is found dead at the bottom of the Scott monument, and Sarah's niece who left Perth to take up a position as a maid has vanished without a trace.
As Raven and Fisher make some enquiries about the incidents, they're confronted by blackmail, prostitution and Edinburgh's sordid criminal underworld that's hiding in plain sight.
This is a lot darker than the previous books.
I've loved this series, I'm sad that it's come to an end.
I highly recommend this.
Thank you, NetGalley and publishers, for the ARC. 5*

What an ending for the final book in this excellent series featuring Raven and Fisher. Sarah has financed Will Raven's new practice, he in turn has promised to secretly train Sarah giving her the much needed medical experience she desires. Will's wife Eugenie is unhappy with the situation but things quickly take a turn for the worse and Sarah and Will find themselves delving into the darkest trade in Victorian Edinburgh.

This historical murder/mystery series mixes with ease real life characters from the period with our fictional heroes. This last book in the series is certainly the darkest and is chilling in places.

I loved The Death of Shame. I appreciated the centering of Sarah in the story, as she navigates misogyny, double standards and the poor choices available to women in the Victorian Era.

The authorial team come up with another fast paced adventure set in Victorian Edinburgh. As before Sarah battles to oppose sexism and misogyny and to support the rights of women; both she and Will fight against the criminal underworld. The stories are always based on historical reality: this time the abduction and sexual exploitation of girls by criminal gangs making money from the appetites of men including (especially) the great and the good. Familiar characters appear: Dr Simpson (in a minor role), his servants, James Quinton - rather an Uriah Heap type - and a reformed violent money lender that we met in the first book of the series.
Although this is the fifth in the series it avoids the common failing of becoming a soap opera.
An enjoyable read.

Another fantastic mystery from Ambrose Parry. The lives of Will & Sarah have moved on but still mystery & intrigue follows them. A blackmailer is talking the wealthy ‘gents’ of Edinburgh & Will needs to get to the bottom of it. Meanwhile Sarah is plunged into the dark underbelly of Edinburgh’s sex trade but are their searches linked.
I can’t get my head round the fact that this is the end of Raven & Fisher but maybe AP will reconsider. Here’s hoping!🤞

‘The Death of Shame’, by Ambrose Parry,is book five in the superb series featuring Dr. Will Raven,his Apprentice Sarah Fisher,and the esteemed Dr. James Young Simpson.
Once more we are transported back to nineteenth century Edinburgh,Scotland,and realistically emerged in the cityscape and extreme challenges of those times.
The story makes an impactful start with the death of an eminent highly respected citizen crashing to their death from one of the city’s most notable landmarks.It turns out that there have been several instances of prominent individuals facing blackmail to avoid scandalous ruination of their reputations.
When Sarah begins to search for her sister-in-law’s missing teenage daughter Annabelle ,it turns out this is linked to sinister forces using deep rooted exploitation and hidden corruption that directly affects many lives ,including Will,his wife Eugenie and Dr.Simpson.A remarkable fictional tale based on some historical incidents that includes many ethical elements and important issues that remain relevant to the present day.

Thank you to NetGalley and Canongate Books for an Advance Readers Copy.

Part of a series set in Edinburgh featuring Dr Will Raven. Interesting times in the world of medicine and the advance of women. A good read.