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.

BOOK: MURDER AT THE FOUNDLING HOSPITAL
AUTHOR: IRINA SHAPIRO
PUB DATE: 21 OCTOBER 2024
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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 the Tate and Bell series. The author just keeps getting better and better. This is the third book in the series, and I liked that the crimes solved were very different and o appreciated that. It's more amazing how she manages to balance their professions of nursing and policing.
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This book was kinda depressing considering the victim, a 14 year old orphan. The author did a really good job in portraying the realities of orphans then, especially at the foundling hospital. I understood the matron's approach, but I'm not in support of that. The orphans were so pitiful, and their lives, while they had basic necessities, lacked love and attention. My heart broke for the poor victim, Amanda
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This book and the previous book in the series really delved into what English boarding houses were like, how extremely disciplined the owners were, and how lonely it could be. I don't think I could survive that kind of lifestyle. And that was how Gemma and Sebastian lived.
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It might sound like a cliche, but again, I didn't even guess who the culprit was this time. I had an idea about the person who committed the crime and the motive, but I was completely wrong. It was very nice that the author keeps surprising me in a good way. I'm definitely reading the next.
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In the last book, I mentioned that Gemma was like a supporting character, but this was remedied here. Sebastian did a really good job here as usual, but Gemma solved the case because she had more access and the smarts. The crime happened where she was working, so she had first-hand handling of the scene. I really liked seeing Gemma as a front runner.
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I really liked this book, and I'm definitely continuing this series. But, I do wish that the author spaces the books. The first three books are set in a period of four months. I want something longer in between, with the time frame spaced out. I just don't want the books to be rushed
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A great read that just seemed to go by so fast as I got into the story. in this book takes place in an orphanage and the squalor in which a poor orphan dies is the catalyst for this book.. Gemma is once more central to the action, and working with Sebastian uncover the truth of the killing of a poor 14-year-old girl. Life in the orphanage or foundling hospital is described in great detail, mostly the sadness and the cruelty, but a little of the joy and the learning and a tiny bit of love. The bizarre rituals that underpin the running of an orphanage dance alongside the coldness of matron as she protects her reputation above all else. A novel that really gives the details of life in the mid 19th century..

A Victoria sponge of a novel: well-constructed, tasty in places, and a comfort food.
Gemma Tate is now working as a nurse at the Foundling Hospital. When one of the foundlings turns up dead in the laundry, Inspector Bell quickly realises foul play is involved. But hospital’s matron fears a scandal would cause wealthy benefactors to withdraw their support and is keen the hush up the murder as just-another-child-death. Events have clearly moved on since “Murder at Highgate Cemetery” with Gemma and Sebastian now having the early stages of a romantic attachment.
I liked both lead characters, although at times it felt as though a big arrow was pointed at Gemma’s head saying “strong female character”. There was backstory about Sebastian’s alcohol and opium misuse, and it was nice that he didn’t back slide at one point where he imbibes of brandy to help him sleep. They pair are obviously attracted romantically, but both dealing with a head vs heart conflict, and at present the head is winning.
I also enjoyed the sparring between Bell and matron, over access to vital records that could help further the investigation. She felt like a strong character, but without being labelled as such, and it was satisfying when Bell eventually worked out how to dismantle her objections. Its one of those stories where vital information is withheld until right at the end; so less of a final twist, and more of an unveiling.
What triumphs in the end is the author’s ability to tell a cracking story,which kept me turning pages and coming back for more. I would happily read more by the same author…so well worth picking up.
ARC received in return for an honest, unbiased review.