So I didn't realize that this was the second book in a series but honestly I was born to keep up pretty well. There was enough context clues to understand what you might have missed and the book was super good

Murder at Traitors’ Gate is the second in a series (Tate and Bell). I read it as a standalone, however it would have been beneficial to read the first one to better know the main characters. That said, it is an interesting and enjoyable mystery. The setting, in 1850s London, is highly detailed and incredibly atmospheric. Victorian London is a character in itself; as a reader you are swept up in daily life, the city streets, the types of homes, medical limitations, and class distinctions. Sebastian Bell, a Police Inspector, is challenged to solve the murder of a journalist. Gemma Tate, a nurse, is brought into the mix since she has ties to the Crimean War, also connected to the murder victim. There are many suspects and the story moves seamlessly as Shapiro brings you to its conclusion. I recommend it. With thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC. My opinions are my own. susanh_bookreviews

Haunted by her Crimean War trauma, nurse Gemma seeks a new beginning—until a journalist’s brutal murder drags her into a perilous investigation. She and detective Sebastian race against time and escalating betrayals to expose the truth, even as her relentless pursuit puts her own life at risk.

This engrossing mystery is full of twists that kept me guessing. The main characters are likeable, and I enjoyed the growing relationship between them.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

Irina Shapiro’s books just keep getting better and better. This just may be the best one yet! Inspector Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate once again team up to tackle a puzzling case. Two bodies, mutilated in the same way, reveal a twisted tale with lots of suspects, founded in war experiences in Crimea. How do these two murders fit together? All evidence seems to point to Dr Godfrey Price, but Sebastian knows in his gut that there are too many missing pieces to this story. When Sebastian and Gemma combine their wits, things start to fall into place, but it takes an attempt to kill Sebastian to make it all clear.

I love the way Sebastian and Gemma work together, sifting through the evidence and putting the pieces of the puzzle together. And I really love the Epilogue!

Shapiro fans will not be disappointed. This is the gripping second installment in another fabulous series. I highly recommend this one!

The second entry in this series set in 1850s London is excellent like the first. Sebastian has to investigate the brutal murder of a journalist, and when he finds a link to the Crimean war, he has an excuse to bring nurse Gemma back into his work. This book focuses more on Sebastian than Gemma, a nice counterpoint to the first book. The mystery is well done and engaging, and both the main and side characters are vividly drawn. The historical details are seamlessly woven in, and you get a sense of daily life at the time with all its deprivations and challenges. I’m already looking forward to the next one. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own.