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.

A fitting conclusion to a fine series.

"The Death of Shame" opens in May 1854, some months after the events of "Voices of the Dead". True to her word, Sarah has used her money to help Will start up his own practice. In return he will secretly train her up to be a doctor, despite the staid medical profession denying women the right to be doctors. Their relationship remains precarious, neither one wishing to do anything to risk their friendship. His wife, Eugenie, already looks upon Sarah as a rival for her husband's affections. And when her father, famous doctor, Cameron Todd is found dead at the base of the Scott monument, Eugenie looks to him to support, regardless of his fledgling practice.

At the same time, Sarah's sister-in-law appears in Edinburgh, seeking her help in tracing Sarah's cousin, Annabel. The girl was due to start work as a maid, but has vanished in mysterious circumstances.

Soon both Sarah and Will are drawn into a series of events which slowly coalesce into a larger problem involving human trafficking, blackmail and prostitution. They soon realise that corruption is widespread at all levels of Edinburgh society, and no one is what they seem. The story is told once again, against the backdrop of 19th century Edinburgh - the clean and upper-class New Town, and the Old Town, full of dark alleys and dangerous places. Their investigations take them to brothels, gambling houses, and to meetings of social reformers where those with fortunes to lose, go to any means to halt proceedings. And as the reasons for Doctor Todd's death become clear, Will realises life will never be the same again.

Fans of the series will be happy to see plenty of old faces - friendly and not-so-friendly. Dr Simpson, his house a riot of noise and colour, Inspector McLevy continues to ask for help, and Magnus Cunningham remains a problem for both Sarah and Will. Both also are exposed to the fledgling tabloid press, where sensationalism take precedence over facts.

The cover of the book states quite plainly 'The Final Raven and Fisher Mystery' and fans of the series will be hoping to see several storylines tied up. To say if they are, or not, would be to spoil the reading, but either way, it's doubtful anyone will be disappointed with the book. It's bound to be a fan favourite.

Thoroughly recommended.

Possible spoilers

4+ ⭐


I'm definitely a fan of Brookmyre, and am currently working my way through his old books on audio.
I think he does all genres well.
The addition of Dr Marisa Haetzman has made for a cracking series.
Raven and Fisher are a top duo, not just in terms of fighting crime, but in their approach to life, people and each other.
This one held quite a few surprising moments, and there were times it felt like this REALLY could be the end (make it not so)
I felt it brought back the majority of characters and gave them /us closure.
Really appreciated the facts at the end, tying into how true parts of the story were.
Bonus were the illustrations at the start of each chapter.