The Death of Shame

 

Author: Ambrose Parry

Publisher:  Cannon Gate Books 

Publishing Date: 4th June 2026 

Many thanks to the publishing team and Random Things Tours for my digital copy and a spot on the tour

Blurb 

When you are a prisoner of your secrets,

the death of shame is the only path to liberty

Annabel Banks was promised work as a maid with a prestigious Edinburgh family. But on her first day, she's nowhere to be found. Concerned relatives contact Sarah Fisher to help. Sarah might know her way around the city - its light sides and dark - but soon she'll discover the plight of dozens of girls ensnared in its many brothels: lured, abused and left ruined in the eyes of the world.

Meanwhile, a prominent society figure throws himself from the Scott Monument. Will Raven is asked to establish whether the death was suicide or if someone else was involved. 

My Thoughts 

This is part of a series but I have read this as a stand alone. 

The novel begins with a shocking and deeply unsettling death, immediately raising questions that linger throughout the story. The identity of the victim and the circumstances that led to their tragic decision remain shrouded in mystery, creating an intriguing thread that slowly unravels as the plot progresses. While Will Raven's investigation uncovers a series of possible explanations, the truth remains elusive until much later in the novel.

At the same time, Sarah is consumed by a more personal mystery. Her niece has vanished after travelling to Edinburgh, lured by the promise of employment and a fresh start. As Sarah searches for answers, she is forced to confront the darker realities lurking beneath the city's respectable façade. The storyline feels particularly resonant, highlighting how vulnerable people can be exploited by those offering opportunity, security, or hope. Though set in a different era, the themes remain strikingly relevant, reminding readers that such deceptions are far from confined to the past.

Together, these intertwined investigations create a compelling and atmospheric mystery, with each new discovery revealing just how dangerous hidden ambitions and false promises can be.

Blending moments of genuine darkness with a thoughtful and compassionate examination of grief and postnatal depression, the novel delivers an emotionally rich and deeply engaging reading experience. The central mystery is woven through the narrative with skill, creating a constant sense of unease and anticipation that keeps the pages turning as the danger steadily mounts.

Rich in atmosphere and emotional depth, this historical crime novel combines a compelling mystery with memorable characters and a steadily building sense of tension. Thought-provoking as well as suspenseful, it is a gripping read from beginning to end and one I would highly recommend.