I just finished The Death of Shame by Ambrose Parry, and I’m still reeling—in the best way. From the first page, I was pulled into Victorian Edinburgh once again, and it felt like slipping into a darker, sharper version of the city I thought I knew from the earlier books. The atmosphere was tense, and the mystery had me guessing until the end.

What struck me most this time was the emotional depth—there’s a rawness to the characters, especially Will Raven, that made everything feel more urgent. The writing is as elegant as ever, with that seamless blend of historical detail and psychological insight. I found myself highlighting passages just for how beautifully they were phrased.

Without giving anything away, the ending left me both satisfied and quietly haunted—which, frankly, is exactly how I want to feel after a great historical thriller. If you’ve followed the series so far, this instalment feels like a culmination. If you haven’t, start from the beginning. Trust me, it’s worth the ride. My thanks to both NetGalley and Canongate books for a free ebook and an honest review.

Firstly thank you to Canongate Books and NetGalley for this E-ARC.
I have loved this series about Simpson, the seasoned obstetrician who discovered chloroform, his younger apprentice Raven and Sarah, the house maid turned doctor's assistant. I'm sad to see this one is the last in the series but I'm happy to say it ended well.
The Death of Shame starts with a character taking a leap from the Scott Monument and opening up a case involving blackmail, kidnap and murder. As usual Raven and Sarah are quickly swept up tackling with their individual approaches and learning from each other's mistakes.
This series always has a political undertone, as most historical crime novels should if they are to give us a feel for the era. The Death of Shame deals with the trade in young girls into brothels, the fight to close the brothels and the power men wield over women to protect their own interests.
Parry always bases these books on real crimes and events so I'm always excited to read the historical note at then end and find out how much of this thrilling adventure was true.
Loved the way things were wrapped up and feel this was an excellent last book.

The final historical thriller in the Will Raven and Sarah Fisher series ,set in the Victorian era, begins with the suicide of someone jumping from the Scott Monument in Edinburgh. The death has an impact on Dr. Raven’s livelihood and marriage and he and his friend Sarah are soon caught up in a tale of blackmail, procurement and murder. which threatens them and other high ranking citizens. Reputations and livelihoods are at stake and those, particularly women, who campaign against procurement and prostitution are placed in danger.
As the novel progresses Sarah and Will come to realise how the heavy burden of shame can force terrible outcomes on the victims of an unscrupulous blackmailer. In trying to discover his identity they too become ensnared in his web with seemingly no escape.

This is a compulsive read - Parry’s best to date- which is based on some true events and some.real people. Thank you very much to the publishers for the ARC.

While I am sad this series has finished, the author has done a great job in pulling it all together for a very satisfying conclusion.

I have thoroughly enjoyed learning about the struggles of doctors and women in 19th Century Edinburgh combined with a clever murder or mystery in each book.

I will miss Will Raven, but if you don't know him yet, I highly recommend you become acquainted soon!

Excellent final instalment for the Raven and Fisher duo - bringing an even darker than usual tone to the medical / amateur detective mysteries. The limited prospects for women in the 1850s are fully exposed - lack of individual agency, collective credibility and the threat of enforced prostitution for those deemed suitable, all nodded through by those in positions of power.
Apart from the central mystery itself, this provides a fitting ending to the series - whilst not ruling out future developments (I can hope!).

Be interesting to see if “Ambrose Parry” continues in a different novel- I’ve enjoyed the very different type of novel that the partnership has brought.

Sad times. I cannot believe we at the end of this fabulous series already. I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Dr Will Raven and Sarah Fisher. From a rocky beginning (purely on Will's part - Sarah has always been the rational one) they have developed into such a brilliant team and one I be sorry to say goodbye to. Marisa Haetzman and Chris Brookmyre (aka Ambrose Parry) have proved to be a formidable team when it comes to writing, creating stories which are steeped in historic accuracy, as well as fictional flights of more grit than fancy, and have brought to life an Edinburgh which is at once both alien and yet strangely familiar. Certainly, they have proven that some things never change, and whilst the events in their series may be set in the city's dark and distant past, they could well be ripped from the headline of today. Yes, the medicine may have advanced (at least I'd hope so), but the crimes that man inflicts upon man - including blackmail and murder - are an unfortunate constant.

The book opens in quite dramatic style - with an as yet unnamed character taking their own life, for reasons which are hard to discern. In fact, it is not until well into the book that we actually learn their exact motivation, although all manner or reasons present themselves during the course of Will Raven's investigations. Alongside Will's unofficial sleuthing, Sarah is searching for her Niece who disappeared after leaving home for Edinburgh with the promise of a new job. Imagine that. A young girl being lured by strangers with the promise of a job that is not all it seems. That would never happen today ...

With Will attempting to establish himself in his own practice, an ever widening gap between him and his wife, and the ever present distracion of his feelings for Sarah, this is a book that is a heady mix of mystery, threat and emotion and I loved every minute of it. I do love Will and Sarah has characters. Both have shown such growth from the people we met way back in book one, The Way Of All Flesh. Will especially has transformed from a cocky, sometimes arrogant, man who was quick with his fists, to a noticeably less cocky, altogether more likeable character who may still be quick with his fists but has started to develop more control over his actions, no matter how heightened his emotions. And seeing how they authors have portrayed Sarah, of her battles against the patriarchal system that prevents her reaching her full potential, and yet still managing to fight many a moral crusade in the pursuit of justice and fairness, is pitch perfect. I cannot help but root for her, nor deny the chemistry that exists between her and Will. They make the perfect pair, complimenting each other's flaws (mostly Will's) and overcoming restraints (mostly levied against Sarah), due in part to circumstance, part to societal norms of the day.

The research into this period of Edinburgh's history really shines through, and I have loved the balance of fact and fiction that the authors employ in the books. Each story, although embellished and twisted for the purpose of story, has a grounding in the truth, and that exploration of medical history, particularly that of Will's mentor, Dr Simpson has been absolutely fascinating. I love books that have me googling to find out more about a subject (even if mid chapter) because it shows how great the authors are at storytelling. They have created a compelling historical thriller that educates whilst it entertains. Can't be bad now can it?

With some dark scenes, a sensitive exploration of the impact of grief and postnatal depression, and a threat laden mystery that really draws you in, The Death of Shame is a brilliant addition to the series and a perfect way to end Will and Sarah's story. Do they get their happy endings? Well, you'll only find out if you buy the book, won't you. And if you haven't started the series yet, then dive in. You won't regret it.

This series just gets better and better.
Love the characters and the location and the stories.
More please.

In The Death of Shame Sarah and Raven seek a missing person; Sarah's niece is 15, a young naïve country girl, who vanishes on arrival in Edinburgh to start a new job. Their investigation leads to sex workers, brothels, blackmail and anti-vice groups. Sarah is determined to find out what has happened to her niece, putting herself in danger as she comes up against those that are complicit in financing sexual services and the elite members of society that would rather you didn't know that they use them. Gritty and fascinating, the story's dark premise does not overwhelm the plot, but gives you an intriguing insight into this world of abuse, and you rage alongside Sarah. Meanwhile Raven's wife is suffering from post-natal depression and their relationship is breaking apart, this isn't helped by Sarah helping to finance Raven's new (and struggling) clinic, creating an awkward home life for all. Can't wait for the next installment.

The Death of Shame is a masterclass in historical crime fiction. Ambrose Parry delivers a brooding, atmospheric tale set in 1854 Edinburgh, where the cobbled streets are as shadowed by secrets as they are by fog. This is not just a gripping mystery—it’s a stark, unflinching look at the inequalities and injustices that plagued Victorian society, particularly for women.

Raven and Fisher, now fully realised and richly developed after several books, are a compelling duo. Their complex partnership—professional, intellectual, and emotionally charged—adds deep layers to the narrative. Sarah Fisher, in particular, shines. Her secret medical training and her fierce determination to uncover the truth behind a missing girl lead her down a harrowing path into the dark underbelly of a society obsessed with moral appearance but rife with exploitation.

The novel deftly balances crime, history, and social commentary. The plight of trafficked girls, the hypocrisy of so-called “respectable” men, and the systemic erasure of female autonomy are all woven into the narrative.

With its richly researched backdrop and chillingly plausible corruption, this novel is both a tense thriller and a powerful indictment of the era’s moral duplicity. The historical accuracy adds weight, while the storytelling remains fast-paced and utterly engrossing.

A word of warning: don’t jump in here. Start at the beginning of the series—you’ll be rewarded with an evolving, deeply satisfying journey. The Death of Shame is not just another Victorian mystery—it’s a bold, immersive tale that leaves a lasting mark. Highly recommended.

Many thanks to the authors, NetGalley and the publishers, Canongate books, for an ARC of The Death of Shame, which comes out in the UK on 5 June. It's the fifth and final book in the Raven and Fisher series, which sees Dr Will Raven and former housemaid (and would-be doctor) Sarah Fisher investigating crimes in Victorian Edinburgh. I've loved this series since I first read the first book, so I was delighted to be approved for an ARC of this.
Will Raven is in the early stages of setting up his private practice, independent of his mentor, Dr Simpson. He's made a deal with Sarah: she invests in his medical practice and in return, he'll teach her medicine (Sarah wants to be ready to practice as soon as female doctors are permitted). Will's relationship with his wife Eugenie is strained, and comes under more pressure when her father, Dr Todd, dies. Eugenie can't understand his death- or why he had remortgaged his house - and she asks Will to investigate. Sarah has also been asked to look into the disappearance of her cousin, Annabel. These parallel searches lead Will and Sarah into the most sordid areas of Edinburgh's underworld.
The narrative does build on plot lines developed throughout the series, and while the opening chapters contain quite a lot of exposition to remind readers, not everything is explained. (For instance, Raven's well-founded antipathy to Sarah's friend and would-be suitor, Callum Sommerville, isn't explained and you would need to have read the earlier books to understand it.) So, while you can read this book as a standalone, you'll get more from it if you read the series in order.
Ambrose Parry is the pen name for the writing duo of crime novelist, Chris Brookmyre, and Marissa Haetzman, an anaesthetist with a degree in medical research, and they both bring their strengths to this book. One of the things I really love about the series is the way that the story uses actual crimes from the past to build a mystery appealing to contemporary readers.
The story is very, very dark in places - I'll put trigger warnings below - and features some parallels to today in the use of the latest technologies to shame women. It has an ingenious plot, and I don't think anyone will guess what lies behind Dr Todd's death, for example. I'm going to miss this series, and I hope it's not the end of Ambrose Parry!

Trigger warnings: murder, suicide, abduction, sex trafficking, rape, blackmail, slut-shaming, false imprisonment, probably something else that I've forgotten.

4.5* The Death of Shame - the fifth and final instalment in the Fisher and Raven series and what a finale to a much loved series.

Dr Will Raven has set up his own medical practice in his new family home with his wife and children, in 1840s Edinburgh. His friend Sarah Fisher has partly funded the endeavour in return for her own medical training. While the practice is slow to get off the ground, the same cannot be said for events surrounding the pair. Sarah’s niece has travelled to the city to take up a position in service but has disappeared en route. While Will’s mentor and good friend Dr Simpson is being blackmailed by an unknown hand and it would appear he isn’t the only victim among Edinburgh medics. As deaths and difficulties mount up, Sarah and Will find themselves in a Gordian knot of a problem.

This is a fantastic series. The backdrop of early Victorian Edinburgh is incredibly well drawn and atmospheric, particularly for your average day-tripper who knows George Street, Princess Street Gardens and St Andrew’s Square (I always wonder if Raven’s father-in-law’s house is the beautiful HQ of the Royal Bank of Scotland which is located in St Andrew’s Square). With no exception I have loved every one of the main characters, although there is less of Dr Simpson in this book than I would have liked. The plot is clever and zips along and it’s sufficiently twisty to keep the reader guessing.

This isn’t hare-brained mad-cap thriller territory. It is thoughtful historical fiction at its best. This would be a fine standalone but the series is best read in order to really get to know and love all involved.

With huge thanks to Canongate Books and Netgalley for an ARC. Perhaps the publisher could persuade the authors to do another …

An interesting story and mystery which kept me guessing. Set in 1854 the story deals with female exploitation and inequality, blackmail in high society and how some people will do anything to get what they want not caring who they hurt or lives they may ruin. A good story and definitely worth a read.
My thanks to Net Galley and the author for an ARC.

A really good finale to this series of five books. Entertaining, tragic and dark highlighting the horrors and corruption of mid 19C Edinburgh. I'm sorry the series has ended but a satisfying end by the author.
My thanks to NetGalley and Cannongate Books for this arc in exchange for an honest and unbiased review.

Intrigue and corruption are aplenty in this final instalment of this wonderful series.

Dr Will Raven finally sets up his practice with Sarah and now Sarah is tasked with finding the lost daughter of a relative.

In a time where women are exploited and frowned upon Sarah really stands out and proud of her achievements and with Will by her side the duo are a powerhouse.

i have loved this series and a little sad that it's ended.

Highly recommended

This was super. Will is now trying to start his own practice and teach Sarah medicine alongside this. Patients are flocking in when his father-in-law commits suicide, Will finds out that he has recently withdrawn a large sum of money which is unaccounted for. While he investigates this, Sarah is looking for Annabel, a young girl who should have recently arrived in Edinburgh but is missing. Both puzzles lead them to a shady underworld of prostitution and corruption. I enjoyed Sarah’s bravery when faced with potential shame and how cleverly they outwit the villains. At the end, the author explains which historical events have inspired the story which is always so interesting. I’d really recommend this although I’d start at the beginning of the series if you can. Thanks to Netgalley for an ARC.

This is magnificent! A fine ending to a wonderful series. Once again we are transported back to 19th century Edinburgh where Dr Will Raven and his friend Sarah are trying not to acknowledge their feelings for one another whilst also working to build up Will's medical practice. However, as with the previous novels, trouble comes in the shape of blackmail and murder which this time is too close to home. What makes this stand out from some other Victorian mysteries is the theme of women's position in society. Sarah is a credible character and the issues she faces are just as relevant today as in the past. This is a story that entertains and which makes you think. I really enjoyed it and am sad to think that there won't be any further stories with two such likeable protagonists.
My thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for this ARC - all opinions are my own.

This is the conclusion of the Will Raven and Sarah Fisher series. Will now has his own medical practice which sarah is partly funding in return for undergoing a medical apprenticeship. sarah gets a plea for help from a relative whose daughter went up to Edinburgh to go into service but has disappeared. Will's father in law, a successful medical practitioner, commits suicide, quite out of the blue. Two events that couldn't possibly be connected... The duo delve into the web of intrigue and corruption that connects the Edinburgh underworld to the high and mighty and plenty of desperate types will try to stop them. Its fast and furious, a great read and a fitting end to a terrific series..

Another amazing adventure for Raven and Fisher, this time investigating human trafficking, prostitution and corruption in oh so genteel, mid 19th century Edinburgh. A city of pretension; scrape away the veneer of respectability from those beautiful facades, people and buildings, and there’s a seamy sub culture. Dramatic start to this as a man reflects on life from the top of the Scott monument. But not for long! I’ve enjoyed all the books in this series and I’m sorry it’s come to an end. This is an exciting end, a tale based on fact and I enjoyed the notes explaining the carefully researched facts on which the tale is based. Very well plotted and a strong sense of place, it’s a cracking read.
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for an early review copy.

Another brilliant book by Ambrose Parry. I was disappointed that it was the last in the series, but I'm sure the authors wanted to end on a high.
It is beautifully written with a steady pace and enough description to evoke the period but not overloaded with unnecessary detail. The characters are interesting and never too perfect, not even Fisher and Raven.
Although fiction, so much is based on actual events and characters cleverly woven into the lives of Fisher and Raven. This time they get involved in prostitution, female slave trade and corruption of those in power. The historical notes are always an interesting read.
If anyone is thinking of reading this without having read the rest in the series - don't. Start at the beginning; even better buy the whole set.
I hope the collaboration that is Ambrose Parry continues.

I am sad to say that I have read the final book in the Raven and Fisher mystery series. Perhaps one day the author will come back to these characters who are fully rounded. There is certainly nothing two dimensional in them.

Edinburgh 1854, blackmail, brothels and the white slave trade enter into the lives of Will and Sarah especially when her niece by marriage goes missing when she comes to the capital city of Scotland to take up a new position.
Suicide and murder, this book, which must have taken a tremendous amount of research, has it all. It shows the corrupt underbelly of Victorian society along with medical detail. There were a few quibbles but none that I felt marred the pace of the story.

Well worth 5 stars.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.