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Raven, Fisher, and Simpson #4
Voices of the Dead
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.
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.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 15, 2023
About the author
Ambrose Parry
10 books488 followersAmbrose Parry is the pen name for husband and wife Chris Brookmyre (known mostly for his crime novels) and Dr Marisa Haetzman, a consultant anaesthetist. It is the latter's interest in medical history that lead to their first collaboration, The Way of All Flesh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 303 reviews
May 21, 2024
Book 4 in one of my favourite series did not disappoint me. Sarah Fisher and Will Raven continue their medical advancement, be it in different forms. Each of them wants independence in their own way, hence Sarah's interest in mesmerism, and Will's dream to set up his own practice. The past follows Raven closely, and we learn more of his days before becoming dr Raven.
This time Sarah and Will follow what starts as a morbid case of a dismembered body and what leads to an unexpected twist for both of them. The mysterious case unravels and in the background we learn about Victorian obsession mesmerism.
Ambrose Parry's (or the duo's) writing is excellent, and so is their description of Edinburgh in the second half of the 19th century. Period details and the world of medicine then should be given highest praise as one feels while reading as if one is then and there, which is the most a fan of historical fiction can ask for.
*A big thank-you to Ambrose Parry, Canongate Books, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
This time Sarah and Will follow what starts as a morbid case of a dismembered body and what leads to an unexpected twist for both of them. The mysterious case unravels and in the background we learn about Victorian obsession mesmerism.
Ambrose Parry's (or the duo's) writing is excellent, and so is their description of Edinburgh in the second half of the 19th century. Period details and the world of medicine then should be given highest praise as one feels while reading as if one is then and there, which is the most a fan of historical fiction can ask for.
*A big thank-you to Ambrose Parry, Canongate Books, and NetGalley for arc in exchange for my honest review.*
April 8, 2023
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 then 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.
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 then 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.
September 11, 2023
Yet another excellent addition to this series. The year is 1853 and Dr. Will Raven is summoned to Surgeons' Hall where a gruesome discovery has been made. So begins the search for missing body parts and people, one presumed to be a murderer. Meanwhile Sarah Fisher has developed an interest in mesmerism and proceeds to study how it could be used as a medical tool whilst others use mesmerism as a tool to advance their wealth.
Once again I was drawn into Edinburgh as it existed in those times. Women aren't believed to be suited for the medical field so Sarah becomes an aficianado of mesmerism. There are a number of plot threads concerning medicine, mesmerism (hypnosis), illusion and murder which eventually all come together for a satisfactory ending. Dr. Simpson plays a minor role in this book and a few new characters are introduced. I think this book could be read as a standalone but I recommend the whole series, starting at #1. All in all, an excellent read and I can hardly wait for #5!
My thanks to Canongate Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this historical novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: September 26, 3023
NOTE: I now see that September 26th is the date of publication for the hardcover book but apparently the kindle and audiobook editions have been available since June 15th.
Once again I was drawn into Edinburgh as it existed in those times. Women aren't believed to be suited for the medical field so Sarah becomes an aficianado of mesmerism. There are a number of plot threads concerning medicine, mesmerism (hypnosis), illusion and murder which eventually all come together for a satisfactory ending. Dr. Simpson plays a minor role in this book and a few new characters are introduced. I think this book could be read as a standalone but I recommend the whole series, starting at #1. All in all, an excellent read and I can hardly wait for #5!
My thanks to Canongate Books for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this historical novel. All opinions expressed are my own.
Publication: September 26, 3023
NOTE: I now see that September 26th is the date of publication for the hardcover book but apparently the kindle and audiobook editions have been available since June 15th.
April 30, 2023
There are a lot of things happening in this fourth book in this excellent series. Will Raven and Sarah Fisher are confronted with a murder (or more than one?) but also with several more or less medical inventions and discoveries. By now, the use of chloroform to ease the pain of childbirth or the horror of having an operation, no matter how small, while having no anaesthesia at all but maybe a lot of alcohol is slowly being accepted. Even Queen Victoria used during the birth of her son. On the other hand, there are people who see a chance to ‘help’ people and make a good deal of money out of it. Will and Sarah meet a medium – could he be a real one? – and also a couple of business people who would like to convince the good people of Edinburgh that ‘mesmerism’ is the new way to treat people. Well, later, much later, it transpired that this mesmerism, under its new name hypnotism, can actually help people, but certainly not the way these businessmen set out to sell.
Will is hardly having any sleep because his son is crying a lot and his wife is due to give birth to their second child. During the day he still works for Dr Simpson but at night he works in a maternity ward. He’s not always taken seriously by other surgeons. And there is his old enemy Flint, who still has a grip on him. And Sarah, poor Sarah, is still not taken seriously at all, although by now she knows a lot more about medicine and seems to have a knack for mesmerism.
Body parts are found all over Edinburgh and before they know it, Will and Sarah have to work together to find who murdered who and above all, why?
An intricate story with lots of facts mixed into the fiction. Likable and interesting characters and a great writing style makes this book a pleasure to read. Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and Canongate for this review copy.
Will is hardly having any sleep because his son is crying a lot and his wife is due to give birth to their second child. During the day he still works for Dr Simpson but at night he works in a maternity ward. He’s not always taken seriously by other surgeons. And there is his old enemy Flint, who still has a grip on him. And Sarah, poor Sarah, is still not taken seriously at all, although by now she knows a lot more about medicine and seems to have a knack for mesmerism.
Body parts are found all over Edinburgh and before they know it, Will and Sarah have to work together to find who murdered who and above all, why?
An intricate story with lots of facts mixed into the fiction. Likable and interesting characters and a great writing style makes this book a pleasure to read. Looking forward to the next one!
Thanks to NetGalley and Canongate for this review copy.
October 9, 2023
The fourth novel in this highly original series finds Will Raven still assisting Dr. Simpson at Queen Street, although is wife Eugenie, heavily pregnant with their second child, is badgering him to accept a loan from her father to set up his own practice. However, being beholden to Dr. Cameron Todd is not something Will wishes to countenance.
In mid 19th century Edinburgh, there has been a resurgence of interest in mesmerism, spiritualism and other unexplained phenomena. Rationalists such as Will and Simpson dismiss all of this as quackery, however, Sarah Fisher, still desperate to achieve her medical ambitions, despite being held back by her gender, sees this as an opportunity to advance her career.
Various body parts are found in various locations around the city, including Surgeon’s Hall and Will finds himself in a position where he needs to prevent a scandal. However, the suspected killer is an accomplished actor and master of disguise.
Much of this novel revolves around the ideas of magical trickery, sleights of hand and misdirection. The authors have also cunningly employed these effects to create an intricate and compelling plot where many shocking revelations occur in the final chapters.
Another brilliant piece of writing from Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman.
In mid 19th century Edinburgh, there has been a resurgence of interest in mesmerism, spiritualism and other unexplained phenomena. Rationalists such as Will and Simpson dismiss all of this as quackery, however, Sarah Fisher, still desperate to achieve her medical ambitions, despite being held back by her gender, sees this as an opportunity to advance her career.
Various body parts are found in various locations around the city, including Surgeon’s Hall and Will finds himself in a position where he needs to prevent a scandal. However, the suspected killer is an accomplished actor and master of disguise.
Much of this novel revolves around the ideas of magical trickery, sleights of hand and misdirection. The authors have also cunningly employed these effects to create an intricate and compelling plot where many shocking revelations occur in the final chapters.
Another brilliant piece of writing from Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman.
June 30, 2023
Victorian London and Scotland are my two favourite literary settings and “Voices of the Dead” fits my Scottish criteria perfectly. Book four in the ‘Raven, Fisher and Simpson’ series, this historical mystery novel can be easily read as a standalone as I enjoyed it. However, I was bitterly disappointed that I’ve been missing out on reading these books, so much so I’ve now purchased the previous three, in order to catch up on these wonderful set of characters and the mysteries they get caught up in.
The opening prologue ignites the intrigue and when all is revealed in the denouement how this scene fitted into the plot, it was a worthwhile wait.
Set in Edinburgh 1853, during the age of medical experiments and a scientific interest into analysing a body after death, the author captured perfectly, the fear certain individuals felt knowing their bodies were susceptible to ‘body snatching’ and the extremes they’d go to, to protect themselves from post mortem dissection. Along with new interests like the use of chloroform for sedation and the use of mesmerism for treatment of a patient’s ailments, I was interested in the historical medical developments and with an added plot theme of ‘talking to the dead’, this made for a thoroughly fascinating read.
I was a little caught out by the characters and the parts they were playing throughout the story but since the main theme was involving sleight of hand, this misdirection for me was a clever illusion by the author. Having a female character who is desperate to advance in her medical career and to read how she is encumbered by the male opinions of women wishing to do so, was also captured exceedingly well for the time setting and must have been very frustrating as Sarah expresses throughout the story.
Intriguing, well-paced, cleverly thought out and clearly well researched, this was a fascinating read and I look forward to reading the first three in the series very soon.
#VoicesOfTheDead - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The opening prologue ignites the intrigue and when all is revealed in the denouement how this scene fitted into the plot, it was a worthwhile wait.
Set in Edinburgh 1853, during the age of medical experiments and a scientific interest into analysing a body after death, the author captured perfectly, the fear certain individuals felt knowing their bodies were susceptible to ‘body snatching’ and the extremes they’d go to, to protect themselves from post mortem dissection. Along with new interests like the use of chloroform for sedation and the use of mesmerism for treatment of a patient’s ailments, I was interested in the historical medical developments and with an added plot theme of ‘talking to the dead’, this made for a thoroughly fascinating read.
I was a little caught out by the characters and the parts they were playing throughout the story but since the main theme was involving sleight of hand, this misdirection for me was a clever illusion by the author. Having a female character who is desperate to advance in her medical career and to read how she is encumbered by the male opinions of women wishing to do so, was also captured exceedingly well for the time setting and must have been very frustrating as Sarah expresses throughout the story.
Intriguing, well-paced, cleverly thought out and clearly well researched, this was a fascinating read and I look forward to reading the first three in the series very soon.
#VoicesOfTheDead - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
April 4, 2024
4.5 stars rounded off to 5.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series that is mostly filled with fictional characters but some historical characters also making impressionable appearances. The series begins with the search for the ideal anesthetic and brings to life the scientific environment in Edinburgh in the 1800s. This evolves to the routine use of chloroform in surgeries and is dotted with medical opinions surrounding its administration and safety. Each book here is also a thriller in its own right with a murder mystery waiting to be resolved.
In the current installation, we are drawn back to 1800s Edinburgh but this time we learn of the views surrounding mesmerism. Was this considered a science, a potential alternative to anesthesia or merely an illusion? How did the medical world perceive it? How are Will Raven and Sarah Fisher going to react to this new phenomenon that has taken the city by a storm? There is also a murder mystery woven into the plot. A good page turner that is worth your time.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series that is mostly filled with fictional characters but some historical characters also making impressionable appearances. The series begins with the search for the ideal anesthetic and brings to life the scientific environment in Edinburgh in the 1800s. This evolves to the routine use of chloroform in surgeries and is dotted with medical opinions surrounding its administration and safety. Each book here is also a thriller in its own right with a murder mystery waiting to be resolved.
In the current installation, we are drawn back to 1800s Edinburgh but this time we learn of the views surrounding mesmerism. Was this considered a science, a potential alternative to anesthesia or merely an illusion? How did the medical world perceive it? How are Will Raven and Sarah Fisher going to react to this new phenomenon that has taken the city by a storm? There is also a murder mystery woven into the plot. A good page turner that is worth your time.
August 22, 2023
My day of productivity has been decidedly halted due to this book. Cannot get enough of this series. The characters, the writing, the murders, the history it’s just bloody brilliant. Need book five now pls Chris and Marisa xx
July 10, 2023
I’m only partway through the book so will complete my review when I’m finished it. For now, some initial impressions:
I’m so disappointed that Raven didn’t marry Sarah. I was hoping they would finally, after 4 books, resolve their relationship. Instead they hover in this gray area between friends and acknowledging that they are in love. So frustrating. This is colouring my opinion of the book. I’m just not enjoying it very much.
The whole start to the book is quite depressing. Raven’s dislike of his son, who cries all the time, his annoyance with Eugénie for her insistence on him starting his own practice and his unresolved feelings for Sarah are weighing everything down.
I am discovering that I am tired of it all and not really engaged in the story.
Hopefully things will pick up as I enter the middle part of the book.
UPDATE:
I wish we had seen more of Dr. Simpson. I miss him since he would provide a lot of wisdom and also give the book a sense of lightness.
The mystery plot line was interesting and the author did a good job of surprising me with the resolution of it.
There was significant character development for both Sarah and Will in this book. And a surprise twist having to do with Mr. Somerville.
That being said, the relationship between Will and Sarah continues to exist in this grey area where they know they love each other but still decide not to be together but instead try to be friends and co-sleuths. I find I don’t particularly like either of the main characters, perhaps they are all too real, with too many flaws? I’m just not willing to read more books to find out what will happen.
Again, the book was well written but it’s just not my cup of tea.
NOTE The Spendthrift and The Swallow short story should be read before this book. It’s a good lead in to book 5.
I’m so disappointed that Raven didn’t marry Sarah. I was hoping they would finally, after 4 books, resolve their relationship. Instead they hover in this gray area between friends and acknowledging that they are in love. So frustrating. This is colouring my opinion of the book. I’m just not enjoying it very much.
The whole start to the book is quite depressing. Raven’s dislike of his son, who cries all the time, his annoyance with Eugénie for her insistence on him starting his own practice and his unresolved feelings for Sarah are weighing everything down.
I am discovering that I am tired of it all and not really engaged in the story.
Hopefully things will pick up as I enter the middle part of the book.
UPDATE:
I wish we had seen more of Dr. Simpson. I miss him since he would provide a lot of wisdom and also give the book a sense of lightness.
The mystery plot line was interesting and the author did a good job of surprising me with the resolution of it.
There was significant character development for both Sarah and Will in this book. And a surprise twist having to do with Mr. Somerville.
That being said, the relationship between Will and Sarah continues to exist in this grey area where they know they love each other but still decide not to be together but instead try to be friends and co-sleuths. I find I don’t particularly like either of the main characters, perhaps they are all too real, with too many flaws? I’m just not willing to read more books to find out what will happen.
Again, the book was well written but it’s just not my cup of tea.
NOTE The Spendthrift and The Swallow short story should be read before this book. It’s a good lead in to book 5.
June 20, 2023
Voices of the Dead is the fourth book in the authors' Raven, Fisher and Simpson series of historical crime mysteries set in late nineteenth century Edinburgh. I've read all the previous books in the series - The Way of All Flesh, The Art of Dying and A Corruption of Blood - but I think this may be the best one yet. Voices of the Dead can be read as a standalone but you would miss out on the way the authors have developed the main characters and the relationships between them over the course of the series.
One of the things I like about the books is how the authors incorporate medical advances of the period, often the subject of controversy, into what are skilfully plotted, exciting crime mysteries. In this case, it's the potential use of mesmerism to cure medical conditions.
Will Raven and Sarah Fisher are great characters with things in common, such as tragedy in their pasts, but also complementary qualities. Sarah is logical and practical, whereas Will is more the man of action. Their teasing, at times precariously close to intimate, relationship has been one of the joys of the series.
They both face moral dilemmas at some point in the book. Sarah is forced to consider whether her desire to embrace mesmerism as a path to achieving her ambition to be a doctor is blinding her to possible flaws in the claims of its efficacy. 'Was her own desire to be of significance affecting her judgment? Was she craving being taken seriously to such an extent that she was losing perspective?' I felt her frustration and the unfairness of her abilities not being recognised because of her sex.
Meanwhile Will finds himself having to choose between achieving his personal ambitions and his conscience. And, as before, he remains haunted by the violence of his past. As one character observes, 'I have seldom seen a man with so many ghosts about him, You are surrounded by the dead.' Yet now, as a husband and father, Will has even more reason to fear that legacy.
The book sees the return of some characters from previous books, a few in very different guises. I always think it shows skill to make a reader feel sympathy for a character who has serious flaws, but the authors manage to do it here to great effect. As befits a plot that involves the question of what is real and what is illusion, there are some great sleights of hand and misdirections. In the final chapters the action moves from gentle simmer to conflagration, in a neat echo of the prologue. There's a tantalising sense of jeopardy and, at various points, I'm sure I won't be alone in thinking, I really wouldn't do that if I was you.
Voices of the Dead is an ingenious and absorbing historical crime mystery, and a splendid addition to the series. And, Ambrose Parry, what teases you are with that ending! Don't make us wait too long for the next one.
One of the things I like about the books is how the authors incorporate medical advances of the period, often the subject of controversy, into what are skilfully plotted, exciting crime mysteries. In this case, it's the potential use of mesmerism to cure medical conditions.
Will Raven and Sarah Fisher are great characters with things in common, such as tragedy in their pasts, but also complementary qualities. Sarah is logical and practical, whereas Will is more the man of action. Their teasing, at times precariously close to intimate, relationship has been one of the joys of the series.
They both face moral dilemmas at some point in the book. Sarah is forced to consider whether her desire to embrace mesmerism as a path to achieving her ambition to be a doctor is blinding her to possible flaws in the claims of its efficacy. 'Was her own desire to be of significance affecting her judgment? Was she craving being taken seriously to such an extent that she was losing perspective?' I felt her frustration and the unfairness of her abilities not being recognised because of her sex.
Meanwhile Will finds himself having to choose between achieving his personal ambitions and his conscience. And, as before, he remains haunted by the violence of his past. As one character observes, 'I have seldom seen a man with so many ghosts about him, You are surrounded by the dead.' Yet now, as a husband and father, Will has even more reason to fear that legacy.
The book sees the return of some characters from previous books, a few in very different guises. I always think it shows skill to make a reader feel sympathy for a character who has serious flaws, but the authors manage to do it here to great effect. As befits a plot that involves the question of what is real and what is illusion, there are some great sleights of hand and misdirections. In the final chapters the action moves from gentle simmer to conflagration, in a neat echo of the prologue. There's a tantalising sense of jeopardy and, at various points, I'm sure I won't be alone in thinking, I really wouldn't do that if I was you.
Voices of the Dead is an ingenious and absorbing historical crime mystery, and a splendid addition to the series. And, Ambrose Parry, what teases you are with that ending! Don't make us wait too long for the next one.
April 9, 2024
"Voices of the Dead", the fourth (and so far last) part of the series about Will Raven, Sarah Fisher and James Young Simpson, written by the author duo Ambrose Parry, was a journey worth reading for me, but it doesn't match the intensity of the previous parts.
This time, Raven and Fisher are investigating a murder case that throws them into a world full of ambivalence - in the interplay between magic, hypnosis and science. Once again, the authors impress with their attention to detail and historical knowledge, although the suspense fell a little short for me in this case.
Another important part of the plot is the relationship between Raven and Sarah, which once again moves between love and intimate friendship. For me, this aspect was the highlight of the novel, as this is where most of the character development takes place and we as readers are once again left in the dark as to where their (private) journey will take them. A seemingly new admirer of Sarah's also appears in this book.
Although I don't think part four quite lives up to the first three parts, the book was still a pleasure to read and I'm a little depressed not knowing how long we have to wait until we meet Sarah and Will again. It remains exciting!
This time, Raven and Fisher are investigating a murder case that throws them into a world full of ambivalence - in the interplay between magic, hypnosis and science. Once again, the authors impress with their attention to detail and historical knowledge, although the suspense fell a little short for me in this case.
Another important part of the plot is the relationship between Raven and Sarah, which once again moves between love and intimate friendship. For me, this aspect was the highlight of the novel, as this is where most of the character development takes place and we as readers are once again left in the dark as to where their (private) journey will take them. A seemingly new admirer of Sarah's also appears in this book.
Although I don't think part four quite lives up to the first three parts, the book was still a pleasure to read and I'm a little depressed not knowing how long we have to wait until we meet Sarah and Will again. It remains exciting!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 26, 2023
Another instalment in this atmospheric Victorian Scottish crime series. Dr Will Raven is swamped by the demands of his work, his wife and child. Meanwhile Sarah is searching for ways to study medicine but gets caught up in the practice of mesmerism. Then the bodies start to pile up.
The reason I like this series is that the crime is not the only reason to read it. The characters are conflicted and don’t always do what they ‘should’ , there’s so much more going on than murder,
The rise of Scottish crime fiction continues.
Keep them coming !
The reason I like this series is that the crime is not the only reason to read it. The characters are conflicted and don’t always do what they ‘should’ , there’s so much more going on than murder,
The rise of Scottish crime fiction continues.
Keep them coming !
March 24, 2023
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.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC
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.
Thank you Netgalley and Publisher for the ARC
September 11, 2023
This series has been growing on me, and I always look forward to a new volume. I would recommend reading at least one of the earlier volumes before this current one. Voices of the Dead can be read more richly when you know a bit about the central characters.
June 30, 2023
Another marvel in the Raven and Sarah saga. I absolutely love the feel of these stories and the way in which Ambrose Parry describes a historic, beautifully morbid Edinburgh. I've only been to Scotland once, but need to revisit on the strength of these stories alone!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 20, 2025
A little draggy in places, maybe it just wasn’t what I was looking to read just now. But I finished it. I enjoy the series and I heard Chris Brookmyre say there’d be one more coming out and that would be it.
February 20, 2026
back in business finally 🙏🙏🙏 i ❤️ reading
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August 12, 2025Cannot get into this series and no idea why not as the author, genre and setting are all massively up my street. Oh well.
April 16, 2024
This is the fourth book in this series, and it doesn't disappoint.
Will Raven is a doctor, Sarah Fisher, who was a servant,is a medical assistant, in the practice of Doctor James Simpson of Edinburgh. The year is 1853, and Mesmerism is the talk of the medical fraternity.
Well researched medical history is the backbone of this book, and a well plotted murder mystery is beautifully interwoven.
Real historical characters like James Simpson, the discoverer of Chloroform's as an anaesthetic, and Mc levy, the famous Edinburgh police detective, join the fictional characters to explore the science and solve the brutal murders.
Will Raven is a doctor, Sarah Fisher, who was a servant,is a medical assistant, in the practice of Doctor James Simpson of Edinburgh. The year is 1853, and Mesmerism is the talk of the medical fraternity.
Well researched medical history is the backbone of this book, and a well plotted murder mystery is beautifully interwoven.
Real historical characters like James Simpson, the discoverer of Chloroform's as an anaesthetic, and Mc levy, the famous Edinburgh police detective, join the fictional characters to explore the science and solve the brutal murders.
June 23, 2023
This was a great read. Set in Victorian Edinburgh in the 1850's. Details the conflict between conventional medicine and the practice of mesmerism . In a time of unprecedented scientific discovery these two schools of thought clash, with unforeseen consequences. This book reeks with the atmosphere of Victorian Auld Reekie. Another great adventure for Will and Sarah and a welcome addition to this series, with resplendent characters; factual and fictional. The authors have done their research and have woven a story that grips the reader. Highly commended and I recommend you start at book 1 The Way Of All Flesh
August 9, 2024
UGH. This series is just THAT good. Better be a book #5, thanks!!
March 22, 2023
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.
Thanks to Canongate and Netgalley for the early proof.
June 26, 2023
This is the fourth book in the Raven and Fisher mysteries and I have found that each book mostly stands alone in terms of plot, but the characters develop and deepen as the series progresses.
There is an underlying theme of illusion, appearances and hasty impressions throughout the story and the weaving of spiritualism and mesmerism into both the medical and criminal plot aspects is very cleverly done. The subjects fascinate me anyway, in terms of how observant and intuitive practitioners must be and how the ‘marks’ and sceptics alike can be gulled by their own minds into seeing, hearing and/or feeling what they want to believe and the authors are able to explore the issues from different angles thanks to the very different viewpoints of Will Raven and Sarah Fisher.
I love following how far these two main characters have come over the course of these books: Will has shifted from street brawler to pompous doctor in training, to a now more moderate and reflective man who thinks more about other people’s perspectives and is willing to amend his first impressions, while Sarah is on a determined trajectory from maid to medical assistant, and onwards and upwards. The chemistry between them is obvious, but it is their friendship and mutual respect for each other, and their increasing willingness to meet each other halfway that is really appealing.
As far as the murder mystery side of things goes, I will have to admit that I fell right into the stage magician’s trap – I spotted a (in retrospect, obvious!) secret and felt very pleased with myself, then found that the sleight of hand had led me to fall for a red herring and miss the actual suspect. Kimble would be proud of his authors!
These books are brilliantly atmospheric and packed with interesting insights into medical practices and beliefs of the day, and they are also entertainingly readable murder mysteries that I find myself unable to put down once I start one. And each one is better than the one before. I’m looking forward immensely to book 5!
There is an underlying theme of illusion, appearances and hasty impressions throughout the story and the weaving of spiritualism and mesmerism into both the medical and criminal plot aspects is very cleverly done. The subjects fascinate me anyway, in terms of how observant and intuitive practitioners must be and how the ‘marks’ and sceptics alike can be gulled by their own minds into seeing, hearing and/or feeling what they want to believe and the authors are able to explore the issues from different angles thanks to the very different viewpoints of Will Raven and Sarah Fisher.
I love following how far these two main characters have come over the course of these books: Will has shifted from street brawler to pompous doctor in training, to a now more moderate and reflective man who thinks more about other people’s perspectives and is willing to amend his first impressions, while Sarah is on a determined trajectory from maid to medical assistant, and onwards and upwards. The chemistry between them is obvious, but it is their friendship and mutual respect for each other, and their increasing willingness to meet each other halfway that is really appealing.
As far as the murder mystery side of things goes, I will have to admit that I fell right into the stage magician’s trap – I spotted a (in retrospect, obvious!) secret and felt very pleased with myself, then found that the sleight of hand had led me to fall for a red herring and miss the actual suspect. Kimble would be proud of his authors!
These books are brilliantly atmospheric and packed with interesting insights into medical practices and beliefs of the day, and they are also entertainingly readable murder mysteries that I find myself unable to put down once I start one. And each one is better than the one before. I’m looking forward immensely to book 5!
April 23, 2025
In der Surgeons' Hall in Edinburgh wird ein Fuß gefunden, der nicht zu den Teilen aus dem Anatomiesaal gehört. Will Raven schafft es nicht nur, den Fuß einem Opfer zuzuweisen, sondern er findet auch einen Verdächtigen. Allerdings ist er ein bekannter Schauspieler und damit Meister darin, sich ein anderes Aussehen zu verschaffen. Das macht die Suche nach ihm zu einer fast unlösbaren Aufgabe.
Mittlerweile sucht Sarah immer noch ihren Weg. Auch wenn ihre medizinischen Kenntnisse anerkennt sind und sie eine wertvolle Hilfe in der Praxis von Dr. Simpson ist, kann sie ihren Traum, Medizin zu studieren, nicht verwirklichen. Dann wird sie auf einer Veranstaltung in den Mesmerismus eingeführt und entdeckt ihre Begabung auf dem Gebiet. Ist das möglichweise ihr Weg, Menschen zu helfen?
Das Verhältnis zwischen Will und Sara ist wie immer kompliziert. Sarah ist erst vor Kurzem Witwe geworden, Will fühlt sich in seiner Rolle als Ehemann und Vater noch nicht angekommen. Er hält nichts vom Mesmerismus, was zu Spannungen zwischen den Freunden führt. Dazu kommt noch, dass Wills Frau sich wünscht, er würde endlich mit einer eigenen Praxis selbstständig machen. Er will seinen Mentor aber nicht im Stich lassen. Dazu kommt ein neuer Mann in Sarahs Leben, der für Will ein Bekannter aus seinem alten Leben ist, das er am liebsten vergessen würde.
Die Suche nach dem Mörder gerät da fast in den Hintergrund. Lange scheint niemand etwas Konkretes zu wissen. Aber ein Hinweis in die Vergangenheit des Verdächtigen zeigt, dass mehr hinter der Tat steckt, als man zuerst angenommen hat. Der Krimi ist spannend. Ambrose Parry haben viele Spuren gelegt und mich damit immer wieder in die Irre geführt. Das Kapitel am Anfang gibt einen ersten Hinweis, aber was sich dahinter verbirgt, habe ich erst zum Schluss erfahren. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Teil.
Mittlerweile sucht Sarah immer noch ihren Weg. Auch wenn ihre medizinischen Kenntnisse anerkennt sind und sie eine wertvolle Hilfe in der Praxis von Dr. Simpson ist, kann sie ihren Traum, Medizin zu studieren, nicht verwirklichen. Dann wird sie auf einer Veranstaltung in den Mesmerismus eingeführt und entdeckt ihre Begabung auf dem Gebiet. Ist das möglichweise ihr Weg, Menschen zu helfen?
Das Verhältnis zwischen Will und Sara ist wie immer kompliziert. Sarah ist erst vor Kurzem Witwe geworden, Will fühlt sich in seiner Rolle als Ehemann und Vater noch nicht angekommen. Er hält nichts vom Mesmerismus, was zu Spannungen zwischen den Freunden führt. Dazu kommt noch, dass Wills Frau sich wünscht, er würde endlich mit einer eigenen Praxis selbstständig machen. Er will seinen Mentor aber nicht im Stich lassen. Dazu kommt ein neuer Mann in Sarahs Leben, der für Will ein Bekannter aus seinem alten Leben ist, das er am liebsten vergessen würde.
Die Suche nach dem Mörder gerät da fast in den Hintergrund. Lange scheint niemand etwas Konkretes zu wissen. Aber ein Hinweis in die Vergangenheit des Verdächtigen zeigt, dass mehr hinter der Tat steckt, als man zuerst angenommen hat. Der Krimi ist spannend. Ambrose Parry haben viele Spuren gelegt und mich damit immer wieder in die Irre geführt. Das Kapitel am Anfang gibt einen ersten Hinweis, aber was sich dahinter verbirgt, habe ich erst zum Schluss erfahren. Ich freue mich schon auf den nächsten Teil.
May 5, 2024
Voices of the Dead is the fourth book in the wonderful Raven & Fisher medical historical crime series set in 1850s Edinburgh, which features real life people from history like James Simpson alongside the fictional heroes. I definitely recommend reading these in order, although each mystery does stand alone. I’ve loved them all, but this one was a tad predictable - I saw all the twists coming and felt there was rather too much coincidence holding the plot together.
A couple of years on from the events of A Corruption of Blood, Will is now married to Eugenie with a young child and another on the way, but he is struggling to balance his obstetric duties at Dr Simpson’s practice with the demands of family life. When body parts start turning up in unusual locations, he is drawn into the investigation, to the annoyance of Christie the prickly chief surgeon and McLevy the senior detective. Meanwhile Sarah is drawn to the fashionable new phenomenon of mesmerism - she sees the therapeutic possibilities, but its practitioners are all about the spectacle - and the money.
This was the first in the series I’ve tried as an audiobook, and I enjoyed both the story and the narration - there’s a male reading Will Raven’s chapters, and a female voice for Sarah’s perspective. Both have appealing Scottish accents and the different characters were easy to distinguish. As ever, Edinburgh - my former home - stars in all her grit, glamour and gore, and there’s the usual acerbic social commentary. The unresolved romantic tension between Will and Sarah continues, but now she has a new interest that will truly test their friendship. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
A couple of years on from the events of A Corruption of Blood, Will is now married to Eugenie with a young child and another on the way, but he is struggling to balance his obstetric duties at Dr Simpson’s practice with the demands of family life. When body parts start turning up in unusual locations, he is drawn into the investigation, to the annoyance of Christie the prickly chief surgeon and McLevy the senior detective. Meanwhile Sarah is drawn to the fashionable new phenomenon of mesmerism - she sees the therapeutic possibilities, but its practitioners are all about the spectacle - and the money.
This was the first in the series I’ve tried as an audiobook, and I enjoyed both the story and the narration - there’s a male reading Will Raven’s chapters, and a female voice for Sarah’s perspective. Both have appealing Scottish accents and the different characters were easy to distinguish. As ever, Edinburgh - my former home - stars in all her grit, glamour and gore, and there’s the usual acerbic social commentary. The unresolved romantic tension between Will and Sarah continues, but now she has a new interest that will truly test their friendship. I can’t wait to find out what happens next!
November 12, 2023
Voices of the dead by Ambrose Parry is a fourth installment in the Raven and Fisher series. It is a historical mystery set in Victorian Edinburgh.
The setting, characters and storytelling are brilliant and addictive. The well established characters Will Raven and Sarah Fisher go about trying to solve a murder case after body parts are found in Spurgeon’s Hall and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Throughout the series, the medical scene in Edinburgh plays a huge part in the story. The cases are often based on true events. The story is immersive and keeps you guessing. As someone who was brought up in Edinburgh, I always appreciate the references to real places and streets in the Old and New Town. You can really picture the characters walking down Queen Street at Nicholson Street. Both characters work under Dr James Simpson, who was a true historical figure of the time. The series touches on feminist and classist themes. The characters often find themselves facing moral dilemmas. The main character Raven is an extremely flawed character. But she can't help but love and root for him. I would recommend this series to anybody who is a fan of Historical Fiction. I would recommend starting from the beginning of the series to understand the characters' full backstories.
The setting, characters and storytelling are brilliant and addictive. The well established characters Will Raven and Sarah Fisher go about trying to solve a murder case after body parts are found in Spurgeon’s Hall and Greyfriars Kirkyard. Throughout the series, the medical scene in Edinburgh plays a huge part in the story. The cases are often based on true events. The story is immersive and keeps you guessing. As someone who was brought up in Edinburgh, I always appreciate the references to real places and streets in the Old and New Town. You can really picture the characters walking down Queen Street at Nicholson Street. Both characters work under Dr James Simpson, who was a true historical figure of the time. The series touches on feminist and classist themes. The characters often find themselves facing moral dilemmas. The main character Raven is an extremely flawed character. But she can't help but love and root for him. I would recommend this series to anybody who is a fan of Historical Fiction. I would recommend starting from the beginning of the series to understand the characters' full backstories.
June 23, 2023
Loved it! Another excellent, well-researched and plotted novel from Ambrose Parry.
This series is one that i've enjoyed since the very beginning and the fourth installment in the Raven & Fisher story didn't disappoint.
The main plot follows an on-going murder mystery involving dismembered bodyparts appearing around Edinburgh, while also focusing in on the emerging popularity of 'mesmerism'. The different story-lines come together so smoothly, even though they appear totally disconnected at first.
The characters are so likeable, for all their flaws. Raven is so complex and his fears as a new parent and husband are such an interesting departure from what we know about his character from the other books in the series. Sarah is, as always, headstrong and determined to prove herself as a capable woman in a society that is so disparaging against women. I love the relationship between these characters, they are always at odds but have such a deep respect for each other that they always work out their differences.
The murder mystery is fantasically gruesome (as expected!) and just complex enough to keep you interested without feeling out of reach for the answers. The final chapters had me totally engaged, I couldn't put it down because, suddenly, the stakes were at an all-time high.
Definitley recommend this one and if you haven't read the others in the series - YOU NEED TO!
This series is one that i've enjoyed since the very beginning and the fourth installment in the Raven & Fisher story didn't disappoint.
The main plot follows an on-going murder mystery involving dismembered bodyparts appearing around Edinburgh, while also focusing in on the emerging popularity of 'mesmerism'. The different story-lines come together so smoothly, even though they appear totally disconnected at first.
The characters are so likeable, for all their flaws. Raven is so complex and his fears as a new parent and husband are such an interesting departure from what we know about his character from the other books in the series. Sarah is, as always, headstrong and determined to prove herself as a capable woman in a society that is so disparaging against women. I love the relationship between these characters, they are always at odds but have such a deep respect for each other that they always work out their differences.
The murder mystery is fantasically gruesome (as expected!) and just complex enough to keep you interested without feeling out of reach for the answers. The final chapters had me totally engaged, I couldn't put it down because, suddenly, the stakes were at an all-time high.
Definitley recommend this one and if you haven't read the others in the series - YOU NEED TO!
September 17, 2023
Voices of the Dead by Ambrose Parry - Good
The latest adventures of Dr Will Raven and Sarah Fisher in Victorian Edinburgh. Both still working with Dr Simpson, Raven is married with a son and another on the way, Sarah still railling against all the barriers faced by women in those days.
When a dismembered foot is discovered in Surgeons Hall, Will is called in to assist - it's not one of the specimens, in fact it appears to have been hacked off and left. So whose foot is it and where is the rest of the body? The investigation takes many twists and turns - as you would expect.
Alongside this, Sarah is finding herself drawn into the world of Mesmerism. Unsure of its validity she attends lectures and starts to learn how to hypnotise, maybe this could be a branch or medicine a woman can become part of - or maybe it's just hokum.
Another great book by my favourite author/authors and just what I needed after a more difficult read.
#review
The latest adventures of Dr Will Raven and Sarah Fisher in Victorian Edinburgh. Both still working with Dr Simpson, Raven is married with a son and another on the way, Sarah still railling against all the barriers faced by women in those days.
When a dismembered foot is discovered in Surgeons Hall, Will is called in to assist - it's not one of the specimens, in fact it appears to have been hacked off and left. So whose foot is it and where is the rest of the body? The investigation takes many twists and turns - as you would expect.
Alongside this, Sarah is finding herself drawn into the world of Mesmerism. Unsure of its validity she attends lectures and starts to learn how to hypnotise, maybe this could be a branch or medicine a woman can become part of - or maybe it's just hokum.
Another great book by my favourite author/authors and just what I needed after a more difficult read.
#review
September 29, 2025
The fourth novel in the Will Raven and Sarah Fisher series sees them explore Spiritualism, Mesmerism and investigate the finding of multiple body parts. Will also has to deal with his strained relationship with his young son and his wife’s pregnancy while Sarah strikes up an unlikely relationship with someone who is not who he purports to be. Add to this the fact that Raven’s former nemesis Gregor aka Gargantua is dying and there are people who wish to profit from his death by claiming his body for medical research.
As can be seen from the above précis there are multiple plot lines but somehow they are all pulled together to produce a rip roaring finale where all is revealed.
Another gripping novel set in Victorian Edinburgh, in a series that just seems to get better and better.
As can be seen from the above précis there are multiple plot lines but somehow they are all pulled together to produce a rip roaring finale where all is revealed.
Another gripping novel set in Victorian Edinburgh, in a series that just seems to get better and better.
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