The set-up for this story was right up my street- Victoriana! A cemetery! A plucky young woman! But sadly this fell a little short for me.

The story itself wasn't bad, and had the right level of intrigue and mystery. But the writing style just wasn't for me and felt too forced. I felt as if I was reading exactly what it was- a modern writer trying to recreate history and falling a little short. There were a few Americanisms that crept in that kept me at arms length.

✨ Publication date: February 29, 2024✨

The Highgate Cemetery Murder is the first in a new series by Irina Shapiro. This series is a Victorian era mystery series (Tate and Bell). I have never read this author before but I’m glad I picked it up!

Inspector Sebastian Bell of the Scotland Yard doesn’t have much to keep him going. He spends many afternoons at the opium cafe to numb the memories of his late wife. When he’s assigned a major case he realizes this may be his last chance to keep his job.

Gemma Tate is a sensible woman in her late twenties. Having served in the war as a nurse, missed her opportunity at finding a husband. She lived with her recently widowed twin brother Victor. When a police office shows up at her door to announce Victors death, Gemma becomes deeply suspicious of the circumstances that caused her brother’s “accidental” death.

Gemma is desperate to find answers but there isn’t much a woman of her status can do to be taken seriously. After reading the newspaper and discovering there was a murder of a young girl of high society, Gemma is certain the two are connected.

Gemma and Sebastian work together to seek the truth of both deaths and find friendship with each other along the way. As they get closer to solving both murders they begin to wonder if their friendship could become more.

This was a great historical mystery story. I loved the accuracy and detail of the era and enjoyed both main characters and their interactions together. I’m looking forward to more books focused on these two and excited to see where their personal relationship goes! This is a 4 star for me!

#NetGalley #irinashapiro #thehighgatecemetarymurder

The Highgate Cemetery Murder by Irina Shapiro



All saints day. Gemma Tate, nurse. Books and carriages. Her journalist twin brother, Victor Tate, snuffed out like a candle in the Strand. Angels with marble hair and bleeding hearts.

Undertakers. Mr. Gadd, an offer as a live-in house nurse because he is so very fond her. Strangled Addie. Mortuaries.

Miss Seaborne not quite in love with her Lord Husband to be. Gambling. Hyde Park. Lady's maids. Grooms. Crosses. Rituals.

Bad omens. Harbingers of death. The conservatory. Inspector Bell. Miss Tate determined to find out exactly the events that ended in her beloved twins demise.

Spiritualism. Mediums. Seances. Spirits. All hallows eve. An enthralling adventure, and I am certainly looking forward to reading more adventures with these two. 🌟🌟🌟🌟/5 Stars!

When her brother dies and leaves behind strange notes, Gemma Tate seeks the help of police inspector Sebastian Bell to untangle the truth. Police Inspector Bell has been tasked with the case and identifying the murdered woman found in the Highgate Cemetery. The enigmatic clues lead them from opulent drawing rooms to the perilous slums of London. Will the truth be revealed before another death occurs?

This was my first time reading anything by this author and it left my feeling rather conflicted. While I enjoyed the pacing of the story and how the clues were sprinkled through the story, there were times when the details included made the story grimmer than I was expecting, such as when the autopsy discusses exactly what happened to the murder victim. There was also a bit of backstory for the police inspector that made me lose respect for him.

The pace of the book was, for the most part, excellent and I enjoyed the details of the time period. The book was not as balanced between two characters as I would have liked, following the police inspector more. I see how it sets up the partnership for future books. The ending did feel a bit rushed, but I liked that the murderer was a surprise to me.

I would recommend this to readers who enjoy historical mysteries that are a bit more grittier.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Irina Shapiro for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Highgate Cemetery Murder coming out February 29, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I have several books by this author. I love her writing. Historical mysteries are one of my favorite genres. I thought this mystery was really intriguing and dark. The characters are really nuanced and real. I thought it was interesting Gemma had a background in nursing and I really enjoyed her contribution to solving the case of her brother’s murder. Sebastian was also a really layered character and I loved his struggles. I loved all of it. I’m definitely excited to read more books in the series.

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

His heart pounding, the man scribbles the words in his notebook as fast as he can: “Woman dead in Highgate. Man in caped coat. Milky way and red streaks. I’m being followed.”

Well what an opening! I have read other books by Irina Shapiro and thoroughly enjoyed her work, I am so glad that I followed my gut and requested this book. This is the first in a series featuring Sebastian Bell, a detective with a tragic past. He is swiftly heading downhill and unable to stop. Then we meet Miss Gemma Tate whose brother has perished under the wheels of an omnibus. She becomes convinced that Victor's death was not an accident and goes to the police. Fortunately she meets Sebastian who is investigating the murder of a young woman found in a graveyard.
The connection between this pair is the nub of the series, I think. This feels like the start of a great new series and I can't wait for book 2. A solid five stars. Big thank you to the publishers and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review The Highgate Cemetary Murder

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC ♥️
Discover the captivating world of “The Highgate Cemetery murder” a historical mystery that will keep you spellbound! The moment you gaze upon the breathtaking cover art, you'll be drawn in. But it's the story that truly mesmerizes. Gemma Tate, a plucky and unconventional nurse, and Inspector Sebastian Bell, a troubled detective with a shrouded past, form an unlikely alliance that will keep you enthralled. As they work together to unravel a tangled web of secrets, you'll be swept away by the suspense and intrigue. Shapiro's writing is sublime, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Victorian London. You'll feel like you're accompanying Gemma and Sebastian as they track down clues and uncover the truth. If you're a fan of historical mystery and suspense, this book is a must-read. It's a standout in the genre, with a distinct voice and style that sets it apart. Five stars from me - I eagerly await Shapiro's next masterpiece!

Huge fan of murder mysteries and this book was amazingly delectable. Gemma embarks on a journey to find out who killed her brother Victor, with whom she was very close to. Victor was killed after he witnessed a murder and could most likely describe the killer if he had ever made it home alive. Inspector Sebastian Bell must prove his worth by solving a murder that is hard to decipher because of where the body was found , who the victim is and why she was killed in that manner. I loved this book from the beginning and I really adored Inspector Bell. I can’t wait to read more books with Inspector Bell and Gemma.

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Irina Shapiro for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for February 29, 2024.

This was my first read from author, Irina Shapiro, but it will by no means be my last. A prolific author, Shapiro's literary works comprise six series and a collection of standalone novels and novellas. I'm going to have a feast of a time with this back catalogue!!

The Highgate Cemetery Murder is the first instalment in a brand new historical mystery series which is set in 1858 and features protagonists Gemma Tate and Inspector Sebastian Bell.

The story opens on All Saints' Day - November 1, 1858, and Gemma Tate is at home reading, waiting for her journalist brother, Victor to return home from work. "Gemma Tate set aside her book and peered at the carriage clock on the mantel." Victor was late, and Gemma was trying hard not to worry. But when a knock on the door confirmed her worst fears - Victor had met with an unfortunate accident and died at the scene - she becomes determined to help the police with their investigation.

Inspector Sebastian Bell had a promising career as a Scotland Yard detective. I said 'had', because since the death of his beloved wife he's been consumed with grief and has taken to abusing a range of intoxicating drugs to mute his pain. When one of his colleagues found him at Mr Wu's opium den (a place he frequented often), roused him from his opium induced stupor, and informed him he had a case to investigate, Bell had no idea that his future was to include a pretty, young, courageous and headstrong nurse.

There was so much to enjoy with this story. Let's start with the setting, London 1858 - it wasn't the most picturesque of times. 1850s London was the world's most powerful and wealthiest city. But it was also the world's most crowded city, with growing problems of pollution and poverty that threatened to overwhelm its magnificence. There was also a continuing growing gap between the social classes, and the gap between the nobility and the underclass was chasmal. There is a lot to learn. The author's research into the setting became obvious very early on, and her use of descriptive prose throughout was captivating. "Clerks disgorged by their places of business were heading home, their caped coats and black hats making them look like a colony of bats fleeing dark cave."

Here are a few of my favourite words and phrases - omnibus, catafalques, and liminal hour. Then, of course there's - Viscounts, Earls and Lords!

Back to the story and the mystery, or should I say, mysteries - for there are two, and both are entirely intertwined. Solve one and you solve the other. But the road to solving these crimes is hard to navigate and Bell must tread carefully if he is to catch the killer. To fail would not only mean he lets a killer roam free but he's also looking at the possibility of losing his job.

A highly engaging plot, with a richly atmospheric almost gothic like setting and compelling characters, you'll want to read this in one sitting. A must read for historical mystery fans.

The Highgate Cemetery Murder is the first, promising, part in what will undoubtedly be an interesting series about the unconventional nurse Gemma Tate and police inspector Sebastian Bell.
Gemma's brother, an up-and-coming journalist, falls for the horse bus after seeing a dead young woman tied to a cross like an angel at Highgate Cemetery. The police initially think it was an accident, but Gemma is immediately convinced that her brother has been the victim of an assassination attempt.
Very slowly she manages to convince the police inspector that this is actually a crime. Together they track down the murderer of both her brother and a number of young women.

Very interesting setting and a couple of promising sidekicks. Of course it is really a coincidence, but this was the second book I read in a row where the brother of the female protagonist is killed by being thrown in front of the bus, even if one of those was drawn by horses and the other a modern bus.

I really liked this book and am looking forward to more books about Gemma and Sebastian .

Thank you Netgalley and Storm publishers for providing me with an ARC of this book in exchange for my unbiased review.

This was an interesting start to the series. I liked Sebastian, Gemma, Colin, and the other supporting characters, and the mystery was intriguing. Sometimes it felt like there was a bit too much detail (I do recognize the importance of following up with the brothers who were targets of attacks but don't know if it needed to result in the entire chase scene, as an example). However, I'll definitely pick up the next in the series.

A great way to kick off a new historical mystery series. I loved the twists and turns
and the characters were absolutely dynamic! It's set in Victorian London which only
adds to the dark vibes it gives off! I would recommend this book to all of my
history buffs who love a good mystery!

Set in Victorian London, this somewhat graphic murder/mystery had me hooked from the start. I enjoyed getting to know Sebastian Bell and Gemma as they worked to get the case solved.

I found it enjoyable and entertaining

I have enjoyed reading this author’s Redmond and Haze Mysteries series, so I was happy to see another series. I do hope that a new series doesn’t mean that Redmond and Haze hasn’t ended.

Gemma Tate is a strong, resilient young woman who served in the Crimea with Florence Nightingale. The horrors she saw there did not prepare her for the news she received on November 1, 1858. Her twin brother, Victor, had fallen and was crushed beneath the wheels of an omnibus. Accident or murder? Gemma is quite sure it was murder, but will the police pay any attention to her?

Inspector Sebastian Bell is walking a very thin line at Scotland Yard and he knows the high-profile case he has just been given could very well be his last. A beautiful young woman was discovered in Highgate Cemetery – hanging on a cross with a heart hanging around her neck. Who is she? Whether a prostitute or a Lady, she is referred to as The Angel. Her death was not an easy one – and Sebastian could only wonder what sort of monster could do such things to another human. He desperately wants to solve this case – not to save his career, but because he wants justice for the victim.

I really liked Gemma and Sebastian and look forward to seeing them work together to solve future cases. Sebastian has many demons and it will be interesting to see Gemma help him cast those demons out. The antagonist in this book was one of the nastiest I’ve read and I was gleeful when they were apprehended – along with the accomplices.

If you enjoy a good mystery, this is an excellent selection and I hope you will try it.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is book 1 in the Tate and Bell Mystery Series. The story starts off with a gruesome murder of a female hanging from a cross in a cemetery, with a pigs heart wrapped around her neck. Pretty intense for an opening to a mystery. I thought maybe this was a cozy mystery series, but it was quite graphic at times. Our two main leads are: detective Sebastian and Nurse Gemma. Gemma’s brother is found murdered and it is believed he is connected to the murder in the cemetery. Sebastian and Gemma work together to solve the murder. I liked the two of them and I definitely felt some chemistry between the two, I am curious to see if the author will link them up in future books.

This was the second book I have read from Irina Shapiro and I have to say I enjoyed this one as well. I was worried because I thought it seemed long, but the writing was done so well that the book flowed quickly. I would continue this series, but would warn that there is trigger warnings for violence against women and rape. Some scenes were tough to read, but overall I really enjoyed this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy of this book.
#TheHighgateCemeteryMurder #NetGalley

This was my first novel by Irina Shapiro and somewhat outside of my usual genres. I have been truly missing out!

I loved how the historical setting came alive and swept me away into a world of horse drawn carriages, betrayal and deceit.

The characters were intriguing and well developed.

I am excited to see what is in store for Sebastian, Gemma and Colin in the future, what an interesting trio.

Highly recommend this book to anyone looking to enjoy a Historical Mystery Thriller.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for access to an advance copy of this novel.

A young female aristocrat is murdered and left in a comprising position in Highgate Cemetery. Sebastian, a disgraced Scotland Yard Inspector, is assigned the case. By a seeming coincidence, Gemma’s brother was killed near the same location. She asks for Sebastian’s assistance as she is convinced her brother was murdered. During the course of their investigation they discover the two seemingly disparate cases are linked not only to each other but to previous suspicious deaths and assaults.

Gemma and Sebastian struggle during the course of this novel and I appreciated the support they offered each other through their burgeoning relationship. I thought novel was easy to read and enjoyed the slowly building suspense it contained. Even better, I was unable to identify the culprit despite the clues dropped during the course of their investigation.

I’d recommend this novel to any reader who enjoys police procedurals set in Victorian England.

Many thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and author for providing me with an ARC of this novel. All of the opinions offered in this review are solely my own.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for a copy of the arc in exchange for an honest review.

I very much enjoy Irinia Shapiro's other series - her Redmond and Haze series and her Timeslip series - so I was very excited to receive an arc of the first book in her newest series and my expectations were HIGH going in.

And, while I did very much enjoy the novel and can't wait to see where this series goes next, something about this first volume fell slightly flat for me, possibly because my expectations were so high.

The main female character - Gemma Tate - is delightful, and I love her intelligence and determination to solve her brother's murder. I just never felt the level of tension between her and the main male lead - Sebastian Bell, a police detective - and didn't feel quite as invested in their relationship as I'd hoped to. This is my only gripe, however, as the pacing was great, the prose eminently readable, the plot suitably twisted enough that I felt drawn right into the mystery along with the characters.

I highly recommend this for anyone interested in historical mystery, particularly set in Victorian England, and for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Andrea Penrose, and Anna Lee Huber.

4.5 stars, rounded up to 5.

I enjoyed the characters, character development, the pacing and I thought it was very well written. I can't wait to read more from this author.

I really enjoy Irina Shapiro’s Redmond and Haze mystery series set in Victorian England. This new series is set in the time period and Daniel Haze shows up for a brief moment. But this new series looks like it is also going to be an absolute winner! The mystery is suitably difficult to figure out who the murderer is and what the motive is. Scotland Yard inspector, Sebastian Bell has to investigate this grizzly murder in a high pressure atmosphere as his boss and the London journalists along with the high-class family of the victim hound him to solve the case. He ends up working with the sister of another murder victim whose death seems oddly connected to the other murder. That woman is Gemma Tate, a nurse who served in the Crimean War and is now trying to make her way as a single woman in Victorian England.

Both Sebastian and Gemma have suffered similar terrible tragedies and are trying to cope as they share notes on the murders. They make great partners and are each interesting main characters. I can’t wait for the next entry in this series!