Murder at the Orpheus Theatre

Tate and Bell Mystery #4

by Irina Shapiro

She looks hardly more than a child, sleeping, her lashes long and thick as they rest against her rounded cheeks. But in the flickering gaslight, she is unnaturally still…

For Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate, a night at the theater becomes a deadly spectacle when the two lead actors are found dead on the stage, murdered before a stunned audience. Drawn into a shadowy backstage world, they encounter a cast of suspects, each with desperate secrets to hide…

Sebastian is determined to get justice, and to keep Gemma safe from the dangerous killer circling the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. But she is already too deeply involved, and, in a world where everyone wears a mask, could she have trusted the wrong person…?

Be drawn into a heart-pounding Victorian mystery. With its richly drawn characters and simmering romance, this thrilling tale of murder and redemption is perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, Historical, Historical Mystery, Fiction, Romance

330 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 25, 2025

About the author

To 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...

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre (Tate and Bell Mystery, #4) by Irina Shapiro

Synopsis /

She looks hardly more than a child, sleeping, her lashes long and thick as they rest against her rounded cheeks. But in the flickering gaslight, she is unnaturally still…

For Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate, a night at the theatre becomes a deadly spectacle when the two lead actors are found dead on the stage, murdered before a stunned audience. Drawn into a shadowy backstage world, they encounter a cast of suspects, each with desperate secrets to hide…

Sebastian is determined to get justice, and to keep Gemma safe from the dangerous killer circling the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. But she is already too deeply involved, and, in a world where everyone wears a mask, could she have trusted the wrong person…?


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 February 25, 2025.

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 when, in the first book, 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.

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre is the fourth book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series and while it could serve you well as a stand-alone, I would encourage you to pick up this series from the beginning.

Set in London during 1858 – and if you can remember your history – it's just after the end of Crimean War, where women played a vital role as nurses, cantinières and army wives. One of the most remembered nurses during this time was Florence Nightingale, who is remembered today as the founder of modern nursing. Nightingale trained and managed her nurses, as well as organised care for wounded soldiers at Constantinople and reduced death rates by improving hygiene and living standards. Nightingale brought a level of professionalism to the nursing cohort. Whereas previously, considered mostly working-class, Nightingale set about encouraging well educated, respectable women into nursing. This was a double-edged sword – on the one hand helping to transform the public image of nurses; on the other, it changed women's way of thinking – there was more to life than family, motherhood, and the idea that the woman’s responsibilities were to love and respect her husband before anything, and perform all of the duties and chores for the household. Rather than just working "alongside" men, women were paving a way to occupying their own workspace.

As this reader has come to expect, Shapiro's writing is rich and full of descriptive text. The mystery threads are creatively plotted and historically accurate.

When the story opens; Gemma, together with Sebastian, Colin, and his mother are enjoying a rare night out at the theatre to celebrate Mrs Ramsay's birthday. The play, 'Romeo and Juliet' is one of Mrs Ramsay's favourites and Gemma was grateful that her charge seemed to be enjoying herself. But the joyful evening was cut short when, after the final curtain close, the night took a sinister turn. Esme Royce and Christopher Hudson, the young actors playing the star-crossed lovers, were discovered dead on stage.

Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell has his work cut out for him to solve this mystery. All cast members seem to be hiding secrets and the theatre (building) itself is full of mystery and intrigue. Bell will need to unravel loyalties, relationships, lies and red herrings to uncover the truth about how this young couple seemed to mysteriously die on stage.

Although this was my least favourite story of the series to date, it was still a very engaging read. Shapiro is maturing and developing her main cast of 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.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Happy Release Day!

Every time I finish a book in this series, I want the next one immediately. That’s the downside of reading a series when it’s still being written; you can’t binge it.

The mystery in this one was brilliant! Well-crafted as always, and a little different from the previous books. The crime happened on a stage, and the victims were actors, so a lot of the investigation had to be conducted at the theater. It was not a closed circle mystery, but because of that setup, it did have a similar vibe.

I love Gemma and Sebastian; their dynamic is great. I was hoping for more of it, unfortunately they only had a few scenes together. Don’t get me wrong, I’m here for the mystery, but as a romance reader, I want progress in the romance department too.

Again, kudos for the Victorian era realism; there’s no sugarcoating to appeal to our twenty-first century sensibilities. This series is as dark as the times it describes, which makes the happy moments shine and stand out even more.

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

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the arc.

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

#NetGalley #MurderAtTheOrpheusTheatre

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder At The Orpheus Theatre is the fourth book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series by Russian-born British author, Irina Shapiro. A birthday outing at the Orpheus Theatre for Colin Ramsey’s mother comes to a disturbing end when the actors playing Romeo and Juliet actually die during the scripted suicide. Inspector Bell immediately takes charge, Gemma Tate offers her opinion on the victims, and interviews two bystanders.

Given the late hour, Bell allows the cast and crew to depart for their boarding house, while the bodies are taken to Colin Ramsey’s for autopsy. The following day, DCI Lovell resentfully confirms that he expects to soon be replaced by a younger, more connected officer, but still appoints Sebastian to head the case.

Ramsey’s autopsies confirm that the young actors were poisoned, but what he can’t determine is if it was a double suicide, a murder/suicide, or a double murder. As he interviews potential suspects, Bell understands that he has his work cut out for him trying to deduce the most convincing motive, when so many among cast, crew and backstage visitors had means and opportunity.

Lovell has impressed on him that Gemma Tate is not to be allowed to get involved this time, and Bell understands the potential damage to his reputation stemming from the inadequacy his colleagues feel around an intelligent woman. Gemma finds this restriction irritating, and decides on a course of action that won’t endanger herself or upset Bell’s colleagues, but might be useful. As it indeed is.

Shapiro easily evokes her mid-19th Century London setting, reminding the reader that there’s no sending samples to the lab for analysis, or getting a DNA match; she 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 book in the series, Murder On Platform Four. Excellent historical crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

[Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

RTC … love this series!!

[ItaPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre is the fourth book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro, it could be read as a standalone, but I'm quite sure you'll love every single novel in the series.

I've really enjoyed this story. I was hooked since the beginning thanks to the excellent writing, the intriguing mystery that make me wonder who dun it till the end, and the expertly described characters.

Inspector Bell and Miss Tate are among the audience of the Romeo and Juliet at the Orpheus Theatre when the young protagonists actually meet their death on stage. The investigations seem complicated since the start, too many suspects, and too many motives: jealousy, desire, revenge, the most common. Will Sebastian solve the case without putting Gemma's life at risk? Will Gemma keep her questions at bay to keep out of trouble as asked by her friends?

I love Sebastian and Gemma so much. The dynamics between them keep evolving, they admire, respect and take account of each other insights. The affection they feel for each other is pretty clear, but they still have to wait before they can be official together for the moral standards of the epoch they live in.

I can't wait to read next book in the series.

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

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”

This title in the Gemma Tate and Inspector Sebastian Bell Victorian mysteries started off rather dramatically where the lead actors in the play, Romeo and Juliet, didn’t arise from the death scene. Wow!
Turmoil is everywhere throughout this title, deaths pile up and Gemma becomes a tad resentful because Sebastian has to warn her off, due to the attitude towards her of his Scotland Yard boss. Not that Gemma took much notice. Their first fight!
Gemma investigates on her own in places it hasn’t occurred to Sebastian to look.
When Gemma’s life is in danger, Sebastian doesn’t hesitate. Moments before I’d thought, ‘My goodness! How’s Gemma going to get out of this! Where are you Sebastian!’
Shapiro highlights the social issues of the age, women in danger from their husbands, children thrown out on the street, the attitudes of the more powerful.
Old acquaintances are renewed. Sebastian faces change at Scotland Yard.
Another excellent episode from Shapiro featuring these two incredible people who really need each other but hesitate for so many reasons.
But, perhaps that horizon has shifted closer? Sigh!

A Storm invitation ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[BONNIE SMITH · Rating 4 out of 5]

4th in the series, Murder at the Orpheus Theater is another investigation by nurse, Gemma Tate and Scotland Yard inspector, Sebastian Bell.

We met them a few books ago when Gemma's brother was the murder victim and they have remained close comrades.

In this installment, Gemma and Sebastian find a case while attending the theater. An iteration Romeo and Juliet takes a deadly turn when both actors lie murdered before the audience. Everyone in the buidling is suspect, and Sebastian gets straight to work, and may have his work cut out for him.

I admit I have only read the first, but this installment is just as good! Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review prior to it's March release date.

[Amy · Rating 3 out of 5]

The ending ruined this plot for myself and my book club.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma, Sebastian, Colin, and Colin's mother witness a double murder on stage at a performance of Romeo and Juliet. The lead actors drink poison during the death scene. Sebastian starts investigating immediately and Gemma does some sleuthing on the side while acting as nurse for Colin's mother.

Keeping Gemma and Sebastian apart will keep this series going for a while, I think. They are both living in boarding situations and Gemma's only a few months into the mourning period for her twin brother (killed in the first book). They have almost no privacy or time alone, which makes the slow romantic subplot feel appropriate and expected. Still, there's been a little progress.

Colin seemed to be another potential love interest for Gemma and his mother, suffering from dementia, makes some comments about her son being a better match. Gemma introduces a new friend into the mix who might be Colin's love interest. Poppy is another nurse who served with Gemma under Florence Nightingale and they reconnect during this investigation.

Though there is a large cast of characters, the people at the theater are all developed nicely and each has a distinct role. There's no confusing one for another here.

The next book comes out at the end of this month. I can't wait!

[Cherise Isabella · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre, is a cozy, murder mystery period piece. I really really enjoyed this book, even more than the previous one I read. Sebastian and Gemma have great chemistry, and I love their scenes together.

This time the duo are faced with a double homicide during the popular play of Romeo and Juliet. The murder and investigation, kept me on my toes. They were so many suspects and so many motives. Lies, deceit, betrayal and so much more lay within these pages. You never knew who to trust and who was telling the truth. There were some very dark moments and difficult subjects that I think the author handles with tact and grace.

The revelation of the killer also blew me away, I didn't see it coming at all. Even at the last moment with the final twist, I was shocked. I love when a book can make me feel different emotions. This story evoked several of them from me, ranging from rage to sadness. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Irina Shapiro, for my eARC of this book. All opinions are 100% my own, and I am leaving my review voluntarily.

[Kim Campbell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Whilst this was a very exciting read, I have to say that women like Gemma Tate annoy the life out of me. They proclaim their independence, continually bemoan the fact that they don't have the same opportunities as men, state they are just as intelligent and capable as men, then calmly walk into trouble and need rescuing! As soon as they say "I'll just do.... what harm can there be?" (even though they know that what they are 'just' going to do is talk with a killer) you just know what is going to happen. So, instead of waiting outside the theatre for Seb, she calmly goes inside, thus proving she is not intelligent or capable at all. Because having walked into the lion's den she then becomes a quivering jelly and... well you can guess the rest.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good edition to this already amazing series [YAY for taking chances!! ]. Filled with murder [at the play of Romeo and Juliet no less], mayhem, intrigue, a look into what some women suffered at the hands of their husbands [who felt having a "side piece" was acceptable as the daily beatings they rained down on the wife that might have an opinion; while I know this is still something that we deal with far too often today, there were FAR less options for wives back then as beating your wife wasn't illegal, wouldn't land you in jail, the husband could have his wife committed to aslyum where she could "legally" be killed, as well as no shelters or few people willing to stand up and shelter an abused woman, mostly from fear of recrimination themselves ], as well as what dementia looked like in that time period [much like it does today but with a lot less knowledge on how to manage it; many of these sufferers also ended up in aslyums].

Well-written [as well as researched; the more I read these, the more I realize that I need to read some books about the Crimean War, which plays into this story even more that the previous books ], with an excellent mystery [surprisingly, I guessed the killer early on, told myself I was ridiculous and completely dismissed that thought - SURPRISE!!! LOL ] and reveal that was very good, but also desperately sad.

I really love this one and hope there are more to come!! Very well done!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Irina Shapiro, and Storm Publishing for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth of the Tate and Bell Victorian murder mysteries set in 1850s Victorian London. I love the series so far and this is no exception. You don’t need to have read the first books to enjoy this but they will give you more background to the main characters. Gemma Tate and Sebastien Bell are enjoying an evening at the theatre, watching Romeo and Juliet, the star crossed lovers die in the final scene but so do the actors playing them, poisoned! But who killed them? Inspector Bell investigates and despite dire warnings from his boss he allows nurse Gemma Tate to help him. They make a formidable pairing, even though women were not allowed to work for the police at the time.

The story is gripping and fast paced, the theatre world throws up a number of suspects amongst the actors, the backstage staff and various outside visitors. The historic detail feels accurate and immerses you in the time period. A very enjoyable read.

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Irina Shapiro for an advance reader copy, here I am leaving my honest review.

[Tamar...playing hooky for a few hours today · Rating 5 out of 5]

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

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

On a rare night out at the theatre for Sebastian, Gemma, Colin and his mother to see Romeo and Juliet, the tragic love story turns true as the leading actors are poisoned right in front of the audience. In order to solve these murders, Inspector Sebastian Bell delves into the theatrical world, as trained nurse Gemma again assists with her medical knowledge and skills in digging into the maze of Victorian society.

What keeps me coming back to the series, beyond the well-done murder mysteries, is how Shapiro gives us heartbreaking insight into a society where a married woman had abolutely no rights to her fortune or her own body. Where orphaned children can be tossed out in the street, left to survive as best they can. Where Sebastian and Gemma's budding relationship is hampered by her year-long mourning period, and how they can never be truly along together. But in spite of all that, their relationship deepens and grows and I can't wait for the time when they can truly be together.

I will admit the killer in this case was a total surprise to me, but I appreciated all the twists and turns that brought us to the answer. At times, I felt the plot seemed to stragnate, but overall another enjoyable read. 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Storm Publiishing, via NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review.

[Barb in Maryland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Scotland Yard Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Emma Tate go to the theater with doctor Colin Ramsey and his mother. The play is 'Romeo and Juliet'. All goes well until the final curtain falls, and then doesn't rise for the cast to take their bows. Instead, the request goes out for 'a doctor in the house'. It seems that Romeo and Juliet are well and truly dead.
But who would want to kill these to young actors?
What follows is a very clever mystery. It seems that a number of people might want one or the other of them dead--but both of them?
I quite enjoyed the investigation, with the various red herrings, twists, turns. I will say that I did not suspect the identity of the killer. I also enjoyed the office politics going on at Scotland Yard and their effect on Sebastian and his career. Nothing like workplace tension to complicate an already trick case!

I liked that Emma was able to reconnect with a fellow nurse and friend from the Crimean War. I hope we see more of Miss Penelope (Poppy) Bright in future books.

I already have Murder on Platform Four on my 'wishlist'. Just waiting for it to come out.

[Lanie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sebastian, Colin, and Gemma have taken Anne to a production of Romeo and Juliet as a way to get her out of the house as her condition worsens. Just as the play is ending and the quarter are preparing to leave the director comes on stage and announces that someone has died. Sebastian and Gemma both head down to the stage to discover that the two leads, Esme and Christopher are dead, killed by the poison they swallowed as their characters. Sebastian and Gemma start interviewing their suspects immediately and quickly realize that these actors' lives were more dramatic than anything Shakespeare ever wrote and everyone had a reason for murder.

Best one yet? Absolutely. Do I also say that every book? Also, Absolutely. Do I feel any shame? Nope, I am a shameless Bell and Tate Fangirl at this point.

Alright onto the review!

Right off the bat you're going to believe you know who the killer is. You don't and when you do finally figure it out it's going to be one of those situations where your brain doesn't really want to accept it. Of course, you're actually going to be wrong again and the real killer is somehow more believable and yet you'll want to believe it less, but also be angry at how well they fooled you. Side characters in this one were great as well of course and we get introduced to Poppy whom I hope is going to be here for the long haul. Finally, Sebastian stops being a jerk about Gemma helping him out. Is this kind of a spoiler? Yes, but honestly, his apology is pretty grand so I don't think it's much of one.

Highly recommend this series especially if you enjoy Sebastian St. Cyr. While Tate and Bell are not as progressive as St. Cyr and Hero at first, I believe the end of this book marked a turning point there.

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

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

During a performance of “Romeo and Juliet,” the eponymous characters consume a lethal dose of morphine and die on stage. What is an accident, suicide, or murder? In Irina Shapiro’s “Murder at the Orpheus Theater,” Gemma Tate and Inspector Sebastian Bell are in the audience and jump into action. There are few clues and even fewer evident motives, but then another victim is found…and another. Gemma and Sebastian know that time is of the essence and they must find the killer before the murderer targets them.

This is the fourth book in the Tate and Bell historical mystery series. The pacing is excellent and the clues for the reader are intriguing. Gemma and Sebastian’s relationship is sweet and they are clearly committed to each other even though Gemma is still in mourning for her brother. Underlying the mystery are thoughtful discussions about the different ways that people fall through the cracks in society.

This story is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries and slow burn romances.

TW: discussion of domestic violence, addiction, family loss, and suicide ideation.

I received an advance review copy for free from Netgalley and Storm Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christa Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre is the fourth book in the Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate series. Sebastian and Gemma are attending a performance of Romeo and Juliet with friends when the two lead characters are murdered on stage. They immediately start investigating but with a theatre full of suspects, it proves to be a tough case. Also complicating matters are impending changes in the department that could affect Sebastian's job and Gemma is also dealing with a new nursing position as well. This is another good page turning mystery and slow burn romance with plenty of 19th century period detail. #Netgalley #MurderattheOrpheusTheatre

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Irina Shapiro for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the Orpheus Theatre coming out February 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

For Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate, a night at the theater becomes a deadly spectacle when the two lead actors are found dead on the stage, murdered before a stunned audience. Drawn into a shadowy backstage world, they encounter a cast of suspects, each with desperate secrets to hide…

Sebastian is determined to get justice, and to keep Gemma safe from the dangerous killer circling the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. But she is already too deeply involved, and, in a world where everyone wears a mask, could she have trusted the wrong person…?

I am super obsessed with this author! I have pretty much all of her books. I’ve read several of them. This series is amazing and I love it so much! The time period and setting is perfect. Gemma and Sebastian are amazing. I love the dynamics between them. I loved that this book featured the theater. I am definitely excited to read more books in the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian murder mysteries!

[Heather Moll · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery is solid and a great addition to the series and is probably best read in order, even though the mystery itself stands alone. There was a little more telling rather than showing when it came to Colin’s feelings and to Sebastian’s boss. I wanted more Gemma and Sebastian page time. They didn’t work together much let alone show progress on the relationship front. I’m still on board for more of these two!

3.5 stars I received and arc from NetGalley

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell attend a performance of Romeo and Juliet with Gemma's charge the elderly Mrs. Ramsey and Dr. Colin Ramsey, Gemma's employer. The end of the performance ends in horror, as the two leads are discovered to be dead on stage.

Sebastian immediately takes charge of the scene, and begins his investigation. Gemma, eager to help, does a little investigating, too.

Sebastian's superior is eager for him to close the case soon, particularly as his own job is in peril, and he wants a quick win to change the perception about his leadership (or lack of it).

Though told explicitly to prohibit Gemma from participating in his case, Sebastian knows Gemma will likely be asking her own questions of people he likely won't have access to, or won't have the time to question on his own. At the same time, despite knowing how tough and resourceful she is, his own fears for her safety overwhelm him, and the two have words about Gemma's involvement and daring, leaving both smarting and upset.

At the same time, the case reveals strong personalities, jealousies, and poor behaviour amongst the actors and crew, and eventually, Gemma, then Sebastian, figuring out who the murderer is, leading to a dangerous confrontation.

I totally enjoy this series. Gemma and Sebastian are both sympathetic, still dealing with their grief for lost family members. But Gemma is beginning to feel trapped by her life, and likes the way investigating gives her purpose, beyond caring for Colin's mother. Sebastian has to deal with his own preconceptions and trauma over the course of the book so he can begin to really accept Gemma's contributions.

This is a enjoyable story, and I like the way author Irina Shapiro always weaves in aspects of the Crimean War, and its aftereffects on the people who returned from it.

The murderer, this time, was a bit of a surprise, though the clues were laid out subtly. I am eager to read the next book and can't wait to see the pair tackle their next case, and their evolving relationship.

Thank you to Netgalley and to Storm Publishing for this ARC in exchange for my review.

[Heatherinblack · Rating 3 out of 5]

That was a terrible ending.

Not to the mystery, to the book. Having a little bit of romance between the male authority and the “happens to come across dead bodies” females. But resolution to the mystery was abrupt (why even interview the person who colluded with the murderer? We didn’t gain anything from it. And the last 3 ages were obviously a set up for the next book. Meh.

[Elizabeth Bell · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love anything involving the theatre, and this wasn't *quite* as dark as the first book in the series. I loved the developing relationship between the Sebastian and Gemma. What a perfect gift he gives her at the end! Audiobook narrator Imogen Church is wonderful at creating different voices for different characters, but her narration veers into melodrama too often for my tastes.

[Samantha Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[K McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another strong entry in this enjoyable series set in 1850s London. Sebastian and Gemma are drawn into an investigation at a theater when Romeo and Juliet really do die onstage during a performance. They have to unravel old hurts, new relationships, and additional deaths, all while dealing with the politics around Sebastian’s job at Scotland Yard and the social restrictions and expectations put on Gemma as an unmarried woman. The mystery itself is compelling and well-plotted, but this series is also excellent at drawing out the personal relationships of the regular characters. Their interactions show realistic growth and help make each character feel like a complete person, which is not always the case with these kinds of series. 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.

[Les Wilson · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent book. Month a wholly original scenario, but well worth a read. Recommended. A good author!