Warning: this book is not for the faint hearted. Victorian Edinburgh was a perilous place to live. Childbirth and surgeries were conducted sans pain relief and that makes this book, at times, a very uncomfortable read.

Young women are dying in a gruesome manner throughout the city. Apprentice doctor Will Raven and housemaid Sarah Fisher are determined to investigate who could be committing such heinous crimes. Flawed anti-hero Raven and likeable, intelligent Sarah are an unlikely pairing, but they have more in common they would like to admit, both trying to rise above their stations in life in a time when this was very difficult, especially for women.

Husband and wife team Chris Brookmyre and Dr Marisa Haetzman have joined together under the pseudonym Ambrose Parry to produce an intriguing read about the scientific breakthroughs of the mid-1800s, a time of great discovery and invention. It focuses on the race to find a drug to alleviate the pain of horrific medical procedures. Dr Haetzman, an anaesthetist, came across the idea for the story during research for her master’s degree.

The Way of All Flesh is grittier and darker than a normal historical mystery. The insight into the medical profession of the 19th century and the real-life men and women who strove to make a difference is fascinating.

I unreservedly enjoyed this solid historical mystery but it does come with a warning that some parts require a strong stomach. I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Reviewed by Joanne Brewer