Beautiful murder mystery which reads very much like Anne Perry’s Inspecter Monk series albeit trading Monk’s amnesia for a lingering physical injury. Both authors highlight a police inspector who is dogged but plagued by unreasonable demands for quickness of resolution. Both highlight nurses who served in Crimean surgeries at Scutari but whose skills are dismissed when they return to England. Both involve inspectors, not in the first flush of youth, who appreciate the nurse sidekick and subsequently progress to courting. A very pleasant read nonetheless.

Police Inspector Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate have suffered unimaginable loss. Both have not come to terms with their grief which is always with them. Gemma lost the only family she had, and is suffering personally and financially after having served in the Crimea. Sebastian plods on in his career and the new case of the murdered Jacob Harrow is a complicated one. If he fails, he will become the convenient scapegoat for the Police.

The discovery of Jacob Harrows body hung on a meat hook, at Traitors Gate dismembered too was a message. Unraveling his background Inspector Bell discovers a long trail of blackmail - mainly preying on innocent people who have had a small fault or fall from grace. When Lydia Morton is found murdered, also dismembered the link is established and pieces fall into place.

The story is brilliantly written. Dealing with not just murder, the human aspect of loss, grief, the apathy and insular attitudes of the times almost cruel towards women are descriptively dealt with. London was not a good place to be for single women fighting for survival. The odds were heavily stacked against them. For someone like Gemma who was compassionate still is a wonder. For Sebastian to still seek justice is another. I found this book to be a page turner.

Descriptive in terms of people, places and events.

“Murder at Traitor’s Gate” by Irina Shapiro is a riveting historical mystery that transports readers to the world of 19th-century London. With its intricate plot and richly drawn characters, this novel offers a compelling blend of suspense, historical detail, and human drama adding in just the right touch of romance.

The story centers once again around Inspector Sebastian Bell, who is called upon to solve the murder of Jacob Harrow, a journalist whose body is discovered hung on a meathook near the infamous Traitor’s Gate. As Sebastian delves into the investigation, he enlists the advice of nurse Gemma Tate, whom he had previously worked with on another murder case. As another murder hits close to Gemma, Sebastian asks her not to get involved. However, Gemma proves crucial in providing information that ultimately helps Sebastian solve the mystery.

Irina Shapiro excels at creating a vivid and immersive historical setting. Her meticulous research shines through in the detailed descriptions of Victorian London, from its foggy streets to its opulent drawing rooms. It’s fascinating to follow the police methods available to the police at that time where so much of the investigation is limited to interviews.

The plot is intricately woven, with numerous twists and turns that keep the reader guessing until the very end. Gemma remains an independent woman in times when such behavior was frowned upon.

Irina Shapiro’s characters are well-developed and multi-dimensional. The supporting characters, including potential suspects and allies, are equally well-drawn, each contributing to the story’s complexity and tension.

Irina Shapiro’s “Murder at Traitor’s Gate” is a masterful blend of historical fiction and mystery. Readers who enjoy a meticulously detailed and suspenseful story will find much to appreciate in this. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Although this I’s Book 2 in the Tate and Bell murder mystery series, I felt to no disadvantage for not having read the first book in the series. Irons Shapiro is such a gifted writer. She pulled me in immediately and enjoyed the ride to the end. Gifted in that the scenes were described in detail as well as the characters which helps you see exactly what is happening. I love the blossoming romance of Gemma and Sebastian. Both overcoming recent great loss.. if you enjoy historical fiction set in London this happens to involve murder, suspense and intrigue. Made you go this way and that but always trying to get to the next page quickly to find what happens next. Yes. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for a series to start. Go back and pick up book 1&2 and you like me will be eagerly awaiting book 3. Special thanks to the following for allowing me to read an early unedited copy of the e-book.
#NetGalley
#StormPublishingCompany
#IrinaShapiro
#MurderatTraitor’sGate
Published June 24, 2024

Murder at Traitors' Gate was pretty good.

I did enjoy this read. It is book 2. I didn't read book one but I think you can hop in here but I would recommend reading book 1 first. That said it's a good read, and I would recommend adding this book to your TBR. I think the author did a great job writing the story. This book will keep you on your toes wondering who the murder is and it will shock you!

This atmospheric mystery makes you feel like you are in the chilly London streets. Although it was a little graphic for a cozy mystery, I really enjoyed the tone and setting.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. Thebsecond in the series about Sebastian, Gemma and Colin. I found this better than the first one, perhaps because the characters needed no introduction.. I liked how Gemma is able to offer different perspectives on the cases. Sebastian works so hard with little support from his seniors or even a big team as in modern day investigations. He relies on his own gut feeling, despite the pressure from above.
I look forward to seeing how the relationship between Gemma and Sebastian develops in the next book.

I am very familiar with Irina Shapiro's writings from the Redwood and Haze mysteries which I have absolutely love. Shapiro delivered in this new series--the second of the series and the first I've read-- complex and compelling characters. Gemma, a nurse, has been haunted by her experiences in the Crimean War but that very experience made her the exact partner Sebastian, a police inspector, needed to solve the murder of a reporter with deep ties to the Crimean War. The mystery was intriguing and well crafted. Shapiro did a good job of balancing the pov of both Sebastian and Gemma. While I found this a little bit darker than the other series I have read it was just as well done. I look forward to reading more in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

This is Book 2 of the Tate and Bell series. Learning about the past can enhance our appreciation for the present. Women's lives have changed a lot in the past hundred years. Despite this, there are places in the world where the change has not been that huge. I am very happy that, as a Brazilian woman, I can very, very much appreciate the character of Ms. Tate. It is immensely inspiring to see Ms. Tate working with Detective Bell in solving crimes. Detective Bell respects Ms. Tate and calls for her help as needed.

If you love historical mysteries set in 1800's England, you will be thoroughly engrossed from the first page!

Atmospheric and with historical details that will lead you down several rabbit holes in research, this second in the new series is gripping.

Gemma and Sebastian team up again to solve a murder, but the past comes back to haunt them. Clues take them to the high and low of London with chilling findings.

Not to be missed and cannot wait for more!

I was already hooked on this series when I read the first book in this series, The Highgate Cemetery Murder. So I was looking forward to the next episode in this series about nurse Gemma Tate and police inspector Sebastian Bell. So when the book became available on Netgalley I was quick to request an advanced reader copy. I must say, I am certainly not disappointed. The second book is even better than the first one!

Since the previous book Gemma has a new job at an orphanage and is now living in a boarding house for women. Sebastian is investigating the murder of Jacob Harrow, a journalist who worked at the same paper as Gemma's deceased brother Victor, whose body is found hanging from Traitors Gate. Jacob featured in the previous book as well and since Sebastian is quick to grab every excuse to visit Gemma he consults Gemma to find out if she has any background on Jacob. As it turns out Jacob has a link to the Crimean war as well so Gemma is indeed able to assist him in his investigation.
As the investigation is slowly unravelling the relationship between Gemma and Sebastian is also slowly developing.
I really do like the well documented descriptions and evocations of London at the end of the second half ot the 18th century and the way the author invokes an atmosphere that reminds me of Dickensian novels. Love this series and are looking forward to the next book.

BOOK: MURDER AT TRAITOR'S GATE
AUTHOR: IRINA SHAPIRO
PUB DATE: 24TH JUNE 2023
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REVIEW- 4.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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Another masterpiece in Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell's series! I read and loved the first book in the series, so I was up to read the next one, and I loved this too! In fact, I think this might be better than the previous one!
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While solving this murder case, there was no evidence, no murder weapon. It was solved by Sebastian's sheer determination and grit. I admired that. He doggedly went after each suspect and made his research. Gemma also helped with the research since she was kinda involved, too.
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I would have loved to see more of Gemma. She was more like a supporting character rather than the main one. But, I was able to feel her loneliness and the aftermath of her brother's death. She was living alone in a boarding house and working as a nurse in an orphanage. I really hope her loneliness is reduced in the next book.
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I loved reading about the progress in Gemma and Sebastian's relationship. I can't wait to read more about them! At first, I was worried that Sebastian was still traumatized by his wife's death, but he's ready to love again. I love that for him
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The murder victims were unsavory and cads. They were characters we had seen before. I liked that the author didn't just add in new characters anyhow. Anyway, I'm really excited for the next book!
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Shapiros' books are becoming my obsession.

Wow, I loved this book. Just when you thought you had the killer, that person is killed, and the chain continues. Sebastian is called in to uncover the killer of a famous journalist who is hung on Traitors Gate after being brutalized. The characters and link start tying back into Gemmas world from the Crimean war, and so he seeks out her help.

The two heads come together to gather clues and frame the story to catch the killer. Gemma and Sebastian also started formally courting by the end of the book, which made me glad.

Over a very fast-paced murder mystery that was unputdownable.

1858. Journalist and ex-Crimea soldier Jacob Harrow, is discovered dead hanging from Traitors Gate. Inspector Sebastian Bell investigates with the help of nurse Emma Tate. Then there is another murder. is there a connection, what could be the motive for both killings.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

I’m loving this series! The main characters of Sebastian and Gemma both have traumatic backgrounds and I enjoyed the connection between them. I hope it develops into something more. There is a murder to solve and Gemma is determined to help Sebastian, even though he fears for her safety. It is quite complex and it had me guessing until the latter part of the story. It also relates how restricted the lives of women were at this time, even those working. Boarding houses were strict on visitors and curfews, in addition, women’s opinions were not taken seriously by some men. It must have been a very frustrating time for intelligent females. I’ve already preordered the next in the series. I was given a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I did preorder my own copy,

Engaging!

The plot was intriguing. A journalist, Jacob Harrow, has been brutally killed and hung up by a meat hook at Traitor’s Gate at the Tower of London.
Inspector Sebastian Bell is once again involved.
As it turns out, the journalist had been in the Crimean War. Naturally Bell consults with Nurse Gemma Tate. Gemma had nursed at Scutari hospital. It had been in Gemma’s words, “hell on earth.”From here things become quite convoluted.
Bell is concerned for Gemma’s safety. As he should be because Gemma is making enquires that might be dangerous for her.
I find it interesting that society’s regard for the nurses who went to the Crimea. These women braved unspeakable conditions, forged on whilst struggling to survive themselves, and dedicated themselves to their patients. Yet when they return from the war they are greeted with harshness and judgment, regarded as little more than prostitutes. (Other writers have also posited this attitude.
This second in the series was engaging but to my mind not quite as sharp as the first. I’m looking forward to the next title, particularly to seeing how Sebastian and Gemma’s relationship might develop.

A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Book 2 of the Tate and Bell series takes place shortly after the events on Book1. Gemma Tate was a nurse with Florence Nightengale during the brutal Crimean War. Returning to England, the nurses were hailed as angels of mercy but public sentiment eventually turned against these women who were seen as too prideful with loose morals. Gemma’s beloved brother Victor was murdered and now she must move to a shabby rooming house and take a nursing job at the depressing Foundling Home, caring for orphans. Sebastian Bell is a Scotland Yard Detective whose wife and unborn son were murdered by the brother of a criminal who he sent to be hanged. Three years have applied since that horrible event and Sebastian is starting to come out of his grief and give up alcohol and opium that he used to numb is pain and guilt. Gemma helped Sebastian with the investigation into the murder of her brother and they formed a friendship based on mutual respect. Now Sebastian is investigating another murder that has a connection to the Crimean war and the soldiers and nurses who served….with and without honor. Again, he reached out to Gemma to gain her insights into what it was really like for those there and discuss, what eventually becomes 2 murders and the potential suspects, some of who Gemma knew. They make a great team and seem to be moving toward a more personal relationship.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.

This is the second in the Bell and Tate murder series and it is being published today. I was thrilled to get my hands on the ARC after thoroughly enjoying the first book in the series, The Highgate Cemetery Murder.

In this latest installment, we find Detective Sebastian Bell back on the job after convalescing with a broken collarbone he sustained in the previous book. Instead of a dead body in a cemetery, Bell is confronted with a murder victim who has been strung up at the Traitors’ Gate at the Tower of London. And our victim is Jacob Harrow, a journalist who helped Bell’s inquiries with the previous murder. Bell is also still in touch with Gemma Tate, the nurse whose brother was murdered in Highgate, and who helped him solve that crime. Since Harrow was in the Crimea with Gemma, Bell wonders if she might have some insight into his life and maybe why someone might want to kill him. I mean there might be ulterior motives too. Could it be that Detective Bell is ready to fall in love again after the brutal murder of his wife?

This is a cleverly plotted mystery, tightly written with just the right number of twists and turns and a few red herrings. I always love the second book in a series since we can just jump right into the story since we already have the backstory. Still if you had not read the first one, you wouldn’t be too lost but I would still recommend the first one as it is just a really good read.

Again, these two books make me realize I know so little about the Crimean War and even Florence Nightingale. I need to find some good books on both!

Murder at Traitors' Gate is the second book in Irina Shapiro's Tate and Bell Mysteries series. If you're a fan of historical mysteries, this series is for you! If you haven't read the first book, this mystery stands alone; however, you will be better served if you read the prior book first. You will be missing out on important character histories that shape their interactions with each other and have impact on their current investigation. The Highgate Cemetery Murder was my first book by this author, and I'm now a fan for life.

In Victorian London in 1858 during a bitter December, Gemma Tate is doing her best to put memories of nursing in the Crimean war behind her. She now lives on her own in a little boarding house since the death of her brother, and is currently working at a foundling hospital. However, when Jacob Harrow, a journalist who served in Crimea, is found murdered, Gemma finds herself pulled into the investigation. Police Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard prefers to work alone; however, he needs Gemma's help when it seems Harrow returned from Crimea with the dark secrets of others. But investigating the past has devastating results when Gemma’s friend, another nurse from Crimea, is found murdered in her boarding house. Sebastian and Gemma race against the clock as more secrets are revealed. Will the killer set his sights on them to hide his crimes?

I really liked the first book in this series, but I loved this one. The mystery was fantastic, and I read as quickly as I could to discover whodunit. Layers upon layers were revealed, and I got to the point I gave up trying to figure it out and just went with the flow. I did guess correctly about one piece of the puzzle, but 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 as long as Ms. Shapiro keeps them coming...which I hope will be for many more volumes. There has been significant characters development since the first book. Gemma and Sebastian met when Gemma's brother was murdered, and together they solved the mystery. She was devastated by the loss of her brother but is now moving forward with her life, living in a boarding house and working with orphans. Gemma still struggles at times with the horrors she experienced nursing in Crimea, and how nurses are now treated differently at home. In Crimea they were heroines, saving lives and bringing comfort to the dying. However, now home in London, they are treated as women of loose morals, as if they went to Crimea as prostitutes! It's hard working in the foundling hospital, as the staff is not encouraged to get close to the children. But Gemma can't help but falling in love with 5-year-old Lucy. Sebastian is the most changed, however. He was a hot mess in the first book! After his young wife and their unborn child were brutally murdered, he sought retribution, then became an opium addict, with addiction to other intoxicants as well. After being injured in the prior book, he was nursed by Gemma, who also helped him through his addiction. Now sober, Sebastian has become dear friends with Gemma. He still prefers to work alone and he worries about Gemma's safety, but he acknowledges that he sometimes needs her help. It seems they are becoming closer than "just friends", and I am thrilled with that development. There are other characters making reappearances in this book, my favorite being Sebastian's friend Colin Ramsey. He performs postmortems for the police, and he also teaches private surgical students in his basement mortuary after the police are done with the bodies. My other favorite? Gustav the cat, of course! Sebastian took over Gustav's care after his neighboring owner died, and Gustav repays his kindness in this story. You da cat, Gustav! I hope the next book in the series comes quickly; we get a glimpse of the next mystery in the Epilogue. I can't wait!

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Firstly thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy of Murder at Traitors Gate. This is book two in the Tate and Bell series and was as enthralling at the first. In Murder at Traitors Gate a grisly murder and blackmail trail leads Bell and Tate On a gothic hunt for clues in Victorian London.
Shapiro is excellent in painting the scene of a miserable and dark gritty London where the dark deeds take place and keep the pace fast moving, enveloping you in the setting and tale.

An impressive second instalment and I cannot wait to get into book 3!