The Art of Dying

Raven, Fisher and Simpson, Book 2

By: Ambrose Parry

Narrated by: Louise Brealey, Bryan Dick, Jayne McKenna

Edinburgh, 1849. Despite being at the forefront of modern medicine, hordes of patients are dying all across the city, with doctors finding their remedies powerless. But it is not just the deaths that dismay the esteemed Dr James Simpson - a whispering campaign seeks to blame him for the death of a patient in suspicious circumstances.

Simpson's protégé Will Raven and former housemaid Sarah Fisher are determined to clear their patron's name. But with Raven battling against the dark side of his own nature, and Sarah endeavouring to expand her own medical knowledge beyond what society deems acceptable for a woman, the pair struggle to understand the cause of the deaths.

Will and Sarah must unite and plunge into Edinburgh's deadliest streets to clear Simpson's name. But soon they discover that the true cause of these deaths has evaded suspicion purely because it is so unthinkable.

©2019 Ambrose Parry (P)2019 Canongate Books Ltd

Even better than the first...

This second novel in the series was even better than the first one. I enjoyed the first novel quite a bit but this one feels as though, having gained experience from writing the first book, the writers (a married couple) have found what works for them as a writing team and are now hitting their stride. There was more prose, more flavor to this one; and as Raven gains some enlightenment from his unlikely friendship with his perceived rival, albeit a bit late, he becomes a more relatable protagonist.
Meanwhile, Sara does exactly what she wants to, regardless. Still the smartest character in the story, quietly thinking her way through the information as it comes to her and doing what she thinks is right.

Mystery and medical history make a good pair

Really enjoyed this book and the first in the series. I don’t usually read mysteries. I especially enjoyed the sense of place (mid19th century Edinburg), the emotional landscape of the characters and the women’s political history.

Excellent in all ways

This story is gripping, with great character development, historical information, and smart twists. The narrators are top notch. Highly recommended!