Firstly thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the Arc copy of this book in return for my feedback.
This is the second book in the Bell and Tate series and I was apprehensive about reading it (as I haven’t read the first in the series) I found it easy to pick this book up fresh.

Set in London in 1858, Detective Sebastian Bell has suffered his fair share of grief and misery, but now he must discover why a man has been brutally murdered and left hanging by a meat hook at Traitors Gate.

While Sebastian works alone he draws on an unlikely sidekick, Gemma Tate a nurse who served in the Crimea War and acts as the Watson to Sebastian (if he was Sherlock)

I thoroughly enjoyed the way this mystery was weaved together, and I’m a sucker for a beautiful animal so I instantly fell in love with Sebastian’s cat Gustov.

I will definitely be reading the next book in the series once it comes out!

This dark, complex, mysterious story continues the tale of Crimean War nurse, Gemma Tate, and intrepid Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard. Both of our protagonists have moved on from the events in the first book – Gemma has changed jobs and moved out of the home she once shared with her much-loved twin brother, and Sebastian has shaken his addictions and is working diligently to heal from the injuries he received in the last case. However, neither has quit thinking of the other, but neither has acted on those thoughts.

Sebastian was summoned to Traitor’s Gate at the Tower of London where the body of a brutally murdered man was discovered – hanging from a very large meat hook. Who is the victim? There is nothing on the body to identify him, but Sebastian recognizes him as Jacob Harrow, a newspaperman, and witness to the death of Gemma Tate’s brother. Why was his body displayed as it was and in such a disgraceful place? What message is the murderer sending?

Gemma and Sebastian struggle to untangle the twisted threads of the crime back to the Crimea and the sordid things that happened in those fetid battlegrounds. However, the crime comes much closer to home when there is another murder and an attempt on Sebastian’s life.

I found myself staying up late into the night reading ‘just one more chapter’ because there were so many potential criminals and victims and I just had to know ‘who done it’. I had the perpetrator figured out before the end of the book, but I sure didn’t have the motive figured out. If you love stories with complex characters, intriguing mysteries, and a tad of a budding romance, you will enjoy this book. Be warned, it is a dark book dealing with dark, sad times. However, most of this author’s works are dark – but then, murder is dark isn’t it?

I am already looking forward to the next installment in the series which should be released in October.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Before reading this book I went back to find the first in the series, I’m so glad I did. Both can stand alone as well written, absorbing stories but to read them in order gives more depth to the characters and the telling of the Victorian crime drama.
Sebastian Bell is a complex character with dark secrets and still grieving for his wife, Gemma Tate is a women struggling to cope having lost her brother in a callous murder. Together they form a great team and following their search for the truth and, of course, the murderer leads us through some wonderful descriptions of Victorian life, the people and the circumstances many found themselves in and they had to cope the best they could, man or woman. References to the Crimean war run through both books and Murder at Traitors Gate ties many characters to the war and their friendships, or acquaintances that they met whilst fighting there, or for Gemma and the other women as they nursed.
The writing was so well paced it made for a flowing story, hard to put down and really gave the atmosphere of the time along with the emotions of the characters.
I’m looking forward to reading more of Irina Shapiro’s books, her detail and research of the time brings the characters to life and makes you want to find out what they do and where they go next.

This is a good second book in this series. It took me a couple chapters to get into the story. It moves fairly quickly and has some surprises along the way.
I like Sebastian and Gemma together and am looking forward to their next mystery

Police Inspector Sebastian Bell is called to the scene of a brutal murder. The victim is a well-known journalist with a reputation for questionable ethics. The victim also had a connection to Gemma Tate’s recently deceased brother. Sebastian and Gemma put their heads together and soon discover what appears to be a connection between the victim and his service in the Crimean War. Another equally brutalized victim sets the investigation into overdrive as the killer seems to be circling closer and closer.

In the midst of the mystery, Sebastian is still dealing with the loss of his wife three years earlier and Gemma is still mourning the recent loss of her brother as she settles into a middling boarding house and her new position as a nurse at the Foundling Hospital. Sebastian and Gemma are interesting characters. The supporting characters are well thought out and add to the complexity of Sebastian’s and Gemma’s lives. Gustav, a grumpy yet loveable cat, is a delight.

Irina Shapiro’s “Murder at Traitor’s Gate” is a quick read that keeps you guessing until the end. The developing relationship between Sebastian and Gemma is sweet. The atmosphere of the series is somewhat dark, and the descriptions of the victims are moderately graphic. I like that the series somewhat explores the nature of British society, particularly the precarious nature of the lives of single women. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.

“Murder at Traitor’s Gate” is the second story in the Bell and Tate series.

This book is great for readers who enjoy atmospheric Victorian era mysteries.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Storm Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Inspector Sebastian Bell was called to Traitor's Gate on the edge of the river, where a body was hanging by a meat hook from the gate, brutally murdered. When the identity of the man became known - Jacob Harrow, journalist and disliked by many - Sebastian immediately directed his investigation to the man's place of work. Sebastian had been injured in his previous case, and was still recovering. But he was determined to find the killer, although he wasn't having any luck with the investigation. Everything pointed to the war in Crimea, where Harrow had served, along with Sebastian's friend Gemma Tate (nurse) and other persons of interest. When another nurse friend of Gemma's was murdered in her bed, Sebastian was worried Gemma would be next.

As Gemma helped the Inspector unravel the mystery, he was getting pressure from his superiors to make an arrest. But he didn't want to arrest an innocent man, even though there was one who fitted the bill. Was his gut feeling wrong?

Set in London, 1858, Murder at Traitors' Gate is the 2nd in the Tate & Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro and I enjoyed it very much. The only issue I had was the amount of characters, and the similar names. But aside from that, it was a fast paced, gritty historical mystery which entertained me from start to finish. I'm finding both Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate to be exceptional characters, and I'm looking forward to #3. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

Inspector Sebastian Bell has a new murder case to solve, but as he learns more about the victim, he learns he’s going to need help from Gemma Tate. She was a nurse during the Crimean War and knows some of the parties involved, so he hopes she will be able to provide answers to some of the relevant questions as he conducts his investigation. The deeper they dig, though, the more they realize that they are both in grave danger.

This is the second book in a new series by an author I really like, and this book was just as good as all the others. Sebastian reminds me a bit of Armand Gamache, from Louise Penny’s series set in Three Pines, and Gemma brings to mind the main character in Charles Todd’s Bess Crawford series. I like the way they work together, despite what society rules dictate as ‘proper’ behavior. The attitudes of some of the people they encounter are shocking, and I’m not surprised that they’re an accurate representation of the times. I loved having Constable Daniel Haze, from the author’s Redmond & Haze series, show up in this book just when Sebastian needed help; it was definitely something Constable Haze would do :)

The primary murder victim here turned out to be not as popular as was first assumed, and there was quite a list of those who disliked him enough to want him dead. My mental list of most likely culprits kept changing, and one of them was even a victim later in the story. I wasn’t able to figure out who the killer was until it was revealed in the book, and at that point, the motive was pretty obvious.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series to find out what happens next with Sebastian, Gemma and their friend Colin.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Irina Shapiro for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at Traitors’ Gate coming out June 24, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I’m obsessed with this series! It has the perfect dark and gothic Victorian vibes. I love Gemma and Sebastian as characters. I think there was some real growth from the first book. They are slowly learning to rely on each other. They’re working together and getting things done! I was glad to seem some vulnerability as well. I was so excited about the ending and the way things are progressing. I’m definitely excited to check out the next book!

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves Victorian murder mysteries!

I love the mystery aspect of this series. The author does a great job of setting up really interesting crimes with a large assortment of suspects. My only complaint here is that it takes forever for Gemma to get involved in the story. I know for this time period it would have been unrealistic to get her more involved in the crime solving part, but considering this series is supposed to be about both her and Sebastian this one felt like mostly Sebastian. On the topic of Gemma, I did enjoy how her relationship with Sebastian has been allowed to develop slowly so it doesn't feel forced or rushed - I am also glad that it looks like it will get to progress a little further in the next book. As for the mystery, I had my suspicions about what was going on pretty early, but probably only because the reason for the blackmail wouldn't have necessarily occurred to someone at that time in history. I thought the murderer was a little sloppy at the end by going after Sebastian and without that having occurred it probably would have taken him longer to figure everything out. I have really appreciated how this book shows more of what it was like to live in London at that time when you didn't have a title. So many books focus on the peerage that you tend to not realize/forget/pretend there wasn't terrible poverty from which most people would never escape. Overall, this is a really enjoyable read.

One of my fav series! Love Emma and Bell and historical London where they solve their cases! (despite Bell being worried about Emma's safety). Well paced, the pages turn themselves and leave you wanting more. In one word, Brilliant!

Thanks to the publisher and NetGallery for the advanced copy in return for an honest review! More, please!

This is the second of the Tate and Bell mysteries, I loved the first one 'The Highgate Cemetery Murder' and this is also a cracker. You don’t have to read the first book to enjoy this but it will give you more background to the main characters and for me it was also a five-star read. This book begins with the discovery of the gruesome murder of Jacob Harrow, a journalist hung up by a meat hook at the Traitors’ Gate of the title. Sebastian Bell is the police officer assigned to investigate the murder, like in the previous mystery there is a connection to the Crimean War and Bell seeks to renew his acquaintance with Gemma Tate, who had served as a nurse in the Crimean War and knew the victim.

This is London in the late 1850s, the nurses who had returned from the Crimea are viewed unjustly with suspicion, as what honorable woman would go to such a place? There is a lot of prejudice against women shown throughout the story; a woman’s reputation was precious and could be easily be besmirched through no fault of her own. Inspector Bell has to tread carefully when meeting up with Miss Tate as her boarding house landlady doesn’t approve of any male guests even if they work for the police.

Sebastian Bell needs a result or his job is on the line, his superiors are not too bothered if the wrong man is arrested provided the case is ‘resolved’ but Bell is dogged in pursuing the truth and follows up each lead with due diligence.

Tate and Bell make a good team, even though Gemma Tate has no hope in those times of working for the police in an official capacity, she has a position as a nurse in a Foundling Hospital for orphans and abandoned children, Gemma is keen to help the investigation despite Bell’s misgivings “the thought of investigating gave her something of a rush.”

There are many people happy Jacob Harrow is dead as aside from his journalism he had a lucrative line in blackmail often coming from information learned at the Scutari hospital in Turkey, where wounded soldiers would confess their darkest secrets to their nurses, who might share that incriminating information with Harrow for a price.

The story is gripping and fast paced, the historical detail is for the most part very good, I particularly liked the description of the smells of 1850s London. There was again one anachronistic reference to Botany Bay (the last convicts were shipped to New South Wales in 1850 almost a decade before the events in the book). The ending was satisfying and I look forward to future books in the series.

Expected publication June 24, 2024

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the digital ARC, I leave this review voluntarily.

Second in the Tate and Bell series, but there's enough detail to catch you up so it can be read as a standalone.

When journalist Jacob Harrow is brutally murdered - and hung at Traitors' Gate - Inspector Sebastian Bell has to investigate. Harrow was a journalist at Crimea, and the next victim was also there... so what's the connection?

Gemma Tate was a nurse at Crimea and knew both the victims. Sebastian (who worked with her on a previous case) seeks her help, and gradually starts to unpeel the layers to discover the true link between the victims and what happened in Crimea. He's worried that Gemma might be the next victim, but while the main suspect is locked up there's an attempt upon Sebastian's life, too.

Nicely twisty plot, good period detail, and good characters. An enjoyable read.

Just weeks after being injured during the course of his last investigation, Sebastian Bell is called to the scene of a new crime. Jacob Harrow, a reporter who worked alongside Gemma Tate's brother. Almost as soon as Bell starts investigating he discovers that Harrow had been blackmailing several people who had served alongside Harrow and Gemma in Crimea, and he is certain that these secrets were the reason Harrow had to die. As the list of suspects grows, the more certain Sebastian becomes that it's only a matter of time before Gemma's name makes it way to the killers list.

I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Mainly because I didn't like Harrow to begin with, and I'm glad that Shapiro decided to make him blackmailing sleazeball, who probably got what he deserved. I love it when an author makes the victim the bad guy because it just adds another layer to the emotional turmoil for the reader. And in Murder at the Traitor's Gate we have the very real possibility of an innocent person being convicted of the crime so it's just more frustrating, especially since by that point the reader really has no idea who the killer is.

And of course, we have Gemma and Sebastian's relationship, which I found really blossomed in this one. They are so much more comfortable with each other in this book than they were in the first. We've definitely reached "can finish each other's sentences" and "I know exactly what that look means," especially when it comes to Gemma going behind Sebastian's back, because of course she does. And whether he admits it or not, he's totally secretly proud of her for it.

The cliffhanger ending in the epilogue, however, was not acceptable, and how dare Shapiro rip our hearts out like that!

Overall, book two has solidified this as a new favorite series for me, and I am obviously looking forward to Book Three!

As always, thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the eArc!

Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell met when Gemma's brother Victor was murdered (The Highgate Cemetery Murder). Now, Victor's co-worker, Jacob Harrow is gruesomely murdered and his body displayed at the Traitor's Gate at the Tower of London. Then Gemma's fellow nurse in Crimea, Lydia Morton is also murdered in her boarding house room. At first, there seems to be no link to the victims, other than their service in the Crimean War. As they delve into their pasts, they find a web of secrets, blackmail and treachery. With no shortage of suspects with Victor's wife, mistress, Lydia's mystery lover, the blackmail victims, and the person whose stolen articles got Harrow the job with the London Illustrated News.
Sebastian unwillingly accepts Gemma's help with information from other of Miss Nightingale's Crimean nurses. Just associating with him puts her in danger of being asked to leave her boardinghouse.
Slowly, they sift through the clues and find a shockingly unexpected murderer.
The bond between Gemma and Sebastian is growing as they heal from their respective losses. I can't wait to see what happens to his plans to emigrate to America to work for Pinkerton's and if so, will Gemma go with him.
A great second book in the series.

Set in London in 1858, this is the second book in this series with Police Inspector Sebastian Bell and Nurse Gemma Tate. A particularly gruesome start with a body left at Traitors Gate. The victim is Jacob Harrow, and his murder seems to have links back to his service in the Crimea, which is where Gemma had also been sent. She’s still trying to get over what she faced whilst there, as well as the death of her brother Victor. What feels like highly accurate descriptions of what soldiers as well as the nursing staff had to contend with during their time there. It also portrays London of this era, with the Victorian attitudes as well as the conditions people were forced to live and work in. Very atmospheric. The story races along nicely, and shows the vast difference in policing today as compared to Sebastian’s methodology - sheer hard work, doggedness and following every clue, however small and innocuous.

The characters are believable and fascinating, I really liked Bella and Sebastian’s relationship, with them having to observe the codes of the day for unmarried couples being alone together in private, not conducive to being able to talk confidentially. The story was nicely twisty, I did work out a few of the red herrings but not everything, which is great for this genre of book. Can’t wait for the next one, already intrigued as to where that will go.

I have been anxiously waiting for Murder at Traitors’ Gate, book two in the Bell and Tate series, by Irina Shapiro. I was not disappointed! I love Gemma’s logical mind and sensical approach to all things. She is still grieving, but she is also hardworking and knows what she needs to take care of herself. I love that she does not compromise her values or morals as she strives to do the right thing. She is wonderful companion to Sebastian, who needs a friend and an ally to keep him moving in the land of the living. Sebastian is brilliant and leaves no trail unexplored. His instincts tell him when to press and when to move on, much to the ire of his supervisor who wants answers yesterday. Sebastian can remain calm, cool, and levelheaded as connects one dot to another. He also knows when he needs help and calls on Gemma, even if begrudgingly at times. His reticence in involving Gemma stems more from wanting to keep her safe. In this story she is too close to the crimes and Sebastian is realizing the treasure that Gemma has come to mean to him. I love seeing their friendship deepen as they work together. I was saddened for Gemma for several occurrences, but it made me even more thankful she had Sebastian. The mystery was well developed and threw more than a few curve balls. The supporting characters add depth to the story. I enjoyed the right amount of details as they work out the murder case and the descriptions of winter in London. Additionally, the perspective of nurses returning from the Crimean War, life for women in the boarding houses, and how news was handled was enlightening.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

This is the second book in the series. It has now become my go to series as they are released. It’s a wonderful read with a well thought out plot and engaging characters. The mystery kept me guessing with lots of twists and turns. I really enjoy how the murderer is found without all the modern tools. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

I received a copy of this book from Net galley and storm publishers in exchange for an impartial review.

I really enjoyed this book. Excellent character development and even without reading the previous book was able to understand the background. Some what of a dark story, with violent bloody deaths. The sordid history of the victims and the vulnerability of some of the other characters was sad. I was only just able to guess the perpetrator and the motive before the reveal. Looking forward to the next offering in this series.

Murder at Traitor's Gate by Irina Shapiro is a page-turning, plot twisting murder mystery. Just when you think Inspector Bell has the suspect identified, another twist appears and leads to a different suspect. Great character development.
Warning: some gruesome details on the victims' deaths.
Releases June 24th. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Having read and enjoyed the first Tate and Bell mystery book I was thrilled to receive a DRC of Murder at Traitors Gate in exchange for my honest opinion. Thank you Storm Publishing and Netgalley for my copy.

The book begins with a titillating murder that the main characters quickly become immersed in. Throughout their quest to solve the crime, we are provided greater insight into their lives and growing relationship.I really enjoyed the development of Sebastian and Gemma, both as individuals and as partners. They are each well written characters who bring heart to the story.

The murder mystery was intriguing and I loved how the onion really needed to get unpeeled to figure out who the killer was. It didn’t shock me as I had an inkling of who it may be, but I certainly enjoyed figuring it out. This was another stellar addition to the Tate and Bell mysteries, and I look forward to their next crime solving adventure.