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.

Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro

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 very good book , I read this genre of book often but really enjoyed this one , I felt the author brought something else to it. Great characters , a story well told - what more could you want ?

When fourteen year old Amanda is found drowned in a tub of water at the Foundling Hospital on Boxing Day, Inspector Sebastian Bell is called in to attend the scene. He suspects she was murdered, most likely by someone in the orphanage. He has a few clues to go on including a tiny doll and something she had hidden in her clothing but doesn’t know what to make of them. With the matron of the orphanage concerned more with protecting its image than finding the murderer, his friend Gemma Tate, a nurse at the orphanage takes in into he own hands to help him find out more about the murdered girl and those who might be involved.

This is shaping up to be a really good Victorian mystery series. Gemma and Sebastian are both terrific characters, both flawed and doubting themselves but determined and willing to go to extra lengths to find the murderer. Gemma is an independent woman who is shaping up into quite the detective despite Sebastian’s warnings to take care and not get involved. Although there are romantic feelings between the two, they are both still in mourning - Gemma for her brother killed a few months ago and Sebastian for his wife and child who died during childbirth, so for now the romance is constrained.

Shapiro’s writing is sharp and engaging and the Victorian setting atmospheric, especially the descriptions of the Foundling hospital. The killer and their motives were hard to guess until Gemma and Sebastian finally put all the clues together in a very plausible scenario. It will be fun to see what future novels have in store for these two!

This continues to be a great series, with strong characters, intricate mysteries, and a great 19th century London setting. Gemma is again drawn into one of Sebastian’s cases when a child is killed at the Foundling Hospital where Gemma serves. Sebastian’s investigation and Gemma’s informal inquiries inside the Hospital combined bring them closer to the truth but also to danger to Gemma’s life and ability to provide for herself. The romance is more muted in this one as compared to the last, but for very plausible reasons that make sense for the characters. 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 and offered voluntarily.

This is the third book in the "Tate and Bell Mystery Series". I have not read the first two books, yet I found this book easy to get into as the author supplied the necessary background from the previous books.

I found the mystery and the historical setting to be intriguing and the plot really held my interest. The two main characters, Nurse Gemma Tate and Scotland Yard Inspector Sebastian Bell, work together in a complimentary fashion to solve the murder mystery. The descriptions of not only the Foundling Hospital itself, but also London and the character's lodgings ring true and add to the authenticity of the story.

I did not figure out the who and why until it was revealed at the end, and I enjoyed observing all the steps of their investigations. Bell and Tate are very likable and one hopes their budding romance will prosper.

I highly recommend this series and I will sometime go back and read the earlier books.

The third in a series of books, Murder at the Foundling Hospital has Inspector Sebastian Bell enlisting the help of nurse Gemma Tate to solve the murder of a young girl at the foundling hospital where Gemma works. She has inside knowledge of the teachers, staff, and students, but she must tread carefully to avoid losing her position or threatening the murderer.

I have read one other book in this series; each one easily stands alone. The author does a good job of showing how bleak life could be for a poor person in London in 1858, and how nurses and police officers, including detectives, were not highly respected. The glimpse inside the foundling hospital (in truth, an orphanage) is a reminder of the grim situation that children of that era faced. The mystery was well constructed, believable, and unrevealed until the very end.

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

This was so good I was picking it up to read it whenever I had time. The characters are easy to relate to as they have normal lives that anyone can empathize with. How the story twists and turns to you finding out who did it, I thought I knew but then something else happened. I could not who did it by the end of the book. The descriptions of characters was fantastic and could almost read their quotes in a different voice.

historical-fiction, historical-figures, historical-places-events, historical-research, historical-setting, history-and-culture, cozy-crime, Scotland Yard, murder-investigation, winter, grief, due-diligence, post-mortem, working-partners, orphanage, orphans, widow, riveting*****

1858 Boxing Day began with the discovery of one of the orphan girls dead in a tub of laundry water.
Inspector Sebastian Bell, a man haunted by the murder of his wife and child, and nurse Gemma Tate who was a nurse in the Crimean War, (October 1853–February 1856 fought mainly on the Crimean Peninsula between the Russians and the British, French, and Ottoman Turks). This is the third murder investigation they have worked on and again it is hampered by customs and attitudes of the day as well as willful deceptions, startling revelations, and astounding plot twist. Riveting and exceptionally well researched.
I requested and received a temporary E-proof from Storm Publishing via NetGalley. Thank you!
Avail Oct 21, 2024
#TateAndBellMysteryBk3 #MurderatTheFoundlingHospital #NetGalley #HistoricalMystery

Historical Mystery set in London 1858 about a nurse and a police inspector who team up to investigate an orphan girl's murder and uncover dark secrets hidden within the hospital walls.

5/5 stars: This is the third entry in Shapiro's Tate and Bell Mystery series, which is a Historical Mystery set in 1858 England and features an unconventional nurse and a troubled police inspector who work together to investigate the murder of a fourteen-year-old orphan girl who resides at the nurse's place of employment, the Foundling Hospital. As the two search for the killer they soon uncover dark secrets and make a shocking discovery hidden behind the high hospital walls. With plenty of twists and turns, Shapiro has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in dual POV, Shapiro's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's great to catch up with Gemma and Sebastian. Gemma's tough, she's still grieving her brother's death and dealing with her experiences in the Crimean War, but Is determined to build a life for herself. While Sebastian's still recovering from his opium addiction and dealing his guilt and grief over his wife and child's deaths. Additionally, the secondary characters are engaging and well-rounded. Shapiro tackles some sensitive topics, so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Highgate Cemetery Murder.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

This is the third book in the wonderful Tate and Bell mystery series. You don’t need to read the earlier books to enjoy this one, but both are well worth reading. The action is set at Christmas time in 1858 in The Foundling Hospital in London where Gemma Tate is working as a nurse. One of the girls is murdered and Inspector Sebastian Bell of the Yard needs Gemma’s help more than ever to solve the crime, as she is working on the inside, but he cautions her about getting too involved. Both have to tread very carefully because the formidable matron is uncooperative and neither Gemma nor Sebastian are secure in their respective employs.

The poor foundlings in the hospital lead a very regimented life of chores and lessons and chapel, they daren’t speak out of turn lest they incur the wrath of matron, making investigating the murder very tricky. Also, the wealthy benefactors and directors of the hospital don’t want any hint of impropriety much less a murder associated with the institution. The historic atmosphere is deftly conjured up, the society of the time in Victorian London was very harsh for women without means who weren’t married. Sebastian and Gemma have a tentative romance that might blossom in future episodes. it was a thoroughly gripping and immersive read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and the author for an advanced copy and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review. Expected Publication October 21, 2024

Book Review: "Murder at the Foundling Hospital" by Irina Shapiro

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Irina Shapiro’s "Murder at the Foundling Hospital" is a stunning debut that plunges readers into the dark, gaslit alleys of Victorian London, combining a gripping mystery with richly drawn characters and a captivating setting. As an ARC reader, I found myself utterly absorbed from the very first page.

Nurse Gemma Tate is a compelling protagonist whose determination and compassion shine through even in the face of tragedy. When a young girl at the Foundling Hospital is murdered, Gemma’s heartache and resolve to seek justice propel the narrative forward. Her partnership with Inspector Sebastian Bell adds a delightful tension, as they navigate the strict confines of the orphanage and the secrets hidden within its walls. The chemistry between them is palpable, and their banter brings a refreshing spark to the story.

The plot thickens with the discovery of a wooden doll clutched in the victim's hand, hinting at a shadowy romance that intertwines with the dark secrets of the institution. Shapiro expertly weaves together elements of mystery and suspense, leading readers down a twisting path of clues that kept me guessing until the very end. Just when I thought I had it figured out, the revelations left me absolutely gobsmacked!

Shapiro’s prose is lyrical and immersive, painting vivid pictures of Victorian life while capturing the nuances of Gemma and Sebastian’s investigation. The atmosphere is rich, drawing you into a world of whispered secrets and hidden motives, where every character feels fully fleshed out and integral to the unfolding mystery.

What truly stands out is how Shapiro explores themes of loss, loyalty, and the hidden lives of those within the orphanage. The emotional depth of the story elevates it beyond a mere whodunit, making it resonate long after the final page is turned.

"Murder at the Foundling Hospital" is a must-read for fans of historical mysteries and strong female leads, and it stands alongside the works of Andrea Penrose and the Lady Sherlock series. I’m already eagerly anticipating the next installment in this promising series! If you’re looking for a page-turner that combines intrigue with heartfelt storytelling, this book is not to be missed. Irina Shapiro has truly created something special here!

Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate return in another compelling mystery set in 1858 London. Sebastian is called to Gemma’s workplace, the Foundling Hospital, after the body of a young girl is found. Gemma is determined to find the killer, despite Sebastian’s warnings that she’s putting herself in danger.

I was devoured this book quickly with its twists and turns that had me wrongly guessing. As always, these books skilfully weave in gender, class and race politics. For me, though, the highlight is the growth of Sebastian and Gemma and seeing them develop a real partnership. Sebastian views and treats Gemma as his equal and each recognises in the other their grief and trauma. This book they dance closer to the precipice of starting something but recognise it’s precarious. Gemma lives with the ever-present threat of poverty due to her vocation and society’s rigidly narrow rules for women. Sebastian is newly sober (I really hope that little brandy slip is not a sign of anything bad to come) but hasn’t forgiven himself regarding his wife and child’s murder. Coupled with the politics of his job, moving to American to work for Pinkerton’s detective agency might be an enticing solution, so I hope they can get it together.

I am greedy for the fourth book and hope it comes soon.

Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.

The third book in this series and unfortunately I somehow missed book two! I still enjoyed this one.

In Murder at the Foundling Hospital a young girl is found murdered at the hospital of the title. Inspector Sebastian Bell is called to investigate the crime and of course he calls on his friend Gemma Tate, who is a nurse at the hospital to help him.

The author writes about this period of English history really well. She describes life at the Foundling Hospital very convincingly and indicates that although it was not perfect it was better than many other places. Life was hard and if you were poor it was even harder.

The mystery is handled well and the added Russian intrigue made it even harder to guess who the murderer was going to be. I enjoyed it all.

This is an intriguing thriller based at London's Foundling Hospital. The storyline is excellent and keeps you guessing who the murderer is. A really enjoyable thriller.

Gemma Tate continues to come into her own as she and her “friend”, Inspector Sebastian Bell, attempt to solve the murder of a young girl at the foundling hospital where Gemma is employed. Gemma is more hands on this time and uses every opportunity to help Sebastian despite his pleas that she stay out of it. It’s always fascinating to read about how investigations work within the limitations of 1850’s England. Policemen are considered only slightly above common unskilled labor and definitely below butlers and head housekeepers. Without fingerprinting and only minimal autopsies, murders were often solved via interviews and intuition. With his job once again on the line, Sebastian is given a time limit in which to solve the murder. He must deal with politics and the ever unhelpful matron of the foundling hospital. There is much to be continued with this duo and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. Please let it be something with little Lucy. “Murder at the Foundling Hospital” is a worthy addition to the series and definitely a great way to spend the afternoon. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the advanced copy.

Part of a series featuring Gemma and Sebastian. One of the girls at the foundling hospital is murdered and they must unravel the secrets to solve it.

This was another brilliant Victorian mystery by Irina Shapiro. It is the third book in the series featuring Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate but could easily be read without having read the earlier books.
For those who have the previous books, Murder at the Foundling Hospital begins right after the ending of the second book when one of the foundlings is discovered dead in the laundry room of the hospital on the day after Christmas. Sebastian is called to investigate and gets Gemma to give her views on what has happened.
This is definitely not cosy crime and the Victorian society depicted by the author is a long way from the aristocratic one found in romance novels. We see very clearly how hard it is for many people who don’t have family money to live comfortably. Even Sebastian as a police inspector only has a room in a boarding house. It’s even harder for women and all of the women in this novel are constrained by the restrictions of society and have to act in ways that they might not wish to. There is a lot of historical detail contained within the story but for me, it added to the enjoyment.
I loved the mystery and the way that it gradually unfolded with Sebastian being completely without any idea of who committed the crime or why for much of the book. All of the characters felt very real especially Inspector Tate who actually came across as quite unlikeable on a couple of occasions as he almost bullied people to get the information that he needed. I like the growing relationship between him and Gemma and hope that there is a happy ending for the two of them at some point in this series.
Thank you to Net Galley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Book 3 focuses on the tragic murder of a young girl at an orphanage where Gemma Tate works. Inspector Tate is assigned to the case and they must secretly work together to solve the crime without the Matron realizing Gemma is involved or she could lose her job and reputation. While Book 3 picks up where Book 2 ended, right after Gemma and Sebastian share a kiss, their relationship continues in a rather stilting way with no discussion of the event, both of them questioning what they want to happen, and Sebastian revisiting his previous loss without the full details and I couldn’t remember exactly what had happened. The allusions to the loss of his wife and son felt a little repetitive. Despite Sebastian’s worries about Gemma’s safety and involvement with the investigation, I loved that he gave her credit for her skills when he was praised. Even with the murder solved, there were no happy endings in this book, which was fairly dark and gritty but I look forward to hopefully more involvement and character development of Colin & Mabel in the next book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book