This is the fourth in the series, but this is the first Ambrose Perry book I have read. Even though I was not familiar with the characters I enjoyed the story and loved the way true medical history was interwoven with this historical crime novel. I will certainly be reading more by this author..

A masterful blend of historical fiction, mystery, and suspense that will captivate readers from beginning to end. Prepare to be transported back in time to the bustling streets of 19th century Edinburgh with Ambrose Parry's mesmerising novel, "Voices of the Dead." Set against the backdrop of a city steeped in scientific innovation and dark secrets, this gripping tale of mystery and intrigue is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last page.

From the outset, Parry effortlessly immerses readers in the rich tapestry of Victorian Edinburgh, where the lines between progress and quackery are dangerously blurred. In a time when mesmerism, spiritualism, and other unexplained phenomena captivate the public's imagination.

At the heart of the story are Raven and Sarah, characters whose complexities and vulnerabilities make them both relatable and compelling.

What sets "Voices of the Dead" apart is its meticulously researched historical detail and atmospheric prose. Parry's vivid descriptions bring Victorian Edinburgh to life. And while the plot is rife with twists and turns, each revelation is expertly executed, keeping readers guessing until the very end.

This book has made Ambrose Parry one of my favourite authors of the moment, and I can't wait to read all the rest of Parry's works.

Thanks to Cannongate and NetGalley for this ARC

Thank you to netgalley and canongate for an advance copy if this book which I realised I'd read and reviewed already last June! I really enjoyed it though do have given the same stars again

An enjoyable book though not the best in the series. Raven, a gynaecologist, gets caught up in a murder investigation when body parts are found. Sarah, his best friend and one time lover, investigates the new science of mesmerism. As always the plot moves along swiftly without jumping time lines but with short passages of background for those who have not read the previous books. I would recommend starting at the beginning of the series as some really good books would be missed.

I am such a big fan of these books, and each new instalment is such a delight. As always, the book is meticulously researched, and Edinburgh is an impeccable character on its own. I love the level of both historical and medical detail, as always combined with a fine plot and great interpersonal drama.

Moving forward in time, I suppose I was a little disappointed to find Dr Raven is now married with children which, based on some of the events in the previous book, was a surprise. It does make it more realistic, but I do so love Will and Sarah together.

I can’t wait to read the next novel to see where Sarah’s career moves on to next!

Another fantastic episode in the lives of Raven, Fisher and Simpson. I love this series set in the medical community of Victorian Ediinburgh with it's seedier elements well to the fore. This tale of the interest in mesmerism is very entertaining with some great characters, old and new. And a good progression in the life stories of the main characters too.

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.

This is a brilliant, gritty and gripping historical series that always keeps me hooked and guessing.
I loved the mysteries and the great characters, Sarah above all, but I'm always fascinated by the historical part as it''s like travelling in time to a moment when a lot of new discoveries were taking place.
Edinburgh is the non human MC, well described and vivid,.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

The fan in me thought it was a new one, already read and reviewed

This is my favourite in Ambrose Parry's superb historical medical crime series set in Edinburgh, a blend of fact and fiction, featuring by the now well established Dr Will Raven, assistant to the famous obstetrician Dr Simpson, responsible for what is now becoming the accepted use of chloroform in medicine, and the ambitious Sarah Fisher, desperate to train as a doctor in a profession that refuses to let in women. It is 1853, Will is a different place now, he is a father, and wife, Eugenie, is expecting their second child, but all is not well, his past is interfering with him building a relationship with his young son, James, who is playing up and crying something rotten. This makes him seek any excuse to be away from home and distractions come in many forms. He is called by his friend, Dr Henry Littlejohn, to The Surgeon's Hall, where a foot has been discovered in a drawer.

This has Will investigating a case, with James McLevy, where dismembered body parts are found throughout the city, but who are the victims? A new scandal rag called The Hoolet is exaggerating the gory details for its growing circulation of readers. A spiritualist denounced as a charlatan at the Adelphi Theatre, ends up at Simpson's home, causing upset within the family, and has Will lashing out. Sarah's relationship with Will remains strong despite him being a married man, but conflict rises to the surface. Sarah feels there might be an opportunity for her to train as a mesmerist in this newly emerging field, she shows considerable promise as she trains under the American Dr Harland Malham. However, Will and the medical profession are sceptical. Will is under pressure to establish his own medical practice, an old foe re-enters his life and he finds himself tempted to break a promise.

A major highlight is how the authors excel in their major character developments in this addition, the surprising re-evaluations in past relationships that arise, the understanding that there might be more to a person than might be initially perceived, and that everyone has inherent flaws that might blind them. This is a cracking read, of illusions, charlatans, secrets, blackmail, magicians and showmen, packed with medical details from this period of history, culminating in a thrilling finale, ending on a intriguing and promising note for the future. This is one of my favourite historical crime series, informative, with a brilliant sense of location and time, and the kind of complex characters that have you looking forward with great anticipation to the next in the series. Many thanks to the publisher for an ARC.

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.

4.5

I just love this series! I loved being back with Will and Sarah.
Will has definitely grown as a person throughout the books!