A Fine Ambition is R.S. Hill's second Victorian crime story set in North Devon and featuring Abigail March and Inspector Newton. He is the author of a series of Western novels and has also written travel, history and educational articles for newspapers and magazines.

Instow, Devon, 1873. Early in the morning, the body of a chambermaid is discovered on the beach. Abigail March and detective Theo Newton are among the hotel guests. The cause of death is certified as drowning, but Abigail is immediately convinced there has been foul play. Determined and clever, Abigail has completed her medical training but, being female, is barred from qualifying as a doctor. In spite of his fondness for Abigail, Newton refuses to take her suspicions seriously. She is forced to battle his prejudice before he agrees to join forces with her and track down the killer.