This is the fourth book in the "Tate and Bell Mystery Series". I recently finished the third book, but even if you haven't read any of the previous books it is easy to get into as the author supplies the necessary background.

I found the mystery and the theatrical setting to be intriguing and the plot 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. Bell and Tate are very likable and a lot of time is spent on their budding romance.

There are lots of "red herrings" as you don't know who's testimony to trust. I did not figure it out until the author revealed it at the end. Be warned that some descriptions go slightly beyond that of a "cozy mystery".

I highly recommend this series.

Gemma and Sebastian are really finding their style together and I find myself enjoying them all the more. They bring such balance to one another and a lot of the barriers holding them back, personally and professionally, are dealt with in this story. I love how both of their brains work and together they each explore angles and access points that round out the investigations. Murder at the Orpheus Theatre is a well written mystery that explores all aspects and possibilities of “who did it”. I was truly a bit surprised at the end and must admit, I didn’t see it coming. The continuation of characters we have come to know is there and brings extra layers to the storyline. I can’t wait to see where Gemma and Sebastian go next and know that wherever it may be, I will be right there, front and center, ready to experience the next adventure with them.
I received a copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

2⭐️ Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of Murder At The Orpheus Theatre.

Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate are spending the night at the theatre but what it supposed to be a fun evening turns deadly when the two lead actors are found murdered on stage in front of the audience. It is hard it investigate when everyone involved in the play wears a mask.

I really wanted to like this book but I could not get into it. I have never really been into any kind of theater so I think that is why I had a hard time getting into the book.

Before the first chapter is over Murder at the Orpheus Theatre had grabbed my attention never letting go. Book 4 of Tate and Bell Mysteries by Irina Shapiro, this is the most difficult case to solve yet. However, it is the most public of murders too, at least for the first two. Even when I thought I knew who the murderer was, I was still surprised. Not only are the actors in Romero and Juliet play good at what they do, there is someone else who wins the acting award.

Truly an atmospheric murder mystery. This is an addictive series with more emphasis on the plight of women during this time n British history. It will make every woman glad that they are living now, not then. It made me hope that Sebastian and Gemma would run off to the US and join the Pinkertons Agency.

Fan of Sherlock Holmes stories or Kelley Armstrong’s Rip Through Time (Though not a time travel like the Rip series) will love this series especially Murder at the Orpheus. I am so glad that I discovered Irina Shapiro’s books!

4 Stars
One Liner: This was good!

1859, London
Inspector Sebastian and Nurse Gemma didn’t expect their trip to a theatre would end up with a case on their hands. The lead couple playing Romeo & Juliet dies on stage. Sebastian is sure it was murder but solving the crime isn’t easy.
Gemma wants to be involved in the case (as always), and Sebastian is worried for her. With no one being trustworthy, he knows the risk of trusting the wrong person. Can they find the killer before it’s too late?
The story comes in Gemma and Sebastian’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
As the fourth story in the series, this still works as a standalone. However, I’d suggest reading at least the previous book to get an idea about the relationship dynamics and main character arcs.
The mystery is actually interesting since it involves death by poison (not me making notes). Moreover, the killer is a cool cucumber given the murder happened, so the MCs know they’ll have to work extra hard. I admit it took me a long time to guess the killer. I could get it only a few pages before the reveal happened.
We need an array of characters and see the social conditions of the times. It is dark and has triggers (domestic abuse) but the details are not overly graphic. We see only what is necessary for the plot development and the injustice of the times stays true to the era.
Since the theatre is the primary setting, we also get insights into the lives of the actors, running the showbiz, etc. Since I’ve read other mysteries with similar settings, I didn’t actually learn anything new. Still, I enjoyed the descriptions of the theatre. There’s something about the stage and the backend work that makes theatres feel larger than life.
The MMC’s professional life also sees a shift. While I’m not sure yet, I feel hopeful about the situation (much like the guy himself).
There are teeny developments in the personal track. At this point, I can’t wait for the FMC’s mourning period to be over. I also appreciate how a certain aspect has been considered but not directly addressed by the FMC. No unwanted drama. That said, the lead couple had very few scenes together.
Maybe we can have a time jump for the next case? There’s a new entry too, and I hope she’ll become a permanent addition to the group. Everyone needs HEA if you ask me!

To summarize, Murder at the Orpheus Theatre is an intriguing mystery with enough suspects and red herrings. The pacing is decent, though I wouldn’t call it fast. I’m glad I didn’t give up on the series. Have liked it better with each new release.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

This is a great Victorian mystery series. Nurse Gemma Tate, who had served in the Crimean War, and Sebastian Bell, a Scotland Yard inspector, team up again to solve a difficult murder puzzle. Who slipped morphine into the draughts that the actors in Romeo and Juliet drank in the final scene? All the possible suspects don’t seem all that believable, and I hadn’t guessed the actual murderer until the reveal. Once I found that out, I thought back over the book and realized that clues had been subtly and unobtrusively introduced.

I also liked the depiction of Victorian society as Gemma and Sebastian talk to various people trying to figure things out.

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.

Another fantastic book in the ate and Bell Mysteries! I loved that this book took place at a theatre yet still connected all the other books together. This book was so twisty and well written that I really did not make the connection of who the killer was until Gemma and Sebastian did!

Again Irina Shapiro paints an excellent picture of London in the 1800s! I really enjoyed learning about the theater and apothecaries of that time period. I also love that Gemma Tate is being portrayed as an independent woman which during this time period was looked down upon.

I hope there will be more books so we can see how Sebastian and Gemma's relationship/partnership continues to grow.

BOOK: MURDER AT ORPHEUS THEATEE
AUTHOR: IRINA SHAPIRO
PUB DATE: 25TH FEBRUARY 2025
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REVIEW- 4.5stars
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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This is the fourth book in the Tate and Bell series, and I'm loving it so far with no complaints. I really like this, and I admire the author's prowess. For series like this, it won't take long before I get tired because of the repetitiveness and predictability. So far, so good.
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When I saw this book, I thought I was not going to like it, but I was wrong, I liked it! This is the fourth book in the series, and so far, 5/6 months have passed. I thought it would be boring, but I was wrong! I loved the different yet familiar setting. Gemma is now a home care nurse and is staying in Colin's townhouse. The murders took place at a theater, which also provided a different setting and different drama to explore. I really appreciated that.
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Now, I loved the storyline and our detective and amateur sleuth, Gemma was up to the task and solved the case diligently, turning all stones. I was pleasantly survived at the plot twist. I consider a thriller or mystery good if I didn't guess who the culprit was, and I didn't in this book. Although Gemma had a bit of crisis because Sebastian told her to stop getting involved, the author also dived into the reason she was interested in investigating crimes.
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Of course, Gemma and Sebastian's relationship is progressing perfectly. I like their relationship, and I can't wait to see what's next for them!
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I liked this book, and I would definitely continue this series. Again, I'm requesting a change in scenery or something or for time to have passed with Gemma out of mourning. Anyway, I'll definitely recommend this book and this series. You can start with any book in the series. there is no room for confusion
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A night of entertainment at the Orpheus Theatre saw Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate, along with a couple of other friends, entranced in Romeo & Juliet. As the curtain fell and patrons began to leave, screaming was heard from behind the scenes. Sebastian hurried to the stage to be confronted with the bodies of the two leading actors lying dead; no longer acting, the real thing was in front of him, and Sebastian was shocked. When Gemma joined him, they began questioning actors and other staff backstage, while the Scotland Yard police were summoned. A deep and confusing case, with hidden secrets meaning many lies were told - would Sebastian find who the murderer was before someone else lost their life?

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre is the 4th in the Tate & Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro and it was captivating from the very first page! Set in 1850s London where women were expected to be seen and not heard; to keep the home fires burning and dinner on the table, Gemma was an anomaly - a nurse who had served in the Crimean war and was now nursing in London. A strong young woman with a mind of her own. I'm very much looking forward to #5. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre - this follows straight on from Book 3 and a murder during a theatre performance is this mystery. Some amazing characters in this one! And a wonderful back story to them all!

The fourth book in the Tate and Bell Mysteries series is every bit as enjoyable as the earlier ones.

The story begins at a performance of Romeo and Juliet and in the audience we find our MC, Gemma Tate, her new employer, and his mother who has dementia and is Gemma's charge. Shockingly the actors playing Romeo and Juliet actually die on stage in front of the audience. Inspector Sebastian Bell attends the scene which leads to him and Gemma being able to spend some time together.

Gemma becomes involved in the investigation in so far as she can being a single woman in 1850's Victorian England. However she has experienced freedom as a nurse in the Crimean war and being able to help Sebastian work the case to any degree is just what she needs. The relationship between them is developing well if slowly due to Gemma still being in mourning for her brother.

The author writes the period realistically and develops her characters well. I did not come close to guessing the murderer but then nor did the investigators until the very last moment. All good fun and I will certainly look out for the next book.

Set in early 20th century London, this is an engaging murder mystery with the two main characters, Nurse Gemma Tate and Inspector Sebastian Bell working to solve the murder, on stage, of two young actors playing Romeo and Juliet. The cast and managers have motives as do the backstage crew and various visitors to the actors. Descriptions of a rather seedy and precarious living are very well done as are the differences between social status and life behind doors versus in public. Gemma is quite feisty but resilient and determined given her nursing background in the Crimea, she is not a shy violet and is frustrated at the subservient role of women in contemporary society. Sebastian is a gentleman but with a temper and wants to protect Gemma. She has the advantage that people will talk to her more easily than to Sebastian. The plot is intricate and brings in a lot of social history. Well worth a read. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

This is the fourth in a series featuring Gemma Tate, a former nurse who served in the Crimea alongside Florence Nightingale, and police inspector Sebastian Bell. The story is set in Edwardian London with details of theatrical and domestic live and societal conventions giving the story a real sense of the period.

Gemma and Sebastian are in the audience at the Orpheus theatre and witness the murder of the actors playing Romeo and Juliet on stage in the final scene. The scene is quickly set and the investigators that follow reveal a list of suspects with secrets and possible motives. The theme of Shakespeare’s star crossed lovers is woven throughout the story with love that can’t be acknowledged, love that is not reciprocated and relationships held together through fear. The growing relationship between Gemma and Sebastian is nicely developed as are Gemma’s endeavours to break down the prejudices of the time. A very enjoyable read.

I surprisingly like it a bit less than previous books, perhaps because Gemma went too far, or I wasn't that interested in the actual murder?

Gemma went too far for me in this investigation, risking her life even more than in the previous book. I really hope this is going to be the main arc changing her for the next books, and I do hope we'll get a better character growth because she hasn't changed from book 1, she only got bolder, more reckless.

The investigation was interesting in the way that I've always loved following Sebastian in his interview and loved trying to find the culprit along with him (and Gemma). The idea for the culprit was good and done well. However the story on the theater actors wasn't that interesting for me, but that may be because for the first time there is no link to Gemma nor Sebastian like there were in the previous 3 books, which makes me feel more detached?

Overall I still really enjoyed and I do hope the next book will happen further in the future, more than just a couple month later, as I do really want to see Gemma out of her mourning period and finally getting an official start in Gemma and Sebastian's relationship and courtship!

I loved the evocative title and cover - the book looks stunning ❤️ This is an engaging and fast-paced historical murder mystery. The set up for the story - with murder happening onstage - is clever and atmospheric. The book is part of a series, the Tate & Bell Mysteries, but works as a standalone.

Favourite quote: "And he intended to start by questioning Frances Modine. He didn't think the woman would give up her husband, but there was much to learned from silence, and from fear."

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.

The 4th Tate and Bell mystery does not disappoint.
With each installment I get more invested in the characters’ lives, which makes it difficult to wait patiently for the next in the series. Murder at the Orpheus Theatre was a bit seedier a storyline than the others, but not so much as to spoil it entirely.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

Another excellent book in this series, they all hit the high notes for me. This time it is a double murder to solve and one that was done in public on a stage in front of an audience, including Gemma and her Inspector friend Sebastian. The action is kept high, with a reasonably tight list of potential murderers all with something to hide and a reason that they could have committed the crime. The characters are as well described as usual and all have real strengths and quirks that make them stand out and be memorable. Gemma, once more, manages to push the boundaries of what women were allowed to do and in doing so threatens the friendship of those around her and potentially puts herself into danger. A great read.

Gemma Tate is visiting the Orpheus Theater in her new role of nurse to Dr. Colin Ramsey's mother Anne, along with mutual friend Scotland Yard Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell when the actors playing Romeo and Juliet ACTUALLY die on stage. Christopher Hudson and Esme Royce had many admirers and as many enemies. The other actors, the theater directors, theater owner, wealthy patrons, even the orphans who lived in the attic could have done it.
Sebastian is warned by his super at the Yard NOT to let Gemma into his investigation. The Victorian hierarchy does not like women meddling in police work, especially when they solve it as in their last case. Gemma attempts to gather information that would be difficult for the male police officers to acquire, without drawing attention to herself.
Sebastian is sickened by the treatment of his wife by one of the suspects that the law was unable to help. He is also growing in affection for Gemma and is counting the days to the end of her mourning for her brother. Their relationship is one of the highlights of this series.
As the suspects are investigated and the who and why are revealed, still who the culprits are is still shocking.
I love this series set in Victorian England. Sometimes I am a bit angry at some of the horrors that are thought of as commonplace at the time, but am heartened by the knowledge that very soon after reforms begin and things begin to improve for at least some of society.
Highly recommend both this book and the entire series.

Fourth in a very enjoyable series, though can be read as a standalone.

When Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate go to a performance of Romeo and Juliet at the Orpheus Theatre, they're shocked to discover that the actors playing Romeo and Juliet are both poisoned in real life at the end.

Sebastian wants to keep Gemma safe, but as a woman she's able to glean more information than the police can in some places. The story leads back to Gemma's time in Scutari as a nurse; there are lots of twists and turns (and some very subtle misdirection) before they discover the murderer and their true motivation. It's also lovely to watch Sebastian and Gemma's romance grow.

Thanks to the author, Storm and Netgalley for the ARC.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of Murder at the Orpheus Theatre.

I am a huge fan of historical mystery and romance and this 4th installment of the Tate and Bell is another hit for me! I love watching thier relationship blossom and I can’t wait until Gemma is out of mourning so they can properly date! The way she pulls you in from the beginning and keeps it twisting the entire book is fabulous! I can’t wait for the next one!!