What do you think?
Rate this book
Raven, Fisher, and Simpson #2
The Art of Dying
Edinburgh, 1850. 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.
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.
416 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 29, 2019
About the author
Ambrose Parry
8 books369 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.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 568 reviews
August 6, 2019
We return to Victorian era Edinburgh with Ambrose Parry, aka the husband and wife writers, Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman, in this superb sequel to The Way of All Flesh. Will Raven has been expanding his horizons in Europe, increasing his medical knowledge and experience in Paris, Vienna, Leipzig and in Berlin where he and Henry are seriously assaulted at night. Now a qualified medic, he is looking forward to returning to Edinburgh and Sarah Fisher, as he accepts a position as assistant to his mentor, Dr James Young Simpson, much lauded after his discovery of the medical applications of chloroform. He expects nothing to have changed but he is to be rudely surprised, the biggest shock that Sarah is no longer a housemaid, but assisting Simpson, no longer living at the house, and has moved on from Will. Even though he had judged Sarah as an unsuitable woman for a man looking to secure a career as an established doctor, he is bereft at the loss of Sarah.
Simpson's reputation is being tarnished by some in the profession, blaming him for the death of a patient. Sarah wants Will to help her to challenge those impugning Simpson's reputation but Will refuses initially, not wanting to endanger his career. In the city, swathes of patients are dying at the hands of a mass murderer, with not a suspicion being raised. At first, Will labours under the misapprehension that a new malady is the source of the deaths but it is Sarah who begins to have the first inkling of the more horrifying truth, but an ambitious Will refuses to grant any credence to her theory. Sarah is facing challenging circumstances in her personal life, and a courageous, independent, dying female patient opens her eyes to the writings of Mary Wollstonecraft, equality for women, as she still dreams of training as a doctor. The conservative medical establishment is riddled with jealousies, rivalries, seething ambitious men, and slow to accept innovatory new practices, whilst refusing to countenance any thoughts of women becoming doctors. Will slowly begins to become aware that he is robbing himself of the life he ought to have if he lets his fears hold him back.
In an atmospheric narrative, Edinburgh itself holds centre stage as a main character, with its class distinctions and inequalities, the squalid conditions and dangers faced by the poor, the dark criminal underbelly, policing, the position of women, and the state of medical knowledge and practices of the era. The authors engage in skilful character development when it comes to both Will and Sarah, both of whom face major challenges in their lives, with major shifts in the way they think, for Sarah as she begins to envisage a future that she never would have entertained before and Will understanding that he should accept all that he is, as urged by Sarah and Gabriela. This is excellent and intelligent historical fiction, so well written, impressively researched with its rich authentic details and real life characters from the time, and above all else, it is such a gripping read. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Canongate for an ARC.
Simpson's reputation is being tarnished by some in the profession, blaming him for the death of a patient. Sarah wants Will to help her to challenge those impugning Simpson's reputation but Will refuses initially, not wanting to endanger his career. In the city, swathes of patients are dying at the hands of a mass murderer, with not a suspicion being raised. At first, Will labours under the misapprehension that a new malady is the source of the deaths but it is Sarah who begins to have the first inkling of the more horrifying truth, but an ambitious Will refuses to grant any credence to her theory. Sarah is facing challenging circumstances in her personal life, and a courageous, independent, dying female patient opens her eyes to the writings of Mary Wollstonecraft, equality for women, as she still dreams of training as a doctor. The conservative medical establishment is riddled with jealousies, rivalries, seething ambitious men, and slow to accept innovatory new practices, whilst refusing to countenance any thoughts of women becoming doctors. Will slowly begins to become aware that he is robbing himself of the life he ought to have if he lets his fears hold him back.
In an atmospheric narrative, Edinburgh itself holds centre stage as a main character, with its class distinctions and inequalities, the squalid conditions and dangers faced by the poor, the dark criminal underbelly, policing, the position of women, and the state of medical knowledge and practices of the era. The authors engage in skilful character development when it comes to both Will and Sarah, both of whom face major challenges in their lives, with major shifts in the way they think, for Sarah as she begins to envisage a future that she never would have entertained before and Will understanding that he should accept all that he is, as urged by Sarah and Gabriela. This is excellent and intelligent historical fiction, so well written, impressively researched with its rich authentic details and real life characters from the time, and above all else, it is such a gripping read. Highly recommended! Many thanks to Canongate for an ARC.
September 19, 2019
I looked forward to reading this second offering by Ambrose Perry, and my waitng patiently was rewarded.
Edinburgh in 1850 witnesses mysterious deaths of patients with similar symptoms, and Will Raven, after his return from Germany, hopes to identify an unknown disease that may make him famous. Sarah Fisher, now married to a doctor, still hopes to become a member of the medical profession and is supported by her husband. Will's and Sarah's paths cross, and together they manage to identify the silent murderer.
Ambrose Parry wrote another more than solid historical fiction, with a plot full of twists and turns, and again he managed to describe the dark atmosphere of Edinburgh and the world of the medicine in the mid-19th Scotland. I liked Sarah's independent spirit and her aspirations to become a doctor one day.
I suppose Book 2 may be read as a standalone, however, reading the previous instalment might provide more insight into Will's and Sarah's relationship.
Edinburgh in 1850 witnesses mysterious deaths of patients with similar symptoms, and Will Raven, after his return from Germany, hopes to identify an unknown disease that may make him famous. Sarah Fisher, now married to a doctor, still hopes to become a member of the medical profession and is supported by her husband. Will's and Sarah's paths cross, and together they manage to identify the silent murderer.
Ambrose Parry wrote another more than solid historical fiction, with a plot full of twists and turns, and again he managed to describe the dark atmosphere of Edinburgh and the world of the medicine in the mid-19th Scotland. I liked Sarah's independent spirit and her aspirations to become a doctor one day.
I suppose Book 2 may be read as a standalone, however, reading the previous instalment might provide more insight into Will's and Sarah's relationship.
April 18, 2020
As I’m interested in the history of medicine this is a book that appeals. ✔️ Set in Edinburgh? Another ✔️. Featuring Dr James Simpson of chloroform fame? ✔️ Brilliant characters in the aforementioned Simpson, Dr Will Raven and Sarah Fisher? ✔️ An intriguing mystery? ✔️ I could go on!! Will returns to Edinburgh after studying in various places in Europe and adding to his medical knowledge. He is now Simpson’s assistant. To his dismay Sarah is now married to the immensely likeable Dr Archie Banks. Simpson finds himself at the centre of controversy over the death of Mrs Johnstone with other doctors accusing him of causing her death ( this is based on fact) meanwhile a monster masquerading as an angel in hour of need is adding to her death tally. The story is told from various perspectives intriguingly interspersed with the killers thoughts. This is a really well written book which uses language appropriate to the century and is compulsive and gripping reading.
There is so much to admire in this book, the characters are masterfully crafted and spring of the page. There’s Simpson so full of life, energy and coiled like a spring. Will is very interesting with his inner turmoil and brawling, he ably defends himself with his Liston knife (Robert Liston, the high speed surgeon, check out his operation with 300% mortality rate!) and clever Sarah with her ambition to be a doctor. Other characters are equally colourful though some of very dubious intent. The chloroform debate is very interesting and it is central to a lot in this story which is full of twists and unexpected turns with key characters at risk. I also like the feminist aspect of the book too which is evident through Sarah who is encouraged both by Archie and patient Mrs Glassford. Female trail blazers in medicine and in literature inspire Sarah however, the accepted 19th attitude to women is firmly expressed by one unlikable female character.
Overall, I love this book which kept my interest from start to finish. This is a fascinating book that I will certainly remember and I’m very keen to find out where life takes Sarah and Will in the future. Highly recommended.
There is so much to admire in this book, the characters are masterfully crafted and spring of the page. There’s Simpson so full of life, energy and coiled like a spring. Will is very interesting with his inner turmoil and brawling, he ably defends himself with his Liston knife (Robert Liston, the high speed surgeon, check out his operation with 300% mortality rate!) and clever Sarah with her ambition to be a doctor. Other characters are equally colourful though some of very dubious intent. The chloroform debate is very interesting and it is central to a lot in this story which is full of twists and unexpected turns with key characters at risk. I also like the feminist aspect of the book too which is evident through Sarah who is encouraged both by Archie and patient Mrs Glassford. Female trail blazers in medicine and in literature inspire Sarah however, the accepted 19th attitude to women is firmly expressed by one unlikable female character.
Overall, I love this book which kept my interest from start to finish. This is a fascinating book that I will certainly remember and I’m very keen to find out where life takes Sarah and Will in the future. Highly recommended.
April 8, 2020
4.5 Stars
This is a powerful, well-researched book, and a sequel to The Ways of All Flesh. On the surface, it is a gripping, historical medical mystery, but it is much more than that. Set in Edinburgh, 1850, it details medical practices of that time and is based on some real-life historical characters. This atmospheric story highlights the squalid, unhygienic, dangerous lot of the poor, high infant mortality, infectious diseases, and inept policing procedures in a Victorian-era city teeming with criminality.
Conservative medical practices, jealousies and rivalries among ambitious doctors, their reluctance to accept innovative new practices and denial that deadly germs could be spread due to lack of sanitation prevailed. What stood out for me was social restrictions imposed on women and the lack of feminist advocates.
This works well as a standalone novel, but reading the first gives one a deeper understanding of recurring characters. Sarah had worked as a housemaid, but her keen intelligence, observations, and her study of medical texts while serving in the home of a prominent doctor, made this independent woman a valued assistant to her employer, Dr. James Simpson, renowned for his discovery of chloroform to alleviate pain during surgery. Even Sarah’s competent role as a medical assistant was frowned upon by society including other doctors and most patients. A woman doctor would not only be unacceptable but also unthinkable.
Will Raven had been apprenticed to Dr. Simpson. He had formed romantic feelings towards Sarah, but in his arrogance rejected marriage to her, feeling that she was below his social status, and such a marriage would impede his ambition to become a successful doctor.
Dr. Will Raven has now completed his medical requirements and has been expanding his knowledge by travelling to centres in Europe for a year, gaining insight from physicians and medical lecturers in cities he visited. Although he rejected marriage with Sarah, he still has feelings for her and is anxious to resume their relationship. He is anticipating a position as a doctor with his mentor, Dr. Simpson on his return to Edinburgh. To his chagrin, he learns that Sarah is now Dr. Simpson’s trusted assistant, but that she married during his absence. He is stunned to discover that her new husband is not only a doctor but a man who encourages his wife’s career in the medical field.
Dr. Simpson, having made a name for himself for his discovery of chloroform, is now having his reputation tarnished. He is finding himself unjustly accused of malpractice, causing the death of another doctor’s wife following surgery he performed. Sarah approaches Dr. Will Raven for help in restoring Dr. Simpson’s good reputation. Will is reluctant to work with Sarah in any capacity, being heartsick and jealous of her position as a doctor’s wife and her ongoing work as a medical assistant. Later, he relents, and they try to get to the cause of the rumours and put an end to them.
Meanwhile, there is a mysterious new illness that no one can diagnose and cure. It affects entire families killing all those afflicted over a period of time. Will regards this as an opportunity for fame and fortune. He hopes to find a cause and cure for this communicable new epidemic which he thinks will carry his name. Sarah suspects that a cunning serial killer is behind these deaths, arguing with Will that it is not a disease. Will finally realizes that the more vigilant Sarah is correct and that they now have a difficult, relentless task of solving this crime. Will takes a major step in his personal outlook as his arrogance diminishes.
As their relationship develops, I expected a different ending after all the twists and revelations. I was surprised and gratified by the next step in Sarah’s heroic story. I am anticipating a sequel focusing on the same main characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackthorn Books for this impressive novel in return for an honest review. Highly recommended.
This is a powerful, well-researched book, and a sequel to The Ways of All Flesh. On the surface, it is a gripping, historical medical mystery, but it is much more than that. Set in Edinburgh, 1850, it details medical practices of that time and is based on some real-life historical characters. This atmospheric story highlights the squalid, unhygienic, dangerous lot of the poor, high infant mortality, infectious diseases, and inept policing procedures in a Victorian-era city teeming with criminality.
Conservative medical practices, jealousies and rivalries among ambitious doctors, their reluctance to accept innovative new practices and denial that deadly germs could be spread due to lack of sanitation prevailed. What stood out for me was social restrictions imposed on women and the lack of feminist advocates.
This works well as a standalone novel, but reading the first gives one a deeper understanding of recurring characters. Sarah had worked as a housemaid, but her keen intelligence, observations, and her study of medical texts while serving in the home of a prominent doctor, made this independent woman a valued assistant to her employer, Dr. James Simpson, renowned for his discovery of chloroform to alleviate pain during surgery. Even Sarah’s competent role as a medical assistant was frowned upon by society including other doctors and most patients. A woman doctor would not only be unacceptable but also unthinkable.
Will Raven had been apprenticed to Dr. Simpson. He had formed romantic feelings towards Sarah, but in his arrogance rejected marriage to her, feeling that she was below his social status, and such a marriage would impede his ambition to become a successful doctor.
Dr. Will Raven has now completed his medical requirements and has been expanding his knowledge by travelling to centres in Europe for a year, gaining insight from physicians and medical lecturers in cities he visited. Although he rejected marriage with Sarah, he still has feelings for her and is anxious to resume their relationship. He is anticipating a position as a doctor with his mentor, Dr. Simpson on his return to Edinburgh. To his chagrin, he learns that Sarah is now Dr. Simpson’s trusted assistant, but that she married during his absence. He is stunned to discover that her new husband is not only a doctor but a man who encourages his wife’s career in the medical field.
Dr. Simpson, having made a name for himself for his discovery of chloroform, is now having his reputation tarnished. He is finding himself unjustly accused of malpractice, causing the death of another doctor’s wife following surgery he performed. Sarah approaches Dr. Will Raven for help in restoring Dr. Simpson’s good reputation. Will is reluctant to work with Sarah in any capacity, being heartsick and jealous of her position as a doctor’s wife and her ongoing work as a medical assistant. Later, he relents, and they try to get to the cause of the rumours and put an end to them.
Meanwhile, there is a mysterious new illness that no one can diagnose and cure. It affects entire families killing all those afflicted over a period of time. Will regards this as an opportunity for fame and fortune. He hopes to find a cause and cure for this communicable new epidemic which he thinks will carry his name. Sarah suspects that a cunning serial killer is behind these deaths, arguing with Will that it is not a disease. Will finally realizes that the more vigilant Sarah is correct and that they now have a difficult, relentless task of solving this crime. Will takes a major step in his personal outlook as his arrogance diminishes.
As their relationship develops, I expected a different ending after all the twists and revelations. I was surprised and gratified by the next step in Sarah’s heroic story. I am anticipating a sequel focusing on the same main characters.
Thanks to NetGalley and Blackthorn Books for this impressive novel in return for an honest review. Highly recommended.
November 26, 2020
The Art of Dying sweeps outwardly into a panoramic scope of life during the Victorian era. It was a time of incredible advancements in political and scientific philosophies and methods. The field of medicine was on the threshold of new surgical procedures and medications. But, alas, societal roles were still doomed in a timewarp of poverty, illiteracy, and male dominance.
But women like Sarah Fisher didn't wish to be placed in their place. Instead, Sarah left her lowly position of housemaid in the residence of Dr. James Simpson and became his medical assistant. Dr. Simpson recognized Sarah's voracious love of his medical library. She viewed procedures and became invaluable to him. But Sarah also knew that she would be limited in her pursuit of being a female physician in 1850 in Edinburg. Brilliant minds set adrift because of gender.
If you read the first installment, The Way of All Flesh, you would know that Sarah and Will Raven were deeply drawn to one another. Raven pursued his medical degree by traveling to Berlin, Paris, and Vienna. Misguided, Raven didn't wish to marry Sarah because of her being a former maid. But he's now returned to Edinburg as the assistant of Dr. Simpson. Much to his regret, Raven finds that Sarah has moved on.
A series of deaths in the city lead Raven and Sarah to believe that there is a disease or malady in their midst. But upon closer inspection, they realize that there is an evil doer behind these deaths. Their pursuit of this heinous individual may cause one of them to be counted among the fatalities.
The Art of Dying can read as a standalone, but I would encourage you to read the first book in this series, not only for background, but purely for enjoyment as well. This series has been created by the husband/wife team known as Ambrose Parry. There is remarkable research here and the Afterword informs us that many of the characters and situations were based on true facts. If you appreciate history, the Victorian era, and a striking observation of previous medical flaws leading to upward advancements, then The Art of Dying should be on your list. Superbly written with a deep injection of human behavior.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Black Thorn Publishing (Canongate Books) and to Ambrose Parry for the opportunity.
But women like Sarah Fisher didn't wish to be placed in their place. Instead, Sarah left her lowly position of housemaid in the residence of Dr. James Simpson and became his medical assistant. Dr. Simpson recognized Sarah's voracious love of his medical library. She viewed procedures and became invaluable to him. But Sarah also knew that she would be limited in her pursuit of being a female physician in 1850 in Edinburg. Brilliant minds set adrift because of gender.
If you read the first installment, The Way of All Flesh, you would know that Sarah and Will Raven were deeply drawn to one another. Raven pursued his medical degree by traveling to Berlin, Paris, and Vienna. Misguided, Raven didn't wish to marry Sarah because of her being a former maid. But he's now returned to Edinburg as the assistant of Dr. Simpson. Much to his regret, Raven finds that Sarah has moved on.
A series of deaths in the city lead Raven and Sarah to believe that there is a disease or malady in their midst. But upon closer inspection, they realize that there is an evil doer behind these deaths. Their pursuit of this heinous individual may cause one of them to be counted among the fatalities.
The Art of Dying can read as a standalone, but I would encourage you to read the first book in this series, not only for background, but purely for enjoyment as well. This series has been created by the husband/wife team known as Ambrose Parry. There is remarkable research here and the Afterword informs us that many of the characters and situations were based on true facts. If you appreciate history, the Victorian era, and a striking observation of previous medical flaws leading to upward advancements, then The Art of Dying should be on your list. Superbly written with a deep injection of human behavior.
I received a copy of this book through NetGalley for an honest review. My thanks to Black Thorn Publishing (Canongate Books) and to Ambrose Parry for the opportunity.
February 20, 2024
Records state that close to 170,000 people lived in Edinburgh in 1850. Having read this book, however, I now realise that the real number was somewhere closer to seven. Maybe I'm wrong - maybe there were fifteen, or even sixteen, people inhabiting the city. But there were surely no more than that. Any more, and it would be impossible to explain the number of times this book's main players inadvertently stumble upon one another's secrets and affairs during this relatively short novel. Because they stumble upon one another A LOT. Truly, no matter how carefully they hide their business or how deep they wander into the city's dark heart, their actions are almost guaranteed to be witnessed by another of their fellow characters. Except, of course, when it doesn't suit the plot. In which case, any one of the characters could somersault the length of the Royal Mile in a neon jumpsuit without anyone batting an eyelid.
I should have expected such contrivance; the first book in the series was just the same. But I picked this one up in the hope that Ambrose and Parry (not their real names) had toned things down since The Way of All Flesh. In fact, if anything, this second book was even more forced than the first.
Another huge contrivance was the unwillingness of Raven and Sarah to alert the authorities to the presence of a serial killer (who talks like a sort of pantomime Bond villain) who, they knew, had already committed at least ten murders. "If we are to take our suspicions to the authorities," Sarah tells Raven, "we need to build a case that would merit investigation. We need more than supposition and coincidence. People die all the time. How can we prove that she is killing them?"
There's a lot of dialogue like that, presumably a desperate attempt on the part of the authors to explain their characters' ridiculous decision to place further lives at risk by throwing on cloaks and setting off on a detective adventure. This annoyed me even more given that the characters in question are a teenage woman and a self-important man-child with zero experience of police work.
OK. I feel rude, so I shall stop now. First, however, a quick note to my future self: DO NOT PICK UP THE THIRD BOOK IN THIS SERIES, ANDY. YES, I KNOW IT SOUNDS REALLY GOOD BUT YOU DEFINITELY WON'T LIKE IT, AND YOU KNOW YOU FEEL GUILTY WHEN YOU LEAVE BAD REVIEWS ON THIS SITE. SO PUT IT DOWN. PUT. IT. DOWN.
There you go. Good boy.
Idiot.
I should have expected such contrivance; the first book in the series was just the same. But I picked this one up in the hope that Ambrose and Parry (not their real names) had toned things down since The Way of All Flesh. In fact, if anything, this second book was even more forced than the first.
Another huge contrivance was the unwillingness of Raven and Sarah to alert the authorities to the presence of a serial killer (who talks like a sort of pantomime Bond villain) who, they knew, had already committed at least ten murders. "If we are to take our suspicions to the authorities," Sarah tells Raven, "we need to build a case that would merit investigation. We need more than supposition and coincidence. People die all the time. How can we prove that she is killing them?"
There's a lot of dialogue like that, presumably a desperate attempt on the part of the authors to explain their characters' ridiculous decision to place further lives at risk by throwing on cloaks and setting off on a detective adventure. This annoyed me even more given that the characters in question are a teenage woman and a self-important man-child with zero experience of police work.
OK. I feel rude, so I shall stop now. First, however, a quick note to my future self: DO NOT PICK UP THE THIRD BOOK IN THIS SERIES, ANDY. YES, I KNOW IT SOUNDS REALLY GOOD BUT YOU DEFINITELY WON'T LIKE IT, AND YOU KNOW YOU FEEL GUILTY WHEN YOU LEAVE BAD REVIEWS ON THIS SITE. SO PUT IT DOWN. PUT. IT. DOWN.
There you go. Good boy.
Idiot.
October 17, 2020
The first book in this series is The Way of All Flesh and it got almost 4.000 ratings on Goodreads alone. I read and reviewed the book in October 2018 and I just loved it. Book two takes us back to Edinburgh – of course, because all three main characters return in this story. Will Raven travelled through Europe to learn from the best doctors at the best universities. When Dr Simpson offers him the position of assistant however, he is very keen to accept. The first disappointment for him is that Sarah is no longer the clever and lovable house maid. She has a whole other position now and Will realizes that maybe not asking her to marry him earlier was a mistake. The second disappointment is that Will, although he’s learned a lot, is still treated as a mere assistant by Dr Simpson, who goes on treating patients the way he always did. Only now, chloroform seems to play a bigger role in every treatment.
It doesn’t take long before Will and Sarah have to set out together again to find out why whole families are dying. Sarah is hindered by the fact she’s a woman – although she’s learned that in America, there are already female doctors, in Scotland she can be never more than a nurse. Nothing wrong with being a nurse, but she aims higher. Will is hindered by the fact that he, too, sometimes attributes Sarah’s findings to her being a woman, not to clever thinking.
Apart from the fact that this book is an interesting mystery, has brilliant characters and deals with ‘modern’ medicine, it is the writing style that I like the most. So flowing, so beautiful, so attractive. I had to look up some words so it’s educational too. Next to that, we learn a lot about society during the mid-nineteenth century. At one point, there is a remark regarding women taking their husbands’ last names. Apparently this was not always the case. I’m curious as to why this changed in later years, so that there are still countries now where a married woman has to give up her own identity and cannot be found anymore under her birth name. It’s a small thing but I like discovering small bits of information like this in a book, especially in historical fiction.
There is a lot going on in this story but we also see the characters developing even more than they did in the first book. I sincerely hope to read the third book in this series soon.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
It doesn’t take long before Will and Sarah have to set out together again to find out why whole families are dying. Sarah is hindered by the fact she’s a woman – although she’s learned that in America, there are already female doctors, in Scotland she can be never more than a nurse. Nothing wrong with being a nurse, but she aims higher. Will is hindered by the fact that he, too, sometimes attributes Sarah’s findings to her being a woman, not to clever thinking.
Apart from the fact that this book is an interesting mystery, has brilliant characters and deals with ‘modern’ medicine, it is the writing style that I like the most. So flowing, so beautiful, so attractive. I had to look up some words so it’s educational too. Next to that, we learn a lot about society during the mid-nineteenth century. At one point, there is a remark regarding women taking their husbands’ last names. Apparently this was not always the case. I’m curious as to why this changed in later years, so that there are still countries now where a married woman has to give up her own identity and cannot be found anymore under her birth name. It’s a small thing but I like discovering small bits of information like this in a book, especially in historical fiction.
There is a lot going on in this story but we also see the characters developing even more than they did in the first book. I sincerely hope to read the third book in this series soon.
Thanks to Netgalley for this digital review copy.
August 25, 2019
“Nobody knows the value of a life who has not ended one…”
Having enjoyed, “The Way of All Flesh,” I was delighted to read the second in this series, written by Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman. The novel begins in Berlin. It is 1849 and Will Raven is touring, and studying, in Europe with his friend, Henry. After the men are attacked, Raven is, at first, relieved to be returning to Edinburgh, where he has accepted a post as Dr Simpson’s assistant.
Raven has hoped that everything would remain the same, when he returns, but things have changed in Queen Street. Dr Simpson has been accused of negligence, money has gone missing and the new maid is suspected. For, to Raven’s surprise, Sarah Fisher has moved on. With some arrogance, Raven had decided that Sarah’s status was too low for her to be considered as a wife, but his nose is put out of joint when he returns to find that she has married and that her husband, a doctor, is happy for her to continue her work assisting Dr Simpson.
Meanwhile, there is a murderer abroad and one that nobody suspects. Well, not until Sarah questions the sudden spate of unexplained deaths in the city. This is a series which is not only entertaining, but explores Sarah’s awakening and her changed status and understanding of where her life can take her, is fascinating to read. An interesting series and I look forward to reading on. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
Having enjoyed, “The Way of All Flesh,” I was delighted to read the second in this series, written by Chris Brookmyre and Marisa Haetzman. The novel begins in Berlin. It is 1849 and Will Raven is touring, and studying, in Europe with his friend, Henry. After the men are attacked, Raven is, at first, relieved to be returning to Edinburgh, where he has accepted a post as Dr Simpson’s assistant.
Raven has hoped that everything would remain the same, when he returns, but things have changed in Queen Street. Dr Simpson has been accused of negligence, money has gone missing and the new maid is suspected. For, to Raven’s surprise, Sarah Fisher has moved on. With some arrogance, Raven had decided that Sarah’s status was too low for her to be considered as a wife, but his nose is put out of joint when he returns to find that she has married and that her husband, a doctor, is happy for her to continue her work assisting Dr Simpson.
Meanwhile, there is a murderer abroad and one that nobody suspects. Well, not until Sarah questions the sudden spate of unexplained deaths in the city. This is a series which is not only entertaining, but explores Sarah’s awakening and her changed status and understanding of where her life can take her, is fascinating to read. An interesting series and I look forward to reading on. I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via NetGalley, for review.
August 27, 2019
The Art of Dying is the second historical mystery collaboration between established thriller writer Christopher Brookmyre and his anaesthetist wife Marisa Haetzman, and follows last years’ The Way of All Flesh, which was brilliant, and this one is just as good. While it’s not essential to read the first one to enjoy this, as there is sufficient backstory, the characters will make much more sense if you read them in order.
1849, and Will Raven, now qualified as a doctor, returns to Edinburgh from a tour of European medical schools following an attack, to assume the now vacant position of assistant obstetrician at Prof Simpson’s house. He is dismayed to discover that Sarah Fisher, for whom he had suppressed his romantic feelings because of her lowly status as a housemaid, is now married to another doctor and is working with Simpson. Sarah still dreams of a career in medicine but the staid Edinburgh establishment makes this impossible.
When jealous competitors start spreading rumours about Simpson’s role in the recent death of a patient, Sarah is determined to promote the truth, but little do they know that a serial killer is actually responsible...
The story is told in a mixture of traditional third person past, and the first person viewpoint of the killer, which works very well as we gradually discover what turned her into a cold-blooded poisoner. I had fun guessing the medical diagnoses and twists before they were revealed, but the limitations of treatment available and high mortality were a stark reminder of how lucky we are with what’s available now.
The afterword reveals which characters were based on true historical figures and what inspired the story. The vivid descriptions of Victorian Edinburgh, with it’s hypocrisy, snobbery and social restrictions coexisting with the grinding poverty and casual violence of the lives of the working classes, truly brought the world portrayed to life, and remind us of the heroism of those few doctors willing to treat all comers regardless of ability to pay. For Britons who have only ever known the NHS, it’s a sobering illustration of the reality for people in most of the rest of the world. But fear not, this is no worthy morality tale, but a superbly written, highly enjoyable crime thriller.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc which allowed me to give an honest review. The Art of Dying is published on 29th August.
1849, and Will Raven, now qualified as a doctor, returns to Edinburgh from a tour of European medical schools following an attack, to assume the now vacant position of assistant obstetrician at Prof Simpson’s house. He is dismayed to discover that Sarah Fisher, for whom he had suppressed his romantic feelings because of her lowly status as a housemaid, is now married to another doctor and is working with Simpson. Sarah still dreams of a career in medicine but the staid Edinburgh establishment makes this impossible.
When jealous competitors start spreading rumours about Simpson’s role in the recent death of a patient, Sarah is determined to promote the truth, but little do they know that a serial killer is actually responsible...
The story is told in a mixture of traditional third person past, and the first person viewpoint of the killer, which works very well as we gradually discover what turned her into a cold-blooded poisoner. I had fun guessing the medical diagnoses and twists before they were revealed, but the limitations of treatment available and high mortality were a stark reminder of how lucky we are with what’s available now.
The afterword reveals which characters were based on true historical figures and what inspired the story. The vivid descriptions of Victorian Edinburgh, with it’s hypocrisy, snobbery and social restrictions coexisting with the grinding poverty and casual violence of the lives of the working classes, truly brought the world portrayed to life, and remind us of the heroism of those few doctors willing to treat all comers regardless of ability to pay. For Britons who have only ever known the NHS, it’s a sobering illustration of the reality for people in most of the rest of the world. But fear not, this is no worthy morality tale, but a superbly written, highly enjoyable crime thriller.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc which allowed me to give an honest review. The Art of Dying is published on 29th August.
October 27, 2019
The art of Dying in the second Ambrose Perry mystery—the first, The Way of All Flesh, was published in August 2018. The novels are set in mid-19th Century Edinburgh's medical community. Both novels feature Will Raven and Sarah Fisher. Will is a young physician with ambitions. Sarah is an exceptionally intelligent former housemaid, who despite her sex has become an assistant to well-known physician, Dr. Simpson. the Way of All Flesh was a solid read, but the Art of Dying has surpassed it, in terms of the central mystery, pacing, and character development. Once I was well into the book, I couldn't put it down. Yes, reviewers say that a lot, but I mean it.
In The Art of Dying, Sarah and Will stumble onto a surprising number of deaths, all associated with one nurse. Will pursues these cases in hopes of discovering a new disease and making his name. Sarah suspects something more sinister.
The characters range from Edinburgh society to its slums and its criminals. Some jealous doctors are attempting to stain Dr. Simpson's reputation, Will is feeling increasingly trapped by a debt he owes Edinburgh's most notorious loan shark. Sarah finds herself pregnant as it becomes clear that her new husband has terminal cancer.
Pick up this title for the excitement it provides, the fascinating glimpse into a specific moment in medical history, and the characters who you will come to care about deeply.
In The Art of Dying, Sarah and Will stumble onto a surprising number of deaths, all associated with one nurse. Will pursues these cases in hopes of discovering a new disease and making his name. Sarah suspects something more sinister.
The characters range from Edinburgh society to its slums and its criminals. Some jealous doctors are attempting to stain Dr. Simpson's reputation, Will is feeling increasingly trapped by a debt he owes Edinburgh's most notorious loan shark. Sarah finds herself pregnant as it becomes clear that her new husband has terminal cancer.
Pick up this title for the excitement it provides, the fascinating glimpse into a specific moment in medical history, and the characters who you will come to care about deeply.
August 22, 2019
thanks to netgalley and the publishers for a free copy in return for open and honest review
enjoyed this latest in the series a medical crime thriller based in 1849 Edinburgh and liked the part of the enlightened woman in the book some of the plot is based on actual events but its fast paced and drew me in until the end of the novel
enjoyed this latest in the series a medical crime thriller based in 1849 Edinburgh and liked the part of the enlightened woman in the book some of the plot is based on actual events but its fast paced and drew me in until the end of the novel
January 4, 2023
I enjoyed the first novel in this series, The Way of All Flesh, but this second instalment is truly superb.
Set in Edinburgh in the 1850s, newly qualified doctor Will Raven and former housemaid and medical assistant Sarah Fisher meet again a year after the events of the previous book, but things have changed for both of them. Working again for respected Dr Simpson, they have to cope with bitter rivalry amongst the Edinburgh medical profession, the local gangster and a spate of mysterious deaths.
The authors build a gripping plot with fully-fleshed characters in a tale with several parallel themes.
Highly recommended.
Set in Edinburgh in the 1850s, newly qualified doctor Will Raven and former housemaid and medical assistant Sarah Fisher meet again a year after the events of the previous book, but things have changed for both of them. Working again for respected Dr Simpson, they have to cope with bitter rivalry amongst the Edinburgh medical profession, the local gangster and a spate of mysterious deaths.
The authors build a gripping plot with fully-fleshed characters in a tale with several parallel themes.
Highly recommended.
December 22, 2021
Second book in the series that uses a dual point of view for the mystery.
December 31, 2019
We're revisiting Edinburgh in 1850, patients are dying and doctors are powerless to relieve their pain. Our lovely Dr. James Simpson is well and kicking but facing a little smear compaign aiming to blame him for a patient's death by negligence. So, as usual, the famous duo, Sarah and Will are taking it on themselves to prove his innocence and find out about the suspicious deaths.
Did I enjoy The Art of Dying as much as The Way of All Flesh?
No, not at all.
Here's why:
1st: Will Raven, the pompous, pain in the neck, self absorbed doctor. Nothing and I mean nothing has changed about him. Now he's adding remorse to all of the above. It was just umbearable.
2nd: The love triangle, it didn't have its place, not in this kind of books.
3rd: The love is in the air between Will and Sarah. It was okay in the first book, just little hints and some paragraphs, but in this one it made a great part of the telling which really annoyed me because I was looking forward to read a mystery not a romance.
4th: Where's the investigation? The clues? The action? This felt more like it was about detailing the lives of the characters, not the mysterious deaths. There is no problem in knowing the background of the main characters or how they feel or think or react, but this was the principal subjet in the book making the mystery secondary.
5th: The end, why was it rushed? It felt like something is missing and I couldn't put my finger on it.
The good thing was the egalitarian hint the author dropped and how much women were underestimated and considered incapable of being intellectual. And also the fact that not all men or male doctors thaught that and that they were encouraging women to fully purssue their dreams and goals.
All in all, the plot was very original and I couldn't wait for how Sarah and Will were going to deal with it but unfortunately, I was disappointed.
"There is not a woman in this realm who does not understand what it is to be afraid. No, not even she who reigns over us, for she was not born sovereign. She was born a girl, and that is why I can be sure that even she has known the fear and the helplessness of being subject to man’s dominion. Every woman has felt the fear that derives from her own weakness before men whose greater power derives from a stature that is not merely physical.
"Many men have held power over me. They were not great men. Oftentimes they were not even strong men. For in this world, you need be neither of those things to exercise your will upon the weak and helpless. Or at least upon those who have come to believe that they are weak and helpless."
"In my life I have learned much about treachery and deceit, but surely the cowardliest trick of all is that of persuading someone that they have no power when you know the opposite to be true."
"In order to survive, it is thus vital that a woman should learn to assuage her fear; she must recognise and harness her power. But this must be done with subtlety. Without intimidation. Without overt threat. It is the lot of remarkable women that the world will not know our names: that we might not take the true plaudits for our achievements, though they outstrip the deeds of men.
"True opportunity is by its nature fleeting and must be seized before it evades one’s grasp."
"I have never found that death or disease discriminate in such a way,’ she said. ‘Good and bad, rich and poor, the sinner and the righteous man: all are vulnerable. No one is protected. And I don’t believe that you are being punished. As far as I am concerned, you have done nothing to deserve such a thing. You simply lived your life as you wanted to, and I can see no fault in that. The sin is that more of us do not do likewise."
"You miss my meaning. The consolation of my plight is the clarity it affords, to see what is truly important and to help others see it. We make different decisions when we know life is short. And yet life is always short, for all of us.
Did I enjoy The Art of Dying as much as The Way of All Flesh?
No, not at all.
Here's why:
1st: Will Raven, the pompous, pain in the neck, self absorbed doctor. Nothing and I mean nothing has changed about him. Now he's adding remorse to all of the above. It was just umbearable.
2nd: The love triangle, it didn't have its place, not in this kind of books.
3rd: The love is in the air between Will and Sarah. It was okay in the first book, just little hints and some paragraphs, but in this one it made a great part of the telling which really annoyed me because I was looking forward to read a mystery not a romance.
4th: Where's the investigation? The clues? The action? This felt more like it was about detailing the lives of the characters, not the mysterious deaths. There is no problem in knowing the background of the main characters or how they feel or think or react, but this was the principal subjet in the book making the mystery secondary.
5th: The end, why was it rushed? It felt like something is missing and I couldn't put my finger on it.
The good thing was the egalitarian hint the author dropped and how much women were underestimated and considered incapable of being intellectual. And also the fact that not all men or male doctors thaught that and that they were encouraging women to fully purssue their dreams and goals.
All in all, the plot was very original and I couldn't wait for how Sarah and Will were going to deal with it but unfortunately, I was disappointed.
"There is not a woman in this realm who does not understand what it is to be afraid. No, not even she who reigns over us, for she was not born sovereign. She was born a girl, and that is why I can be sure that even she has known the fear and the helplessness of being subject to man’s dominion. Every woman has felt the fear that derives from her own weakness before men whose greater power derives from a stature that is not merely physical.
"Many men have held power over me. They were not great men. Oftentimes they were not even strong men. For in this world, you need be neither of those things to exercise your will upon the weak and helpless. Or at least upon those who have come to believe that they are weak and helpless."
"In my life I have learned much about treachery and deceit, but surely the cowardliest trick of all is that of persuading someone that they have no power when you know the opposite to be true."
"In order to survive, it is thus vital that a woman should learn to assuage her fear; she must recognise and harness her power. But this must be done with subtlety. Without intimidation. Without overt threat. It is the lot of remarkable women that the world will not know our names: that we might not take the true plaudits for our achievements, though they outstrip the deeds of men.
"True opportunity is by its nature fleeting and must be seized before it evades one’s grasp."
"I have never found that death or disease discriminate in such a way,’ she said. ‘Good and bad, rich and poor, the sinner and the righteous man: all are vulnerable. No one is protected. And I don’t believe that you are being punished. As far as I am concerned, you have done nothing to deserve such a thing. You simply lived your life as you wanted to, and I can see no fault in that. The sin is that more of us do not do likewise."
"You miss my meaning. The consolation of my plight is the clarity it affords, to see what is truly important and to help others see it. We make different decisions when we know life is short. And yet life is always short, for all of us.
November 25, 2021
Having not read the series' first part, I assumed I'd miss out on some major chunk of story but thankfully the author points out everything we need to know in the second book's plot.
What initially attracted me to the book was a) its relation to the medical community that I also am a part of; b) medicine of 1800s sounded like a good enough read.
And the book didn't disappoint.
The The Art of Dying, it is one of those books with writing so smooth and calm, you just keep on reading and it gets more beautiful with every page.
And the story? Very engaging, very 'thrill-full', a page turner really.
I loved the women empowerment themes this book held. It was amazing to see that all men around Sarah were good people, better people.
And the book made me realize time and again about how privileged we are to be born in this era, where struggle is significantly less for a women (mostly). alhamdulillah.
What initially attracted me to the book was a) its relation to the medical community that I also am a part of; b) medicine of 1800s sounded like a good enough read.
And the book didn't disappoint.
The The Art of Dying, it is one of those books with writing so smooth and calm, you just keep on reading and it gets more beautiful with every page.
And the story? Very engaging, very 'thrill-full', a page turner really.
I loved the women empowerment themes this book held. It was amazing to see that all men around Sarah were good people, better people.
And the book made me realize time and again about how privileged we are to be born in this era, where struggle is significantly less for a women (mostly). alhamdulillah.
December 28, 2020
Raven, Fisher and Simpson 2
Edinburgh 1850: Despite being at the forefront of modern medicine, hordes of patients are dying all over the city, with doctors finding their remedies powerless. But itss not just the deaths that dism Dr James Simpson - a whispering campagin seeks to blame him for the death of a patient in suspicious circumstances. Simpsons protege Will Raven and former housemaid Sarah Fisher are determined to clear their ptrons name.
i have not read the first book in this series, The Way Of All Flesh but i will rectify that soon. Many of the characters in this book actually existed. Fact and fiction are b,ended together seamlessly making an informative read. The descrioptions of the prostitutes, criminals and desperately poor people give an insight to how people lived in Scotlands capital city. Will and Sarah are great characters, they are not without their faults and that makes them more believable. The amount of medical knowledge and the history of Dr Simpson show that this book has been well researched.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Cannongate and the author Ambrose Perry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Edinburgh 1850: Despite being at the forefront of modern medicine, hordes of patients are dying all over the city, with doctors finding their remedies powerless. But itss not just the deaths that dism Dr James Simpson - a whispering campagin seeks to blame him for the death of a patient in suspicious circumstances. Simpsons protege Will Raven and former housemaid Sarah Fisher are determined to clear their ptrons name.
i have not read the first book in this series, The Way Of All Flesh but i will rectify that soon. Many of the characters in this book actually existed. Fact and fiction are b,ended together seamlessly making an informative read. The descrioptions of the prostitutes, criminals and desperately poor people give an insight to how people lived in Scotlands capital city. Will and Sarah are great characters, they are not without their faults and that makes them more believable. The amount of medical knowledge and the history of Dr Simpson show that this book has been well researched.
I would like to thank NetGalley, Cannongate and the author Ambrose Perry for my ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2023
Raven returns to Edinburgh to be an assistant to Dr Simpson but much has changed since he left. Sarah who Raven couldn’t commit to is married and Dr Simpsons reputation is under scrutiny, as well as the discovery of a nurse who’s patients all die in mysterious circumstances. Another well written book following great characters with a flurry of an ending. Highly recommend this series for those who have been to Edinburgh as it captures the essence of the city in the past .
February 20, 2023
So much more psychotic than the first and oh my god the TWISTS. So ready for book three… when I can afford it
July 5, 2019
Really enjoyed this! Excellent Victorian crime novel which mixes in comment on the position of women in 19th-century society (and medicine) with a a great deal of gripping plot. I'm ashamed to admit that I have yet to read the first novel, so I'd better correct that as soon as I can. I loved getting to know Will and Sarah. Review to follow shortly on For Winter Nights.
January 15, 2020
Reviewed for Books and livres
This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, there it is :
Last year, I read "The way of all flesh", book #1 of this series borrowed at my library, and really loved it, so when I saw book #2 on Netgalley, I had to get it ! And I devoured it in one day.
I wasn't disappointed at all : complex, varied characters, nobody is black and white, the construction of a monster was gripping and I really didn't see how Will was going to get away from all his troubles !
It's funny the parallel between Will, who is trying to build his career and who is very careful about what others might think of him (a doctor's reputation is everything) and Sarah who wants to make her way into life by upsetting traditions. It's also funny how their past shape people in a different way - see the difference between Will and Mary despite the both of them growing up with an alcoholic father.
What also attracts me is that Sarah doesn't act like she's expected to, waiting/languishing for Will : she takes action and follows her dreams and I like that !
This book was provided by Netgalley in exchange for an honest review, there it is :
Last year, I read "The way of all flesh", book #1 of this series borrowed at my library, and really loved it, so when I saw book #2 on Netgalley, I had to get it ! And I devoured it in one day.
I wasn't disappointed at all : complex, varied characters, nobody is black and white, the construction of a monster was gripping and I really didn't see how Will was going to get away from all his troubles !
It's funny the parallel between Will, who is trying to build his career and who is very careful about what others might think of him (a doctor's reputation is everything) and Sarah who wants to make her way into life by upsetting traditions. It's also funny how their past shape people in a different way - see the difference between Will and Mary despite the both of them growing up with an alcoholic father.
What also attracts me is that Sarah doesn't act like she's expected to, waiting/languishing for Will : she takes action and follows her dreams and I like that !
September 24, 2020
What a great book! An excellent sequel to The Way of All Flesh which I also loved. I feel like a lot of research went into the writing of this book, as well as the first book, because it seems so realistic and I was transported once again back to 19th Century Edinburgh. The characters are very well-developed and the writing is just superb. The story gripped me from beginning to end. I loved seeing Raven develop and mature and I was intensely proud of Sarah at the end if she follows through. I see Book 3 is waiting in the wings and I'm really looking forward to it. Highly recommended series.
October 1, 2019
This novel takes place just over a year after its predecessor, the excellent The Way Of All Flesh left off. After a period studying abroad in Paris, Vienna and Berlin, Will Raven returns to Edinburgh to take up the post of chief assistant to his mentor Dr. James Simpson, a pioneer in the use of chloroform as an anaesthetic.
Much to Will’s chagrin, his on-off relationship with former housemaid Sarah Fisher seems to have taken a turn for the worse. However, once again, Sarah and Will find they have to unite to overcome a whispering campaign by rival doctors against Dr. Simpson blaming him for the needless death of one of his patients. It turns out this patient is one of several to have died in a similar fashion and, although, there are early indications of who the real culprit is, there are still plenty of shocks and surprises along the way. Once again, Will and Sarah find themselves in life-threatening situations.
As with The Way Of All Flesh, this novel frequently focuses on the dark and dangerous world of Edinburgh’s 19th century underclass and the difficulties of intelligent and ambitious women to get ahead in a male-dominated society. Another excellent addition to, what I hope, is a continuing series.
Much to Will’s chagrin, his on-off relationship with former housemaid Sarah Fisher seems to have taken a turn for the worse. However, once again, Sarah and Will find they have to unite to overcome a whispering campaign by rival doctors against Dr. Simpson blaming him for the needless death of one of his patients. It turns out this patient is one of several to have died in a similar fashion and, although, there are early indications of who the real culprit is, there are still plenty of shocks and surprises along the way. Once again, Will and Sarah find themselves in life-threatening situations.
As with The Way Of All Flesh, this novel frequently focuses on the dark and dangerous world of Edinburgh’s 19th century underclass and the difficulties of intelligent and ambitious women to get ahead in a male-dominated society. Another excellent addition to, what I hope, is a continuing series.
September 2, 2019
The Art of Dying is the follow-up to Ambrose Parry's critically-acclaimed The Way of All Flesh in this thrilling medical crime series set in Victorian Edinburgh and featuring Dr Will Raven. It's a brilliant read with enough drama, mystery, medical shenanigans and vivid description of 1850s Edinburgh to keep even the most demanding reader satisfied. It's historical fiction at its finest with great attention to detail and nothing being left to chance. Well written and beautifully plotted, the atmosphere the husband and wife writing team creates is astonishing; you can almost smell, taste and see all of the delights the Scottish capital had to offer.
Just like the first book, there is a lot discussed about the role of women at that moment in time which highlights how far we have come in terms of equality between the sexes but sadly also indicates exactly how far we still have to go. I am not that fond of main character Will as he is quite snobby and narcissistic but he is beautifully developed and appears to have grown on me a little at least. You can tell the authors have extensive knowledge of the time period and this goes into making the novel as realistic and authentic as possible. With the conclusion being quite open-ended it looks like a third instalment could be in store. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canongate for an ARC.
Just like the first book, there is a lot discussed about the role of women at that moment in time which highlights how far we have come in terms of equality between the sexes but sadly also indicates exactly how far we still have to go. I am not that fond of main character Will as he is quite snobby and narcissistic but he is beautifully developed and appears to have grown on me a little at least. You can tell the authors have extensive knowledge of the time period and this goes into making the novel as realistic and authentic as possible. With the conclusion being quite open-ended it looks like a third instalment could be in store. Highly recommended. Many thanks to Canongate for an ARC.
June 16, 2023
Azonnal folytattam a megkezdett sorozatot, ami továbbra is tetszik, de ezzel a résszel sem voltam maradéktalanul elégedett. A második kötetek már csak ilyenek! A szerelmi szál – bár érdekes fordulatokat tartogat – még mindig nem az igazi, és ezúttal jóval kevesebb volt a szülészeti eset is, kevésbé érdekes az orvosi vonal. Lassan és körülményesen haladt Will és Sarah nyomozása, de azért okozott meglepetést, és volt a végén csavar. Sok minden függőben maradt, ezért várom a lezárást nagyon!
January 14, 2021
I enjoyed the first book in the series, The Way of All Flesh, but recall thinking it lacked a little pace, especially in the early part of the book. No such criticism can be levelled at The Art of Dying. The inclusion of that device much beloved by authors of contemporary thrillers – a chilling prologue and occasional chapters by a mystery narrator – inject a real sense of tension. At the same time, The Art of Dying retains all the period atmosphere that was such an admirable feature of its predecessor.
For Will Raven and Sarah Fisher much has changed since the first book. After a year spent studying in Europe, Will is now Dr. Raven and is no longer Dr. James Simpson’s apprentice but his assistant. And Sarah is no longer a servant in the Simpson household but helps Dr. Simpson with the patients who attend his clinic. The changes in her personal life have been no less significant.
However, much has also stayed the same. Will still battles to control ‘the devil inside him’ and his fear he is destined to meet a violent end. Oh, and his return to Edinburgh has not escaped the notice of a rather formidable former enemy. When it comes to the world of medicine however, Will is disappointed to find a reluctance to embrace some of the new surgical practices he learned about during his time abroad. As for Sarah, she still retains her thirst for knowledge and chafes at the constraints she perceives society imposes on independent-minded women like herself who yearn to pursue a career. As she observes, “She was a conundrum, representing a deviation from the norm that seemed to cause a degree of disquiet in the bosoms of those wedded to the notion of a rigorously imposed social hierarchy”.
I’m pleased to say what definitely hasn’t changed is the spark of attraction between Will and Sarah that looked likely to ignite in the first book but was seemingly snuffed out by the then difference in their social status. However, Will and Sarah are united in their feelings of loyalty to Dr. Simpson and are soon engaged in investigating a series of unexplained deaths. Since one of the victims was a patient of Dr. Simpson, it has given rise to accusations of malpractice against him. As their enquiries progress, the reader may believe they know exactly who the culprit is but there are times when it’s wise to wait for a second opinion or to revisit your initial diagnosis.
The Art of Dying is a skilful combination of intricately plotted mystery, engaging leading characters and great period atmosphere. Just what the doctor ordered! In fact, I’m hoping for a repeat prescription before too long.
For Will Raven and Sarah Fisher much has changed since the first book. After a year spent studying in Europe, Will is now Dr. Raven and is no longer Dr. James Simpson’s apprentice but his assistant. And Sarah is no longer a servant in the Simpson household but helps Dr. Simpson with the patients who attend his clinic. The changes in her personal life have been no less significant.
However, much has also stayed the same. Will still battles to control ‘the devil inside him’ and his fear he is destined to meet a violent end. Oh, and his return to Edinburgh has not escaped the notice of a rather formidable former enemy. When it comes to the world of medicine however, Will is disappointed to find a reluctance to embrace some of the new surgical practices he learned about during his time abroad. As for Sarah, she still retains her thirst for knowledge and chafes at the constraints she perceives society imposes on independent-minded women like herself who yearn to pursue a career. As she observes, “She was a conundrum, representing a deviation from the norm that seemed to cause a degree of disquiet in the bosoms of those wedded to the notion of a rigorously imposed social hierarchy”.
I’m pleased to say what definitely hasn’t changed is the spark of attraction between Will and Sarah that looked likely to ignite in the first book but was seemingly snuffed out by the then difference in their social status. However, Will and Sarah are united in their feelings of loyalty to Dr. Simpson and are soon engaged in investigating a series of unexplained deaths. Since one of the victims was a patient of Dr. Simpson, it has given rise to accusations of malpractice against him. As their enquiries progress, the reader may believe they know exactly who the culprit is but there are times when it’s wise to wait for a second opinion or to revisit your initial diagnosis.
The Art of Dying is a skilful combination of intricately plotted mystery, engaging leading characters and great period atmosphere. Just what the doctor ordered! In fact, I’m hoping for a repeat prescription before too long.
February 5, 2020
I did not read the first book. This tale starts out in 1849 Berlin but then shifts to Edinburgh and includes fictionalized accounts of some real people including a female serial killer. The narrative of events is interrupted throughout with the voice from Mary Dempster, the killer, who is able to work her deeds as a nurse caring for the infirm. The other character is a doctor from Edinburgh who is credited with the first use of chloroform as anesthetic.
Enough information is shared about the character Raven and his previous admiration for the character Sarah to fill in the blanks for those who did not read the first book. Raven has Sarah on his mind when he returns to work for Dr. Simpson in Edinburgh and is surprised to find she is married to a doctor.
Raven and Sarah team up to investigate deaths of many patients and Sarah is the first to determine the killer.
There is a detached creator of characters in the writing of this book so I had no investment in any of the many and varied characters. I will not go back to read the first book of the series. It is a handsome hardback book.
The prominent theme throughout the book was female empowerment. It opens and closes the book.
Library Loan
Enough information is shared about the character Raven and his previous admiration for the character Sarah to fill in the blanks for those who did not read the first book. Raven has Sarah on his mind when he returns to work for Dr. Simpson in Edinburgh and is surprised to find she is married to a doctor.
Raven and Sarah team up to investigate deaths of many patients and Sarah is the first to determine the killer.
There is a detached creator of characters in the writing of this book so I had no investment in any of the many and varied characters. I will not go back to read the first book of the series. It is a handsome hardback book.
The prominent theme throughout the book was female empowerment. It opens and closes the book.
Library Loan
August 11, 2021
I came to this one with high hopes after the first book in the series but The Art of Dying ended up as a damp squib for me.
There are a lot of things that eroded my enjoyment of this book. Primary among them was the way the author revealed details about the antagonist and their actions. Very early on we are told their sex which rules out a number of the story's characters from being the villain. This works only to limit the suspense and thrill of attempting to fathom their identity ourselves. Secondly, the 'twist' is wholly unoriginal and absolutely telegraphed in - I figured it out at about the halfway point of the novel and I am notoriously bad at predicting the outcomes in these types of stories. This is something I'm thankful for as where is the excitement if, come the conclusion of the novel, you have fathomed the book's 'shock' climax well before the ending?
Beyond these problems lie others. The city of Edinburgh seems drained of its previous vibrancy as Brookmyre forgoes the effective world building he implemented in The Way of All Flash to instead focus on repetitive and unnecessary exposition on the inner workings of the human heart and the continuous repression of mutual feeling between the protagonists. Often story threads that hint at being important are introduced, developed, and tied off never to be seen again in the space of one of the book's incredibly brief chapters. This again leads to a lack of suspense and, inevitably, a loss of interest on the part of the reader. Additionally, Brookmyre is obviously at pains to use (often archaic) language that remains authentic to the time period in which the book is set, yet I personally feel that the approach he takes to Sarah's disgruntlement with her lot and her rebelling against her situation conveys a far more modern tone that feels paradoxical to the setting of the book.
Overall I was disappointed with The Art of Dying. The book seemed forced and the bones of the story sparse in amongst all the angsty, forlorn lusting of the main two characters. This second novel of the series pales in comparison to the first and, unfortunately, I can't see myself coming back for a third helping of Fisher and Raven.
There are a lot of things that eroded my enjoyment of this book. Primary among them was the way the author revealed details about the antagonist and their actions. Very early on we are told their sex which rules out a number of the story's characters from being the villain. This works only to limit the suspense and thrill of attempting to fathom their identity ourselves. Secondly, the 'twist' is wholly unoriginal and absolutely telegraphed in - I figured it out at about the halfway point of the novel and I am notoriously bad at predicting the outcomes in these types of stories. This is something I'm thankful for as where is the excitement if, come the conclusion of the novel, you have fathomed the book's 'shock' climax well before the ending?
Beyond these problems lie others. The city of Edinburgh seems drained of its previous vibrancy as Brookmyre forgoes the effective world building he implemented in The Way of All Flash to instead focus on repetitive and unnecessary exposition on the inner workings of the human heart and the continuous repression of mutual feeling between the protagonists. Often story threads that hint at being important are introduced, developed, and tied off never to be seen again in the space of one of the book's incredibly brief chapters. This again leads to a lack of suspense and, inevitably, a loss of interest on the part of the reader. Additionally, Brookmyre is obviously at pains to use (often archaic) language that remains authentic to the time period in which the book is set, yet I personally feel that the approach he takes to Sarah's disgruntlement with her lot and her rebelling against her situation conveys a far more modern tone that feels paradoxical to the setting of the book.
Overall I was disappointed with The Art of Dying. The book seemed forced and the bones of the story sparse in amongst all the angsty, forlorn lusting of the main two characters. This second novel of the series pales in comparison to the first and, unfortunately, I can't see myself coming back for a third helping of Fisher and Raven.
June 13, 2021
So many people seem to love this book but I struggled to get going with it. I haven’t read the first one in the series but didn’t feel like that was a problem. It dragged a lot for me and took far too long for the plot to really get going. It didn’t read like a typical crime book and I think that was the issue for me. I guess I like my tropes.
I liked Sarah but couldn’t take to many of the male characters. They were all far too pompous and rigid on personality. I did like how the author made Sarah quite a strong woman determined to carry our her dreams despite them not being what women of her time did.
As I say I seem to be in the minority and many people love this series. I believe it’s a pseudonym of Christopher Brookmyre so if you like his work you may enjoy this one.
I liked Sarah but couldn’t take to many of the male characters. They were all far too pompous and rigid on personality. I did like how the author made Sarah quite a strong woman determined to carry our her dreams despite them not being what women of her time did.
As I say I seem to be in the minority and many people love this series. I believe it’s a pseudonym of Christopher Brookmyre so if you like his work you may enjoy this one.
August 28, 2019
I would like to thank Netgalley and Cannongate Books for an advance copy of The Art of Dying, the second novel to feature Dr Will Raven, set in Victorian Edinburgh in 1850.
Will returns from his tour of Europe to take up a position as assistant to Dr Simpson under whom he served his apprenticeship. People are dying and medicine is unable to prevent it so Will teams up again with former housemaid Sarah Fisher to solve this mystery and resolve the whispering campaign against Dr Simpson.
I didn’t particularly enjoy The Way of All Flesh, the previous novel, but Christopher Brookmyre is a favourite of mine so I wrote that opinion off on my mood but I didn’t really enjoy this one either. Don’t get me wrong, both are excellent pieces of writing they’re just not to my taste. The descriptions of Edinburgh and the “cutting edge” medical procedures are so vivid you can picture them but they come at the expense of the plot which is slow, plodding and not very exciting. I think it is too literary for me - I like a bit of excitement in my reading to hold my attention and this is exacerbated by the insertion of the killer’s thoughts which kills the suspense. It has taken me a week, rather than my more usual day to get through this one.
I don’t think it helps that I actively dislike Will Raven, finding him pompous, self absorbed and conceited. On the upside he is obviously well enough drawn to get a reaction. The novel spends a lot of time on his relationship with Sarah and that again doesn’t really interest me.
I’m sure that plenty of readers will really enjoy The Art of Dying as it is a detailed, atmospheric study of the time and location.
Will returns from his tour of Europe to take up a position as assistant to Dr Simpson under whom he served his apprenticeship. People are dying and medicine is unable to prevent it so Will teams up again with former housemaid Sarah Fisher to solve this mystery and resolve the whispering campaign against Dr Simpson.
I didn’t particularly enjoy The Way of All Flesh, the previous novel, but Christopher Brookmyre is a favourite of mine so I wrote that opinion off on my mood but I didn’t really enjoy this one either. Don’t get me wrong, both are excellent pieces of writing they’re just not to my taste. The descriptions of Edinburgh and the “cutting edge” medical procedures are so vivid you can picture them but they come at the expense of the plot which is slow, plodding and not very exciting. I think it is too literary for me - I like a bit of excitement in my reading to hold my attention and this is exacerbated by the insertion of the killer’s thoughts which kills the suspense. It has taken me a week, rather than my more usual day to get through this one.
I don’t think it helps that I actively dislike Will Raven, finding him pompous, self absorbed and conceited. On the upside he is obviously well enough drawn to get a reaction. The novel spends a lot of time on his relationship with Sarah and that again doesn’t really interest me.
I’m sure that plenty of readers will really enjoy The Art of Dying as it is a detailed, atmospheric study of the time and location.
September 16, 2019
The Art of Dying is the sequel to the fantastic The Way of All Flesh. I loved the art of dying just as much as I loved the way of all flesh. Both are excellently written and make you feel like you are experiencing the 1850's times. I have a feeling that these books are only going to get better and better.
When patients begin to die all over the city of Edinburgh, suspician quickly falls on one of the Doctors. It's up to Dr Will Raven and his sidekick, Sarah Fisher to get to the bottom of the deaths in an attempt to clear Dr Simpsons name. But Raven and Sarah's relationship has become strained.
4 stars
When patients begin to die all over the city of Edinburgh, suspician quickly falls on one of the Doctors. It's up to Dr Will Raven and his sidekick, Sarah Fisher to get to the bottom of the deaths in an attempt to clear Dr Simpsons name. But Raven and Sarah's relationship has become strained.
4 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 568 reviews