Murder on the Prince Regent

Tate and Bell Mystery #6

by Irina Shapiro

The ship rocks violently, and Gemma leans against the door to steady herself, but the figure on the narrow cabin bed doesn’t move at all…

London, 1859. Nurse Gemma Tate boards the American packet ship the Prince Regent to aid Inspector Sebastian Bell in investigating the death of a British aristocrat. But when she sees the crime scene, Gemma realizes that her knowledge of human nature will be just as valuable as her medical training. Lord Anthony Blackstock lies murdered in his cabin, his head locked inside a nightmarish iron cage. His wife has vanished without a trace, and time is running out to find her, dead or alive…

Sebastian and Gemma have until the ship docks in London to uncover the truth behind the Blackstocks’ final evening together. But as they unearth a web of blackmail, bitter arguments and secret affairs among the ship’s guarded passengers and crew, one chilling fact becomes they are trapped aboard with a killer who is growing increasingly desperate…

Love, obsession and danger collide on the murky waters of the Thames in this atmospheric mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry, Andrea Penrose and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Historical, Audiobook, Historical Mystery, Crime, Fiction

296 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 3, 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 4 out of 5]

Happy Publication Day!

Finally! Gemma is out of mourning! 🌈🌈🌈I’m very excited that there’s progress in the romance department 😏

The murder was gruesome, but this is what I’ve come to expect from this author; blood, gore and darkness. I didn’t guess the killer, but I don’t care. I don’t even think that’s the point here. It’s more philosophical than that, at least for me. I’ve noticed it in this series before, but in this book especially: that eerie realization that we’re all capable of murder. (And in this case I’m team killer, sorry not sorry.)

This book is perfect for book clubs and buddy reads; nothing is obvious or black-and-white, there are so many layers to this story, so many angles to discuss that you can’t help but admire the author’s skillful storytelling.

Gemma and Sebastian got to work together a lot more than in the previous book, which is highly appreciated. I needed that glimmer of joy to balance out the rest.

I can’t wait for the next book!

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.


——-


So my honest takeaway from this book is that I side with the killer, and I’m kinda bummed they got caught. I’m gonna write an alternative ending where they get away with murder.

RTC but first please give me a minute to come to terms with my rotten morals.

———


The covers in this series are my catnip and this one might be my favorite so far.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book six in the Tate and Bell Mystery series.

The relationship between Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard and nurse Gemma Tate has developed nicely over the earlier books, and they are planning to meet for a very special day out together. Unfortunately a man is found murdered on an American ship, the Prince Regent, and it is not allowed to dock until the police have found the culprit. Sebastian and Gemma board the ship together and go through a number of amazing circumstances before the murder is actually solved.

This is the best kind of Historical Fiction for me. There is a solid historical background with accurate facts about slavery, woman's lack of rights, misogyny, domestic violence and more. I loved the setting in London and really enjoyed the way Sebastian and Gemma worked together while Gemma got a chance to show what she can do. Loved the ending and am looking forward to what happens next.

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

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Prince Regent by Irina Shapiro

Synopsis /

London, 1859. Nurse Gemma Tate boards the American packet ship the Prince Regent to aid Inspector Sebastian Bell in investigating the death of a British aristocrat. But when she sees the crime scene, Gemma realizes that her knowledge of human nature will be just as valuable as her medical training. Lord Anthony Blackstock lies murdered in his cabin, his head locked inside a nightmarish iron cage. His wife has vanished without a trace, and time is running out to find her, dead or alive…

Sebastian and Gemma have until the ship docks in London to uncover the truth behind the Blackstocks’ final evening together. But as they unearth a web of blackmail, bitter arguments and secret affairs among the ship’s guarded passengers and crew, one chilling fact becomes they are trapped aboard with a killer who is growing increasingly desperate…


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 November 03, 2025.

A crime on the high seas.

Murder on the Prince Regent is the sixth story in Shapiro's Tate and Bell Mystery series.

I'm a big fan of this series and, while I thought the last two books lacked a little of Shapiro's usual brilliance, book 6 has Shapiro well and truly back to her best writing form.

Although best read in order to understand the connection between characters; it is possible to read this as a stand alone.

In what could be compared to a locked-room mystery, Shapiro has protagonists, Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse, Gemma Tate investigating the mysterious death of a British aristocrat aboard an American packet ship, the Prince Regent.

The victim, Lord Anthony Blackstock was found dead in his first-class cabin by his wife's lady's maid. Lady Audrey Blackstock is also missing, and it's not clear whether she's a victim, an accomplice or, a murderer.

This case will prove a tough one for the pair, not only mentally, but physically – as it starts with having to negotiate a perilous ladder climb to board the ship. Again, Shapiro's detailed descriptions of life in 1859 are meticulous and the reader will have no difficulty picturing the scene.

With several hundred passengers aboard the vessel there will be no shortage of potential suspects. However, Sebastian is limiting his investigation to those in first and second class – as steerage passengers weren't afforded the same freedom of movement as their wealthier cohorts.

The well constructed plot moves swiftly and as she always does, Shapiro blends the mystery with developments between the supporting characters. The bond between Sebastian and Gemma is blossoming and hits a high point at the end of the book. Dr Colin Ramsey again makes an appearance. His mother Anne is deteriorating in health due to her dementia and is nursed by Gemma's friend and fellow nurse, Poppy Bright. Poppy is a breath of fresh air and holds a secret affection for the young doctor.

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 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 November 03, 2025.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

1859 and Nurse Gemma Tate had accompanied Inspector Sebastian Bell and a constable from Scotland Yard onto the Prince Regent which was held at anchor some distance offshore from London's docks after its arrival from the States. Sebastian had been notified of a murder on board and he was to investigate, holding the ship from docking until he did so. When he met Shep Reynolds, the first mate and acting captain, he didn't like him, but Reynolds took them to the cabin of an English aristocrat who'd been brutally murdered in his bunk. As Sebastian interviewed the crew, Gemma spoke to the passengers, both trying to get a picture of what had happened. There was also a missing woman to add to the mix.

But when a storm hit, Sebastian and Gemma had to leave the ship, with the constable staying on board until they returned in the morning. Would they have any clearer picture of what had occurred the previous day? The shock they received at another murder having taken place meant they were against the clock. Could they find the culprit or would they vanish into the London maze of people and buildings once the ship docked?

Murder on the Prince Regent is the 6th in the Tate & Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro and it was another twisty, gritty episode which I thoroughly enjoyed. Fast paced, I had no clue who the culprit was until it was revealed! I'm looking forward to the next and recommend this one, and the series, highly.

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

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series I’ve read. I plan to go back and read the previous 5. The main characters of Gemma and Sebastian are quite memorable. When the murderer was revealed, I was surprised. This author’s writing is quite descriptive and I could picture each scene as it unfolded. There was also a wonderful personal and satisfying end to the story. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder On The Prince Regent is the sixth book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series by Russian-born British author, Irina Shapiro. Both DI Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate are disappointed when their day together is hijacked by a murder: Sebastian had an important question for Gemma that now has to wait, as the mutilated body of a British national, returning with his young wife from six months in the US, has been found on board the American clipper, The Prince Regent.

The ship has dropped anchor mid-Thames, rather than docking, so the murderer is likely still on board. Gemma insists she accompany Sebastian, her medical knowledge being an advantage when examining the corpse. Lord Anthony Blackstock lies dead in his first-class cabin, his head encased in a scold’s bridle, and the word “pig” carved into his chest. Gemma believes he has been asphyxiated. His wife, Audrey, is missing, but a splash was heard at the time of the murder…

The Captain is unwell with malaria, and the smarmy first mate has already decided it’s a murder-suicide, but Sebastian is not jumping to conclusions. While he questions the other first-class passengers, Gemma talks to the Blackstock maid servant and Audrey’s lady’s maid. Between them, they learn that insults, arguments, assaults, and the possibility of blackmail furnish motives for several on board for the murder of this obnoxious man.

When Colin Ramsey performs the autopsy, there aren’t really any surprises, just a bit more information about the victim and his attacker. But if they had formed any ideas on who that might be, when Gemma and Sebastian return to the ship, another murder forces them to reevaluate.

Before matters are satisfactorily resolved, there’s the chance that someone is being framed, some gossiping women reveal a vital clue, Gemma almost loses her pistol to a pervert, and there’s a brawl on the dock in which Sebastian is stabbed. Sebastian gets to ask his question, and the answer is no surprise.

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, The Carnival Murders. 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 The Prince Regent is a very well done historical mystery that keeps you wondering till the very end.

It's set on a packet ship from America, Inspector Bell has to find the murder before it docks to avoid losing his suspects. Fortunately, he he can, once again, count on Gemma help.

This is the sixth book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series and I adore Gemma and Sebastian. They work so well together, they have a great chemistry and they trust each other intuition. Even if it's weird for that time Sebastian gives Gemma all the praise she deserves. And finally it was great to see how they are more open about their relationship, I hope they can be united in wedlock soon so they can start to live freely, uninhibited by social conventions

I like Irina Shapiro writing style, she has the ability to make me feel part of the story, and at the end I'm satisfied with the outcome of the case as if I had I personally took part in it.

I am looking forward to the next book, and I recommend to read this one if you enjoy some gritty murder.

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

[Tina Miles · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just didn’t like this book as much as some of the other books in the series.

I didn’t care for the theme of abused women and male predators. It seemed like there were several men in this story who were ‘ladies men’ or out and out abusers (like Shep Reynolds, Ezra, Lord Blackstone). And the fact the author gave the corpse a raging hard on and was completely naked was extremely distasteful, it was certainly not necessary as a plot point. It just seemed salacious to me along with the torture of the scold’s bridle. I don’t know why, normally this type of detail doesn’t bother me but it seemed to go too far or was just heavy handed to me.

I’m beginning to be quite annoyed with Colin. He’s getting a bit too judgemental and overly protective with Gemma. I don’t know if he nd Poppy will get together or not. I hope so coz he needs to be less edgy.

I have to say that I don’t like the way Gemma selfishly takes off to do detecting and leaves Poppy or Mabel to look after Anne. (She did this in the last book too). It’s so inconsiderate. She just seems to take for granted that they will look after Anne happily and willingly even though it might be inconvenient for them. I think Poppy was right to remind Gemma that her dream of being a surgeon is not very plausible, even though Gemma didn’t like hearing that.

I was interested to see Sebastian worrying about Gemma so much. I like the many references to their love for each other. I was happy he finally managed to pop the question although the author made us wait a long time for it. I look forward to a happier storyline for them in the next book.

After reading my review you’d be tempted to think I hated the book and wonder why I gave it 4 stars. Well I think it’s because it’s a well written book with an interesting mystery and a good dash of romance. Also it’s possible I was not in the mood for a book featuring male predators/abusers (I had just watched a Jeffrey Epstein documentary the night before). So I’ll read the next one to see why I think then.

[Laur · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a bizarre murder involving a 1st class male passenger is discovered with a primitive torture device around his head and the word PIG is carved into his chest, it’s up to Sebastian Bell to solve the murder and keep the ship from docking (thereby keeping the murderer on board.)

His lovely companion Gemma, accompanies him, and together they embark on sorting out who the suspects are, and what are the motives. But while contending with task of solving the murder, they also must try to discover what happened to a missing woman (the wife of the deceased). By the next morning, they’re informed of yet another murder (a woman who was found hanging.)

Fingers are pointing, theories are flying and the rumors are swirling in this classic historical murder mystery. Time is ticking to a close as the real murderer will soon be able disappear amongst the crowds when the ship docks which happens to be sooner rather than later due to an overly ambitious 1st mate who is acting Captain.

Great narration, good pace! Couldn’t put it down until the last page was read! Loving this author and the series.

[Filipa · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was easily the most disappointing book in the series so far.

After following Sebastian and Gemma through six books, I expected their relationship to finally deliver the emotional payoff that had been building for so long. Instead, I was left feeling underwhelmed. I love a good slow burn, but at some point, slow becomes stagnant, and that's exactly how this romance felt to me.

By the sixth book, I wanted more emotion, more tension, and more moments that made me feel invested in their journey. Their relationship finally becomes official, but rather than feeling rewarding, it felt surprisingly flat. For a storyline that has taken up such a significant part of the series, I expected much more.

The mystery itself wasn't enough to make up for it. The setting had so much potential, and I usually enjoy locked-room style mysteries, but I never felt fully engaged with the investigation or particularly eager to uncover the truth.

What frustrates me most is that I genuinely enjoy these characters and the world Irina Shapiro has created. That's probably why this book was such a letdown. I wanted to love it, and instead I finished it feeling largely indifferent.

Sadly, this is where I'll be stepping off the train. After six books, I don't feel invested enough to continue the series, and while I don't regret the journey, I think it's time to part ways with Sebastian and Gemma and move on to something that excites me a little more.

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interrupted by murder!

Gemma and Sebastian’s pleasant day’s outing is interrupted by a death that involves a foreign nation.
Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell is called to investigate a murder that’s taken place on an American packet ship, the Prince Regent, currently anchored on the Thames near the Isle of Dogs, awaiting the police.
Sebastian faces the possibility of political tensions. The murder victim is an english lord, Lord Anthony Blackstock, who’s being considered for a diplomatic post as Ambassador to the United States. Alarmingly, Lord Anthony’s wife has disappeared.
Gemma Tate of cause becomes involved. They were enjoying some time together when Sebastian is recalled to duty. Sebastian had been about to ask Gemma to marry him, but once again his responsibilities get in the way.
Gemma refuses to be left behind and accompanies Sebastian, along with a young, and very unhappy constable.
The climb up the ship’s side using a rope ladder is not for the faint hearted. I was exhausted by the description of Gemma’s ascendancy travails.
Sebastian is glad to have Gemma with him. She can question the female passengers more easily than him.
Of course the situation is not easy. Things become more complicated and urgent as time marches on. Sebastian can only hold the ship up for so long.
I didn’t see the end coming until it was on top of me.
Another great read from Shapiro with fascinating facts about how the ships ploughed their way between New York and London, the various steerage fares and practices, such as who could go on deck, the sleeping arrangements, passenger interactions, and the importance of shortening times the voyage takes.
Shapiro certainly knows how to capture her reader’s attention.

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

[Pippa Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell – the new Victorian power couple.
Gemma Tate is a nurse who learned her craft in the Crime under Florence Nightingale. Now she’s back in England, and working as a private nurse. Over the previous novels she and Sebastian (a police inspector) have developed an emotional attachment (you don’t need to have read earlier stories.) When Sebastian is called to investigate the murder of a member of the peerage on a sailing ship (in effect a locked door mystery) he takes Gemma with him to examine the body for clues.
The sleuthing partnership must solve the mystery before the ship docks and the suspects disperse. A Lord has been murdered in a particularly disturbing way, and his wife is missing. Did she commit the murderer and then jump overboard? Is she being held against her will and the murderer still at large? Tate and Bell have a whole ship’s company and passengers as suspects, can they solve the crime in time?
This was a hugely enjoyable read and another triumph from Irina Shapiro. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Gemma and Sebastian, and the evocation of Victorian London. The mystery was generally a head scratcher…until it wasn’t (no spoilers, but I guessed the murderer about two-thirds of the way through.) But that didn’t matter, but they still had to be trapped and doing this involved considerable peril!
Anyone who enjoyed the previous Tate and Bell mysteries, or loves historical mysteries with a hint of romance, should find this book a blast!

[Kathryn Card · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was another fantastic installment in the Tate and Bell Mystery series! I loved the unique setting for this book, the murder takes place aboard a ship traveling from the U.S. and getting ready to dock in London, which brought such fresh tension and atmosphere to the series.

I also really enjoyed the historical elements woven throughout the story. The discussions surrounding slavery, the Underground Railroad, and the presence of a freed slave on the ship were powerful additions that offered meaningful context alongside an already compelling Victorian mystery. And I found the mention of people placing bets on when ships would arrive in port so interesting, such a fascinating little piece of history I didn't know I needed!

This mystery truly kept me on my toes. I was suspecting everyone at one point or another and never fully pieced it together, the twists and misdirection were so well done!

I listened to the audiobook, and once again, Imogen Church delivered an outstanding performance. Her range in this one was incredible, especially with the addition of several American accents. She absolutely knocked it out of the park!

If you love smart, atmospheric historical mysteries with rich detail and great character dynamics, this series continues to be a standout.

[Samantha Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

London, 1859, Nurse Gemma Tate boards the American packet ship the Prince Regent to aid Inspector Sebastian Bell in investigating the death of a British aristocrat.
But when she sees the crime scene, Gemma realizes that her knowledge of human nature will be just as valuable as her medical training. Lord Anthony Blackstock lies murdered in his cabin, his head locked inside a nightmarish iron cage.
His wife has vanished without a trace, and time is running out to find her, dead or alive... Sebastian and Gemma have until the ship docks in London to uncover the truth behind the Blackstocks' final evening together.
The 6th book in the series and this has been one of my favourites. Set on board a ship, pushed for time before they can dock and the killer could escape, this atmospheric read is enthralling and engaging.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible installment in a must-read series!

How do you get a sleuthing couple on a cruise ship for a mystery when they are working class? Have the murder take place just before the ship docks! Sebastian and Gemma board a cruise ship carrying wealthy American and British passengers to sold the murder of an aristocrat. He collected antique torture devices and one was used in his murder. Meanwhile, his wife is missing and the acting caption on the boat isn’t interested in helping Sebastian, but is interested in flirting with Gemma.

Aside from a great take on the cruise ship mystery, we have a significant development in the series-long romantic story arc.

This was a delightful and satisfying adventure and though Gemma and Sebastian were investigating separately for portions, the scenes with them together were wonderful!

[Jo Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Six in the Tate and Bell series picks up with Gemma and Sebastian planning a pleasant day together, but murder derails their plans. These two just can't seem to catch a break! Gemma decides to join Sebastian at the murder scene, aboard an American packet ship, The Prince Regent, where they discover a grisly murder of a British Lord and the disappearance of his wife. With the clock ticking they struggle to solve the twisty mystery. I found it hard to put this one down! Next, p!ease! 4-1/2 stars

I received an ARC for free and gave my honest opinion voluntarily.

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

Much [M U C H] better than book 5 [for me], and I am glad that I took a chance on another book in this series [that I have generally enjoyed]. Even though I had some issues with this one [it is pretty gory, and V E R Y descriptive - the scene with the dead body is not for the faint at heart or the easily offended - and the mystery itself was really dragged out; that said, the reveal was really excellent], I am already looking forward to book 7. :-)

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

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

BOOK: MURDER ON PRINCE REGENT
AUTHOR: IRINA SHAPIRO
PUB DATE: 1ST NOVEMBER, 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.
👮🏼‍♂️🕵🏼‍♀️
Sixth book in the series in just two years and I'm loving every bit of it! Another excellent addition to the Tate and Bell mystery. I don't have much to say except I loved this book like I loved the previous five in the series. A perfect blend of mystery, romance, and lifestyle. You get the full gist of the murder mystery, Gemma and Sebastian's life, and their burgeoning relationship, and the lives of the side characters. I especially loved the progress of Gemma and Sebastian's relationship. I can only hope the change is well reflected in the next book (I don't want to give any spoilers!). Both of them also went through character development so far, love to see it!
🕵🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♂️
I loved the murder mystery. I love how each murder, victim, and perpetrator is different in each book, it shows the author's creativity. This time I was stumped until the culprit was revealed, it was very good. My favourite part of the book was when Gemma saved Sebastian from a grim fate. It was so badass of her!
👮🏼‍♂️🕵🏼‍♀️
This series is one to look out for. It's very, very good. I can't wait for another new release!
🕵🏼‍♀️👮🏼‍♂️

[Lata · Rating 4 out of 5]

Looking forward to a romantic evening together, Gemma meets Sebastian, who informs her he must head to the docked Prince Regent, an American packet ship, as a body has been discovered, dead under clearly suspicious circumstances. Of course Gemma insists she's coming with him, and he knows better than to argue, and the two arrive on board to find a shocking spectacle within one of the staterooms.

Lord Blackstock is dead, wearing a strange, metal mask and has the word "pig" inscribed on his torso. There is at first, no obvious suspect, other than Lady Blackstock, but she's missing, feared dead, and Sebastian and Gemma find nothing really useful in their inquiries, other than some blackmail, secrets, arguments. Colin's autopsy, performed later that night when a storm threatens sending Sebastian and Gemma head back to London with the body, yields nothing very useful either.

But, when the pair head back the next day, things change, and Gemma and Sebastian both find clues that lead Sebastian to apprehending one of the passengers.

I love these two characters; Gemma and Sebastian have become more interesting with each book in this series, which is full of great historical details, such as America's ugly past with slavery, the terrible situation for women suffering domestic abuse and the general lack of rights for women, and the slow evolution of Scotland Yard.

Gemma proves to be great at finding clues, and with the ending of this novel, I am really interested in what happens next for the pair.

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

[Lindap · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

***Libby Audio***

MC's: Gemma & Sabastian

The storyline was good. Actually liked the investigation being held on the ship. Gemma joins Sebastian at the very beginning of the murder. The deceased is a husband, but somehow his wife has disappeared, too. Lots of players in confined quarters.

As much as I enjoy this series, I do fast forward many of the scenes. I feel, and it's probably just me, that Irina Shapiro stays too long in a scene...like she's stretching it out. I ended up hitting the 15 second fast forward button many times to get past those parts. Like when they got off the ship and persuade the killer. It just dragged on. This doesn't discourage me from listening to her stories, I just know to fast forward. Guess my attention span gears more towards wanting to know the end results than all the drawn out stuff in-between. 🤷🏻‍♀️

[Paraphrodite · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars.

Sebastian is sent to the American packet ship the Prince Regent to investigate the death of a British aristocrat. When he conveyed the news to Gemma, she insisted on going along. (This is the part that I found a bit unrealistic.)

When they got to the ship, they discovered that the murder victim's wife is also missing. Then one of the victim's maids is also killed while they were on board. Sebastian and Gemma must figure out who the killer is before the ship docks and the killer slips away.

Another quite complicated case and significant progress on the romantic front at the end of this book.

[Trina Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of a murder on the streets of Victorian London Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate are on a ship thats dropped anchor just outside London port after the discovery of the death of Lord Blackstock, With the culprit on board the ship, it shouldn't be difficult to apprehend them but there appear to be a few candidates that wanted him dead.
This series is getting better and better, the right mix of historical fiction and crime fighting. The characters are wonderful and the description of Victorian London is spot on.

[Kelly · Rating 3 out of 5]

The latest offering of the Tate and Bell series from Irina Shapiro has all the details and plot advancements that we expect and a good mystery too!
We begin with Gemma and Sebastian meeting for a pleasant day out together, which is derailed immediately when he is summoned for duty. Gemma trails along (naturally) and thus begins their investigation into the murder of a British man and disappearance of his wife upon a ship ready to dock after sailing from the United States. The captain is ill, and his first mate is eager to see the investigation proceed quickly so he can land and return home. Sebastian and Gemma are determined to make a thorough effort however, and hijinks ensue.
There is also much attention made to their relationship continuing to deepen.
The mystery was quite a good one, and the series continues to be enjoyable.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this work.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1859. When the body of passenger Lord Anthony Blackstock is discovered on board the American ship the Prince Regent, Detective Bell is sent to investigate and Nurse Gemma Bell accompanies him, officially because of her medical experience. But where is Lady Blackstock as she seems to have vanished. They must find the killer before the ship docks or the killer may escape.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[K McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Victorian London-set series is consistently excellent, and this latest book is no exception. Much of this one is set on a ship where a murder is committed just before it docks in London from New York. The author does a great job conveying the tight quarters, and the effect is almost like that of a locked room mystery. Sebastian and Gemma are quickly drawn in to a case with many strands but no apparent pattern. The plot moves quickly and is well constructed, and as always in this series the action is nicely blended with developments in the relationships among the regular characters. Sebastian and Gemma themselves reach some important conclusions, and I’m looking forward to the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

[Mariah · Rating 4 out of 5]

FINALLY GEMMA AND SEBASTIAN GET TOGETHER! (Took wayyyyy too long but I’m glad they finally are engaged!)

[Preston (caffeinepoweredbibliophile) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5/5!!!!

[Elizabeth M Wizner · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was one of my favorites in this series!

[Kim Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This really was very enjoyable. Gemma continues to be annoying, though admittedly less than she used to be. Maybe love is softening those annoying tendencies? We can but hope. I do think however that she could be in for either a shock or disappointment in future. Does she imagine that Sebastian is rich enough to allow them a number of servants so that she can leave their children at home whilst she goes out investigating with her husband? Or will she be content to stay at home and perform autopsies? Hmm the future could certainly be interesting for both of them.

[Kimberly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tate & Bell Murder Mystery!

Honestly I said I was kind of over this couple and series but this looked somewhat interesting. Gemma and Inspector Bell continue their courtship and navigate through the pressures of Gemma’s job for Colin and Bells presence at the Scotland Yard. One night a murder happens to a blackguard nobleman and there’s a lot of potential murders. Colin continues to just reprise his role as a fatherly figure for Gemma which she never asked for. She’s an employee, not a family member.

Honestly this was a little bloated for 350 pages and I did have a bit of a harder time slogging through it. There was more red herrings thrown about that I didn’t believe needed to be there. There’s just a lot of twists and turns that really take center stage that I felt didn’t belong. However, I still enjoy Gemma and Bells relationship but it’s being dragged along slower than molasses.