The Death of Shame by Ambrose Parry

This is the fifth and final book in Ambrose Parry’s Raven and Fisher historical crime series set within the medical world of 19th century Edinburgh. I’m sorry that it’s the last one, as I’ve enjoyed all of the books and am disappointed there won’t be any more. If you’re new to the series, I recommend reading in order starting with the first novel, The Way of All Flesh, but it’s not completely essential as the books also work as separate mysteries. As The Death of Shame opens, Dr Will Raven is trying to establish his own medical practice, away from his friend and mentor James Simpson, the famous obstetrician. He is assisted financially by Sarah Fisher and in return has agreed to give her some training in secret as she has been disappointed in her efforts to obtain a medical degree like the American female physicians, Elizabeth and Emily Blackwell. Sarah soon has more urgent matters to deal with, however; her young niece, Annabel, was due to arrive in Edinburgh to take up a position in…