The Carnival Murders

Tate and Bell Mystery #7

by Irina Shapiro

The discovery of a murdered woman sparks a nightmare that may destroy everything for Gemma and Sebastian…

In a respectable London neighborhood, nurse Gemma Tate and her fiancé, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are planning their future together. But their dreams shatter when they discover a murdered young woman, carefully arranged in a darkened alleyway behind her family home.

While Gemma unravels the woman’s final secrets in the post-mortem room, Sebastian hunts among the living. And he soon uncovers reports of similar deaths, linked to a traveling carnival. But what connects those friendless victims to the beloved woman they found?

Refusing to be beaten, Gemma and Sebastian pursue every lead on the killer’s trail, desperate to prevent more deaths. But can they stop him before he destroys not just more lives, but their own hope of happiness?

A gripping and atmospheric Victorian mystery for fans of Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and the Lady Sherlock mysteries.

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

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 10, 2026

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]

This was the heaviest and most gruesome book in the series. I had to take breaks because it was a lot to digest, and I’m not even sure I would’ve finished it if I weren’t already so invested.

Gemma and Sebastian are about to see their new home for the first time, but unfortunately, they find a body on the way. It’s a young woman, heavily pregnant, and the strangest part is that she seems to have undergone a postmortem. As it turns out, she’s not the only one…

I’m a little disappointed because, even though the idea may have been unique, the mystery itself wasn’t very gripping. It felt like we got gore instead of a puzzle to solve, and that’s really not my jam. Then there were some eye-rolling moments of Gemma being TSTL again, which is getting old and doesn’t really make sense given her intelligence.

Since I’m invested, and the writing still works for me, I’ll probably continue reading the series. Unfortunately, though, I didn’t enjoy this book as much as the others.

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

Pub Date 10 Mar 2026

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma and Sebastian are an engaged couple solving murders. There is depth to this series and I appreciate the author’s attention to detail. I was transported back in time and that is done well, too. The murders are always complex when trying to solve. As usual, kept me guessing till the end. The villains got what they deserved in the end. Highly recommend the entire series. In my opinion, you wouldn’t need to read in order it might be more enjoyable though.

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

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

3.5 Stars

One Liner: Darker plot, but getting tired of the FMC

1859, London

Nurse Gemma Tate and her fiancé, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are planning their future together, only for it to come to a halt when a woman is found dead in the alleyway behind her home. Sebastian soon finds out that this and other similar deaths are linked to a traveling carnival. Now, the duo has to find the killer and stop them before more people die.

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

My Thoughts

Adding a spoiler here, as it can be a trigger for some readers: pregnant women are killed and autopsied, including the babies inside them. Also, certain characters are called using terms we consider offensive today, but this is true to the setting and the period.

The seventh book in the series can work as a standalone, though it may have some spoilers for the personal/overarching plot. There are some developments too here.

This one is quite grim. It cannot be helped based on the themes chosen. It’s an important one as well. However, the descriptions are not graphic. They are strictly on a need-to-know basis. But yes, the book is darker and heavier.

The cast is huge, though not everyone is important. Still, it will help to make a note of the names to avoid confusion.

The mystery starts with a lot of interest, red herrings, suspects, and theories. However, the resolution is convenient rather than intricate. Anyone who reads mysteries can easily guess it. Moreover, the clues and the way to the resolution aren’t really strong.

Once again, the FMC puts herself in danger because she enjoys the high of danger a bit too much. If she were a real human, things would have ended in the first book itself. I don’t understand why she has to be so TSTL when she has a decent enough brain.

There will be more books in the series, so I will continue to read. However, I hope the FMC will be more sensible and learn to think before she acts.

To summarize, The Carnival Murders is a dark mystery that sheds light on certain events from the past. While the book is still a good read, it is not the best in the series.

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

#NetGalley #TheCarnivalMurders

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

London, 1859. Looking for your first home together is an exciting adventure but unfortunately for Inspector Sebastian Bell and his fiancee Gemma Tate they don't get across the threshold before being drawn into a new case. A body, horrifically mutilated, is discovered in an alley and leads the shocked couple to more deaths linked to practices Gemma thought were used only for good. Determined to get justice for those who have died Sebastian and Gemma begin an investigation which could shatter all their future plans.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is my first book by this author but it definitely won't be my last. Beautifully written and, despite the subject matter, easy to read, I thoroughly enjoyed this and happily read deep into the night. The crimes were described in just enough detail to chill and the main protagonists were all sympathetically drawn, especially Sebastian and Gemma who I liked immediately. There were a few spoilers but nothing which would prevent me reading earlier stories in this series. Highly recommended.

[Randee Green · Rating 5 out of 5]

While searching for their first home, Gemma Tate and Inspector Sebastian Bell stumble upon the body of a young, pregnant woman. There is evidence that the woman and her unborn child were autopsied before their bodies were dumped in an alley near her father’s tavern. Sebastian’s investigation leads him to similar bodies that were autopsied prior to disposal. The murders of a pregnant dwarf and conjoined twins and the attack on a faux wolfman convince Sebastian that someone is killing carnival “freaks” to study their anatomy while their first victim was murdered as a comparison.

THE CARNIVAL MURDERS is a bit of a misnomer since there are no scenes that take place at a carnival or freak show. Some of the victims were current or former carnival workers. I must admit that I was disappointed that neither Sebastian nor Gemma got to visit a Victorian era carnival since I’m sure it would have made an interesting scene. Aside from the slight disappointment, I’ve mostly enjoyed THE CARNIVAL MURDERS. I am a huge fan of Gemma and Sebastian, and I’ve been following their investigations since the beginning of the series. I’ve enjoyed the progression of their personal relationship as well as Gemma’s growth—though she takes several unnecessary risks in this book. This book was darker than the previous ones. That, combined with Gemma’s recklessness, made for a difficult read at times.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[Jeannine · Rating 3 out of 5]

The romance part of the story was wonderful, as always. The mystery got bogged down a little by too many characters.

[Heather Moll · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good gracious, Gemma. I struggled to keep reading after that.

A lot of telling, even though I liked the grittier, higher stakes plot. Gemma wasn’t an equal narrative partner. She’s a nurse, but we never see her really nursing. Gemma being underutilized and acting ridiculously stupid frustrated me. You can’t even leave a note? I’m ok with characters making mistakes and having consequences, but she was unbelievably, uncharacteristically stupid here.

I looked at my reviews for the other books and I always say good plot, likable characters, but too much telling, not enough interiority, Gemma is underused, and conveniently timed, out of the blue realizations or withholdings for plot reasons. Any one of these wouldn’t be enough to make me roll my eyes, but all of them together take me out of the story.

CW Slurs for people with intellectual/developmental disabilities, dwarfism, and Black people. Used as period correct language from characters you’d expect to talk that way, but still jarring.

I received an arc from NetGalley

[Kyla · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love my real life personal friends Gemma and Sebastian but omg Gemma felt all together stupid as hell in this one (and she’s not a stupid person so that was disappointing)

[Em Bulakites · Rating 5 out of 5]

You know i love this series and i think this might be one of the best books so far, fast pace, interesting storyline and good mystery !

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dark Secrets Beneath the Big Top

The Carnival Murders by Irana Shapiro is another fantastic addition to the series. I love the rich carnival atmosphere, and the characters I have come to know so well across the books. The mystery is gripping with plenty of twists, making the book hard to put down. A must-read for fans of the series. The story is gripping, layered, and full of intrigue and just when you think you’ve worked it out, another twist pulls you deeper under the big top. 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.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carnival Murders by Irina Shapiro

Synopsis /

In a respectable London neighbourhood, nurse Gemma Tate and her fiancé, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are planning their future together. But their dreams shatter when they discover a murdered young woman, carefully arranged in a darkened alleyway behind her family home.

While Gemma unravels the woman’s final secrets in the post-mortem room, Sebastian hunts among the living. And he soon uncovers reports of similar deaths, linked to a traveling carnival. But what connects those friendless victims to the beloved woman they found?

Refusing to be beaten, Gemma and Sebastian pursue every lead on the killer’s trail, desperate to prevent more deaths. But can they stop him before he destroys not just more lives, but their own hope of happiness?


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.

The Carnival Murders will be the seventh book in the Tate and Bell Mystery novels, and I'm firmly entrenched in this series now.

Set in 1850's Victorian London, this series focuses on the lives of protagonists, Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard, and his (now) fiancée, nurse Gemma Tate.

If you enjoy reading historical mysteries I can highly recommend this series. Although best read in order, it is possible to read this series as a stand alone. Author, Irina Shapiro has again nailed the detailed descriptions of life in 1859. The attention to both the physical details of Victorian London, and the more nuanced details of what is considered the social etiquette of the time are meticulous and the reader will have no difficulty picturing the scene.

When the story opens, the newly engaged couple Sebastian and Gemma are out looking for places to live after they marry. However, their morning plans are interrupted when the pair make a grim discovery. The body of a young woman, Tamzin Norris, is found in a darkened alleyway behind her father's house in a respectable London neighbourhood. Upon closer inspection the body revealed no obvious cause of death, but strangely, there were outward signs that Tamzin's body had already been autopsied. Even more worrying was that there appeared to be indications that there were organs missing from her body. While Sebastian could have easily left this case in the hands of the local Metropolitan Police Service, he knew that as Gemma had also been the one to come across Tamzin's lifeless body, she would want him to be the one to investigate her death.

As Sebastian begins his investigation, he uncovers a series of seemingly related murders. The commonality between them is that all of the bodies had already been autopsied when they were first found, and all of the bodies appeared to have organs missing. Another worrying commonality is that the further cases all appear to be related to people with some sort of congenital defect. Apart from Tamzin, there was Holly, a young pregnant woman who suffered from dwarfism; and conjoined male twins, Elias and Silas Pruitt. In order to solve this mystery Sebastian must first work out what it is that connects all of these murders.

As we've come to expect, Gemma follows her own trail of leads. When her friend Poppy is brutally attacked while wearing Gemma's cape, the realisation that the beating was meant for her hits her hard. It became glaringly obvious that she was getting too close to the truth.

I love how this series is progressing with the side stories of Colin, his mother Anne, their maidservant Mabel, nurse Poppy and others. I'm already looking forward to the next instalment.

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 March 10, 2026.

[Erin Arkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

In her latest addition to the Tate and Bell mysteries, The Carnival Murders, Irina Shapiro delivers a chilling historical thriller that proves why this series has become a staple for fans of Victorian noir. As the seventh installment, the book offers a grisly standalone mystery while deepening the complex emotional lives of characters we have grown to love. However, readers should be cautioned: while the central crime is solved within these pages, the character arcs are a rich continuation of six previous books. If you haven’t followed Gemma and Sebastian from the beginning, you will undoubtedly miss the history that informs their every decision here.

The mystery itself is one of Shapiro’s darkest yet. It centers on a series of disturbing crimes where victims—all of whom possess various physical birth defects—have been subjected to clinical, post-mortem "autopsies." This clinical cruelty is set against the backdrop of a traveling carnival, highlighting the era's exploitation of those deemed "different." The tension spikes when Sebastian and Gemma are brought to a body at the very onset of the story that breaks the pattern they eventually establish. Unlike the other friendless victims, this woman’s connection to the others is elusive. Much of the book’s drive comes from the duo trying to figure out how these disparate souls are connected and, crucially, to whom they were truly expendable.

Beyond the procedural elements, the heart of The Carnival Murders lies in the shift in Sebastian and Gemma’s relationship. After books of slow-burn tension and professional boundaries, seeing where they end up by the final chapter was incredibly satisfying. I was super excited to see their relationship progress to this point, but even more intrigued by how this new status quo will feed into the next book. it will be interesting to see if ttheir situation will create a new dynamic and whether their professional partnership can withstand the shift in their personal lives. Their chemistry remains the series' greatest strength, and this book feels like a long-awaited reward for loyal readers.

Meanwhile, the secondary characters continue to shine. A particularly compelling subplot involves Poppy, who has lost her job at the hospital and with Gemma marrying, is hoping to potentially work for Colin. Their friendship and mutual respect have always hinted at something more, but they remain wonderfully, frustratingly human in their hesitation. Watching them navigate their potential future while struggling with their reserved and shy natures adds a layer of sweet, grounded realism to an otherwise macabre story. One can't help but wonder if they will finally find the courage to take the next step or if their own reticence will keep them at a standstill.

In short, The Carnival Murders is a must-read. It manages to be both a page-turning mystery and a moving character study. I cannot wait to see how the progress from this book impacts the team going forward as they adjust to their new lives. I definitely recommend this to any historical mystery fan and will absolutely continue reading this series. If you haven't started the Tate and Bell mysteries yet, go back to The Highgate Cemetery Murder and start there—you won’t want to miss a single step of this journey.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.

[C.R. Comacchio · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to NetGalley and Storm for an advance readers’ copy of this novel.

This is the 7th in Irina Shapiro’s Tate and Bell mystery series. Once again, the author wonderfully evokes Victorian London, in both its sunny and shady aspects. Nurse Gemma Tait and Scotland Yard Inspector Sebastian Bell have a foot in both worlds. As the story begins, Gemma is about to leave her position as nurse-companion to an elderly woman with dementia to prepare for her wedding to Sebastian, whom she also assists in investigations. She is all set to meet Sebastian to look at a house in the London suburb of Pimlico. They are happy and hoping to find their first home together.

As it happens, Gemma’s arrival at the property, only minutes after his, sends their momentary contentment entirely askew. A panicked young constable dashing toward the nearby police station takes them to the site of a gruesome murder. In his daily rounds, the Constable had found a young woman in an alley near a popular working-class pub. What particularly rattled him, Gemma and Sebastian in turn were the details given away by her body: she was young, heavily pregnant, and had visible rough stitches from her forehead through her torso indicating where she had been deliberately cut. The two immediately recognized that she had been autopsied.

Despite the singular details of the murder, soon a number of others, all imitating the murder method, show up. Except for that of Tamzin, a recently married young woman whose father owned the pub near where she was found, the others are linked by their victims’ connection to a visiting carnival, where they perform for an enthusiastic paying audience in the so-called Freak Show.

It is difficult to read about the murders, considering their details, but also about these poor people who would likely be discarded at very young ages if they were not sold, usually by their own parents, into the demeaning indenture that gave them the status of performing animals. This, of course, is not fiction and neither is the covert medical experimentation that gave rise to the grave-robbing phenomenon. It’s no stretch to think that some humans, considered inferior, might well be murdered for the brutal scientific abuse of their bodies. For all that this is difficult reading, it is not gratuitous. Shapiro shows us a society deeply conflicted about science and ethics.

The mystery is, as usual, smartly paced with just enough revealing information to move it along without making the resolution obvious. Once again, Gemma and Sebastian are sympathetic characters, and their tenderness toward each other and compassion for the abused and victimized are evident. Sebastian is as solid as ever, but I found Gemma occasionally taking risks that can only be called ill-considered and potentially dangerous. Still, characters can’t be unchanging over 7 volumes without making the story predictable and unchallenging, and I’m interested to see where these two and their relationship go.

[BookishDramas · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this book as a NetGalley ARC and this review is my honest opinion about the book based on my reading it. NB-The story depicts violent crime.

This is my first book in the Tate and Bell historical mystery series and considering that the series is several books old this was a solid entry for me and Irina an author whose works I would look out for in the future.
4.5 stars for the book which would be a perfect five but Gemma's idiosyncrasies brought it down a bit.

Gemma who is a nurse and Inspector Sebastian Bell are preparing for their wedding and hoping for a quieter stretch after the events of their previous investigations. That peace does not last long. The discovery of a young woman’s body near Gemma’s home quickly draws Sebastian into another disturbing case. What initially appears to be a single murder soon reveals deeper and more troubling connections. Evidence begins to suggest that the death may be tied to a travelling carnival and possibly to other victims.

The partnership and relationship between Gemma and Sebastian feels natural and supportive, with each bringing different skills to the investigation. Sebastian works through official police channels while Gemma contributes insight from her medical training and observations from the postmortem room. The balance between the two perspectives keeps the story moving and gives the investigation a fuller picture.

The Victorian setting is handled with confidence. The details of London life, medical practices and the realities of policing during the period add texture to the story without overwhelming the mystery. The author clearly understands the time period and uses those details to strengthen the atmosphere rather than distract from the plot.

The mystery itself unfolds steadily. As the investigation progresses, more pieces of the puzzle appear and the scope of the crimes becomes clearer. The carnival element adds an unsettling tone to the story and provides a backdrop that feels both mysterious and slightly sinister.

This is a dark case and the subject matter is at times uncomfortable. This also raises the stakes and makes the investigation feel more urgent. Readers who have followed Gemma and Sebastian from earlier books will likely appreciate seeing their characters continue to develop as they face another difficult case.

Overall this was an absorbing historical mystery with strong characters and a solid central investigation. A very enjoyable addition to the series and an easy recommendation for readers who enjoy Victorian crime fiction.

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

What can I say? I love this series. I admit that I am still mourning the demise of Victoria Thompson and her Gaslight Mystery series (GMs), but fortunately I have discovered the Tate and Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro, which has the added benefit of narration by one of my favorite narrators, Imogene Church – that is when I can wait for publication. I did not have to wait this time, as I nabbed an ARC from NetGalley and loved it (that doesn't mean I won't listen for a second "read" on publication date). I see two more books in the series are due out this year…This is exciting news for me as both GMs and KBs (noted below) have published out only single volumes a year, not including novellas and stories, and I pine all year yearning the next new publication!

The Carnival Murders, Book Seven in the series, takes place circa 1850s, half a century earlier that GMs and half a century more gruesome. Gemma Tate one of Florence Nightingale's Crimean War nurses, and Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard, have teamed up again to solve a mystery where pregnant women, dangerous psychopaths, and carnival "freaks" (excuse the misnomer but I believe "freak show" to be the correct Victorian carnival terminology of the period) are murdered for what appears to the singularly bizarre purpose of conducting autopsies on their bodies. Who is targeting these victims and to what purpose? – Have no fear, Gemma and Sebastion (with the aid of the unwitting Colin and Poppy, pathologist and Crimean War colleague, accordingly) will get to the bottom of the affair.

My only reservation (I won't say criticism because I love these series too much) is that, just as in the case of Linda Castillo's Kate Burkholder Series (KBs), another one of my absolute favorites – the heroines tend to throw caution to the wind and rush off into danger without proper back-up????

How long must Tate and Bell restrain their passions before all the stars are aligned for their betrothal to finally culminate into marital bliss. No spoilers here!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC – My views are my own and they are echoed in all my reviews of the previous books in the series!

[aishareadsnrambles · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

STORYLINE :
Another great addition in the Tate and Bell series! This is book number seven in the series, and each book can be read alone and unique on its own.
In this book, we have gruesome murders of victims who have had autopsies done after they died and before they were dumped. Some of the victims were pregnant women and people living with congenital abnormalities. This book is quite emotional because of the gruesome cases.
As usual, Bell and Tate got on the case and started turning all stones. My favourite thing about this book and this series is how at first, you know nothing, obviously. But, everything starts unfolding as the book progresses, and each witness, evidence reveals something new.
I loved what happened to the brains behind the operation. Otherwise, they wouldn't have been punished.

CHARACTERS:
Phenomenal as usual! From the indomitable, fearless nurse, Gemma. I love what's going on with her and how she's naturally curious, especially about ways to increase her medical knowledge. She might be the pioneer forensic nurse. But, I hope she doesn't stop being a nurse.
Sebastian is always an amazing character and a dogged inspector who does it all for his victims. I hope to see a promotion for him in the near future.
I loved the romance between Gemma and Sebastian. It was enough to be felt, but not too much to be overpowering. Their chemistry is wonderful! But, I was so disappointed with the epilogue, I would have loved to read a ceremony.
I also liked the recurring characters like Colin, Gustav, Anne, Mabel, and Poppy. Amazing people.

WRITING STYLE:
Perfect! There is no room for confusion despite the fact that it's part of a series. I liked the chapters, the pace. I have no complaints.

SETTINGS:
The various settings were well described too, you can get a hint of the places, and I liked that.

OVERALL:
A very good book and even better series. No book is the same as the other hand you don't have to read accordingly. I would definitely recommend

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carnival Murders by Irina Shapiro is part of a series and this is the first I’ve read. That being said, this is a supremely readable book. The protagonists are Sebastian Bell and his betrothed, Gemma. Sebastian is a police detective and Gemma is a caregiver for a woman with dementia. The draw was her son who was a doctor and conducted autopsies. She had been a nurse in the Crimea during the war and her interest was keen and pretty much forbidden. Simon’s wife had been murdered and with her their child. All because of a case he had worked. He was over it now, but worried. One of the things about Gemma that attracted him was her independence. Both a good and bad trait. The murder was an odd one. A pregnant woman whose body had been autopsied and her brain stolen. When Sebastian went back to the station to request this case, he found their had been another nearby, unidentified. All but the latest had been carnival sideshow workers. As that a clue? Each conversation he had added a detail or two to the picture until it all came together, with Gemma’s help.

These are wonderful, well-written characters, well-rounded with plenty of detail regarding their personalities. This story took place in a time when doctors were mostly ignorant of the human body. There were grave robbers out there who delivered recently deceased to often unscrupulous doctors. Gemma was fortunate that the doctor she worked for was opened minder and allowed her to assist and even go to listen to speakers on a variety of topics, normally closed to women. This story is a glimpse into that world. Sebastian discovered other similar murders and an attempted murder. All these things drew an interesting picture. People were in danger. Sebastian found the guilty party and saved some lives, but there were other doctors out there. Good read.

I was invited to read The Carnival Murders by Storm Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StormPublishing #IrinaShapiro #TheCarnivalMurders

[Stephanie Burow · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC of The Carnival Murders in exchange for an honest review.

The Tate and Bell Mystery series is hands down one of my all time favorite series I’ve ever had the pleasure of devouring. I’ve been on this ride since the prerelease of book one and I cannot believe that we are already on book seven! What’s even crazier might you ask?? These books just keep getting better and better as the series progresses. Irina Shapiro’s writing is honestly masterful in the way she transports her readers to the very heart of 1859 London.

This installment was especially exciting as Gemma and Sebastian navigate their pending nuptials (it’s about freaking time) alongside their most recent peculiar murder investigations. I found this series of murders especially interesting as someone who lives and works in the medical community. It becomes evident that the most recent string of murders are directly tied to some of the first medical research done on developmental and physical abnormalities. In a time where science was crudely understood and only just beginning to explore anatomy and physiology traits, it was incredibly interesting to explore how doctors (and criminals) approached learning about the human body and what we know of today as genetics and the building blocks of DNA / inheritance patterns.

As always, Gemma’s independent nature and vivacious personality draws me to her character time and time again. She is the perfect counterbalance for Sebastian. It’s so exciting to see their relationship finally moving forward as they both deserve a second chance at love and happiness. I for one am especially excited for a future baby Bell! Could we see the same for Colin and Poppy in the near future? As long as Irina keeps blessing us with future installments of this series, she has a fan for life in me! Another 5 stars for the Tate and Bell Mystery Series!

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carnival Murders is a wonderfully crafted blend of intrigue, tenderness, and that unmistakable Victorian mood that makes the era feel both haunting and full of quiet hope. From the opening discovery of a young woman posed in a darkened London alley, the story pulls you into a world where danger and compassion walk side by side.

Gemma Tate and Inspector Sebastian Bell make a truly compelling duo—not just professionally, but emotionally. Their relationship adds a lovely warmth to the book, grounding the investigation in something deeply human. Gemma’s scenes in the postmortem room are filled with empathy and quiet strength, while Sebastian’s search among the living brings grit and urgency to the narrative. They complement each other so naturally that you can’t help rooting for their future together.

The mystery itself is richly layered. The connection to a traveling carnival gives the story a wonderfully eerie, almost gothic tension, and the contrast between the beloved young woman found near Gemma’s home and the lonely, forgotten victims on the carnival’s path adds heartbreaking depth. Each clue unfolds with satisfying pacing, building to a sense of urgency that keeps the pages turning.

What I especially enjoyed is the emotional undertone running beneath the crime—grief, compassion, fear, and the fragile threads of hope. You feel the personal stakes for Gemma and Sebastian, not just in solving the case, but in protecting the life they’re trying to build together.

With its evocative setting, engaging mystery, and heartfelt character work, The Carnival Murders is a standout read for fans of Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and the Lady Sherlock series. Atmospheric, warm, and wonderfully immersive.
A gripping and tender Victorian mystery I thoroughly enjoyed.

With thanks to Irina Shapiro, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC

[TrishAM · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell were about to view a house that they hoped would soon become their home, their wedding was only a short time away, but fate stepped in when they came across the body of a heavily pregnant woman who had been mutilated in the most heinous way.
This story is set in Victorian London, Gemma is a nurse who had seen atrocities whilst tending injured soldiers in the Crimea that no person should have to see, it made her determined to study medicine but sadly that was a door that was firmly closed to women, being a nurse was the next best thing and she was employed by surgeon, Colin Ramsey, to care for his rapidly declining mother, this suited Gemma because she was able to observe Colin's work and she was a keen student.
Sebastian was an inspector at Scotland Yard, when he saw the poor woman's body he knew that house hunting with his beloved Gemma would have to wait, he had a murder to solve.
The body count started to escalate and a pattern was appearing, they were all either pregnant or at some time had belonged to the travelling carnival's freak show, all had been violated in the same hideous way.
With Gemma's input, Sebastian started putting the pieces together, what was the common denominator ? why were the bodies left where they were ? what connected a beautiful pregnant wife to the poor unfortunates from the freak show ?
This is a well written story with a unique, if macabre, storyline, the poverty, the filth, the smells, the despair of Victorian London was palpable. I have to admit that I didn't warm to Gemma in this story, she was employed by the lovely Colin to care for his mother but she spends most of her time getting into awkward, dangerous situations, for a seemingly intelligent woman, she was very thoughtless and naïve at times.
Thank you Storm Publishing and Net Gallery for this ARC, my review is totally voluntary.

[boogleloo · Rating 4 out of 5]

4/5 stars: This is Shapiro's fourth entry in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, which is a Historical Mystery set in London, England 1859. Featuring an unconventional nurse and her police inspector fiance as they work together to investigate the murder of a pregnant young woman. They soon uncover reports of similar deaths, linked to a traveling carnival. But what connects those friendless victims to the beloved woman they found? Refusing to be beaten, the two pursue every lead on the killer’s trail, desperate to prevent more deaths. But can they stop the killer before more lives are destroyed and their own hope of happiness is crushed.

With plenty of twists and turns, Shapiro has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in dual POV, Shapiro's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. The historical research Shapiro's done is evident and well done without overshadowing the overall mystery plot and providing a sense of time and place perfectly.

Shapiro touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Highgate Cemetery Murder.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Terri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Carnival Murders is the latest installment in the Tate and Bell series by Irina Shapiro. With Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate now engaged, they set out to find a suitable home to begin their life together. Naturally, before they can even view the first house, a body is discovered and any thoughts of house hunting are immediately abandoned.
The victim, a young woman in advanced pregnancy, has been autopsied and expertly sewn back together before being left in a public place. Not only had she been autopsied, but her unborn child had been removed from her womb and autopsied as well. It is one of the most disturbing and intricate cases they have faced, raising questions that feel more complex than anything in their previous investigations. From that moment on, the mystery takes center stage.
Gemma continues to push forward in her medical training, though she is constantly reminded that she is a woman in a profession dominated by men. Her frustration is palpable, and it adds depth to both her character and the era in which the story is set. The slow burn between Gemma and Sebastian continues to develop in a satisfying way. Sebastian respects Gemma’s intelligence and contributions while still reflecting the protective instincts of a Victorian gentleman. That balance has become one of the strengths of this series.
This was a compelling afternoon read and a strong addition to the series. I’m already looking forward to the next installment. Something tells me a wedding may not go off without at least one complication.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

[Shawnee · Rating 4 out of 5]

How have I not discovered this series until now?!? This is the first book of this series I have read, and though I am not generally a fan of jumping into the middle of a series, I had not problems picking things up and getting to know the characters!

The premise of the book is heart wrenching - a pregnant woman, so close to giving birth, is found murdered. Unfortunately, the horror does not end there as Sebastian and Gemma uncover some pretty gory and horrific details as they work to uncover who is responsible. It was a little too gory for my tastes, but I think that also played into the shock factor the author wanted us to feel as we went through the book.

I loved the relationship between the main and secondary characters. You could feel the warm undertones of support and affection they had for each other. I also appreciated the scenes where the author didn't shy away from the stark realities women and those deemed "unnatural" or "unfit for society" faced during this time period. It is so tragic and wrong, but an unfortunate truth.

My main challenge with the book was some of Gemma's behaviors. As someone who has seen horrific things and has not been a part of some murder investigations, one would think she would take greater care for her safety and not dash headlong into danger. While it may be endearing to a level, here it is in danger of falling into the overdone trope category.

Overall, a very engaging read that I would recommend to anyone who loves a historical murder mystery!

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

[Stephanie Coniff · Rating 4 out of 5]

🎪 The Carnival Murders by Irina Shapiro 🎪
Series: Book 7 of Tate & Bell mysteries
Genre: Mystery
Length: 288 pages
Pub Date: March 10, 2026
My Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Summary:
London, 1800s - Inspector Sebastian Bell and his fiance, Gemma Tate (nurse), have a string of gruesome murders to solve. The victims include the local pub owner's pregnant daughter, and several others who have unusual physiological types or minds. Bell & Tate have only a description of two men who were seen dumping each of the bodies, and their suspicions that the crimes were done by a medical professional. Will they be able to stop the killer before he kills again, closer to home?

Review:
This was my first Tate & Bell mystery and I can safely say I really loved it! The historical setting of Victorian London is a great backdrop for a mystery, and I love how each of Sebastian and Gemma's skill sets come in handy in solving the crimes. It is also important to note that Gemma is assisting Sebastian in a time where women in science were not taken completely seriously, which makes her role in the book a bit harder to navigate. I loved how she fights for her credibility and that Sebastian both loves and trusts her amazing mind and expertise in a world where it isn't always accepted. This mystery definitely had some more graphic descriptions and grisly murders, some of which included expectant mothers, so please note this if that is a trigger warning for you. I think I will have to go back to the start of this mystery series and find out how Tate & Bell started out in their crime solving duo.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Gemma Tate and her fiance, Scotland Yard's Inspector Sebastian Bell, prepared to look at a rental property which might become their home when they married in a few months, a young Constable was frantically ringing the alert bell, to summon officers. Sebastian immediately came to his aid and the shocking discovery which the Constable had made, traumatised even Sebastian. A young woman, pregnant, had been murdered grotesquely; but when Sebastian discovered she wasn't the only one, he and Gemma knew the race was on.

It was 1850s London, and there were rough and ready characters everywhere. The trail Sebastian & Gemma were following was one of horrific evil; whoever was killing had no conscience, no empathy. But Sebastian was frustrated - he needed to find and stop the killer before many more people were killed...

The Carnival Murders is the 7th in the Tate & Bell series by Irina Shapiro and it's historical mystery at its best! Gruesome, bloody, and convoluted, nevertheless it kept me glued to the pages. I would recommend anyone interested in the series read from #1 as the character growth is vital in the series. And with (hopefully) more to come, I'll be looking forward to #8. Highly recommended.

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

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Science, death and mysteries

I love Sebastian and Gemma and their historical whodunit series. The book had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. This author always manages to craft the most intriguing mysteries that keep me enthralled in the plot and guessing right along with Gemma and Sebastian as they try to solve their latest case. The history nerd in me loves the glimpses into 19th century life, police work and medicine. Gemma is a nurse in 1859 London who works as a live in nurse/companion for Dr Colin Ramsey’s mother, Anne, who suffers from dementia. Sebastian is a Scotland Yard detective and a widower. Sebastian and Gemma enjoy puzzling out cases together and are engaged to marry in about 6 weeks. When Sebastian and Emma are visiting a possible house for after the wedding, they are pulled into the murder investigation of a young pregnant woman who was autopsied before she was dumped. The investigation takes an unexpected turn when similar victims are identified. Sebastian and Gemma’s investigation leads to dead ends, secrets, and surprising revelations. In this one I was definitely yelling at Gemma to not do something. But Gemma is going to be Gemma no matter what I caution. As always, there are smaller personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters more dimension. I love these characters and this series. I am excited to read Sebastian and Gemma’s next case.

[Ivy Lee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Big thanks to Storm Publishing, NetGalley, and author Irina Shapiro for the ARC.

To sum up, we are following nurse Gemma Tate and her fiancé, inspector Sebastian Bell following leads, trying to solve a series of grisly murders, with autopsied bodies turning up around town, and most of the bodies belong to physically or mentally challenged people. Risking the lives of themselves and their loved ones while aiming to catch the murderer, they race against time to prevent more gruesome ends to innocent lives.

First of all, if you're like me, you'll probably be expecting a carnival setting, but that's not the case. it is slightly connected to a carnival since some of the bodies belong to people who participated in a circus at some point in their lives due to their physical differences.

Sebastian is a relatable and worth-cheering-for type of character, while Gemma is completely reckless to the point of making you want to reach into the book, pull her out. and make her sit still on your sofa.

I loved the high stakes plot and the connections drawn between characters. I also realized that my thought process and evaluating evidence was paralleled by Sebastian's, which made it really easy for me to get into the story and follow along. The immaculate description of settings also made it easy to imagine the mood of each setting, which was a high point in this book for me.

As a crime thriller fan, I really enjoyed the book and the pages kept turning easily. I would easily recommend this one to all my thriller loving friends.

[Ronni · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anyone else get a halfway through a NetGalley ARC before realizing they are reading a book from the middle of a series?! That's what happened to me. I had never heard of this author or this series, but the cover and title were intriguing, and the description was fabulous, so I applied for an ARC.

The Carnival Murders follows Nurse Gemma and Scotland Yard Inspector Sebastian through the investigation of the murders of several people in their area. Most of these people have some sort of deformity or affliction that makes them "different". Some of them are missing brains when they are found. It is up to Gemma and Sebastian to find out who is doing this and why.

This is a beautifully written novel. I typically don't read stories from this far back in history. Not for any particular reason, they're just usually not on my radar. This one, however, has put them there. It is the most recent in the Tate and Bell Mystery series and it has me wanting to read books 1-6 to discover all that I've missed!

I fell in love with Gemma and Sebastian's characters, along with Poppy and Colin. They are well liked with enough dimension to make them feel real. I also thoroughly enjoyed the glimpse of a life in the late 1800s that is so vastly different than in today's world. The vocabulary, the morals, the societal expectations... it was all just so interesting to read and "live" for the duration of my reading this novel. Shapiro is one I will be looking more closely at when choosing my next read! I will also likely be picking this one up in an audiobook version for the accents :)

[Steve Bewley · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Carnival Murders by Irina Shapiro

Rating : 4⭐
Format : eBook 💻
Pages : 368
Duration : 3 Days

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I broke my first rule of book club, don't talk about book club* I also broke the second rule. Don't jump into a series anywhere but the begining. This is the seventh book I'm the series !!1!?

However apart from the odd bits from a shared history between the characters it wasn't really evident that I was 7 books in.

I was intrigued by the name of this book, Carnivals are cool and murders are bad, but still cool, just don't do them. However apart from a very fleeting mention and one or two characters there is absolutely no reference to a carnival, bit misleading but hey ho!

I enjoyed this book, great setting of the late 1800's with all the social standings, limitations and technology. The characters (though missing 6 books of past growth) were well fleshed out and interesting and the mystery was pretty well paced and thought out, I enjoyed it thoroughly.

I may need to go back into the series and we how we got to this point though.

* There is no book club

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Thank you to Netgalley & the Publishers for the Advanced Review Copy of this book, though I am grateful for the ARC the words above are my own

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You can find more reviews on my blog here : https://bookshelf018.wordpress.com/

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[Bee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not every writer manages to be prolific while still maintaining the quality of earlier books, but so far Irina Shapiro pulls it off. This 7th in the Tate and Bell mysteries was equally as enjoyable as previous ones in the series.

When Gemma and Sebastian, finally searching for a home of their own before their upcoming wedding, are pulled aside at the discovery of a young woman’s body, they’re immediately involved. Sebastian assumes responsibility over the case with Scotland Yard, and Gemma assists both him and her friend and employer Colin, assigned to handle the postmortem … the second postmortem, that is, the discovery of which fact is the crux of the mystery. When similar murders are uncovered, all but one having connections to a traveling carnival, the question is: who is targeting this set of people and why? Interposed in the storyline are the advancing relationship between Emma and Sebastian, as well as her conflicting feelings finishing up her position as live-in nurse for Colin’s mother, Anne. Recurring character Poppy also features heavily in this story and hopefully will continue to do so as the series goes on, as I really like her. And if she can put up with Colin’s slightly stuffy and mildly irritating personality, more power to her!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.