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Tate and Bell Mystery #3
Murder at the Foundling Hospital
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 gas lit Victorian mystery, perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.
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 gas lit Victorian mystery, perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.
318 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 21, 2024
1939 people are currently reading
557 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
84 books1,132 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
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September 11, 2024
Murder at the Foundling Hospital (Tate and Bell Mystery, #3) by Irina Shapiro
Synopsis /
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?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Irina Shapiro for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for October 21, 2024.
Shapiro’s Tate and Bell Mystery series revolves around the lives of two main characters, Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard; and nurse, Miss Gemma Tate. The pair first met in the first book when Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell investigated the murder of Gemma’s brother, Victor. Since that time the pair have become firm friends, which each having a healthy mutual respect for the other’s abilities.
In Murder at the Foundling Hospital - Shapiro has our female mc, Miss Gemma Tate situated firmly in the thick of it - front and centre in the story.
Boxing Day - December 26, 1858, and the story opens with the body of a young girl being found in the basement laundry of the Foundling Hospital. Horace Fletcher was making his early morning rounds, refilling coal buckets and oil lamps. Heading down to basement to open the coal chute he noticed the laundry room door was left open. Thinking that it was odd for the laundry to be open at this time of the morning, he headed in to check there was nothing amiss. A cursory glance told him all was well, but, as he turned to leave, he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. On closer investigation, Horace saw it was the body of a young girl. The body, which was submerged in a tub full of water had frozen overnight and the look on the young girl’s face was enough to make the old man scream.
The Foundling Hospital was not a hospital in the modern sense. It was a place of hospitality for unwanted children, founded more than one hundred years ago and reserved for the illegitimate offspring of mothers deemed deserving. It was more than an orphanage. The hospital was an institution that not only looked after the children but also educated them, taught them valuable life skills, and prepared them for life beyond its walls.
Gemma knew that working as a Nurse in the Infirmary of the Foundling Hospital, she was not supposed to have ‘favourites’ or create personal attachments to any of the children. For the most part, she observed this rule strictly, but, she was only human after all, and there was one small five year old girl she had grown particularly fond of.
When alarm bells started ringing about the incident in the laundry room, and the Matron had summoned Detective Inspector Bell to come at once, Gemma fervently prayed that it wasn’t Lucy lying frozen in that tub in the laundry.
The Matron, fearing her job might be on the line and questions raised by the Hospital’s wealthy benefactors, she was quickly closing ranks. DI Bell has a limited open window in which to solve this crime before Matron cuts of his access. Thankfully, he has insider help, in the form of Miss Tate, who is able to covertly assist the Inspector with his enquiries.
Shapiro's writing is rich and full of descriptive text. The mystery threads are creatively plotted and historically accurate. This author does not make it easy to guess the culprit, with plot twists and red herrings to throw you off track. There are several threads - most run cold, and only one will lead you to the killer.
Very much enjoying how the author is growing these characters, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the pair next.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Synopsis /
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?
My Thoughts /
First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Irina Shapiro for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for October 21, 2024.
Shapiro’s Tate and Bell Mystery series revolves around the lives of two main characters, Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard; and nurse, Miss Gemma Tate. The pair first met in the first book when Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell investigated the murder of Gemma’s brother, Victor. Since that time the pair have become firm friends, which each having a healthy mutual respect for the other’s abilities.
In Murder at the Foundling Hospital - Shapiro has our female mc, Miss Gemma Tate situated firmly in the thick of it - front and centre in the story.
Boxing Day - December 26, 1858, and the story opens with the body of a young girl being found in the basement laundry of the Foundling Hospital. Horace Fletcher was making his early morning rounds, refilling coal buckets and oil lamps. Heading down to basement to open the coal chute he noticed the laundry room door was left open. Thinking that it was odd for the laundry to be open at this time of the morning, he headed in to check there was nothing amiss. A cursory glance told him all was well, but, as he turned to leave, he caught sight of something out of the corner of his eye. On closer investigation, Horace saw it was the body of a young girl. The body, which was submerged in a tub full of water had frozen overnight and the look on the young girl’s face was enough to make the old man scream.
The Foundling Hospital was not a hospital in the modern sense. It was a place of hospitality for unwanted children, founded more than one hundred years ago and reserved for the illegitimate offspring of mothers deemed deserving. It was more than an orphanage. The hospital was an institution that not only looked after the children but also educated them, taught them valuable life skills, and prepared them for life beyond its walls.
Gemma knew that working as a Nurse in the Infirmary of the Foundling Hospital, she was not supposed to have ‘favourites’ or create personal attachments to any of the children. For the most part, she observed this rule strictly, but, she was only human after all, and there was one small five year old girl she had grown particularly fond of.
When alarm bells started ringing about the incident in the laundry room, and the Matron had summoned Detective Inspector Bell to come at once, Gemma fervently prayed that it wasn’t Lucy lying frozen in that tub in the laundry.
The Matron, fearing her job might be on the line and questions raised by the Hospital’s wealthy benefactors, she was quickly closing ranks. DI Bell has a limited open window in which to solve this crime before Matron cuts of his access. Thankfully, he has insider help, in the form of Miss Tate, who is able to covertly assist the Inspector with his enquiries.
Shapiro's writing is rich and full of descriptive text. The mystery threads are creatively plotted and historically accurate. This author does not make it easy to guess the culprit, with plot twists and red herrings to throw you off track. There are several threads - most run cold, and only one will lead you to the killer.
Very much enjoying how the author is growing these characters, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the pair next.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
September 18, 2024
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.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
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.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 12, 2024
Chief Inspector Sebastian Bell was on the case of a murdered young girl at the Foundling Hospital, with Nurse Gemma Tate overwhelmingly grateful the dead girl wasn't Lucy, one she was particularly fond of. Gemma felt terribly guilty for that thought, as one of the other girls was dead at the hands of another. The Chief Inspector was having trouble with the Matron of the facility, as she guarded her records and charges fiercely, but the Inspector was investigating a murder, so needs must. The tub of water in the laundry on Boxing Day, which was where Amanda took her last breath, was now a crime scene, and Sebastian and Gemma were both determined to discover who had taken her life.
With little to go on, Sebastian struggled with his investigation, and once again his superior, Lovell, needed the case solved immediately. But gradually, and with Gemma's help, they found clues, found people to interview, formed opinions - but Sebastian needed factual evidence. Would he find it? Would they find it together before someone else lost their life?
Murder at the Foundling Hospital is the 3rd in the Tate & Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro and it was excellent! Once again Gemma put herself in danger, but she wouldn't be the great character she is, if she didn't. And Sebastian, in London 1858, didn't have the advantages of his current day Scotland Yard investigators. But he does a particularly good job of searching for the perpetrator. I'm very much looking forward to #4! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
With little to go on, Sebastian struggled with his investigation, and once again his superior, Lovell, needed the case solved immediately. But gradually, and with Gemma's help, they found clues, found people to interview, formed opinions - but Sebastian needed factual evidence. Would he find it? Would they find it together before someone else lost their life?
Murder at the Foundling Hospital is the 3rd in the Tate & Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro and it was excellent! Once again Gemma put herself in danger, but she wouldn't be the great character she is, if she didn't. And Sebastian, in London 1858, didn't have the advantages of his current day Scotland Yard investigators. But he does a particularly good job of searching for the perpetrator. I'm very much looking forward to #4! Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
October 21, 2024
Happy Publication Day!
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.
———
Oh how I love being right about the killer from the beginning, muahaha 😈
RTC
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.
———
Oh how I love being right about the killer from the beginning, muahaha 😈
RTC
September 28, 2024
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 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.
July 13, 2025
Murder at the Foundling Hospital is the third book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series by Russian-born British author, Irina Shapiro. When Scotland Yard Inspector Sebastian Bell is called to investigate a death at the Foundling Hospital where Gemma Tate works in the Infirmary, her cursory examination and Colin Ramsey’s more thorough one quickly lead to the conclusion that fourteen-year-old Amanda Carter was murdered.
Drowned in a laundry tub in the early hours of Boxing Day, Amanda was in possession of two unusual items that Bell hopes will be clues to her assailant. The number of potential suspects is not small, if he includes the various masters and mistresses, teachers, porters, servants, nurses, delivery men. he chaplain, the doctor, and even older children, who might have had the opportunity.
Gemma has some inside knowledge that might prove useful, but who might have had motive is another puzzle, and Bell is concerned for Gemma’s safety, should the killer still be at the Hospital. Another challenge is getting Matron Holcombe to part with sensitive information such as the identity of Amanda’s mother. The Matron seems to be more focussed on protecting the reputation of her institution so as not to put off potential benefactors, rather than discovering the killer.
But a few clues have Bell following certain avenues of enquiry and resorting to unexpected tactics when it becomes necessary. In this instalment, Gemma tries her hand at lock-picking and, eventually, ends up in a very unladylike tussle. This, and her investigations, have far-reaching consequences for her employment. Changes mooted in the Scotland Yard hierarchy may affect Sebastian’s position, despite his success solving this murder.
Shapiro continues to easily evoke her mid-19th Century London setting, gives the reader some clever detective work with a few red herrings and a twist at the reveal. Fans of this cast and setting will look forward to the next books in the series, Murder At The Orpheus Theatre, and Murder On Platform Four. Excellent historical crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
Drowned in a laundry tub in the early hours of Boxing Day, Amanda was in possession of two unusual items that Bell hopes will be clues to her assailant. The number of potential suspects is not small, if he includes the various masters and mistresses, teachers, porters, servants, nurses, delivery men. he chaplain, the doctor, and even older children, who might have had the opportunity.
Gemma has some inside knowledge that might prove useful, but who might have had motive is another puzzle, and Bell is concerned for Gemma’s safety, should the killer still be at the Hospital. Another challenge is getting Matron Holcombe to part with sensitive information such as the identity of Amanda’s mother. The Matron seems to be more focussed on protecting the reputation of her institution so as not to put off potential benefactors, rather than discovering the killer.
But a few clues have Bell following certain avenues of enquiry and resorting to unexpected tactics when it becomes necessary. In this instalment, Gemma tries her hand at lock-picking and, eventually, ends up in a very unladylike tussle. This, and her investigations, have far-reaching consequences for her employment. Changes mooted in the Scotland Yard hierarchy may affect Sebastian’s position, despite his success solving this murder.
Shapiro continues to easily evoke her mid-19th Century London setting, gives the reader some clever detective work with a few red herrings and a twist at the reveal. Fans of this cast and setting will look forward to the next books in the series, Murder At The Orpheus Theatre, and Murder On Platform Four. Excellent historical crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.
December 2, 2024
Murder at the Foundling Hospital was the third book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series. I am enjoying this series so much. The characters of DI Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate have come to feel like old friends. I have come to expect Gemma’s involvement in the cases that Sebastian has been assigned despite Sebastian’s efforts to keep her out of them for her safety. Murder at Foundling Hospital was perhaps my favorite book in this series so far. I really enjoyed the setting of the hospital and some of the new characters that were introduced in this book and I really like the time period of the late 1800’s when it takes place. Although the Matron of the Foundling Hospital ground on my nerves, she left a lasting impression. Irina Shapiro once again kept the pace just right and threw in just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end. Murder at the Foundling Hospital can be read as stand-alone book but I suggest reading the books in order. It has been nice to observe the progression the characters have made from the beginning of this series to now and how their relationships have evolved over the course of the series. I highly recommend Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro if you enjoy a good mystery.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read the digital version of Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read the digital version of Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
October 20, 2024
Murder and mystery!
The body of a young girl is found in the laundry of the Foundling Hospital where Gemma Tate works as a nurse. The hospital is a place reserved for the illegitimate children of ‘deserving’ mothers.
Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell is summoned.
The matron, Matron Holcombe is effected by the child’s death but highly antagonistic towards Sebastian’s investigations. She and the Board of Directors want the murder swept under the carpet. Any scandal could affect the hospital’s all important donor support.
Sebastian has Gemma help him, albeit quietly.
Eventually the clues that are revealed are puzzling.
It’s only after Gemma is almost killed that the murderer is unmasked
The tale however is complex and murky.
Sebastian is facing pressures from work, as is Gemma.
The Tate and Bell mysteries continue to intrigue, as does the developing relationship between the two
Another great Victorian mystery read from Shapiro
A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
The body of a young girl is found in the laundry of the Foundling Hospital where Gemma Tate works as a nurse. The hospital is a place reserved for the illegitimate children of ‘deserving’ mothers.
Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell is summoned.
The matron, Matron Holcombe is effected by the child’s death but highly antagonistic towards Sebastian’s investigations. She and the Board of Directors want the murder swept under the carpet. Any scandal could affect the hospital’s all important donor support.
Sebastian has Gemma help him, albeit quietly.
Eventually the clues that are revealed are puzzling.
It’s only after Gemma is almost killed that the murderer is unmasked
The tale however is complex and murky.
Sebastian is facing pressures from work, as is Gemma.
The Tate and Bell mysteries continue to intrigue, as does the developing relationship between the two
Another great Victorian mystery read from Shapiro
A Storm ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
September 15, 2025
One of the Best Historical Murder Mystery’s I have ever had the privilege to read/listen to!
Narrator was brilliant.
Hooked from beginning to end. Made my Favorite’s List❤️
No foul language or sex👍👍
Narrator was brilliant.
Hooked from beginning to end. Made my Favorite’s List❤️
No foul language or sex👍👍
November 19, 2024
Murder At The Foundling Hospital is the third installment in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, and I highly recommend to also read the previous books because are all masterfully written.
This book was a little hard to read, because the victim is a young girl, killed in the safest and only place she knew, the foundling hospital. The investigation is difficult and annerving because DI Bell and the nurse Tate aren't free to roam for the building and to follow their leads for the strict rules abiding at the hospital.
I like that Gemma and Sebastian feel like they have to protect each other. I wish their relationship becomes easier, but I still adore the small gestures of appreciation and support they exchange without anyone noticing.
Irina Shapiro is really good to highlight the difficulties of the Victorian age, and to portray these pathetic and miserable characters that live only for themselves without taking into consideration the consequences of their actions.
Recommended! Gripping storyline, captivating setting.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for kindly giving me an advanced copy of this book to read.
December 29, 2024
Another great book in the series. I’ve so enjoyed this series with Sebastian and Gemma! Ooh man- I just wanted to beat the warden in the foundling hospital! What an awful woman! Another good mystery filled with investigations, clues and multiple suspects. So fun and intriguing!
November 8, 2024
Ohhhh, this was very good!! I am so glad that I took a chance on this series!!
Well-written, with a very god, very intriguing mystery [I had NO idea and was shocked when the reveal happened], this was probably the best of the series, though that is not to cast shade on the others as they were very good as well [the first book blew me away with its mystery and content]. It was fascinating to learn more about the workings of a foundling hospital [the good AND the bad] and some of the parts in that made me so very sad. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be a child in that atmosphere.
Gemma and Sebastian work so well together, and I love seeing how they figure each mystery out and I like how Sebastian admires and respects Gemma [even as she does things that make him crazy with worry] and strives to help her expand her freedom; it is such a joy to read. I also really like how he respects the space she has erected around herself and isn't pushing for anything other than deep, abiding friendship. The end was very good and since I just found the synopsis of the new book, sets that up perfectly.
IF you love good historical mysteries [or just good mysteries in general], I highly recommend this series. It has been such a joy to read them.
Thank you to NetGalley, Irina Shapiro, and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Well-written, with a very god, very intriguing mystery [I had NO idea and was shocked when the reveal happened], this was probably the best of the series, though that is not to cast shade on the others as they were very good as well [the first book blew me away with its mystery and content]. It was fascinating to learn more about the workings of a foundling hospital [the good AND the bad] and some of the parts in that made me so very sad. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be a child in that atmosphere.
Gemma and Sebastian work so well together, and I love seeing how they figure each mystery out and I like how Sebastian admires and respects Gemma [even as she does things that make him crazy with worry] and strives to help her expand her freedom; it is such a joy to read. I also really like how he respects the space she has erected around herself and isn't pushing for anything other than deep, abiding friendship. The end was very good and since I just found the synopsis of the new book, sets that up perfectly.
IF you love good historical mysteries [or just good mysteries in general], I highly recommend this series. It has been such a joy to read them.
Thank you to NetGalley, Irina Shapiro, and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 11, 2024
Book 3 in the seies and a child is found murdered in the Foundling Hospital where Gemma Tate works as a nurse. Inspector Sebastian Bell is called in to investigate but finds his questions blocked by the Matron of the hospital. Not wanting to risk Gemma's safety he asks her refrain from her usual input but as she is on the scene every day its almost impossible.
If you're a fan of mystery novels and books set in Victorian London then this series is a perfect match for you
If you're a fan of mystery novels and books set in Victorian London then this series is a perfect match for you
July 10, 2025
Gemma is working as a nurse at an orphanage where a teenaged resident is killed. Sebastian comes to investigate.
We continue to learn about how the war in Crimea affected the poor who served there. This is probably one of the better depictions of post-war London.
There’s a series-long arc about Colin’s mother that might be settled in the next book.
We continue to learn about how the war in Crimea affected the poor who served there. This is probably one of the better depictions of post-war London.
There’s a series-long arc about Colin’s mother that might be settled in the next book.
July 4, 2025
Review to follow
April 8, 2025
Good mystery involving the murder of a 14-year old girl. She was a resident in the well-regarded Foundling Hospital (aka orphanage) where Gemma Tate is working as a nurse.
Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard leads the investigation, which is met with resistance by the hospital's administrators. Bad publicity, don't you know, will discourage the well-heeled donors who fund the hospital.
I really like Sebastian and Gemma. They work well together. Though in this case she can't be openly connected to the investigation for fear of losing her job.
There were some nice twists, with the identity of the killer catching me off guard. There is a nice epilogue, which I really appreciated, as it tied up a few loose ends.
I already have the next book (Murder at the Orpheus Theatre) on hold at the library, and there's a fifth book Murder on Platform Four) coming soon.
Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard leads the investigation, which is met with resistance by the hospital's administrators. Bad publicity, don't you know, will discourage the well-heeled donors who fund the hospital.
I really like Sebastian and Gemma. They work well together. Though in this case she can't be openly connected to the investigation for fear of losing her job.
There were some nice twists, with the identity of the killer catching me off guard. There is a nice epilogue, which I really appreciated, as it tied up a few loose ends.
I already have the next book (Murder at the Orpheus Theatre) on hold at the library, and there's a fifth book Murder on Platform Four) coming soon.
April 30, 2025
I've read all four novels in this series this month and loved them all, but I've only had time to
review the first one....
RTF
November 14, 2024
I love this series!! This is the third book in the Tate-Bell series, and it was worth the wait. Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell are a great duo! I thought for sure I'd be able to figure out who the murderer was in this book, but like the first two books, I was off, but only by one or two suspects. Now, I just have to wait until February 2025 for the fourth book.
October 21, 2024
This is the third book in Irina Shapiro's Tate and Bell Mystery series, set in London circa 1858-1859 and featuring Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate. This book builds on Gemma's background as a nurse and caregiver, employed at the Foundling Hospital, the scene of a murder of a young girl.
Again, the author gives modern readers a nuanced insight into how difficult and perilous everyday life was like in Victorian London. The Foundling Hospital employs many former residents who cling to the safety of the familiar, knowing that without such a safety net, their lives would be bleak and short. Even the best alternative to being executed or thrown in prison, being transported to Botany Bay is horrific - "they'd still perished, only much slower as they starved to death or fell victim to illness."
But as the book ends, Gemma has some new employment and a relationship between Sebastian and Gemma seems more likely, and I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series. 5 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
At first glance, she was just a delicate child, but she was a child on the verge of womanhood who would have invited a very different kind of attention from grown men had she not died so suddenly.Inspector Bell is once again between a rock and a hard place, with Superintendent Lovell urging him to solve the crime as soon as possible, and the Matron of the hospital with quite different objectives:
Matron would do everything in her power to thwart the investigation, and even if the truth came to light, the governors would no doubt prefer to deal with the culprit internally and administer their own brand of justice.The author crafts another dense-plotted mystery with some interesting elements (a mysterious Russian ring, a tiny doll), a quest to discover Amanda's birth mother, and a dynamic ending that pulls everything together in an exciting conclusion.
Again, the author gives modern readers a nuanced insight into how difficult and perilous everyday life was like in Victorian London. The Foundling Hospital employs many former residents who cling to the safety of the familiar, knowing that without such a safety net, their lives would be bleak and short. Even the best alternative to being executed or thrown in prison, being transported to Botany Bay is horrific - "they'd still perished, only much slower as they starved to death or fell victim to illness."
But as the book ends, Gemma has some new employment and a relationship between Sebastian and Gemma seems more likely, and I eagerly anticipate the next book in this series. 5 stars.
I received an ARC from the Publisher, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.
April 10, 2025
3.5 Stars
I really enjoy the mysteries in Irina Shapiro's series and this one did not disappoint. This book was not an easy subject and most of the people in it were so unlikeable that I just wanted it to be over. There is still a lot of extra inner meanderings from both Gemma and Sebastian that are starting to get a bit exhausting. I would be musing over every detail as well but dang, do I have to be present for every session of analyzation in the their heads? I tend to skim through those as it starts a trend of repetitive information that does nothing to keep this reader engaged in the story.
That being said, the mystery was well done once again and I changed my mind about 50 times on which character was the culprit of this horrible deed.
Audio: I listened to this series via audio and the narrator is almost ruining it for me. Her narration is overwrought, strident and just generally overacted. Every single word is snapped off with emphasis and it is starting to be so grating I might not be able to listen to her again. Her performance takes away from the most tense moments of the book because walking down the street is an EVENT and is narrated the same way as the confrontation with the killer. It's... painful.
I really enjoy the mysteries in Irina Shapiro's series and this one did not disappoint. This book was not an easy subject and most of the people in it were so unlikeable that I just wanted it to be over. There is still a lot of extra inner meanderings from both Gemma and Sebastian that are starting to get a bit exhausting. I would be musing over every detail as well but dang, do I have to be present for every session of analyzation in the their heads? I tend to skim through those as it starts a trend of repetitive information that does nothing to keep this reader engaged in the story.
That being said, the mystery was well done once again and I changed my mind about 50 times on which character was the culprit of this horrible deed.
Audio: I listened to this series via audio and the narrator is almost ruining it for me. Her narration is overwrought, strident and just generally overacted. Every single word is snapped off with emphasis and it is starting to be so grating I might not be able to listen to her again. Her performance takes away from the most tense moments of the book because walking down the street is an EVENT and is narrated the same way as the confrontation with the killer. It's... painful.
December 9, 2024
MURDER AT THE FOUNDLING HOSPITAL (#3 in the TATE & BELL series) did not keep my attention.
I don't know if I just changed reading-mood mid-course or if the pacing was just that slow, the progress not all that interesting, but I ended up skipping chapters to get it over with.
~
This entire series I'd describe as light, fluffy reads. Cozy mysteries, if you will. One of the better free-reads you can find on KindleUnlimited if you are looking for cozy mysteries.
I will probably stop here.
December 6, 2024
This is the third Tate and Bell mystery, Gemma Tate being a nurse and Sebastian Bell being in the more usual mystery-solving job of Police Detective. Nevertheless like most mystery novels that in evolve non-professionals, the murder that occurs is linked to her life first, namely her work within the Foundling Hospital. Irina Shapiro's historical spends quite a lot of time exploring how the Foundling Hospital worked and was different to a standard orphanage, and she is very interested in the processes and management of the hospital and its own internal politics. She isn't so interested in trying to summon up mid-nineteenth-century London sights and sounds, the Foundling Hospital's proximity to King's Cross is barely referenced, and this is very much a book of dingy interiors (the hospital, and various boarding houses). It's a serious mystery, for all of its tinges of slow burn romance between Gemma and Sebastian (mainly thwarted by propriety).
Its serious air also comes from the crime, the murder of a fourteen-year-old girl. It is a locked room mystery writ large, in as much as the hospital was locked to outsiders, so the criminal had to be one of the charges or staff (unless someone else had gained access). The strict regime within the hospital makes the detection process difficult, though not as much as the barriers put forth by the Matron, whose main aim is to ensure the hospital doesn't get any bad publicity, which might jeopardize charitable fundraising. Indeed she seems happier to allow the criminal to go free to avoid bad publicity, with the thought that if it was a particular crime against the person, the criminal is unlikely to commit another crime. Bell also has complications with the Met's office politics, requiring patronage. It creates a book where the crime is often challenged for importance by the bureaucracy they have to work around. The murder investigation itself is well balanced if anything suffering from a shortage of viable candidates, but with well flagged clues which made the little bit of action at the end satisfying. If you are reading for the romance or character development the slow pace in that area might be frustrating, but as a well structured period mystery I had no complaints.
Its serious air also comes from the crime, the murder of a fourteen-year-old girl. It is a locked room mystery writ large, in as much as the hospital was locked to outsiders, so the criminal had to be one of the charges or staff (unless someone else had gained access). The strict regime within the hospital makes the detection process difficult, though not as much as the barriers put forth by the Matron, whose main aim is to ensure the hospital doesn't get any bad publicity, which might jeopardize charitable fundraising. Indeed she seems happier to allow the criminal to go free to avoid bad publicity, with the thought that if it was a particular crime against the person, the criminal is unlikely to commit another crime. Bell also has complications with the Met's office politics, requiring patronage. It creates a book where the crime is often challenged for importance by the bureaucracy they have to work around. The murder investigation itself is well balanced if anything suffering from a shortage of viable candidates, but with well flagged clues which made the little bit of action at the end satisfying. If you are reading for the romance or character development the slow pace in that area might be frustrating, but as a well structured period mystery I had no complaints.
February 17, 2025
I have really been impressed by this series. I have found it hard to find a series where the author has been able to maintain a quality level of writing that continues to grip the reader. The characters are captivating, and the storyline has kept me interested from start to finish.
May 1, 2025
Good. Settling into the series. Still pretty dark…more Dickens than Heyer in Shapiro’s London for sure. An important reminder that the best tho g about the good old days is that they are over. A budding romance, yes, but nothing romantic about the author’s view of the time period.
May 6, 2025
Much better than the last one. Gemma had more of a hand in the investigation, which makes sense since it was in her place of business. I will say this woman's mourning period needs to end ASAP because if there is anymore growing tension between Sebastian and her I'll pass away.
September 8, 2024
I enjoyed this novel very much! I loved being immersed in the atmospheric descriptions of the Hospital, London. I loved reading about the characters even though reading about women' s social status and how they are viewed by men at this time made my skin crawl! Nevertheless, that is how it was and the author perfectly reflected it in his writing. A good and compelling plot which left me guessing... I can't wait for the next mystery investigated by Sebastian and Emma , nor can I wait to see how these two characters develop...
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
December 23, 2024
Another totally enjoyable mystery. Loving this series!
January 7, 2025
What’s not to love. I stayed up way too late reading this. There were some missteps in the story telling but the twists were enjoyable. If you liked the previous two stories, this one adds to the fun.
February 17, 2025
Murder at the Foundling Hospital - Book 3 of the Tate & Bell
Series. This has been my favourite so far. I felt we really started to know more and more about Seb and Gemma and start to see their blossoming relationship. The setting of the Foundling Hospital is a great choice as it hones in the story to predominantly one building and its inhabitants.
Great story, wonderful twist
Series. This has been my favourite so far. I felt we really started to know more and more about Seb and Gemma and start to see their blossoming relationship. The setting of the Foundling Hospital is a great choice as it hones in the story to predominantly one building and its inhabitants.
Great story, wonderful twist
October 13, 2024
*No spoilers* I always enjoy a good mystery and this book has it all. There’s a perfect amount of mystery and suspense with also enough character development that you are easily drawn in. The fact that I did not guess what occurs in this book is an added bonus. The MMC (Sebastian) and FMC (Gemma) are both very likable yet flawed characters. With the setting taking place at a hospital (orphanage) in London in 1858 the insight to the historical references of what possibly day-to-day life might look like made this an interesting read. If you like reading Victorian fiction and love a good mystery, this is the book for you.
Disclaimer: this is book #3 in this series but it can also be a standalone book in my opinion. I also was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
Disclaimer: this is book #3 in this series but it can also be a standalone book in my opinion. I also was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
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