While working at a foundling hospital Nurse Gemma Tate is heartbroken to hear about the death of one of her charges. When the death is deemed a murder Gemma decides to help the police get the person who did it before another death happens. She teams up with Inspector Sebastian Bell to help on the inside due to the head matrons disapproval. Putting her life in danger Gemma must be careful where she treads to make sure she causes no suspicions.
A good story filled with great characters and suspense. The ending is one of surprise and no one can guess the conclusion. A satisfying read.

"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."

You know, blurbs need to keep up with the times, never mention Neil Gaiman again, and it's now just Miss Scarlet, thank you very much.

Set in 1858, this story follows Inspector Sebastian Bell of the Scotland Yard as he solves yet another case.

It is Christmas Day, and a young child is murdered in the laundry room of the Foundling Hospital. It is up to Sebastian to solve the case. He is assisted by Gemma Tate, a nurse at the hospital.

The plot thickens when a small doll is found in the corpse’s hand, and whispers of a forbidden romance begin to travel through the halls of the Foundling Hospital. Against the wishes of the overbearing Matron, Sebastian begins to interrogate members of staff and other children, as it is his suspicion that the murderer is on the inside.

I really enjoyed this book and I thought that the reveal of the killer was very well done. I did eventually figure out who the killer was, however, the book was nearing conclusion when I did. This was my first book of the Tate and Bell mysteries although this is the third book in the series and I look forward to reading the other two!

The third installment of the Tate and Bell mystery was as dark and as gripping as the previous two.

A child is murdered in the Founding Hospital. The matron is only interested in avoiding a scandal and Sebastian has only a few days to solve the case. Luckily the hospital happens to be Gemma’s workplace so she’s able to help.

I enjoyed this book but I wish Sebastian and Gemma cooperated more. It seemed like they were each running their own investigations and only sharing the findings from time to time. I like their dynamic and missed it a little in this book.

Otherwise it was just as good as the previous two books; a well crafted mystery, strong characters and again, the masterfully depicted Victorian London.

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

This was in interesting read with lots of historical tidbits that I enjoyed. I did not read the first book in the series but I would certainly read more. I enjoyed the romance and appreciate the character arc. A solid read.

When one of the children at the Foundling Hospital where Gemma Tate works is found dead Inspector Sebastian Bell quickly realises the girl was murdered.
Sebastian is intent on finding the killer, but it seems that no one else is interested. The Matron of the hospital would rather sweep everything under the carpet and Sebastian keeps coming up against brick walls.
Against Sebastian's wishes Gemma decides to use her inside knowledge to help discover when happened.
But, uncovering things people want to keep hidden could put Gemma in danger, how much is she willing to risk for justice.
Full of intrigue twists and turns, this will have you hooked from the first page.

This is another entry in the series pairing Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell and former nurse from the Crimean War, Gemma Tate. The mystery involves the murder of a girl in the Foundling Hospital where Gemma now works. She pairs up With Bell to follow clues about the girl’s murder.

I really enjoy the author’s depiction of London at this time. She really gets the spirit of what the situation was like for people of different classes and how women faced such barriers.

I also liked seeing the slow progress in the growing romance between Gemma and Sebastian. The mystery kept me guessing as to who the murderer was though the backstory explaining the murderer’s motive was a bit surprising.

This is a great series and I’m already eager for the next entry.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

This series is in the gaslight-gothic tradition in that it is very serious and somber. Not a cozy for sure. That said, it is a well paced, well-plotted murder mystery with well drawn characters. I have enjoyed this series and hope it continues for a long time.

Sebastian starts his day with news that a child at the Foundling Hospital Gemma works at has been found dead, drowned in a wash tub overnight. Knowing Gemma's attachment to young Lucy, he knows he must reach the hospital before Gemma does to determine the child's identity. Unfortunately, for him, the Matron is extremely uncooperative from the minute he walks through the door, refusing to even tell him the child's name until they are with the body. To his great relief, it is not Lucy, but he's 90% sure he is looking at a murder and once Gemma arrives, she confirms his suspicions. With a child murderer possibly running loose at the very hospital, Gemma works, Sebastian knows that he must solve this case quickly, before Gemma places herself directly in front of a killer.

I had no idea who the killer was, literally none until Shapiro drops the giant, obvious hint towards the end, I mean, this person wasn't even on my radar. Of course this could also be because I spent most of the book just furious over Matron Holcombe, the whole thing good have been solved probably the morning they found the poor girls body if she had cooperated even a little bit. I can understand the need to keep the reputation of the hospital sterling, but in the end, if she just cooperated, it would have been super easy to spin any negative press in their favor.

I also enjoyed the progression of Gemma and Sebastian's relationship, especially with Gemma acknowledging that they've both got baggage and just jumping into a relationship would be pretty much the worst idea ever. It's so nice to see characters make logical decisions.

Overall, I definitely recommend this series it's been excellent so far, and I can't wait for book four!

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

You can check out all of my reviews at my blog! <a href = "https://kellysbooknook.wordpress.com/"> Kelly's Book Nook</a>

I have been thoroughly enjoying this series and the author does a great job of continuing to develop the characters and their relationships with each new book. As with Gemma, I was relieved to know that the body at the foundling hospital wasn't Lucy and then bad for realizing that meant I was glad it was another child. The part of the story that kept this from being a 4-star review was that I didn't fully understand the murderer's motive - I don't want to say any more as I don't want to include any big spoilers, but suffice it say it still doesn't make sense to me even after I have had time to think it over since finishing the book. I really enjoy the way the author goes about having Gemma and Sebastian conduct their investigations and having so many possible suspects that the red herrings are not immediately obvious. And there are so many great twists and turns here! I felt bad for Gemma at the end when she lost her position and the matron basically blamed her for everything that went down - without a hint of responsibility or guilt for having been the one to hire the killer in the first place. I'm still holding out hope that there will be a way for Gemma to adopt Lucy in the near future and hope that doesn't all get forgotten now that Gemma's not at the orphanage any longer. I'm excited to see how Gemma's story continues now that she has new employment which will most likely provide her with a little more freedom and reason to get involved in future cases. I would also like to see Gemma and Sebastian explore their relationship further and if they truly have a future with Sebastian still haunted by the death of his first wife and their child.

This Third Book in the Tate and Bell Series is darker and sadder, to me. Life in Victorian England is really perilous if you aren't from the upper class, and this book really demonstrates how difficult it is. While the orphans at the Foundling Hospital aren't treated in a Dickensian manner, they still have so little joy or love. And the adults don't have much more to hope for!

I look forward to seeing the relationship between Gemma and Sebastian grow and hope that they will be able to beat the odds.

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

This riveting, atmospheric series is most definitely in the gaslight-gothic tradition in that it is very serious and somber. If one of your requirements is wit and humor, you won’t find it in these books. However, what you will find is an excellently paced, well-plotted murder mystery with realistically flawed characters. Gemma Tate, the main female lead, is a nurse who trained in Crimea with Florence Nightingale, and Sebastian Bell, the main male lead, is a widower inspector with Scotland Yard.

Gemma has just enjoyed a lovely Christmas when she is summoned to the Foundling Hospital where she works. One of the children has been found – murdered. The staff members are forbidden to become attached to any of the children, but Gemma’s loving heart has become entwined with sickly little Lucy. During her mad dash to the orphanage, she is constantly whispering – “Please Not Lucy” “Please Not Lucy”. While it wasn’t Lucy, it was a lovely, kind, sweet fourteen-year-old young lady who never deserved such a violent end.

The Matron at the Foundling Hospital is determined to protect the institution from any scandal and therefore, throws obstacle after obstacle in Sebastian’s way – including her intention to petition the leadership at Scotland Yard to close the case as unsolved directly after the child’s funeral. Yes, she cared more for the institution – even if it housed a murderer – than she did for the life of one of her charges. Gemma has the access Sebastian needs and is determined to help solve the case and she does – even to her own peril.

Between them, they find many potential suspects, follow many leads, and uncover many secrets within the orphanage. The murderer – and the reason – will surprise you and make you very, very sad.

You won’t be able to put the book down once you start reading, so prepare yourself with all of the comforts before you begin. The story 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. Sebastian has overcome so much in the last few months and you will be pulling for his continued success in defeating his personal demons. Gemma has suffered great tragedy with the murder of her twin brother and is working hard to recover emotionally and financially from that loss. You will root for her too, but you will also worry that she has more TSTL moments than she should.

I enjoyed this book and I hope you will as well.

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Murder at the Foundling Hospital hits all the right notes in this distressing (due to the death of a child) next installment in Shapiro's atmospheric Tate and Bell series.

I love the slowly building relationship between Gemma and Sebastian, how they are fully cognizant of society's expectations and their own hurts. It's good to see Sebastian starting to live again and Gemma have hope.

The play on words with some of the names was fascinating and an excellent use of foreshadowing.

Not as dark as the first (thank you!), but still exposing the lengths to which desperate people will go to, Murder at the Foundling Hospital is an excellent study in humanity and an enjoyable mystery.

This is the 3rd book in the series and involves an intriguing mystery set in a dark and moody Victorian London setting. The atmospheric, descriptive writing really brought the era to life and I found myself pulled into the story from the beginning which start where the second book finishes. This book runs at a good pace to hold the attention and is filled with twists and turns that make it difficult to spot the villain. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I really loved this book, in Victorian times in England things were done very different to today. To have a child out of wedlock was definitely a no-no very often you were chastised but the Foundling Hospital was one of the better orphanages at that time ran on benefactors donations children up until the age of 16yrs had schooling but also had hard chores to do. . Sometimes the children were put into foster care as did Amanda but then ended up at Foundling
The story of Amanda a still a child wanted to go into service so she could wed her childhood sweetheart at 16yrs was found brutely murdered, and Gemma Tate a nurse was called upon by Police Inspector Sebastian Bell to take a look at the child to give her views which she was upset but with Gemma she always had time for the children which is frowned upon by matron, and matron was more worried about the benefactors than with the murder of one of her charges.
To investigate crime at that time was very difficult as not like today with DNA etc at the ready, so it was up to the police and there wisdom and what they see.
This book was very well written the characters well defined it was a pleasure to read, and would recommend it.

Bell and Tate are back for another very interesting investigation!
In the previous book, part two in the Bell and Tate series, Gemma got a new job in the foundling hospital, where she got really close to one of the girls living there. So when Sebastian sends for her because one of the girls is found dead in the laundry-room in a tub full of water that had frozen overnight she hurries to the foundling hospital praying that it isn't Lucie. It turns out to be another girl that has been murdered, called Amanda, Even so, Gemma is devastated by the death of such a young girl and is going to do everything that she can to find out who killed her, even to her own detriment. Because she works in the foundling hospital Gemma is in a better position to sleuth around than Scotland Yard is.
In the mean time Sebastian is doing everything to find out what happened at the outside, off course helped by some of his junior police officers and Colin, his surgeon friend who dissects the body so it gives up all it;s secrets.

What I admire about this series is the very scenic descriptions of London and the workings of the foundling hospital. It is clear that the author has a very good understanding of the time this book is set in. Also all the characters, the main protagonists as well as the minor support characters undergo a personal development in every episode. With every new episode I read in this series I'm growing more fond of these characters, so I am really looking forward towards the next book!

I want to thank Netgalley and Storm Publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

Once more Irina Shapiro has delivered a mystery full of suspense, intrigue, and excitement! Gemma joins forces again with Inspector Bell to solve the murder of the unfortunate Amanda Carter, a resident in the local orphanage. With Gemma working as a nurse at the foundling home, she has an exclusive view on the workings of the home and can talk to the residents easier than the Inspector. Feelings are arising between the Inspector and Gemma, adding to the intrigue. If you like historical mysteries, put this book on your reading pile.

Book 3 - and I couldn't wait to dive in!

Nurse Gemma Tate in now working at the Foundling Hospital and despite warnings, she's grown some attachments. So needless to say, when she hears one of the young girls has been found dead, her heart sinks. Her friend, inspector Sebastian Bell is on the case and she knows he will work tirelessly to find the truth.

Sebastian observes the girls pockets have been turned inside out as if someone was searching for something - and he finds a small wooden carved doll in her hand. How will Sebastian thwart the obstacle of the surly matron to work out what's happened? I loved the reappearance (although sometimes brief) of former characters... especially Gustav the cat.

These novels have such a feeling rich with history and nuances of the day - it makes them extra enjoyable.

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

Thanks to Storm Publishing and Net Galley for this ARC. Love this series, its still going strong and its great the way some of the later Redmond & Haze characters are woven in. Hoping this series continues for a long time. The plot was great and character are written really well and develop more with each instalement.

I was pulled into the story from the very first page and couldn’t put it down until the case was finally solved! This book is well-paced, filled with twists and turns, and keeps you guessing until the last minute.

Book three picks up right where the second installment left off, as Police Inspector Sebastian Bell is called to the Foundling Children’s Hospital, where Nurse Gemma Tate is employed, to investigate the murder of a 14-year-old girl. Gemma and Sebastian have a great balance—they really complement each other as they work through the case. The plot is so cleverly constructed that I found myself constantly guessing what would happen next and trying to piece together the clues alongside them.

And I have to say that I love the main characters so much! The romantic tension between them is palpable, with both of them struggling between their emotions and professionalism—a head vs. heart conflict that adds another layer to the story.

With a multi-layered storyline, intriguing mystery and rich historical backdrop, this book does a fantastic job of immersing you in its dark and moody Victorian London setting. The atmospheric, descriptive writing really brought the era to life.

If you’re a fan of mystery novels and love books set in Victorian London, then this series is a perfect match for you. I highly recommend reading the books in order to fully appreciate the storyline and character development.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the eARC in exchange for my honest opinion.