What do you think?
Rate this book
Redmond and Haze Mysteries #9
Murder in Highgate
When a young man is found hanging inside the Ashford family tomb, Redmond and Haze assume the man had run afoul of the noble family and paid for it with his life. Once they identify the remains, they discover not only the victim’s shocking secrets but that the young man had an unexpected connection to Jason.
With few leads and no obvious motive for the murder, will Redmond and Haze solve the case before the killer claims another life?
With few leads and no obvious motive for the murder, will Redmond and Haze solve the case before the killer claims another life?
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 4, 2022
582 people are currently reading
412 people want to read
About the author
Irina Shapiro
84 books1,132 followersTo write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.
Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.
https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
October 8, 2022
My ninth Redmond & Haze book to digest, at times causing indigestion, but stuck with it to the end. This one may be suited for Halloween reading, and it is October. Graveyards, strange deeds taking place sometimes by those studying to become surgeons. Yes, there will be connections. Daniel Haze represents the police factor whilst Jason Redmond, former soldier in Civil War (America) is a surgeon, friend and partner in solving crimes.
This outing begins with a mystery in a graveyard when one family finds someone hanging in the vault where they had intended to complete the burial rites of a family member. The identity of the hanging individual is surprising and then shocking to many.
Kindle Unlimited
This outing begins with a mystery in a graveyard when one family finds someone hanging in the vault where they had intended to complete the burial rites of a family member. The identity of the hanging individual is surprising and then shocking to many.
Kindle Unlimited
November 1, 2022
This was a good twisted mystery for a Halloween evening.While it took me a bit to finish due to my disappointment with the character introductions and back stories which left me a little bored so I bailed on it for a bit.But picking it back up tonight I discovered I had already figured out the culprit but what I didn't figure out was the motive for the murder .Set in Victorian England at Highgate Cemetery Inspectors Redmond and Haze guide us through this shocking and tragic web of an investigation filled with relevant to the times situations, horror and a surprise ending I never saw coming.This has encouraged me to keep going with this series.Happy Halloween 🎃
November 3, 2022
An excellent book and well worth a read.
October 5, 2022
A heartbreaking waste.
Redmond and Haze are called to a London cemetery to investigate the death of a young man found hanging in a mausoleum. From there we take a tour through 19th century beliefs and attitudes. In particular, the rules, laws, and judgements surrounding women and how they should think and act and that they'd best "keep to their path". Women should want to be married. They must want children. They must want a man to guide them and tell them how they should feel and think. Any woman who wants to live within a "mans world" is unnatural and to be reviled and looked down upon. Daniel feels that his little girl should want to grow up to marry and have children. Jason wants much more for his daughter. He wants her to be whatever she wants to be. This book gives the reader a lot to think about. Even though Jason hoped for so much better in the 19th century, we still haven't gotten there yet. There are still a lot of men, and (sadly) women, who still think women should "keep to the path". I think this book is Irina Shapiro's best yet. I read it in one sitting, only stopping long enough to brew a cup of tea. The murder was intriguing and complicated and unexpected. The first clue was pretty easy to guess, but I think it was meant to be. From there, I didn't solve the mystery until about the same time Redmond and Haze did. For me, the saddest part was the treatment of women in that time period, whether you were high or low born. Especially if you were low born, you could be left destitute and out on the streets from one day to the next. Women were simply property and they didn't matter. They could only be of value if they stuck to the path, became a dutiful, obedient wife and had just as many children as the husband wanted. Unless a female had a dream to be married and become a mother, she didn't have much to look forward to. And, in this book, it all comes to light with the murder of a young man in a cemetery mausoleum.
Redmond and Haze are called to a London cemetery to investigate the death of a young man found hanging in a mausoleum. From there we take a tour through 19th century beliefs and attitudes. In particular, the rules, laws, and judgements surrounding women and how they should think and act and that they'd best "keep to their path". Women should want to be married. They must want children. They must want a man to guide them and tell them how they should feel and think. Any woman who wants to live within a "mans world" is unnatural and to be reviled and looked down upon. Daniel feels that his little girl should want to grow up to marry and have children. Jason wants much more for his daughter. He wants her to be whatever she wants to be. This book gives the reader a lot to think about. Even though Jason hoped for so much better in the 19th century, we still haven't gotten there yet. There are still a lot of men, and (sadly) women, who still think women should "keep to the path". I think this book is Irina Shapiro's best yet. I read it in one sitting, only stopping long enough to brew a cup of tea. The murder was intriguing and complicated and unexpected. The first clue was pretty easy to guess, but I think it was meant to be. From there, I didn't solve the mystery until about the same time Redmond and Haze did. For me, the saddest part was the treatment of women in that time period, whether you were high or low born. Especially if you were low born, you could be left destitute and out on the streets from one day to the next. Women were simply property and they didn't matter. They could only be of value if they stuck to the path, became a dutiful, obedient wife and had just as many children as the husband wanted. Unless a female had a dream to be married and become a mother, she didn't have much to look forward to. And, in this book, it all comes to light with the murder of a young man in a cemetery mausoleum.
October 10, 2022
Wish I could give it 5.5 stars
Lord Redmond is summoned as peer is laid to rest and a body is found hanging in the vault which was locked!
The victim did not die by hanging but was poisoned. Even more disturbing was the victim Alex Gray who has several secrets of his!? Own!
This one will keep you up all night! There are several threads and missing pieces! Nothing is as it seems!
Daniel is still angry because his wife choice death and left him with his beautiful daughter in her image!
Jason Lord Redmond is even more thankful for his wife in this story and their daughter!
There are grave yard meetings, work on cadevars and a lot of suspects at first!
Alex was arrogant but very efficient not always well liked but someone knew his secrets! This is a sad and cautionary tale to respect the dead and the wishes of the living! That Lieutenant Ransome Daniel boss almost got on my nerves in this one!!
Well done!! Bravo!!
Lord Redmond is summoned as peer is laid to rest and a body is found hanging in the vault which was locked!
The victim did not die by hanging but was poisoned. Even more disturbing was the victim Alex Gray who has several secrets of his!? Own!
This one will keep you up all night! There are several threads and missing pieces! Nothing is as it seems!
Daniel is still angry because his wife choice death and left him with his beautiful daughter in her image!
Jason Lord Redmond is even more thankful for his wife in this story and their daughter!
There are grave yard meetings, work on cadevars and a lot of suspects at first!
Alex was arrogant but very efficient not always well liked but someone knew his secrets! This is a sad and cautionary tale to respect the dead and the wishes of the living! That Lieutenant Ransome Daniel boss almost got on my nerves in this one!!
Well done!! Bravo!!
February 22, 2025
Sacred in Death
A families loved ones who were buried in cities such a London at the turn of century could become a victim of having their corpse dug up to be examined to further the medical and science fields.
A families loved ones who were buried in cities such a London at the turn of century could become a victim of having their corpse dug up to be examined to further the medical and science fields.
February 17, 2023
different
This book felt "different" from the other books. It was good, but not gripping and the interplay between Jason and Haze was off some how.
This book felt "different" from the other books. It was good, but not gripping and the interplay between Jason and Haze was off some how.
October 13, 2022
Another super story and I had no inkling of the ending to come
October 10, 2022
Catching up with friends.....
One of my favorite series, and authors of course. Intelligent plots and the evolution of the lives of both Daniel Haze and Jason Redmond always leave me wanting more!
One of my favorite series, and authors of course. Intelligent plots and the evolution of the lives of both Daniel Haze and Jason Redmond always leave me wanting more!
October 22, 2025
I do like these books but Daniel is needing a chance to shine, Jason has been doing the heavy lifting for 4 books solid.
October 19, 2022
Was really looking forward to this book as I've loved all the others, but was a little disappointed with it. It seemed an old idea for a plot and had none of the red herrings or nuances of previous books and seemed a bit "stale" as if the author couldn't think of what to write next. Having said that its always a pleasure to read of Haze and Redmond adventure's together and I look forward to the next one.
October 10, 2022
Characters are still going strong—I’ve read all. However, even though the plot was good with a surprise ending, this maybe a weaker book. Fun read, though, and I can recommend.
October 20, 2022
Gregory Fielding took out the key the new viscount had given him and unlocked the double doors. Sullen morning light penetrated the interior of the vault as the panels swung open. Fielding’s breath caught in his throat, his heart pounding with shock at the sight that greeted him. There, hung from a noose suspended from a hook in the ceiling, swung the body of a young man, his face white, the blue eyes staring in death. Gregory Fielding had seen many a dead body since joining his father in the family business at the age of ten and knew right away that the man had been a victim of murder, but just then, the cause of death wasn’t the issue.
“The victim died by asphyxiation, but there are no signs of strangulation and no extensive bruising to the neck, the sort you would get if the individual were alive at the time of the hanging and was bucking and jerking as the breath was choked from the body. There are no scratches on the neck, and the nails are not broken or chipped as they would be if the victim had clawed at the rope. Likewise, there’s no bulging of the eyes or pallor localized to the areas of compression. Neither urine nor feces had been evacuated at the time of death, and the hyoid bone is still intact. Also, there are no defensive wounds that I can see, so there doesn’t appear to have been a struggle.”
“How would you explain that?” Ransome asked.
“Aconite poisoning presents as asphyxiation but leaves no discernable traces in the body.
“So, he was poisoned, then strung up to make his death look like a hanging?” Ransome asked.“Yes, I believe so. But there’s more,” Jason added, his gaze fixed on Superintendent Ransome so as not to miss his reaction.“He is a she.”
“What?” Ransome and Daniel cried in unison.
“The victim was a woman.”
“But he wore a goatee,”Daniel protested.
“The victim died by asphyxiation, but there are no signs of strangulation and no extensive bruising to the neck, the sort you would get if the individual were alive at the time of the hanging and was bucking and jerking as the breath was choked from the body. There are no scratches on the neck, and the nails are not broken or chipped as they would be if the victim had clawed at the rope. Likewise, there’s no bulging of the eyes or pallor localized to the areas of compression. Neither urine nor feces had been evacuated at the time of death, and the hyoid bone is still intact. Also, there are no defensive wounds that I can see, so there doesn’t appear to have been a struggle.”
“How would you explain that?” Ransome asked.
“Aconite poisoning presents as asphyxiation but leaves no discernable traces in the body.
“So, he was poisoned, then strung up to make his death look like a hanging?” Ransome asked.“Yes, I believe so. But there’s more,” Jason added, his gaze fixed on Superintendent Ransome so as not to miss his reaction.“He is a she.”
“What?” Ransome and Daniel cried in unison.
“The victim was a woman.”
“But he wore a goatee,”Daniel protested.
October 3, 2024
Another good addition to the series. Jason and Daniel's personal lives take a back seat in this one while they focus on how and why a man was found hanged to death inside a family vault in the cemetery. But nothing is as it seems because the man didn't die from hanging, he was poisoned, and he was really a woman. It doesn't take Jason long to realize that the man missing from his surgery class, Alex Grey, is the same woman who was just murdered. It is now clear why she was disguised as a man because women are not allowed in medical school. But they are no closer to finding the killer. They interview Jason's other students, including the victim's brother, and eventually learn that one of Alex's classmates, Ezra, knows more than he is letting on. He and Alex were practicing their surgical skills on fresh cadavers in the cemetery. They bribed the grave diggers into letting them in at night and they did autopsies on bodies in the family vault. And one of them got Alex killed. Ezra got the vault key from his mistress who used to be a maid for the family. Her young daughter recently died unexpectedly and Alex did an unauthorized autopsy to find out the cause of death. The mother was so upset, she lured Alex to the vault and killed her. In personal news, it seems that Daniel is getting sweet on Charlotte's new nanny but he is still struggling with Sarah's decision to commit suicide. Nothing new in Jason's life, wife and baby are fine and no news on Micha or any of the household staff.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 22, 2025
Death, choices and societal norms
I loved this historical whodunit staring Captain Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze. Like the other books in the series, it had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. I was equally desperate to read it all at once to solve the mystery and also to savor it and make it last. Jason and Daniel 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. Captain Jason Redmond is an American surgeon who inherited his British grandfather’s estate and title. He is living with his wife and infant daughter in London while he teaches and volunteers at the hospital. Daniel Haze is a detective inspector for Scotland Yard. He lives with his young daughter and is struggling with his wife’s recent death/possible suicide. Daniel requests Jason’s help when a body is discovered hanging in a viscount’s mausoleum. The investigation leads Daniel and Jason to unlikely places, dead ends, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller side personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters greater dimension. I love this series.
I loved this historical whodunit staring Captain Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze. Like the other books in the series, it had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. I was equally desperate to read it all at once to solve the mystery and also to savor it and make it last. Jason and Daniel 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. Captain Jason Redmond is an American surgeon who inherited his British grandfather’s estate and title. He is living with his wife and infant daughter in London while he teaches and volunteers at the hospital. Daniel Haze is a detective inspector for Scotland Yard. He lives with his young daughter and is struggling with his wife’s recent death/possible suicide. Daniel requests Jason’s help when a body is discovered hanging in a viscount’s mausoleum. The investigation leads Daniel and Jason to unlikely places, dead ends, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller side personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters greater dimension. I love this series.
February 13, 2023
Ms. Shapiro knocks it out of the park once again with Redmond & Haze. Always finding new settings, life obstacles, & mysterious murders to put in their paths. This one had left me guessing for most of the book & allowed me to do my own detecting. I love the world she’s created & has allowed me to play in as a reader. The development of the characters & the relationships she’s created. She’s also creative with mixing in social stigmas at the time (That is parallel with some of today’s.) & having Jason (Redmond) seen as the idealist with radical thoughts for the time. Who sees the brilliance in not only his wife, but the potentials women could achieve if only give the same opportunities as a man. While Daniel had more traditional values & opinions, he also shows he’s willing to rethink his stances.
I’m looking forward to book 10 & the continuation of the series. Hopefully she continues to develop the relationship & side character Josiah Brown the polite, surprisingly observational & literate Jarvy. That Daniel employed in his quest to solve the murder. It’s always one of my favorite reads through the year & fun series for anyone to pick up.
I’m looking forward to book 10 & the continuation of the series. Hopefully she continues to develop the relationship & side character Josiah Brown the polite, surprisingly observational & literate Jarvy. That Daniel employed in his quest to solve the murder. It’s always one of my favorite reads through the year & fun series for anyone to pick up.
November 21, 2022
A sad life destroying murder!
What an amazing read this was! I was totally off the point of who did this murder of a surgical student. Who was by all accounts a brilliant & accomplished student. But who & why?? Alex Grey hid a great secret that only herself & his cousin Edward knew...So can our esteemed investigators figure this one out before Daniel get the sack & sent packing back to where he came from!? So many deceptions are coming to light here that it's hard to know which to follow & which to follow or even know the truth from! This is a wonderful book & I encourage everyone to try it who likes a really good mystery. Also the way almost all women were treated without any rights at all. Men had all the rights of everyone! They believed that all women were hysterical & couldn't do simple tasks even like adding numbers...of course the they were all wrong, even though there were nurses in hospitals they'd never be smart enough to become a doctor or surgeon! I very much enjoyed this book even more sov&N
What an amazing read this was! I was totally off the point of who did this murder of a surgical student. Who was by all accounts a brilliant & accomplished student. But who & why?? Alex Grey hid a great secret that only herself & his cousin Edward knew...So can our esteemed investigators figure this one out before Daniel get the sack & sent packing back to where he came from!? So many deceptions are coming to light here that it's hard to know which to follow & which to follow or even know the truth from! This is a wonderful book & I encourage everyone to try it who likes a really good mystery. Also the way almost all women were treated without any rights at all. Men had all the rights of everyone! They believed that all women were hysterical & couldn't do simple tasks even like adding numbers...of course the they were all wrong, even though there were nurses in hospitals they'd never be smart enough to become a doctor or surgeon! I very much enjoyed this book even more sov&N
November 25, 2022
Good read
I like Redmond and Haze mysteries very much. My only dislike is of Daniels pomposity against women and Sarah in particular. I don’t think he ever understood how the loss of one child affected her. Sure her resolution to her depression was not thoughtful towards her husband and child. Nevertheless, he still easily blames rather than understand the guilt she felt. I realize it’s a sign of the time and place but Lord Redmond would have tried to reach her in Daniel’s place.
I will continue to read this series and hope Daniel finds someone more attuned to his temperament.
I like Redmond and Haze mysteries very much. My only dislike is of Daniels pomposity against women and Sarah in particular. I don’t think he ever understood how the loss of one child affected her. Sure her resolution to her depression was not thoughtful towards her husband and child. Nevertheless, he still easily blames rather than understand the guilt she felt. I realize it’s a sign of the time and place but Lord Redmond would have tried to reach her in Daniel’s place.
I will continue to read this series and hope Daniel finds someone more attuned to his temperament.
October 6, 2022
Wonderful!
Excellent series and this is another messy, involved murder, seemingly senseless. There are no clear explanations of how and why it was done nor why. Redmond and Haze are on the case, with clever unraveling of this messy ball of people, motives, how, why, and what purpose. Murderer is totally unexpected but the reason is valid and the reader can understand the motive. Entire situation is very sad and several ancillary people are harmed. Worthwhile, gripping murder mystery!
Excellent series and this is another messy, involved murder, seemingly senseless. There are no clear explanations of how and why it was done nor why. Redmond and Haze are on the case, with clever unraveling of this messy ball of people, motives, how, why, and what purpose. Murderer is totally unexpected but the reason is valid and the reader can understand the motive. Entire situation is very sad and several ancillary people are harmed. Worthwhile, gripping murder mystery!
October 18, 2022
Alexander Gray's body was found hanging in a terrifying tableaux inside the Viscounts of Ashfords' family crypt when the doors were opened for internment of the late Viscount's remains to his rightful place. So when Gray's corpse was autopsied by Redmond, it gave up as yet another secret to be added to the mysterious appearance of his corpse in the Ashfords' mausoleum. This would be a conflict between a young man's ambitions to do better in his chosen profession vis~à~vis the sentiments of a person who had nothing else to lose and just going through the motions of living. Good drama.
January 8, 2023
In Murder in Highgate, the 9th book in the Redmond and Haze series by Irina Shapiro, Redmond and Haze are called to investigate the murder of a man found hanging in a tomb. They quickly discover that the man had a huge secret that he would have been desperate to keep hidden. Did someone find out his secret? Is that why he was murdered? Also, he has a connection to Jason Redmond. This series continues to be entertaining. It is enjoyable to learn about life in London in the 1860's. This story is as enjoyable as the previous eight. I highly recommend the entire series.
May 15, 2024
When a corpse is found hanging inside a family vault, Jason Redmond and Inspector Daniel Haze are charged with investigating the crime, which is made more complicated when Redmond's postmortem shows the secret identity of the murder victim. The crime has connections to Jason's new career as a surgeon and involves a circle of students at the medical college. Jason's home life has settled in comfortably, but Daniel still holds anger and resentment at his wife's tragic decision which changed his life forever.
August 22, 2024
3.5 stars.
Another interesting case and highlight the attitude towards women at the time. Jason is again seen to be the more enlightened one who worries about his daughter not given the opportunities she might want whereas Daniel is so much more traditional in his views about the role of women as the child bearer and home maker. And it looks like there will be some development to Daniel's personal life!
This murder mystery was a bit harder to guess until more characters and their motivations are revealed. But overall, another solid instalment.
Another interesting case and highlight the attitude towards women at the time. Jason is again seen to be the more enlightened one who worries about his daughter not given the opportunities she might want whereas Daniel is so much more traditional in his views about the role of women as the child bearer and home maker. And it looks like there will be some development to Daniel's personal life!
This murder mystery was a bit harder to guess until more characters and their motivations are revealed. But overall, another solid instalment.
July 16, 2025
I have to say this was a very intriguing read, a great plot, and one that kept you guessing almost to the end. I did figure out the who and the why before it was all revealed, but the getting there was a thrilling ride. Daniel's anger at Sarah is getting a bit old now, along with his insecurities about being good at his job. Jason shouldn't have to bolster his ego all the time. Other than these aspects it was a fantastic read. For this one the Alex/Alexandra persona was a brilliant idea and really fed the story. Bring on the next book!
January 11, 2023
Murder in Highgate was both intriguing and dark. I love the continued development of Jason Redmond and Daniel Haze — their strengths, weaknesses, fears, and hopes. Murder in Highgate is their most challenging and bizarre case yet, and the solution is unexpected, dark, and disturbing. Normally, I wouldn’t recommend a book that is so unsettling; however, I found myself unable to stop reading this it. I do recommend it with the caveat that it is not for every mystery lover.
February 17, 2023
Yet another satisfying case
Redmond and Haze mysteries are all well-written, historically interesting tales. The early (dis)organization of police departments, in London and the outlying areas, is well depicted. The budding fields of forensics and pathology are portrayed without the smugness that other late nineteen century crime authors display. What seems rudimentary to us was indeed groundbreaking and often controversial.
Redmond and Haze mysteries are all well-written, historically interesting tales. The early (dis)organization of police departments, in London and the outlying areas, is well depicted. The budding fields of forensics and pathology are portrayed without the smugness that other late nineteen century crime authors display. What seems rudimentary to us was indeed groundbreaking and often controversial.
October 23, 2025
A Complex & Compelling Case
I'm a die-hard fan of these characters. And I must say that I also would like to see them have more breathing room. Particularly at the end where Daniel, Miss Grainger & Charlotte have the last scene. Couldn't we have looked upon a lovely evening instead of a Constable at the door?! He could have been there at dawn's crack on the next page! Readers need breathing room, too.
Oh my, I hope that knock on MY door doesn't deter me from #10 for long.
I'm a die-hard fan of these characters. And I must say that I also would like to see them have more breathing room. Particularly at the end where Daniel, Miss Grainger & Charlotte have the last scene. Couldn't we have looked upon a lovely evening instead of a Constable at the door?! He could have been there at dawn's crack on the next page! Readers need breathing room, too.
Oh my, I hope that knock on MY door doesn't deter me from #10 for long.
October 4, 2022
Another great who dunnit by the fabulous Irina Shapiro. Nothing worse than going to a funeral and finding an extra corpse hanging about. This Redmond and Haze mystery offers a great cast of characters all of which could have done it but I really never suspected the true culprit. Great book I anxiously await the next one.
October 23, 2022
Very well done
I didn’t get it until just before Jason said it, but it clicked in my head. It was a horrible thing. Both what Alex did and that someone so promising was murdered. It seems to me that Jason does much of the solving. It was quite convenient he figured out who the deceased was. Of course, they may just bounce off each other well.
I didn’t get it until just before Jason said it, but it clicked in my head. It was a horrible thing. Both what Alex did and that someone so promising was murdered. It seems to me that Jason does much of the solving. It was quite convenient he figured out who the deceased was. Of course, they may just bounce off each other well.
December 2, 2022
Always a good read.
I love the Redmond and Haze series and am very glad Ms. Shapiro plans to write more. The mysteries are engaging, the characters believable and human, the settings interesting. I like that we get a little window into society of the late 19th century and how it differed between the US and the UK.
I can't wait for the next one!
I love the Redmond and Haze series and am very glad Ms. Shapiro plans to write more. The mysteries are engaging, the characters believable and human, the settings interesting. I like that we get a little window into society of the late 19th century and how it differed between the US and the UK.
I can't wait for the next one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews