Murder on Platform Four

Tate and Bell Mystery #5

by Irina Shapiro

A mysterious woman’s murder leads Sebastian and Gemma to risk everything to find a remorseless killer.

Inspector Sebastian Bell arrives at Paddington station through thick Victorian mist, hoping to reconcile with his estranged brother. Instead, he discovers a young woman’s body in an abandoned trunk, stabbed with a peculiar bone-handled knife. But with no clues to her identity and his new boss dismissing the case, Sebastian’s investigation seems doomed.

Nurse Gemma Tate is at work when the nameless woman is brought in for an autopsy. Realizing how desperate Sebastian is for a lead, she risks a forbidden examination and makes two tragic discoveries: the woman recently gave birth, and she wears a wedding ring with the inscription “G loves H”. Has this brutal act of violence shattered not just one life, but an entire family?

Determined to get justice, Sebastian and Gemma pursue answers to the woman’s wretched fate. But when the trail of clues leads them uncomfortably close to home, Sebastian realizes too late the danger they are in. By ignoring his superior to follow this case, has he fatally doomed the woman he loves…?

Gemma and Sebastian confront their most heartbreaking case yet in this atmospheric, gripping and romantic mystery perfect for fans of the Lady Sherlock, Veronica Speedwell, and Lady Darby mysteries.

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

322 pages, Paperback

Published July 8, 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

[Dab · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this series, but it starts dragging, and I’m getting impatient.

The murder mystery was slightly boring and rather forgettable. I enjoyed some of the twists, but it wasn’t as gripping as the previous installments. Something felt off about this book, and I can’t quite put my finger on it. Maybe it’s because of Gemma and Sebastian?

In general, I like their dynamic—they work well together, both personally and professionally—and I was really hoping for some progress in their relationship, more sleuth-brainstorming, and generally more scenes together. Instead, it felt like they were running two separate investigations and barely speaking. Their relationship wasn’t moving forward, and it annoyed me. I’m getting tired of Gemma’s mourning and the general dread. Yes, life’s tough, we’ve established that. I would really appreciate something to lighten it up.

Furthermore, I was frustrated that Sebastian kept neglecting his brother because of new leads in the case. The guy is obsessed with his job, and it’s unhealthy.

On top of that, Gemma has a very annoying habit of being TSTL, and she went above and beyond here. Girl!! What were you thinking?!

I’m giving this book three stars because I still enjoyed reading about these characters, and I’ll continue the series, but this one was not my favorite.

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

—-

Thanks NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the arc.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspector Sebastian Bell was at Paddington Station awaiting the train his brother Simian was arriving on, when he overheard a young porter telling his superior he'd found a body. Of course Sebastian immediately became involved, with the body of a young woman found in a large trunk, stabbed through the heart. With the Inspector getting no help from Scotland Yard (budget cuts and lack of constables), Sebastian brought Gemma Tate on board, which she was thrilled about. Her sleuthing and Sebastian's investigation left them frustrated though, as no evidence was forthcoming. Until suddenly Gemma knew who the killer was...

Murder on Platform Four is the 5th in the Tate & Bell series by Irina Shapiro and once again it was a well written and executed historical mystery novel. Set in 1858 London where Gemma is a nurse, doing in home care for Dr Colin Ramsay's mother Anne, after Gemma had returned from Crimea. She's still mourning the loss of her twin brother from some months before, but enjoys her work with the man she's come to care for. I love this series and am really looking forward to #6. Highly recommended (but read from the beginning)

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

[Srivalli (Semi-Hiatus) · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 Stars

One Liner: Okay, but the series is losing momentum

Inspector Sebastian Bell arrives at Paddington station to reconcile with his estranged brother but ends up finding the dead body of a woman stabbed with a strange-looking knife. With no clue to identify her, his superior is not interested in the case.

Gemma makes crucial observations when a nameless woman’s body is brought for an autopsy. Her discoveries could help Sebastian, who is determined to solve the case despite his superior’s lack of interest. But as the clues lead them to someone close home, the duo will have to make some tough decisions.

The story comes in Gemma and Sebastian’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:

The fifth book in the series should work as a standalone. Not much happens anyway.

This time, the MMC is at the crime scene first, though for a personal reason. While I can see the need for this track with the brother, it just didn’t work as it should. I initially sympathized with the MMC, but his brother ended up handling it better.

The FMC has some role in the mystery, but I’m starting to be annoyed by her actions. There’s something called common sense, which she lacks because of her ‘noble’ intentions. Sadly, it is not attractive when it puts others at risk because she wants to be a hero.

The mystery was decent and had enough red herrings, though I could guess who the killer was. The investigation parts were good, and I continue to like the MMC’s new boss. He balances it well.

There aren’t many interactions between the lead pair, and almost no development to their track. While I appreciate the FMC’s love for her dead brother, detailed conversations with him are starting to feel repetitive. NGL, I skimmed over those.

I’m sure they can move on to the next stage and still solve cases. In fact, that might lead to more drama and tension than this never-ending pining for each other.

To summarize, Murder on Platform Four has its moments and discusses a few dark themes, but doesn’t really hit the mark. I hate to see a series lose steam because of the reluctance to take the overarching plot forward.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

#NetGalley #MurderOnPlatformFour

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder on Platform Four by Irina Shapiro

Synopsis /

A mysterious woman’s murder leads Sebastian and Gemma to risk everything to find a remorseless killer.

Inspector Sebastian Bell arrives at Paddington station through thick Victorian mist, hoping to reconcile with his estranged brother. Instead, he discovers a young woman’s body in an abandoned trunk, stabbed with a peculiar bone-handled knife. But with no clues to her identity and his new boss dismissing the case, Sebastian’s investigation seems doomed.

Nurse Gemma Tate is at work when the nameless woman is brought in for an autopsy. Realizing how desperate Sebastian is for a lead, she risks a forbidden examination and makes two tragic discoveries: the woman recently gave birth, and she wears a wedding ring with the inscription “G loves H”. Has this brutal act of violence shattered not just one life, but an entire family?

Determined to get justice, Sebastian and Gemma pursue answers to the woman’s wretched fate. But when the trail of clues leads them uncomfortably close to home, Sebastian realizes too late the danger they are in. By ignoring his superior to follow this case, has he fatally doomed the woman he loves…?

Gemma and Sebastian confront their most heartbreaking case yet in this atmospheric, gripping and romantic mystery perfect for fans of the Lady Sherlock, Veronica Speedwell, and Lady Darby mysteries.


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.

I can't believe we are already at book #5 in this series (Tate and Bell Mysteries); my thirst for the next book is still as strong as when I finished book #1 and I am now looking forward to reading book #6.

Quite a lot has happened to our two main protagonists - Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard and nurse, Miss Gemma Tate, so I would recommend reading this series in order to fully appreciate how these two characters have developed under the watchful eye of our author, Irina Shapiro.

While standing at Paddington station's Platform Four awaiting the arrival of the next train which will herald a reunion (of sorts) between Seb and his brother Simian, Inspector Sebastian Bell overhears a conversation between an alarmed young porter explaining to his superior that he'd just discovered a dead body. Announcing himself to the rail staff as an Inspector from Scotland Yard, Sebastian is taken to the Luggage Room at the end of the Platform where he finds the body of a young woman crammed into a steamer trunk. The woman had been stabbed in the heart with what looked like some sort of knife and to Sebastian's mind had been dead for some time. With no clues as to her identification – the woman had no reticule or any other identifying information on her - it was always going to be a difficult case. Determined to get to the bottom of this mystery Sebastian has the body delivered to his friend, Colin Ramsay who he hopes will provide him with some clue as to how the woman died.

The story, written from the third-person POV of Sebastian and Gemma moves well. In this instalment there is little interaction between our main protagonists, each seem to be running their own parallel investigation. While I will always champion a strongminded female protagonist, this reader was becoming a little frustrated with our FMC as some of her decision making related to this case seemed rather thoughtless and selfish. She did have a tendency to pout like a primary schooler scolded when reminded of her place - …..girl, what did you expect? We are, after all, in 1850s London!

Shapiro writes a solid mystery and I will always appreciate the intricacies of these – each one is refreshingly different and both the method and investigation of the murder are thoroughly explored – so that's a big tick from me. The author's attention to the historical detail of the time period doesn't go unnoticed and if you enjoy reading historical fiction novels with an attention to detail, you will enjoy this series.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for July 30, 2025.

[eyes.2c · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ghastly murder!

Inspector Sebastian Bell with the Metropolitan Police is at Paddington Station awaiting the arrival of his brother Simian when his attention is grabbed by a distraught junior porter trying explaining to the Station Manager that he’s just discovered a body in a trunk in unclaimed baggage. Sebastian of course becomes involved, leaving his brother to fend for himself. The brother he hasn’t seen or spoken to for many years. Now it seems his work has interfered with the opportunity to make amends.
Gemma Tate increasingly sees herself as an investigator, although she is a nurse who’d worked in Crimea with Florence Nightingale. Currently she’s employed by Dr. Colin Ramsay as live in nurse helping Colin with his mother Anne who is suffering from dementia.
Colin is a surgeon at St Thomas’s Hospital. He has some private students. He also conducts post mortems for the police when asked.
Gemma often finds out information Sebastian can’t. She also gives voice to observations from the woman’s perspective, which has been immensely helpful.
I’m increasingly worried about Gemma. She has yet to learn restraint and fearlessly confronts a suspect. In this case the suspect injures others in his flight.
I feel Gemma needs a bit more street smarts.
Another lively story in this historical Victorian series.

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

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder On Platform Four is the fifth book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series by Russian-born British author, Irina Shapiro. London Met Inspector Sebastian Bell is at Paddington to meet his older brother’s train when a woman’s body is discovered in a trunk left on Platform 4. There is nothing to identify her, but it is immediately clear that she has been murdered, so Simian Bell has to fade into the background while Sebastian does his job.

The body, in a trunk whose label indicates it might have come from, or be intended to go to, Birmingham, is sent to Colin Ramsey for autopsy. Meanwhile, Inspector Bell questions porters and discerns a likely path the body might have taken. At Colin Ramsey’s, because both her boss and his mother are very unwell, Nurse Gemma Tate takes the initiative and does a preliminary examination of the body. She notes down her findings, well aware of how important any information will be to Bell’s investigation.

Some clever deductive work that leads him to the hotel adjacent to the station, where he finds clues that place the woman in one of the rooms during the previous days. The hotel register is only partially helpful in identifying her, but a search of the room confirms Bell’s suspicions, and yields a scrap of paper that points to two possible addresses on the street where he lives.

Hoping to learn the results of the autopsy, he heads to Colin Ramsey’s and, while no autopsy has been done, he’s grateful for Gemma’s input, since he has come to rely on her astute observations and unique brand of sleuthing. There is something to be said for feminine intuition and a sympathetic approach. His new boss, Superintendent Ransome is unwilling to devote manpower to the investigation when the victim is likely not of any high standing, but does dole out enough for a death photograph that might get a result through a newspaper appeal.

Both Gemma and Sebastian expend some shoe leather trying to identify the woman, and to discover why she came to London, and it soon becomes clear that there are several suspects for her murder. But it’s not until the case is resolved that Sebastian gets to connect properly with the brother from whom he was estranged over a decade earlier.

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; no quick calls on the mobile to alert a partner of developments; she gives the reader some clever detective work with a few red herrings, a dramatic climax, and a twist at the reveal. Fans of this cast and setting will look forward to the next book in the series, Murder On The Prince Regent. Superlative historical crime fiction.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

[ItaPixie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on Platform Four is a new, intriguing and riveting addition to the series excellently written by Irina Shapiro. I'm loving these books.

In this book, Detective Bell has to expose the murderer of a woman found in a trunk at the train station. It won't be easy because there aren't too much evidences, he has only few days to close the investigation, and he has to work alone for lack of men. Fortunately he can always count on Gemma and her intuitions.

Gemma is my favourite character. She is sharp, compassionate, and impetuous. I would like for her to have more freedom to roam and help Sebastian with his cases, and to live her life and love without too many Victorian constraints and societal expectations.

Read it!! You won't regret it.

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

[Cherise Isabella · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 star rating rounded down for Goodreads.

This series is quickly becoming a favourite of mine. The dynamic between Sebastian and Gemma never fails to captivate me. Their chemistry is off the charts, and I am eager to see how their relationship progresses throughout the rest of the series. The romance is so well balanced with the rest of the plot. This isn't something that's easily achieved. I really have to give the author a round of applause for how well she balances the romance and mystery element.

As usual, the investigation kept me on my toes. It was tense, suspenseful, and frustrating at times, too. I mean, there was little to no evidence, and this being such an immersive book, I felt every emotion that these characters felt. Everyone was a suspect, so there really was no one to trust besides our lead characters. This made for an enthralling read, with more questions than answers.

Another thing I really like is how the author doesn't shy away from the horrors of living in 1800s London. Sometimes, the reality of it is harsh, but for me, it's what makes this series stand out for me. The crime isn't the only terrible thing to occur, but also the atmosphere can be quite daunting at times. Nevertheless, it still gives the feel of a cosy murder mystery. I really enjoy reading these books during the ber months. Though this one was set in the spring, it was still the perfect read to enjoy during the cooler month of November.

[Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sabastian and Gemma are tasked with not only identifying a murdered woman who was stuffed in a suitcase and left on a train platform (presumably to be loaded on the next train). but to also find her killer.
Wonderful plot, great clues, and strong emotions left to simmer between our leading female and male protagonists.

For the audio version, Ms.Church does a brilliant job of narrating the story, and I can’t wait to get my hands on next in the series!
4.5 Stars rounded up! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jeannine · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sebastian and Gemma investigate separately in this one. Sebastian stumbles upon a dead body while meeting his estranged brother at the train station. The mystery in this one did not come together until the denouement, which was in the form of the killer’s confession.

Still, there was considerable development in Sebastian’s relationship with his brother and with Gemma that made this a fun read.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspector Sebastian Bell arrives at Paddington station through thick Victorian mist, hoping to reconcile with his estranged brother, Simian. Instead, he discovers a young woman’s body in an abandoned trunk, stabbed with a peculiar bone-handled knife. But with no clues to her identity and his new boss dismissing the case, Sebastian’s investigation seems doomed. Nurse Gemma Tate is at work when the nameless woman is brought in for an autopsy. Realizing how desperate Sebastian is for a lead, she risks a forbidden examination and makes two tragic discoveries: the woman recently gave birth, and she wears a wedding ring with the inscription “G loves H”. Determined to get justice, Sebastian and Gemma pursue answers to the woman’s wretched fate.
The fifth book in the series & it’s easily read on its own, I came late to this series & I’m gradually reading the first couple of books. I really like both Sebastian & Gemma & like how their relationship is slowly changing. The case is intriguing & there are twists, turns & red herrings before it is solved. Poor Gemma does court danger. A well written engrossing book
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

This one was so disappointing for me.
I knew who the killer *AND* the why very early on [I knew the killer the minute they were introduced], I really missed the interactions between Sebastian and Gemma [it felt like the author was deliberately keeping them apart throughout this whole book], I am not sure why we get that brief interaction with Sebastian's brother as it added absolutely nothing to the story, and even with that ending, we had BETTER NOT be heading into a [stupid] love triangle. Seriously.
Because I knew the who and the why, the reveal was a bit tepid for me [with the exception of what happens at Colin's house - that was completely unexpected and very shocking], and overall, I just felt this story was...and that it was the weakest of the books. As I have absolutely LOVED this series [and will 100% keep reading; I love Sebastian and Gemma and I really want to see their story to the finish], I was, ultimately, disappointed.

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

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder and secrets

I love this series and this installment of the historical whodunit series staring Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate. Like the other books in the series, it had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense which made it hard to put down once I started. This author always manages to take simple ink on paper and create a living breathing place full of three dimensional beings that feels real. This type of immersive reading that involves my brain, my heart and my soul is the best kind. Sebastian and Gemma are portrayed as real, relatable and complex people who have flaws and scars, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Still in mourning for her brother, Gemma is a nurse in 1858 London who now works as a live in nurse/companion for Dr Colin Ramsey’s mother who suffers from dementia. Sebastian is a Scotland Yard detective and a widower. Sebastian and Gemma enjoy puzzling out a case together and have recently admitted they want to court once Gemma is no longer in mourning. At the train station to pick up his brother, Sebastian is in the perfect place just when a dead body in a trunk is found and he is once again involved in a murder with an over abundance of suspects and a messy investigation. The investigation leads Sebastian - and to some extent Gemma - to unlikely places, dead ends, plot twists, secrets, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters even greater dimension. I love these characters and this series.

[Kat Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous murder mystery in this delightful series of regency romance mysteries. I’m addicted to this series and waited patiently for this most recent installment. It was worth the wait as it did not disappoint at all. Fabulous story with well developed, likeable characters. 5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Jim · Rating 5 out of 5]

A body of a young woman in a trunk is discovered at Paddington Station, where Inspector Sebastian Bell is waiting for his brother, Simian. Bell arranges for the body to be transported to Dr Colin Powell's cellar for an autopsy, but Powell is ill and Gemma Tate takes the opportunity to have a look at the body herself, much against the conventions of the time. Gemma and Sebastian spend a lot of time frustratingly apart in this story, they work best when allowed to work together. Gemma is working as a nurse for Colin's elderly mother but wants a more stimulating life. The characters feel very real, Irina Shapiro's prose brings late 1850s London to life with the food, the noises and the smells. I have loved every book in this series, the plot is gripping with some surprising twists and we are rooting for the two central characters hoping they will solve the mystery and some day soon get together officially when Gemma is finally out of her widow's weeds. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a copy of the book, I leave this review voluntarily.

[Tina Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am enjoying this series quite a lot. I like both Gemma and Sebastian, they are well drawn characters.

I do wish their romance would move quicker though. I get tired of these historical mystery books that draw out the romance over 20 books! (Yes it’s an exaggeration but you get my meaning).

This is a good mystery that makes sense once I had read the ending. I loved the shock of who the murdered woman asked to see at the RCS. I was gobsmacked and couldn’t believe it.

I was sorry not to see Polly in this book. I am very hopeful that Colin and her will get together in a future book. I’m very sorry for the situation of Anne, Colin’s mother and Gemma’s patient. I expect she will pass soon (maybe in the next book) which will frankly be a relief from her suffering and also will clear the way for Gemma and Sebastian to get married plus Colin and Polly to pursue their

This series would be good for those who like Cara Devlin’s Bow Street Duchess series.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Crime solving the old fashioned way. Inspector Sebastian Bell is at the railway station to meet his estranged brother Simian. But crime follows him around and despite it being his time off, he's caught up with the discovery of a woman's body in a travelling trunk.
His investigation leads him to many suspects, and its with the help of tenacious Gemma Tate that the perpetrator is brought to justice.
I love this series, the crime and mystery are the big part of the storyline but its the development of the characters that brings it to life, as each novel unfolds we're treated to further involvement in their lives

[Stephanie Pâquet · Rating 5 out of 5]

oh! How much do I love Gemma and Sebastian? I was so happy to see their relationship progress in this latest instalment of the series. Don't get me wrong: this is still snail-pace but at least there is progression and they both acknowledge that they are looking forward to spend their life together. I also love that Sebastian admires Gemma so much and likes having her input on cases. There is always a good balance between wanting to protect her but also, respect her and letting her be her own person.
Once again, the mystery kept me guessing and the outcome surprised me. That book was a quick read because I couldn't wait to know what clue would come next. I also like that we get alternate pov (chapter with Sebastian, another wirh Gemma).

[Mary Hart · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

I quite liked this story. Probably doesn't help that I jumped in at this book and obviously the series has been going some time.
I had a feeling about the Villain but wasn't totally right. Some ineresting moral issues.

Not convinced I will continue.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Atmospheric, Smart, and Suspenseful.

Murder on Platform Four is a beautifully written and atmospheric Victorian mystery. Inspector Bell and Gemma Tate are drawn into a suspicious death on a railway platform, uncovering a layered story of loss, secrets, and survival. The plot is tight and engaging, the historical detail feels authentic, and the characters especially Bell and Tate continue to shine. Irina Shapiro balances mystery with emotional depth perfectly. Highly recommended for fans of historical crime fiction! Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Susan Johnston · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are not yet acquainted with this dynamic duo, Gemma is a nurse who served in the Crimea and Sebastian is an Inspector with the Met. She currently takes care of an elderly lady who is rapidly being swallowed up by dementia. They are in love with each other but cannot announce it to society until she is out of mourning for her brother. Her employer is a renowned doctor who serves as the coroner in his basement, where he also teaches private medical education. While Sebastian is in awe of Gemma’s powers of observation, her employer and his, the Met, are less so.

But Sebastian is going to require her assistance as the Met is understaffed and there are few clues to the killer of a woman found in a trunk on platform four. Much of the measly evidence left at the scene points back to the very boarding house where he lives and to the three men residing there who might or might now have a connection. It is exciting as the two of them follow different paths but end up, almost as the same time, confronting the killer. It will not be an easy take-down and the suspense mounts before things are resolved.

While there are other things around the fringes, the heart of the story boils down to the murder, the murdered and the murderer. Cracking good story. Five purrs and two paws up.

[Elizabeth M Wizner · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another good one in the series! Can't wait to see the story continue.

[Samantha Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspector Sebastian Bell arrives at Paddington station through thick Victorian mist, hoping to reconcile with his estranged brother. Instead, he discovers a young woman's body in an abandoned trunk, stabbed with a peculiar bone-handled knife.
But with no clues to her identity and his new boss dismissing the case, Sebastian's investigation seems doomed.
Book 5 of the Tate and Bell series does not disappoint - each instalment are solid Victorian murder mysteries and can be read as stand alone or as part of the series in which you can follow the budding relationship of Tate and Bell. I adore this series and am always excited to get into the latest book. The stories are full of historical references and the description of the era and setting of London provides a great backdrop for the murders. The characters of Tate and Bell, along with other regulars of Colin, Ransome and more are all well rounded and a joy to follow.
The Murder at Platform 4 is eerie and full of intrigue and red herrings to throw you off the scent of the mystery. I never guess the endings of these books which is fantastic.
Thank you for the advanced copy as always NetGalley and Storm publishing

[Carrie ✨ The Blinging Bibliophile✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the strident narration of Imogen Church....

I am OUTRAGED. iykyk ha!

I just finished Murder on Platform Four and I'm so annoyed with a series that has the potential to be so good.

First, the murder mystery was so-so. Yeah, I guess it could have been interesting if it had been set up in a different way.

This book was so frustrating because it was a wash/repeat of the previous installments. Oh, Gemma is still in mourning. Does that mean at this point you can't have an adult conversation about the future? Colin Ramsey has gone from affable rogue surgeon to insufferable bore. I'm as bored as Gemma is with her job as Ann's caretaker. And Gemma's self righteousness and TSTL behavior in this book was BEYOND! WHY weren't Gemma and Sebastian having conversations about their investigations? Why is Gemma, who went to war for god's sake, just barging around like a bull in a china shop 90% of the time with zero street smarts?

Both Gemma and Sebastian have the potential to be truly great partners in life and in business. Instead, we just keep circling and circling the same dreary issues and making ZERO forward progress, in life or in business. Up until the end this story was feeling not quite as high as previous ratings but when Gemma did her Gemma thing? I wish I could have seen my own face.

[Elizabeth Ellis · Rating 1 out of 5]

Platform Four

I skipped most of the book. Personally, I am sick of Gemma. In this book Gemma crossed too many lines.

[Bethan · Rating 4 out of 5]

​|:: Murder on Platform Four
By Irina Shapiro
Chapter Thirty-Five Page 206
🌟🌟🌟🌟

{* He could see the hurt look on Bertram Quince's face as he shut the door behind himself, but he wouldn't apologise for doing his job. He would be remiss if he didn't check on the whereabouts of the uniform and its owner. Sebastian was just about to head upstairs and check on Gustav when Mrs. Poole emerged from her own room, a strong floral scent filling the foyer and the fabric of her dressing gown swishing against her bare calves. She reared back when she saw Sebastian, then raised her chin defiantly. This was her house, after all, and she was about to be married. She had nothing to be ashamed of.
“What are you doing lurking in the shadows?” she demanded. *}

​A unique death, shrouded in mystery, a handful of suspects each with their own story to question, a nurse who is too clever for her own good, and a detective whose integrity far outweighs those around him.
Who stands to gain? What secrets threaten to reveal themselves?

​G loves H.
7 letters. Not enough to solve a crime, not enough letters to solve a mystery. Not enough information to help him get answers.

​Unfortunately for Detective Sebastian Bell, this is the only proof he has that the person who was murdered on Platform 4 had a family who may need to be notified. But without a name, logical reason for being in London, friends, accomplices, lovers, colleagues, or long lost family, how is he supposed to help the dead rest?

​We witness Sebastian rifle through meticulous clues, obscure facts, and red herrings intentionally thrown in to throw us off course. Once you were certain you were on the path to discover the mystery murderer, the trail would take a nose dive in a completely unrelated bend that you would never have thought of.

​Despite Sebastian concealing his own heartache, pain, and troubles, he must battle with himself and time to struggle and find every avenue available to him to deal with his personal baggage and leave no stone unturned in the investigation he took on solely.
​With the help of Miss Tate, although unbeknownst to him at the time, her lack of authority, especially around men, allowed her the freedom to exploit the men who so dismissively wrote her off as soon as her sex was identified.

​Meddlesome, spinster, hardheaded she might have looked, but in the end her wit on the day as she came to the same conclusive end Sebastian had managed to do, at roughly the same time, announced the killer in a proud moment for women everywhere!

​I have never read about Sebastian or Gemma before, and I enjoyed their interaction. The guilt they both felt, the way they had to wait for one another to come to the same conclusion they both had a long time ago! But at that age, talking of such things would be inappropriate, which is why books like these are so wholesome.

​To be back in an age where words meant more than gestures and respect was meant and vowed by the gentlemen of the era. If it wasn't for the sexist approach to life I would have said it was sadly missed.
Although I think the hygiene, hospital skills, technology and inventions were highly needed, it was the romance that was freely thought of in nothing more than thoughts.

​And the law, the detectives who had nothing to go by other than instinct and cold facts in a time period known for its brutality, mistakes, and disregard for human life. Stories like that of Detective Bell really breathe life into the heart of human nature. We all wish we had a Sebastian and I'm sure the males of today wish they had a Gemma!

​Together they were a force to be reckoned with. I was impressed with each tiny morsel they delivered which went hand in hand in harmony when concluded together. It's hard enough thinking of twists and turns to elude the reader for one character and let's say two suspects? But this amazing author was able to write for two characters, creatively weaving a whole host of different suspects and reasons to go with them. I really enjoyed it!

​I can't wait to hear more about what is next for Detective Bell and Miss Tate, both of whom I was obsessed with from the beginning. Despite the frosty introduction to the character I loved ‘Sami’ and had a soft spot for ‘Mabel’ who made me think of my nan. It really was a joy to read.
Thank you for creating another genre for my past self to get lost in.

​Title: Murder on Platform Four
Author: Irina Shapiro
Publish Date : 30/7/25
Publisher: Storm Publishing
Review Score 4/5

​A huge thank you to Irina Shapiro, Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and relay my honest feedback. ::|

[Stephanie Burow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of Murder on Platform Four in exchange for an honest review.

Murder on Platform Four is the fifth installment in the Tate and Bell Mystery series as Irina Shapiro’s detective series continues to get better and better. Book five is on par with its predecessors in that it’s a wonderfully woven fast paced and gripping tale sure to leave you continually theorizing who the murderer may be.

Sebastian Bell has found himself in the midst of yet another murder investigation as he arrives to Paddington station to collect his estranged brother. While waiting for his arrival, a porter discovers a woman shoved into a trunk with an object sticking out of her chest. First on the scene, Sebastian wastes no time getting to work and questioning witnesses of both the station and nearby hotel. Sebastian quickly has the body transported back to Colin’s home where an autopsy will be performed, not knowing that Colin and his mother are both ill. Because time is of the essence, Gemma steps in to perform a preliminary assessment of the victim in Colin’s absence in hopes of being of use to Bell with her nursing background. From this point forward, Tate and Bell are on the case in a rush to catch the killer before he skips town, if he hasn’t already. Over the course of three days, Tate and Bell are able to hone their skills and combine forces to bring the killer to justice in heroic fashion.

I simply cannot get enough of this series. The historical significance and graphic depictions of the time period transport you effortlessly back to 1859 London. The thought and research that Irina has put into this series is no small feat and it has paid off in spades. Historical fiction isn’t usually my forte, but for this series I will always make an exception. My one plea goes out to our esteemed author: please give us the Tate and Bell romantic union we all crave! Every novel comes so close and then we are yet again left with another cliff hanger. Irina certainly has it mastered in the way she keeps her readers coming back for more! I highly encourage you to pick up this series as you will surely not be disappointed. All 5 books are a continuation of the previous, so please do start at the beginning and enjoy the ride!

[Vintagebooklvr · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars. A complex mystery that delivers historical atmosphere and the harder-to-get-right social attitudes. Gemma Tate is a nurse in the Victorian period who must struggle in a society that wants to restrict what she can do. She performs a forbidden examination of a dead body for Inspector Bell to help him find the woman's killer while the coroner is down for the count because of illness. If the coroner finds out she could lose her job. Meanwhile, Inspector Bell has his own problems with a new boss at the Met who is more interested in close rates than what he thinks is a hopeless case. As the two follow the clues, they discover the killer may be much closer to home than they thought and may be ready to deliver another fatal blow...

I really enjoy how Gemma is struggling to find a way to balance her desire to make a real difference with the cases she has helped investigate though society and her boss disapprove and the reality she has a difficult and drudgery job of taking care an older woman who has dementia. She needs the job to feed herself so it isn't so easy to just say I will do what I want and who cares what society say. There are real repercussions of acting out against society's expectation. And she isn't the only one who might have to deal with those repercussions. Bell might have come to support Gemma in her investigative efforts but that doesn't mean others do. He might not just suffer some teasing from people in his job but real doubts from his supervisor about him being able to do his job and question his findings. The ripples of challenging society are nuanced and I am glad that the writer doesn't wave it off as something simple.

Overall, I thought this mystery was good. It is fun to have a mystery based on a body being found in a trunk left at a railroad. I have heard about that many times but have actually read very few mysteries that use the trope. I wish that Gemma and Bell would have had a bit more time together in this book and maybe advance their relationship a bit more. But I look forward to more in this series.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.

[CrabbyPatty · Rating 4 out of 5]

This fifth book in the series opens with Inspector Sebastian Bell awaiting the arrival of his long-estranged brother Simian in Paddington station. And as an homage to a number of true-crime cases around that time period (Brighton Beach and Charing Cross trunk murders), a trunk is found with blood dripping from the bottom, which necessitates Bell involving himself in the case.

Back at the Ramsey house, Colin and his mother are ill and caretaker Gemma is tired and bored, so when the corpse of a young woman arrives, she is intend on taking a look at the corpse and getting information to Sebastian. So far, so good. We have a murder, Sebastian is reconciling with his brother, we learn the trunk left at the station was delivered from the attached hotel where the victim stayed the night before, and Sebastian and Gemma are on the case.

However, I'm at a lack for words to explain why this particular episode did not capture my interest. Perhaps it's because Sebastian and Gemma very much run their own investigations, the hotel angle is very, very thoroughly explored, and Colin remains a remote, lightly fleshed-out damper continuing to shove Gemma back in the accepted role of a woman at that time.

And meanwhile Simian spends days trying to finally get together with Sebastian. It got to the point while when Sebastian was thoroughly (very, very thoroughly) investigating the hotel link, I found myself yelling at him to cut it and meet Simian. The book ends with a "Wait? What?" conclusion (and yet another instance of Gemma being almost TSTL) and some frantic paging back to recall exactly who some of the characters are.

But at the core of this series are two engaging characters who are moving together as partners, and I am more than happy that Gemma is setting aside her mourning weeds and stepping out into the start of a real relationship with Sebastian. 3.5 stars.

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

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK: MURDER ON PLATFORM FOUR
AUTHOR: IRINA SHAPIRO
PUB DATE: JULY 2025
🕵🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♂️
REVIEW
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.
👮🏼‍♂️🕵🏼‍♀️
Irina Shapiro here again with another amazing entry in the Bell and Tate Series. This series is still blowing hot, and I can hardly wait until the next book is out! It's always nice to see the way Sebastian and Gemma solve cases, especially Gemma, with the limitations of her job (a nurse) and her gender. Both of them work well together.
🕵🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♂️
The case here was different with the body of an unknown woman dropped unceremoniously at a train station, and Sebastian had to solve it in only two days (even less) because the case was 'unimportant'. I was not disappointed as Sebastian and Gemma turned over all the stones as usual to solve this case. It was amazing watching the both of them solve the case from an unknown angle to something closer to home. I really liked it.
👮🏼‍♂️🕵🏼‍♀️
In the former books in the series, there was always mention of Sebastian's brother, Simian, and I got to see him here! It was really nice to see both of them mend broken fences and get closer. It provided context to Sebastian as a character. For Gemma, I really want to see her potential out there, and I feel like she's shrivelling as a home/personal nurse. I really hope there's a change in her situation in the next book. As for Gemma and Sebastian as a couple, there was not much because of the urgency of the storyline. But, I still felt their connection and chemistry. Again, more of them next book!
👮🏼‍♂️🕵🏼‍♀️
Anyway, the book was a good, exciting one. The crime was solved, the perp was arrested and sentenced and the characters were kinda satisfied. I would definitely recommend this and the entire series!
🕵🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♂️