This is one of the best in this series. Two outstanding main characters each with their own strengths and flaws. A good supporting cast, excellent plot and brilliant writing. Very well researched, believable and thought-provoking.

Set in 1853, two years after the events of the last book, the fourth book in the Raven, Fisher and Simpson historical (medical) detectives series is centred on mesmerism and the power of mediums.

Body parts have been found around the city and the culprit is soon identified, but the case doesn’t seem to be as straightforward as it seems. Raven helps McLevy with the investigation. Sarah, obviously, helps Raven with the investigation, while trying to learn more about mesmerism. Furthermore, there is a medium that disturbs the routine at Queen Street during a séance that was supposed to clarify that mediums are a fraud. Raven seems at odds with all of it: the things the medium revealed at the séance, Sarah’s interest in mesmerism, the dapper gentleman who’s interested in Sarah, the new head surgeon at Surgeon’s Hall, his wife and his toddler son,…

I had some trouble getting into the story. I felt like I had missed some information at the end of book 3 of the series. So I went back and skim-read book 3 to be up to date, and suddenly the beginning of Voices of the Dead made sense to me. I had indeed forgotten some important details.
Once I got stuck in the book, though, it was hard to put down. Not because I wanted to know whether they would catch the murderer in the end and, more importantly, who the murderer had been – as with most mystery/detective novels, I had an idea how it all tied together before I got to the halfway point – my main interest was the main characters and how their lives and relationships would enfold.

Absolutely loved this book! ! Having had the pleasure of reading Parry’s previous books it was like coming home! Dived straight in and meeting up with Will, Sarah, Henry, Dr Simpson and co was a real pleasure! They have grown in confidence though Raven still haslessons to learn. Sarah is still as frustrated as ever but I am hopeful that her time will come! A dismembered foot is discovered in the cupboard of Dr Cooper’s office? To whom does it belong? Then a body is found - the wife but where is the husband? A mesmeric American holds forth and convinces the hardest of critics that this is a real break through in medicine. Sarah is halfway to being convinced but Raven is forever the pessimist! Flint shows his face again but is it really Flint? Oh this story had me racing through the pages but not wanting to reach the end! The conclusion was perfect - the author knows I will not be able to resist reading his next book!

‘Voices of the Dead’ grabs our attention by announcing the discovery of seemingly random body parts scattered round Edinburgh. What is going on and who is involved in such grisly dismemberment? Will Raven is called on to help investigate the mystery unobtrusively. Nevertheless, discretion becomes impossible when a popular pamphlet, the Hoolet, announces, ‘Murder Among the Sawbones – Or a Return of the Resurrectionists?’ Who has got hold of this story, and from where?
Will and Sarah’s complicated association is further developed, as is the former’s relationship with his wife and son, and these psychological explorations are very convincing, adding depth to the storytelling. Once again, Edinburgh is so vividly portrayed that it is a character in its own right. Equally fascinating is the depiction of medical developments in the nineteenth century. ‘Voices of the Dead’ focuses on the fashionable phenomenon that is mesmerism. Dr Simpson suggests that, ‘The need to believe is the most powerful part of the deception.’ And there are plenty who do. That no-nonsense Sarah Fisher is prepared to explore its possibilities reminds us that ideas that are now found preposterous were once given credence in sophisticated circles. It also reminds us that medical opportunities for intelligent, committed women such as Sarah are few and far between. She has to grab what she can!
The latest in the Will Raven/Sarah Fisher historical thriller series will be eagerly welcomed by all those who have read the first three. It’s also possible to enjoy this novel as a standalone. However, why read one when you can enjoy four!
My thanks to NetGalley and Canongate for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review.

I love this series and this latest instalment does not disappoint.
I couldn’t put it down and do hope there will be another book.

Sorry, not for me. Knowing the reputation of the author(s), I expected something far different. Is this a "young persons"" novel? Cardboard characters, flimsy plot, - I gave up just after the "Giant" appeared. A step too far. Always grateful to publishers and NetGalley for advance copies, but no point in offering an opinion if it's not an honest one.

This is an enthralling read. I love that many aspects are based on real life events from that time. Although part of a series, it could be read as a stand alone. Though having read the previous books means the reader appreciates the development of the characters and the relationships between them. I felt fully immersed in the period. I sincerely hope there’s another story to come from Raven and Sarah.

1854 marks the dawn of a scientific age. Queen Victoria delivers a healthy heir after receiving chloroform during labour. Florence Nightingale makes headlines as she leads a troop of middle-class women out into the war zones as nurses. In Edinburgh, we see Henry Littlejohn appointed as the city's police surgeon, dubbing himself as the 'medical detective', investigating sudden deaths - whether accidental or intentional. Never has there been a time where people have been so enthralled by possibilities of science, but this appetite for the amazing is also being fed by a new generation of showmen and magicians, whose invention and ingenuity leave the public often unable to distinguish between the wonders of technology and the art of illusion.
Several mesmeric hospitals pop up in Edinburgh, claiming remarkable cures and offering egalitarian training for men and women. While the medical establishment remains sceptical, Dr James Young Simpson has an open mind, dabbling in seances to give this niche study a fair chance.
Having faced discrimination from the medical field on the basis of gender, Sarah Fisher sees the hospitals as a place for opportunity. Great danger lies in the shadowlands between science and superstition, between genuine medical progress and cynical quackery, thus setting the stage for a grand and deadly illusion.

Unfortunately when I requested this book I was unaware that it was the fourth in a series. Therefore it took me quite some time to get into the story. Unlike some books there were references which I can only assume relate to the previous books. If I’d known before I started I would’ve probably read the first three books first but as I didn’t I decided to just carry on reading. The story itself is quite good but I missed the familiarity of the characters with being new to the series. Hopefully at some point I’ll read the first three books and I’m sure then things will click into place.

An interesting read with some things loosely based on facts. Good for those who enjoy historical fiction with a hint of truth.

Have not read this author before, but thoroughly enjoyed it. So many different characters to get to know and love. A proper old fashioned who dunnit which kept you guessing throughout. Will definitely be reading his books from now on. Hoping there is a next instalment. C

The fourth novel in this superb series takes place once again in Victorian Edinburgh and follows the trials and tribulations of Dr Will Raven and his colleague Sarah Fisher. This time they are intrigued by the new craze of mesmerism with their usual pig-headed differences of opinion as to its usefulness in “modern” medicine. What is illusion and what is deceit?
Simultaneously they are engaged in assisting Dr Henry Littlejohn with his investigation and identification of body parts found around the city. Coincidence or not? They re-enter the underground world of criminals and tricksters putting themselves in danger to uncover the truth about the murders as well as finding out much about themselves.
A brilliant series written by a very talented pair of authors. A must read for me.

This was the first book I have read in this collection and I enjoyed it! I love historical fiction with a mysterious twist to it. The characters were easy to follow and the story flowed really well. I would recommend to others who are interested in this genre and look forward to reading the others!

Part of a series best read in order.Full of secrets,lies and misdirection,there's a lot for Will Raven to sort out. Really good characters and storylines.

Raven, Fisher and Simpson #4 -Edinburgh 1853

Dr Littlejohn requests that Will Raven attend Surgeons Hall urgently for something requiring the utmost discretion. A human foot has been found and later further body parts are found. Who is/are the unfortunate victim(s)?

It’s 1853 and science is advancing apace and public fascination in it is growing. This is surgery’s Black Period as Simpsons chloroform enables more operations but Joseph Lister has yet to discover the benefits of carbolic acid. As well as a fascination for science, so too grows interest in spiritualism and mesmerism. Sarah Fisher is drawn in and wants to study mesmerism. Maybe here she can find greater opportunities are open for women as the medical profession is closed to her. What do doctors think to mesmerists claims to cure ailments?

This is another lively entertaining caper to add to this very good series. It’s a good blend of a mystery or two with some magic set alongside the factual. It’s excellent on historical context and the medical detail of the day which has long fascinated me. The storytelling is colourful which makes it easy to connect with the plot. The style it’s written in is appropriate to the times and I like this touch. The characterisation is so good and has been throughout the series with Will and Sarah being such likeable central protagonists and their complicated dynamics especially with Will’s wife Eugenie in the mix, adds an interesting edge. James Simpson is more peripheral in this but the authors bring this medical legend to life.

The plot is complex, clever and ultimately connects together well. It takes a dark direction which gives some chills, it’s gritty with some violence which is never overblown and at all times it’s action packed so there’s never a dull moment. It’s full of atmosphere with smoggy Auld Reekie coming alive and the areas in and around Edinburgh are used to great effect. The mesmerism aspect of the novel is particularly intriguing as it provides such scope for theatricality delivering some vibrant and sinister scenes and unexpected plot twists. I especially enjoy how magic tricks provides some answers! It builds to a good ending leaving you eagerly anticipating number 5!

If you like Historical Fiction or just a well written immersive tale the this may fit the bill. Although it’s part of a series it works well as a stand-alone.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Canongate for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

Thanks to Canongate and NetGalley for ARC.

Edinburgh 1854 - public suspicion of doctors may be waning after the Burk and Hare scandal, but there are plenty of people who would wish to build their reputations by exploiting the poor and vulnerable. Will Raven, troubled by his past and not entirely happy in his present, contemplates a future away from the protection and tutelage of Dr Simpson. Sarah Raven, also frustrated by her current status, considers what profession to enter as medicine remains firmly closed, looks to newer studies to explore and make her mark. To distract them from all this, it seems, they are asked to lend expertise in helping investigate a rather grisly crime.
As expected from such an experienced writing team, the sights, sounds and smells of Victorian Edinburgh lure the reader in, the medical history is spot on, the plotting and misdirection keeps you guessing, and the themes have contemporary resonance. I suspect some of the historic timelines have been collapsed for dramatic effect, but this is a work of fiction.
There is development of some of the recurring characters, the end of the story arc for others, and some reappraisal of past deeds. It ends on an interesting note that will have readers looking forward to instalment five.

4.5*

This was another excellent addition to the series, again combining the history of medicine (and aligning fields) with a lystery that left me guessing and second guessing myself throughout, and some thoughtful character development.

As always, it's a delight to enter into the world of historical Edinburgh. The research is clear but never obtrusive.

While the pertinent plot points from earlier books were carefully reinserted for ease of reminding the reader, it is definitely a book that works best after having read the earlier books in the series, to appreciate fully the development of the characters. I especially appreciated seeing more of Flint in this book, and the recognition from Raven of how they share more similarities than he would like to admit. The general theme, of reinventing yourself and of hiding elements was really well done I felt, not overstated but an ever-present theme.

I did feel Eugenie was underdeveloped in this book however, I feel she sometimes suffers from a comparison to Sarah, and I would have liked to have seen more of her individual personality.

The final chapter left me even keener to see what will happen in the next book, with some very intriguing questions left to explore!

*Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free ARC*

Edinburgh 1854.

Body parts are being found across the city. When a foot is found in the Surgeon's Hall, Henry Littlejohn asks Will Raven to help investigate, much to the annoyance of Dr. Christie, who wants to keep the grisly find hush hush. Unfortunately, the Hoolet - an independent news rag - has gotten hold of the story... Edinburgh has a killer on the streets.
Book 4 in the Raven, Fisher, and Simpson series, which just gets better and better.
This is a dark, gritty historical fiction with a good mix of historical fact. You'll feel like you're there, walking in the fog through auld reekie.
I thought I'd worked out who the killer was, then along comes a plot twist.
Fabulous, I highly recommend this series.

Ambrose Parry delivers another gripping tale.

It's Edinburgh, 1854, and several years have passed since the events of "A Corruption of Blood". Raven and Eugenie are married, with a son, and another child on the way. He is still working with James Simpson, but is under increasing pressure to set up his own practice. Sarah Fisher has continued her medical studies, while also assisting Simpson and his colleagues.

When body parts begin turning up across Edinburgh, Raven finds himself drawn into a series of grisly murders. With an increasing workload and still struggling to move from under Simpson's shadow, he is reluctant, but is persuaded to investigate. Sarah meanwhile, has begun to take an interest in the latest medical phenomenon of mesmerism.

What follows is a fine tale of murder and deceit, with a list of suspects to drool over. We meet old friends and enemies, and new characters would could turn out to be one, the other, or both. There are several revelations which long-time fans will love. The love-triangle between Will, Sarah and Eugenie continues to feature large, as they all struggle with their feelings.

The men-only club that was the medical fraternity is dealt with, especially in light of the trend for new discoveries such as hypnotism and mesmerism and the rush to adopt popular but untired therapies. There's even a bit of Burke-and-Hare bodysnatching.

19th century Edinburgh, again, is a star of the book. Lovingly portrayed street by street, building by building, the sights and smells come alive. Even someone like me familiar with the city will feel the urge to set out on a tour. The husband and wife writing team that is Ambrose Parry have delivered another gripping tale.

Fans of the series won't be disappointed, and the good news is thanks to some well placed backstory, new fans can pick the book up and dive straight in. Thoroughly recommended.

This fourth and latest installment of the Raven and Fisher mystery series once again educates and entertains in equal measure. Mid 19th century Edinburgh is brought to life with a flourish, the sights, sounds, characters, and the grim underbelly of the city are all here in Voices of the Dead. A killer is on the loose and Raven finds himself assisting James McLevy in his investigation, he also finds himself dealing with a man who claims he can speak to the dead, Sarah is drawn towards the world of mesmerism.

Thanks to Canongate and Netgalley for the early proof.

A really good and chilling novel! I enjoyed meeting again the main characters and follow their development. I loved the way the author wove a story around real facts, making the storyline quite captivating! Intricate plot, interesting insight into the concept of medicine, quite a bit of action make this novel a real page turner!
I received a complimentary ARC of this novel from NetGalley and I am leaving voluntarily an honest review.

This is a really enjoyable series.
It's not just the solid three main characters who I like more with each book, or indeed the lesser characters who are often surprising.
It's the medical aspect, that at this point seems bizarre, that this is how we thought/felt/acted about certain things.
This time around It's mesmerism.
Throw in a body, and it's all very entertaining.
The last few chapters had me quite tense.
A special mention for Gregor, who has become far more than the vicious thug his first appearance would have us believe.
Another great addition to the Parry collection.