Tate and Bell Mystery

His heart pounding, the man scribbles the words in his notebook as fast as he can: "Woman dead in Highgate. Man in caped coat. Milky way and red streaks. I'm being followed." Hours later, the man's cold body lies in the city mortuary, alongside the woman he couldn't save. And his sister, unconventional nurse Gemma Tate, tracks down troubled police inspector Sebastian Bell to unravel the truth. Sebastian has enough pressure to solve the murder of an aristocratic heiress without Gemma meddling in his case. But the cryptic sentences she brings him from her brother's notebook could be a crucial lead. If only they knew what "milky way" meant. But as the trail of clues takes them away from the gilded drawing rooms of the nobility and into the dangerous slums of London, how far will their partnership be tested on the quest for justice, and will they both emerge unscathed? Fans of Andrea Penrose, Deanna Raybourn and Carole Lawrence will be hooked on this intricate, compelling mystery set in Victorian London. Readers love Irina's historical mysteries… 'I loved, loved, loved this story… I couldn't put the book down… What better way to spend the day but wrapped in a warm blanket and being transported to an adventure.' Reader review, {5 Stars} 'I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.' Reader review, {5 Stars} 'I absolutely loved this! The plot twist and storyline left me reeling in the best way possible.' Reader review, {5 Stars} 'I don't know where to start, but this book has it all and it pulled me in on the first page.' Reader review, {5 Stars} 'This story is like a slow rollercoaster once it takes off, well, catch your breath!… Couldn't put it down!!!!' Reader review, {5 Stars} 'I love the author's way of writing. The characters are so real and likable. I was surprised at who the killer was and I really couldn't put the book down. I can't wait to get into the next book in this series.' Reader review, {5 Stars} 'I absolutely loved it! I love these characters!… This is a must-read series!' Reader review, {5 Stars}

The chill of winter has descended on London. But for Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate, there will be little cheer this season... Gemma Tate has a new job and a new address. She is putting her past—her memories of nursing in the Crimean war—behind her. But when Jacob Harrow, a journalist with ties to Crimea, is found brutally killed, Gemma is pulled into the investigation. Police inspector Sebastian Bell works alone. But when all signs point towards a dark secret Harrow brought back from the war, he realizes he needs Gemma's help to untangle the mystery. But raking up the past has devastating consequences when Gemma's friend, another nurse from Crimea, is found murdered in her boarding house... As dark betrayals come tumbling out, Gemma and Sebastian are on a dangerous race to uncover the truth. But in her determination to solve the case, could one rash act by Gemma place her next in the killer's sights...? The second addictive and atmospheric Tate and Bell mystery is perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Gemma's boots slip on uneven ground and her black cape catches in the wind as she runs. "Please, not Lucy," she prays. Nurse Gemma Tate is heartbroken when she hears that one of her young charges at the Foundling Hospital has been killed. She knows that police inspector Sebastian Bell will work tirelessly to uncover the truth, but obstructed by the curt matron, he'll need her help navigating the cloistered world of the orphanage. The mystery thickens when Sebastian finds a small wooden doll clutched in the murdered girl's hand and Gemma hears whispers of a shadowy romance. But that isn't the darkest secret hidden behind the high hospital walls. As time runs down on the investigation, Gemma won't give up. But could the shocking discovery she makes be her last? A gripping gaslit Victorian mystery, perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke. Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries: "I was hooked… The story is so extremely gripping that it's hard to put the book down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was absolutely gobsmacked at who the killer was… I really couldn't put the book down till the end, a real page-turner. I can't wait to get the next book… will add to my must-read series." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I immediately fell in love with the complexity of both characters… I honestly cannot wait to see where this series leads as I think this is a stunning beginning for both Bell and Tate." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Grips you from the very beginning and pulls you in… If you're a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Enola Holmes, then you will love Gemma Tate's wits and tenacity." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely in love with this book and halfway through I bought another book by this author. Now to read all things Irina Shapiro!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Spellbound!… Shapiro's writing is sublime, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Victorian London. You'll feel like you're accompanying Gemma and Sebastian as they track down clues and uncover the truth… A must-read… Five stars!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a fantastic read! I absolutely LOVED it! I look forward to seeing more in this series!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Highly recommend this for anyone interested in historical mystery, particularly set in Victorian England, and for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Andrea Penrose, and Anna Lee Huber." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "So gripping and twisted I could not put it down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "A highly engaging plot, with a richly atmospheric, almost gothic-like setting, and compelling characters… read this in one sitting. A must-read for historical mystery fans." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "So good I could hardly put the book down… Once you start, you may as well forget everything else." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

She looks hardly more than a child, sleeping, her lashes long and thick as they rest against her rounded cheeks. But in the flickering gaslight, she is unnaturally still… For Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate, a night at the theater becomes a deadly spectacle when the two lead actors are found dead on the stage, murdered before a stunned audience. Drawn into a shadowy backstage world, they encounter a cast of suspects, each with desperate secrets to hide… Sebastian is determined to get justice, and to keep Gemma safe from the dangerous killer circling the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. But she is already too deeply involved, and, in a world where everyone wears a mask, could she have trusted the wrong person…? Be drawn into a heart-pounding Victorian mystery. With its richly drawn characters and simmering romance, this thrilling tale of murder and redemption is perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries and Miss Scarlett and the Duke. Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries: "I was absolutely gobsmacked at who the killer was… I really couldn't put the book down till the end, a real page-turner. I can't wait to get the next book… must-read series." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "So good I could hardly put the book down… Once you start, you may as well forget everything else." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved this one. The mystery was fantastic, and I read as quickly as I could to discover whodunit… I was shocked when the killer was revealed. I never saw it coming! The suspense really kept me on edge. As wonderful as the mystery was, however, it's the characters in this series that will keep me returning for more." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was hooked… The story is so extremely gripping that it's hard to put the book down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Grips you from the very beginning and pulls you in… If you're a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Enola Holmes, then you will love Gemma Tate's wits and tenacity." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely in love with this book and halfway through I bought another book by this author. Now to read all things Irina Shapiro!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I'm in this one for the long-haul folks and I cannot get enough of Tate and Bell!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Whew nonstop action!… Keeps you guessing until the end!… This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and clues! Hold on and get ready for the ride and thrilling conclusions! Bravo." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Spellbound!… Shapiro's writing is sublime, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Victorian London. You'll feel like you're accompanying Gemma and Sebastian as they track down clues and uncover the truth… A must-read… Five stars!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a fantastic read! I absolutely LOVED it!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Highly recommend this for anyone interested in historical mystery… and for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Andrea Penrose, and Anna Lee Huber." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "So gripping and twisted I could not put it down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The mystery was exquisite, the story flew seamlessly and was easy to follow despite its complexity." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

A mysterious woman's murder leads Sebastian and Gemma to risk everything to find a remorseless killer. Inspector Sebastian Bell arrives at Paddington station through thick Victorian mist, hoping to reconcile with his estranged brother. Instead, he discovers a young woman's body in an abandoned trunk, stabbed with a peculiar bone-handled knife. But with no clues to her identity and his new boss dismissing the case, Sebastian's investigation seems doomed. Nurse Gemma Tate is at work when the nameless woman is brought in for an autopsy. Realizing how desperate Sebastian is for a lead, she risks a forbidden examination and makes two tragic discoveries: the woman recently gave birth, and she wears a wedding ring with the inscription "G loves H". Has this brutal act of violence shattered not just one life, but an entire family? Determined to get justice, Sebastian and Gemma pursue answers to the woman's wretched fate. But when the trail of clues leads them uncomfortably close to home, Sebastian realizes too late the danger they are in. By ignoring his superior to follow this case, has he fatally doomed the woman he loves…? Gemma and Sebastian confront their most heartbreaking case yet in this atmospheric, gripping and romantic mystery perfect for fans of the Lady Sherlock, Veronica Speedwell, and Lady Darby mysteries. Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries: "So good I could hardly put the book down… Once you start, you may as well forget everything else." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Highly recommend this for anyone interested in historical mystery… and for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Andrea Penrose, and Anna Lee Huber." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was absolutely gobsmacked at who the killer was… I really couldn't put the book down till the end, a real page-turner. I can't wait to get the next book… must-read series." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely in love with this book and halfway through I bought another book by this author. Now to read all things Irina Shapiro!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Grips you from the very beginning and pulls you in… If you're a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Enola Holmes, then you will love Gemma Tate's wits and tenacity." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved this one. The mystery was fantastic, and I read as quickly as I could to discover whodunit… I was shocked when the killer was revealed. I never saw it coming! The suspense really kept me on edge. As wonderful as the mystery was, however, it's the characters in this series that will keep me returning for more." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was hooked… The story is so extremely gripping that it's hard to put the book down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I'm in this one for the long-haul folks and I cannot get enough of Tate and Bell!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Whew nonstop action!… Keeps you guessing until the end!… This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and clues! Hold on and get ready for the ride and thrilling conclusions! Bravo." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Spellbound!… Shapiro's writing is sublime, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Victorian London. You'll feel like you're accompanying Gemma and Sebastian as they track down clues and uncover the truth… A must-read… Five stars!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a fantastic read! I absolutely LOVED it!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "So gripping and twisted I could not put it down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The ship rocks violently, and Gemma leans against the door to steady herself, but the figure on the narrow cabin bed doesn't move at all… London, 1859. Nurse Gemma Tate boards the American packet ship the Prince Regent to aid Inspector Sebastian Bell in investigating the death of a British aristocrat. But when she sees the crime scene, Gemma realizes that her knowledge of human nature will be just as valuable as her medical training. Lord Anthony Blackstock lies murdered in his cabin, his head locked inside a nightmarish iron cage. His wife has vanished without a trace, and time is running out to find her, dead or alive… Sebastian and Gemma have until the ship docks in London to uncover the truth behind the Blackstocks' final evening together. But as they unearth a web of blackmail, bitter arguments and secret affairs among the ship's guarded passengers and crew, one chilling fact becomes clear: they are trapped aboard with a killer who is growing increasingly desperate… Love, obsession and danger collide on the murky waters of the Thames in this atmospheric mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry, Andrea Penrose and Miss Scarlet and the Duke. Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries: "So good I could hardly put the book down… Once you start, you may as well forget everything else." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Highly recommend this for anyone interested in historical mystery… and for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Andrea Penrose, and Anna Lee Huber." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was absolutely gobsmacked at who the killer was… I really couldn't put the book down till the end, a real page-turner. I can't wait to get the next book… must-read series." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely in love with this book and halfway through I bought another book by this author. Now to read all things Irina Shapiro!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Grips you from the very beginning and pulls you in… If you're a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Enola Holmes, then you will love Gemma Tate's wits and tenacity." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved this one. The mystery was fantastic, and I read as quickly as I could to discover whodunit… I was shocked when the killer was revealed. I never saw it coming! The suspense really kept me on edge. As wonderful as the mystery was, however, it's the characters in this series that will keep me returning for more." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was hooked… The story is so extremely gripping that it's hard to put the book down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I'm in this one for the long-haul folks and I cannot get enough of Tate and Bell!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Whew nonstop action!… Keeps you guessing until the end!… This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and clues! Hold on and get ready for the ride and thrilling conclusions! Bravo." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Spellbound!… Shapiro's writing is sublime, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Victorian London. You'll feel like you're accompanying Gemma and Sebastian as they track down clues and uncover the truth… A must-read… Five stars!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a fantastic read! I absolutely LOVED it!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "So gripping and twisted I could not put it down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The discovery of a murdered woman sparks a nightmare that may destroy everything for Gemma and Sebastian… In a respectable London neighborhood, nurse Gemma Tate and her fiancé, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are planning their future together. But their dreams shatter when they discover a murdered young woman, carefully arranged in a darkened alleyway behind her family home. While Gemma unravels the woman's final secrets in the postmortem room, Sebastian hunts among the living. And he soon uncovers reports of similar deaths, linked to a traveling carnival. But what connects those friendless victims to the beloved woman they found? Refusing to be beaten, Gemma and Sebastian pursue every lead on the killer's trail, desperate to prevent more deaths. But can they stop him before he destroys not just more lives but their own hope of happiness? A gripping and atmospheric Victorian mystery for fans of Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and the Lady Sherlock mysteries. Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries: "So good I could hardly put the book down… Once you start, you may as well forget everything else." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Highly recommend this for anyone interested in historical mystery… and for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Andrea Penrose, and Anna Lee Huber." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was absolutely gobsmacked at who the killer was… I really couldn't put the book down till the end, a real page-turner. I can't wait to get the next book… must-read series." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Absolutely in love with this book and halfway through I bought another book by this author. Now to read all things Irina Shapiro!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Grips you from the very beginning and pulls you in… If you're a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Enola Holmes, then you will love Gemma Tate's wits and tenacity." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I loved this one. The mystery was fantastic, and I read as quickly as I could to discover whodunit… I was shocked when the killer was revealed. I never saw it coming! The suspense really kept me on edge. As wonderful as the mystery was, however, it's the characters in this series that will keep me returning for more." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I was hooked… The story is so extremely gripping that it's hard to put the book down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "I'm in this one for the long-haul folks and I cannot get enough of Tate and Bell!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Whew nonstop action!… Keeps you guessing until the end!… This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and clues! Hold on and get ready for the ride and thrilling conclusions! Bravo." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Spellbound!… Shapiro's writing is sublime, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Victorian London. You'll feel like you're accompanying Gemma and Sebastian as they track down clues and uncover the truth… A must-read… Five stars!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "This was a fantastic read! I absolutely LOVED it!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "So gripping and twisted I could not put it down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The mystery was exquisite, the story flew seamlessly and was easy to follow despite its complexity." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Pulls you in from the first word and holds you until far past the last word with its compelling characters and superb mystery… I love Sebastian and Gemma with all of their humanness-their flaws and their strengths." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐