A great weaving of narrative and time periods which worked excellently. Sebastian and the male view and the male privilege is an interesting view point of the murders and how to get through life and make the most of the role. It isn't necessarily easy but it is easier. Gemma, is nicely contrasted, the areas she cannot go, the doors that are closed to her and the harder steps to move forward are showcased. All of this runs through and under the murder investigation which is itself is a fascinating look at the impact of war and the links that are made overseas and at times of great peril.

Irina Shapiro's Murder at Traitor's Gate is the second volume in the Tate and Bell historical mystery series, which are definitely past "cozy," but not thrillers in terms of the blood and the psychological horror.

Tate is Gemma Tate, forced to settle in to a new life after the death of her brother with whom she lived. She's now renting a room in a strict and none-too-inviting boarding house. She's also begun work at an orphanage where she is not too get too close to the children because they shouldn't get used affection because there will probably be very little of it in their lives. Emma is uncomfortably wavering between remaining distant and offering the children the kind of affection they're desperate for. Geem is recently back from Scutari, where she worked as one of Florence Nightingale's nurses, so she has seen far more suffering and lives lost for no purpose than most women of her time.

Bell is Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard. His pregnant wife was killed in an incident connected to a prior case, and Sebastian's sense of justice and his depth of despair are both in evidence. At the Yard, his direct supervisor runs hot and cold, more concerned in public appearance than in taking the necessary investigative steps to find the perp, wherever, wherever those steps may lead. Sometimes he's the golden boy (man, really) other times he fears losing his job—and perhaps being forced to return to the U.S. to join his estranged brother on the family farm.

Sebastian and Gemma crossed paths in the first volume in this series, and she helped him solve an important case. Now there's a new case that appears to involve a number of people who served Scutari during the Crimean War, so once again he's turning to Gemma.

The case begins with the murder of a newspaperman and branches out from there with a growing cast of villains and victims. The situation, as it does in such novels, is growing more and more dangerous for Gemma and Sebastian by the day. And there seems to be a bit of a romance developing between the two, though neither is fully honest about their feelings.

This is one of those books that gets more involving as it approaches the end, and I found myself doing the "just one more chapter" thing far later into the night than I should have. If you're looking for a good summer read that is more-than-cozy, you'll want to check out Murder at Traitor's Gate.

I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

This was even better than the first one, I couldn’t put it down!

Sebastian is investigating the murder of Jacob Harrow, a journalist and an acquaintance of the late Victor Tate. His reasons to speak to Gemma about the case are flimsy at first (he just wants to see her🤭) but it quickly turns out that she really can help.

Maybe it’s because I knew what to expect in terms of the dark setting or maybe the slow-burn romance balanced out the heavy details, but this book seemed somewhat lighter than the previous one. It still was dark, but there was also a touch of hope.

The mystery was exquisite, the story flew seamlessly and was easy to follow despite its complexity. Trying to put together the clues and solve the puzzle was a lot of fun and it was incredibly satisfying that I actually got it right. 🎉

As in the first book the working class of the Victorian London and the city itself were depicted in a very realistic way. It provided a captivating historical background which didn’t overshadow the story and this is what I love about historical fiction.

I can’t wait for the next book!

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

A gritty Victorian mystery with a dogged detective with his own burdens. It’s nice to find a historical mystery that’s neither gruesome nor cozy but nicely in between. I thought there was too much telling, but I was entertained overall.

This is second in a series and I found it easy to get caught up. The description and series title mention Gemma first and as an equal partner, but she doesn’t even appear until nearly %20. She’s not an equal POV character and is essentially a plot device. I’d rather her not be a POV character at all if we only get a few scenes from her. It’s called Tate and Bell, but it’s definitely Bell’s story. Fortunately, despite the odd narrative choice, I liked Bell and I’ll read the one teased at the end of this book.

When I saw that this book was coming out, I was really excited to read it! I went back and edited my review of the first one to let people know how much I must have liked it.

I have very similar thoughts on this one, which is a very similar book. It opens with a prologue that gives readers some inside information on the murder before it gets to Detective Sebastian Bell, and then the story begins with the finding of the victim. This murder wasn't quite as disturbing as in the first book.

The rest of the book is Bell figuring out the case along with some help from new friend Gemma Tate.

The novel reads well, with excellent detailing about London in the 1850's. It's well-paced with strong dialogue. I love the main characters, Bell and Tate, and the rest of the characters are fleshed out and round out the story well. The author gives you all of the information so this can read as a standalone, but it's worthwhile to read the first one before this. It provides a much clearer picture about the main characters, what they have dealt with, and why they might be drawn to each other.

As in the first book, I can't say I was surprised at who the murderer was. I can only say it was surprisingly mundane, in my opinion. For most of the book, I was left guessing. Toward the end, it became fairly obvious. I don't want to give any spoilers, but the clues, as they came out, all pointed in that direction.

I still enjoyed it immensely and look forward to the next installment.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author for an advanced copy for review.

"Murder at Traitors’ Gate" is the second installment in Irina Shapiro’s Bell and Tate series. Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate are in London in 1858, combining their skills to bring a murderer to justice. The crime happens early, and we spend the rest of the book immersed in Victorian London: loud and smelly, with massive inequality, no respect for the police, and very rigid rules for women. Bell and Tate work well together, and his regard for her shines through. It’s an excellent, taut, atmospheric mystery that drew me in right from the start.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate return and in another mystery every bit as compelling as the first book. Journalist Jacob Harrow (antagonist from 'The Highgate Cemetery Murder') is found dead outside Traitor's Gate with his tongue cut out. Sebastian delves into Harrow's past, including his stint in the Crimea War, which puts him back in contact with Gemma, who also served in the war.

Set in 1858 London, I found myself so immersed I could almost smell the stench. This is a where there are rigidly narrow rules for women. Gemma and her nursing colleagues are considered immoral. Now living on the precipice of poverty in a boarding house and working in a hosptial for orphans, the toll of loneliness and grief weighs heavily. Delightfully, the chemistry between Sebastian and Gemma is developed. Both of them are nursing grief and trauma, but, importantly, Sebastian views and treats Gemma as his equal. If I had any complaint it would be that there was not enough Gemma., I'd like to see more of Sebastian and Gemma working together as crime-solving partners

The mystery had me glued and I am eager for the next book already.

Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.

Having thoroughly enjoyed the first book in this series, I was eager to read the next one. And it was just as good. After a particularly gruesome murder, it is clear to Sebastian that there are links to events in the Crimean War, hence , the need to consult Gemma. I love the old fashioned sleuthing in this, no DNA or mobile phones. There are a few twists and turns as more information comes to light, until finally an attack on Sebastian clears the air, and gives Gustav the cat a starring role. The depiction of the plight of women at the time is sensitive and honest. The burgeoning relationship between Sebastian and Gemma is a treat, and I am keen to read the next book in the series. Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC, this is my freely given review.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of Murder at Traitor's Gate in exchange for an honest and independent review.

Irina Shapiro has done it again in her second Tate and Bell Mystery series! I was so excited for the second installment of this one and was shocked (and excited) when it came out shortly after the release of her first book, which was a favorite of mine and quite outside of the realm of what I normally read in the best way possible.

A short time after the conclusion of the first novel, Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell have found their way into each others atmospheres a second time in order to solve another murder that has roots going all the way back to Gemma's days in the Crimean war where she served as a nurse. When Jacob Harrow, a journalist with a history rooted deeply in Crimea as well, is brutally murdered and put on display at Traitor's Gait as a message to all, Sebastian has no choice but to seek out Gemma and enlist her help in weaving their way through a complicated list of suspects all shielding their own secrets and wrongdoings from the light of day.

Things escalate quickly when Gemma's friend and long time nursing acquaintance from the war is also brutally murder in a similar fashion. Suddenly, time is of the essence in tracking this killer before Gemma too finds herself in harms way with her ties back to Crimea and her association to those who have been murdered thus far.

I don't want to give too much away on this one, BUT I can declare that this second installment is headed exactly where I had hoped it would after the conclusion of the first novel. Sebastian and Gemma's characters are just impossible to not love and their play off each other just draws you in and keeps you wanting more. Gemma is a strong, intellectual and independent woman in mid 1800 London and I'm loving it. Sebastian has his demons, and he's working through them with the help of Gemma and the companionship they've built with each other. The end of the second book has the perfect set up to the start of the third installment, which will be out later this year and I AM SO EXCITED! I continue to be such a fan of these and I cannot wait to see what Shapiro comes up with for the next one. Make sure to pick this one up June 24th (and the first one as well if you have yet to read it)!

Victorian London and Inspector Sebastian Bell is called to Traitors Gate at the Tower of London where the body of journalist Jacob Harrow has been left hanging from a meat hook. Having dealt with Mr Harrow previously Sebastian is aware the list of potential culprits is long. In his job Jacob could've antagonised various people. But the evidence links back to the Crimean War so again Bell enlists the assistance of Gemma Tate who was also acquainted with Mr Harrow.
I loved the first Bell/Tate murder mystery and I'm pleased that Irina Shapiro has continued with the series. This book gripped me from the start, engaging characters and storyline helped the chapters rush by. Already looking forward to the next installment

This is book 2 of 3. I suggest reading them in order. The story did grab me from the beginning and held my attention. The ending was a complete surprise. I will go back and read them in order.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Shapiro pulled me in from the very first page. Not quite as gruesome as the first book (thank you!), but still a horrendous series of crimes that Bell and Tate have to search for the solution (culprit) before they become the next victim. Tightly told story with minimal red herrings but an abundance of clues and motives, Murder at Traitors Gate is a delightfully atmospheric work.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

The second novel with Inspector Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate, and I'm loving it!

It can be read as a stand alone, but I do suggest reading the first novel prior. Gemma's has moved into a boarding house and is working in the local orphanage, but still in occasional touch with Sebastian. Until her brother's former colleague, Jacob Harrow is murdered in a gruesome fashion.

The tangled web of unlikely connections from the Crimean war abound, and things really get sticky when a friend of Gemma's is also murdered in a very similar way to Jacob. Who is hiding what? And who else knows about the secrets? I particularly love the cameo's from Gustav the cat.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Irinia Shapiro for the eARC.

You know that feeling of anticipation, excitement and giddiness when you begin reading a book that is right up your alley? Well this was THAT book!

I love a well-written historical mystery set in other countries- especially England. And Ms. Shapiro delivered exactly what I was hoping for! It is the year 1858 in London. Inspector Bell is investigating the murder of Jacob Harrow- a veteran of the Crimean War and now a journalist who is gruesomely murdered and left to hang by a meat hook on the gates of The Tower of London. Through his investigation, Bell discovers that all connections and clues lead to people that were acquainted with Harrow during his time in Crimea.

There were so many things I liked about this book! I loved the realistic descriptions of London at the time. This is not the romanticized, picture perfect London we see in many regency novels. It is a dark and honest portrayal where the author weaves vivid images depicting everyday life at this time- for people of all economic levels. We see what it was truly like in the city, at the hospitals, at boarding houses. I felt like I was walking with the characters as the story unfolded. And the descriptions of London were strewn throughout the story, making the city itself a major character.

The characters! Inspector Bell, Gemma Tate (his friend who is a nurse and helps with investigation), Colin Ramsey, and the others involved in the case. Each of the characters (especially the main 3) are coping with despair/loneliness. Yet the author also shows how they have hope in their circumstances through their developing friendships with each other.

The investigation. I am always fascinated to read historical mysteries. You have to approach this type of story by first getting rid of your 21st century perspective. The persistence and determination to discover, hunt down and connect all the information and people is a puzzle. There are no computers, google searches, etc. The tension is racked up when one of the characters is in danger- but they cannot just call someone for help! And keeping it all straight- well at first I had to jot a few notes, but as the story continued, there was an ebb and flow that made sense!

The conclusion was well done. I figured out the culprit at about 85%. But boy did I have the motive wrong! And yet, it was even better than what I thought!

I highly recommend this if you liked Caleb Carr's The Alienist, Sarah Pinborough's Mayhem, Louis Bayard's The Pale Blue Eye, the Sebastian St. Cyr mysteries by C.S. Harris, Lyndsay Faye's The Gods of Gotham series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is the second book in the Tate and Bell mystery series.

As per the previous book, the past of Gemma comes back hunting her and Sebastian asks for her help in solving a murder.

The mystery part is well designed and until the very end I was not sure who the culprit was. This is a page-turner and it kept me guessing while trying the devise a theory on what happened.

The characters were well depicted and I found the addition of several people from the Redmond and Haze series a really nice touch.

Thanks to the author and the publisher for providing me with an ARC.

This was a gripping, well written novel that brought to life Victorian London. It had a strong focus on the aftermath of the Crimean war and the senseless loss of life that became apparent to the general public after the event. It made a point that is applicable to all warfare that the trauma for an individual lasts long after the conflict has finished. The context is a murder mystery and the pressures to secure a conviction are exposed as the novel reaches its denouement. While there is violence in the book, we are spared too much grisly detail, just enough to make this tense and authentic. The plot is well worked giving a few red herrings on the way that are methodically ruled out be an indefatigable yet vulnerable detective who also develops a love interest, a surprisingly adept nurse who augments his logic with some lateral thinking.

Title: Murder at Traitors' Gate by Irina Shapiro - A Gripping Historical Mystery with Intrigue and Suspense

Having had the privilege of reading "Murder at Traitors' Gate" by Irina Shapiro as an ARC reader, I found myself thoroughly immersed in the atmospheric world of Victorian London, where intrigue and danger lurk around every corner.

The story follows Gemma Tate, a nurse haunted by her experiences in the Crimean war, and Sebastian Bell, a determined police inspector. When journalist Jacob Harrow, with ties to Gemma's past, is gruesomely murdered, Gemma finds herself pulled into the investigation. As Sebastian delves into Harrow's dark secrets from the war, he realizes he needs Gemma's insight to unravel the mystery.

Shapiro masterfully sets the stage with vivid descriptions of a wintry London, drawing readers into a world of fog-shrouded streets and shadowy alleyways. The historical backdrop adds depth to the narrative, with details of the Crimean war and its lingering impact on the characters enriching the story.

The dynamic between Gemma and Sebastian is one of the novel's strengths. Gemma's resilience and determination to uncover the truth, despite the risks, make her a compelling protagonist. Sebastian's steadfast dedication to his duty, even as he grapples with his own demons, adds layers to his character, making him equally engaging.

As the investigation unfolds, the tension mounts, with dark betrayals and secrets coming to light. Shapiro skillfully weaves a web of intrigue, keeping readers guessing until the final revelation. The pacing is brisk, with twists and turns that keep you eagerly turning the pages.

What sets "Murder at Traitors' Gate" apart is its richly drawn characters and its exploration of the lasting scars of war. Shapiro delves into themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the search for redemption, creating a story that resonates long after the final chapter.

In conclusion, "Murder at Traitors' Gate" is a gripping historical mystery that will appeal to fans of Andrea Penrose and Sherlock Holmes. With its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and twisty plot, it's a must-read for anyone who loves a good whodunit set in the Victorian era.

My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Irina Shapiro for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for June 24, 2024.

One of the many enjoyable things about reading is that you can travel through space and time without ever leaving the comfort of your armchair. Prior to picking up this read, I was on the beaches of Normandy on June 6, 1944, when the D-Day operation had just begun. In Murder at Traitor's Gate, I'm even further back in time, in 1850's London. And after this, my next read will bounce me forward into the Spring of 1925 in Somerset, England. Fun Fact: Did you know that reading lights up your entire brain? A 2013 study out of Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia, measured readers MRI scans as they read a book and found that the deeper readers went into a story, the more areas of their brain were actively engaged.

This second book in Shapiro's addictive and atmospheric Tate and Bell mystery series is just as good as the first, so I'm already champing at the bit to read the third instalment.

Tuesday, December 14, 1858, and the story opens with a body found hanging from Traitor's Gate. The dead man was found suspended from the Gate by a large, sturdy meat hook which was wrapped around the victim's neck. But that wasn't the worst of the man's injuries. Someone had removed the victim's tongue. The perpetrator was sending a message.

Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard has been given the unenviable task of not only identifying the victim but has been ordered to find the malefactor responsible for this crime. Now remember, this is 1858, there's no such thing as DNA or fingerprint evidence. In fact, it wasn't until 1911 in People v. Jennings that a criminal trial used fingerprints evidence. Bell has to rely on his own intuition and his ability to read people's reactions to questioning.

Bell was able to ascertain that the victim's name was Jacob Harrow. It's here where the author makes clever case connections to both Harrow and Gemma Tate. The victim, Jacob Harrow was the journalist who reported on the Highgate Angel case (in book #1). And Gemma Tate? Well, after successfully solving the murder of her brother, Victor Tate in the previous book, Bell and Gemma have formed a friendship. He becomes concerned for Gemma's safety when he learns of her connection to Harrow through her time as a nurse in the Crimean War. As Bell continues his investigations, he uncovers secrets that others want to remain buried. When Gemma’s friend, another nurse from Crimea, is found murdered in her boarding house it's now a dangerous race for Bell to uncover the truth, solve the case, and more importantly, keep Gemma safe.

Shapiro's writing is rich and full of descriptive text. The mystery threads are creatively plotted. As a reader, I had wondered how the author was going to incorporate Gemma Tate into further stories, but it seems as though my reservations were entirely unjustified.

Book 3 in the series is not due out until October 2024, so you have plenty of time to catch up!!

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.

All I can say is this is a Wonderful book.
I enjoyed the first in this series and had high hopes for the second and was not disappointed. This book almost reads itself it is that good and i devoured it in 2 days. The main characters are all here again and are are written so well that I was cheering them on but also worried when I needed to be.
I cannot wait for the next installment of what in my opinion is a must read series of books for those you enjoy a darn good old fashioned read without stacks of scientific help to solve the crimes.

Inspector Sebastian Bell must find a brutal killer, and in the process finds tendrils of the crime back in the medical tents of the Crimean war. Each person is linked to the next and they all seem to have secrets which lead to blackmail and murder.

I have enjoyed other titles by this author and this one was equally as good. Characters are multi-dimensional and the settings are easily imagined from the vivid descriptions. The mystery keeps the reader guessing until the end.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC. All opinions are my own.