In a time of unprecedented scientific innovation, the public’s appetite for wonder has seen a resurgence of interest in mesmerism, spiritualism and other unexplained phenomena. There are some excellent and extremely atmospheric descriptions of Edinburgh and you can virtually smell Auld Reekie in its less salubrious quarters. I also have the wit to know that a preening onanist who regards himself a god does not gladly wait upon a housemaid,’ she said. The child had been placed with a "baby farmer" and the maid had been struggling to pay for the child's upkeep—until the day the baby farmer disappeared and the maid lost all contact with her child. This is a riveting and compulsively readable mystery thriller rich in the atmosphere of 1850’s Edinburgh.

His expression of irritation and curiosity turned to one of confusion and dismay as he took in the scene that greeted him: his housemaid in another man's home after dark, his apprentice bruised and bleeding, and both of them standing over the trussed-up figure of his sister-in-law's betrothed. CID Officers Catherine McLeod, Anthony "Beano" Thompson and Laura Geddes appear in the three "Jasmine Sharp" novels and also play minor roles in Dead Girl Walking. I would recommend reading this book because of the wonderful writing, characters and atmospheric tone. Simon Darcourt, the Black Spirit, is the "hero" of the short story Mellow Doubt [14] and A Big Boy Did it and Ran Away.A good old enjoyable bit of historical fiction, lightly sprinkled with a few real life characters and events.

Parry gives a rather fascinating look at medicine was practiced during these times when anesthetics were not widely used or understood. All of this is there in the background, but provides an accurate depiction of the kind of circumstances in which crime and death can arise. Putting their feelings for one another aside, their investigations take them to both extremes of Edinburgh's social divide, where they discover that wealth and status cannot alter a fate written in the blood.

Meanwhile Will and Sarah are unable to express their feelings for each other and their romantic feelings are continuing to upset and confuse those around them. The name Parlabane is taken from the works of Robertson Davies as are the names of several other characters in Brookmyre's works, indicating another of the author's influences. It's a brilliant read with enough drama, mystery, medical shenanigans and stunning description to keep even the most demanding reader satisfied. Dr Will Raven is a man seldom shocked by human remains, but even he is disturbed by the contents of a package washed up at the Port of Leith.