A very good story. I didn't realize it was the second in the series so it took me awhile to get used to the characters. Very enjoyable. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Detective Sebastian Bell has a new investigation, and he’s mostly recovered from the events of book one. A man was hung from traitor’s gate at London Bridge, and Bell has to first identify the man, and then find his murderer, while under pressure to swiftly close the case.

Soon, Bell discovers that the dead man is Jacob Harrow (former colleague to Gemma Tate’s deceased brother). Harrow made his fame with an initially anonymous series of articles about the terrible conditions during the Crimean war, which he then claimed were his after leaving the army. Now the man is dead, and Bell begins to build a picture of the man’s professional and personal lives.

The Crimean War naturally brings Gemma Tate to Bell’s mind; she is working at a foundling hospital and living in a women’s boarding house. Bell asks her for help when it seems Harrow’s wartime activities have a bearing on the case, and she interviews a couple of fellow, former nurses.

Soon, there are more brutalized bodies, and Bell and Tate are getting ever closer to unmasking the motive and identity of the killer.

Both Gemma and Bell shine in this second entry. He’s still craving the release of dark thoughts through opium, but working hard to get past it, while she’s trying to find a purpose taking care of the orphans. Both are still dealing with grief, but are beginning to acknowledge how they keep turning to the other, and finding some comfort together, despite the potentially dangerous inquiries they both make.

The pair bring complementary skills to an investigation, and I love the respect each has for the other. I enjoyed this book a lot, and look forward to reading their next case together.

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

Book 2 of the Tate & Bell Mystery series. Another highly entertaining Victorian mystery!

This one was not as dark and gruesome as the first book. Once again Inspector Sebastian Bell from Scotland Yard is trying to crack the case. A man is found hanging off of Traitor's Gate on a meat hook. He is also missing his tongue! Bell will call upon his new friend (and love interest) Nurse Gemma Tate for some help.

The writing is wonderful. The atmosphere and Victorian era is vividly depicted. I enjoyed this one from start to finish. There were many characters being investigated and I did not guess the perpetrator. Sebastian and Gemma are getting closer romantically. I can't wait to read Book #3!

Murder at Traitors' Gate
An utterly compelling historical murder mystery (A Tate and Bell Mystery Book 2)
by Irina Shapiro
Pub DateJun 24 2024
Storm Publishing
General Fiction \(Adult\)| Historical Fiction| Mystery & Thrillers



Storm Publishing and Netgalley provided me with a copy of Murder at Traitors' Gate for review:


Winter has descended on London. Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate will have little cheer this season, however.


Gemma Tate is moving and has a new job. She is putting her past behind her - her memories of nursing in the Crimea. Gemma is drawn into the investigation after Jacob Harrow, a Crimean journalist, is found brutally murdered.



Sergeant Sebastian Bell works alone. Harrow realizes he needs Gemma's help when all signs point to a dark secret he brought back from war. But raking up the past has devastating consequences when Gemma's friend, another nurse from Crimea, is found murdered in her boarding house after digging up the past...


It's a dangerous race to uncover the truth for Gemma and Sebastian as dark betrayals come tumbling out. Gemma is determined to solve the case, but could one rash act put her in the killer's sights?

I give Murder at Traitors’ Gate five out of five stars!


Happy Reading!

"Mystery and history intertwine in Irina Shapiro’s gripping novel, ‘Murder at Traitors Gate,’ the latest installment in the Tate and Bell Mystery series. The narrative transports readers back to a post-Crimean War era, where the past is not just a memory but a haunting presence that refuses to be buried.
Gemma Tate, a former nurse from the Crimean warfront, steps into a new life with hopes of leaving her harrowing experiences behind. However, fate has other plans as she finds herself entangled in a murder investigation following the brutal death of Jacob Harrow, a journalist with his own ties to Crimea. Gemma’s expertise becomes invaluable to Police Inspector Sebastian Bell, a man accustomed to working solo but now faced with a mystery that demands collaboration.
The dynamic between Gemma and Sebastian is one of the highlights of Shapiro’s work. Their relationship is complex, marked by an escalating tension that adds depth to their characters and fuels the narrative drive. As they delve deeper into the investigation, they encounter a web of dark betrayals linked to secrets brought back from the war. The stakes are raised when another nurse from Crimea is found murdered, signaling that the killer may be closer than they think.
Shapiro’s mastery lies in her ability to craft a suspenseful plot that is both gruesome and compelling. The connections to the Crimean War add a unique historical dimension, offering readers a glimpse into a less-explored period. The author’s attention to detail paints a vivid picture of societal norms and challenges during that time, enriching the story with layers of historical commentary.
As a reader, I was thoroughly captivated by the intricate mystery and the rich historical backdrop. Gemma and Sebastian are exceptionally well-crafted characters whose development throughout the series has been a joy to follow. The tension between them grows with each page, making their interactions a focal point of the narrative.
The setting is another element that Shapiro skillfully uses to her advantage. It serves as more than just a backdrop; it is a character in its own right, influencing the mood and direction of the story. The anticipation for the next book in the series is palpable, as Shapiro has undoubtedly left her readers craving more of Gemma and Sebastian’s adventures.

This is book two in the Tate and Bell Mystery series and was an excellent follow-up to the first. So far, this has been an exceptionally good series.

Set in Victorian London and featuring Inspector Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate, a nurse who spent time nursing soldiers during the Crimean War. The descriptions of life in London during the time period and Gemma's experiences in Crimea brought a gritty realism to the book.

The murder mystery was complex and multi layered with many twists and turns. I enjoyed Murder at Traitor's Gate immensely, and I'm anxiously awaiting the next installment of this series.

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

I really feel for Gemma and Sebastian. These two characters are lonely and living in a difficult, hard time. It's so obvious that they care for each other. They need to both move out of their boarding houses, adopt Lucy, grab Gustav and get a small place somewhere together. (And please don't let it be Lucy in the next story!!!) They could live right close to Colin. These characters deserve some happiness and love while living in such a bleak time! Another great story by Irina Shapiro. I'm just here for the very, very slow burn between Gemma and Sebastian. Just me trying to turn everything in a romance, even though it's really not. One can hope!
Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Murder at Traitor's Gate was a great second book about Tate and Bell murder series. Irene Shapiro always creates a well-written mystery featuring strong characters and thorough investigative work. After a dead body was found hanging at The Traitor’s Gate, Sebastian and Gemma are on the case. I loved book 2 and will be anxious for book 3.

Thank you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Irene Shapiro for the ARC.

Murder At Traitors’ Gate is the second book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series by Russian-born British author, Irina Shapiro. Inspector Sebastian Bell takes along his friend, Dr Colin Ramsey to see the victim’s body in situ, hanging by butcher’s hook from Traitors’ Gate, because they both know him: Jacob Harrow, the Daily Telegraph journalist who reported on the Highgate Angel case. The grisly public display must be a message of some sort, but to whom?

Colin’s autopsy shows that Harrow was stabbed with a curved knife, after his tongue was cut out. His valuables were still on his person, as well as a nazar, an evil eye charm. At Harrow’s surprisingly richly-appointed home, Bell learns that Harrow’s valet was recently dismissed for theft, thus might bear a grudge, that his locked study has been ransacked, an Ottoman dagger is missing, and evidence of certain financial transactions removed.

Further investigation reveals that this war correspondent who wrote such impassioned reports about the conditions soldiers suffered in Crimea was, since his return, likely blackmailing at least four people with some association to the Crimean War. His editor mentions a whistleblower whose story was rejected by Harrow, whom Bell concludes may have been disgruntled.

And the younger brother of a Crimean War Captain who suicided after failing to get Harrow convicted for defamation might have reason to exact revenge. All in all, a number of people with motives for murder need to be followed up. And because of the Crimean link, Bell decides to talk to Gemma Tate to explore what she might know about any of them. Also, he values her analytical mind and her way of making connections most people missed.

Now living in a women’s boarding house and nursing at the Foundling Hospital, Gemma tells Sebastian what she can remember, then goes to see the nurse who has stayed in touch with many of her colleagues after their service in Scutari ended, Lydia Morton. But Lydia hurries off without telling her anything. The next day, Bell discovers she, too, has been murdered.

The manner of her death, the fact that she nursed in Crimea and knew Harrow indicates their murders are connected. Gemma observes “To a dying man or a demoralized surgeon, a nurse is no different than a priest. There’s a desperate need to unburden oneself, and who better to confide in than a woman who has shown endless kindness and understanding?” Bell worries that her association with Lydia Morton may make Gemma a target.

With pressure from the Police Commissioner on his Superintendent, Bell is given a deadline for making an arrest, but he intuitively feels that the most likely suspect isn’t guilty of these crimes. He needs to find who is. Before that happens, he himself comes under attack and Gustav, the cat he reluctantly inherited, earns his soft bed and treats when he contributes to saving Sebastian’s life.

Once again, Shapiro easily evokes her mid-19th Century London setting, gives the reader some clever detective work with a few red herrings and a twist at the reveal. The third book in this excellent historical crime fiction series, Murder at the Foundling Hospital will be eagerly anticipated.
This unbiased review is from an uncorrected proof copy provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

Tate and Bell are back for another historical mystery. It seems like life continues to make Gemma relive her experiences in the Crimean War as events and connections made on the frontlines show up years later in London and Gemma tries to make a life for herself after her brother's murder.

While I enjoyed the actual murder mystery from the first book better, I liked getting to see more of Gemma and Sebastian's personalities in this one... and that revelation at the end! There's a lot more social commentary in this one as well which was interesting - especially with how it tied into the murder plot.

I'm definitely looking forward to see what happens in Murder at the Foundling Hospital!

Advanced Reader’s Copy provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

✨ Publication date: June 24, 2024✨

Murder at Traitors Gate is the second book in the Victorian crime/mystery series (Tate and Bell) from Irina Shapiro. I read the first one and was happy to get my hands on the next instalment and it didn’t disappoint!

Sebastian Bell is back and investigating the murder of a man left on a meat hook outside of Traitors Gate. This is clearly symbolic and Sebastian begins to investigate the meaning behind it.

As Sebastian learns more about the victim, he realizes that he had many secrets including a whole list of people he was blackmailing for a variety of reasons making it extremely difficult for Sebastian to identify the murderer.

Many of the connections between the victim and the people he was blackmailing stemmed from their time in the Crimea War. Sebastian enlists the help of his dear friend Gemma Tate who was a nurse in the war.

After one of Gemma’s nurse friends is found murdered in much the same way as the first victims, Sebastian fears Gemma maybe next. He races against time to find the evidence and link all the clues together to make an arrest.

I have really enjoyed this series so far! Gemma was not in this book as much as I would have liked, their chemistry is wonderful and Sebastian’s respect for her is incredible in a time where women weren’t meant to be more than wives and mothers.

This is another 4 star read for me and I was pleased with the ending and where their relationship is heading! I can’t wait to read to third and final instalment of this series and see where these two end up!

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

#NetGalley #irinashapiro #murderattraitorsgate

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review "Murder At Traitors' Gate", the second book in the new Tate & Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro.
Following close on the events is the previous book, "The Highgate Cemetery Murder", Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell return when the reporter who was a witness to Gemma's brother's murder is himself murdered - in a most gruesome manner (hence the title).
This leads Sebastian to a twisted tale of multiple layers of blackmail, apparently stretching back to Gemma's time in the Crimea, where she was a nurse. A number of Gemma's former acquaintances from her time there do figure in this twisted tale, and Gemma herself is drawn in when one of those friends is also horribly murdered.
Can Sebastian figure out the truth in time to save Gemma from possibly becoming another casualty of the killer? And will they admit their attraction to one another at long last?
The second addictive and atmospheric Tate and Bell mystery is perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke. And readers of Ms. Shapiro's other period mystery series will recognize some of the peripheral characters within.

Another twisty and dark historical mystery in this series. Gemma and SEbastian works again to solve crimes and discover betrayals.
Well plotted and gripping.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

Great. Googly. Moogly.

Well thought out, well-written, with an excellent mystery [never saw THAT coming], fantastic characters [with character growth present from book one], and a narrator that I really, really enjoyed [which is sometimes half the battle in a book being good or not]. All of these made for a really fantastic read for me.

This is a most excellent historical mystery series [that I am so glad I took a chance on] and I highly recommend it. I am SO looking forward to book three!!

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

A dead body was found hanging at the Traitor’s Gate and Inspector Bell is called to investigate a new, muddled case. When the evidences hark back to the Crimean war he has to ask for nurse Gemma Tate help again.

In this second installment the dynamics between Sebastian and Gemma are different, they know each other better, they trust each other intuitions, they care for each other more, and they are considerate and protective. I've also liked how Sebastian see Gemma true worth, and during Victorian era it's not a given.

Irina Shapiro created a murder mystery with so many credible suspects that I wasn't able to guess the culprit until the very end. The gloomy atmosphere, the morally grey characters and their strong sense of hopelessness add up to the beauty of this novel.

I highly recommend Murder at Traitors' Gate. Get ready to be transported to the Victorian grimy and vicious London, and enjoy the journey.

In the second Tate and Bell Mystery, Irina Shapiro brings Victorian detectives Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate to life. As Gemma moves on from her Crimean war nursing career, she is forced to deal with her past when Jacob Harrow, a journalist with Crimean ties, winds up brutally murdered. Bell takes on the case alone, but when he realizes that Harrow’s secrets are entwined with the war, he reaches out to Gemma for help. When another murder victim turns out to be a woman who served as a nurse in the Crimean war, Gemma and Sebastian must uncover the truth before the killer strikes again -- especially since Gemma might be a target. Both protagonists are unique and complex, and their different ties to the case are particularly interesting to follow. Alternating between their perspectives, readers see the case unfold from multiple angles, giving them the chance to solve the case before Sebastian and Gemma do. Gemma is a strong and complex character and her personal journey is particularly fun to follow over the course of the novel, while Sebastian is a bit more reserved but equally intelligent. A strong sequel to the first book, fans of the historical mystery genre are sure to enjoy this book and look forward to the rest of the series.

Murder at Traitor's Gate was a great second installment to the Tate and Bell series. Shapiro creates a well-written mystery featuring strong protagonists and thorough investigative work.
My favorite feature of Tate and Bell are how level-headed they both are. They're cool, calm, and collected under pressure, which is exactly what I like to see. Bell is always cautious, and Tate is sensible when it comes to her role in investigations. Together, they make a great team, and I'm excited to see how their relationship grows throughout the series.

19th century grim, dark, wet Victorian London some time after the Crimean War. Gemma, a nurse, now works in a children's home/hospital, her war-time experience little valued; Sebastian a police officer. A story of murder, vengeance, blackmail with horrible deaths and plenty of suspects. Convoluted but nonetheless a good read keeping one guessing pretty much all the way through. The two strong characters work well together. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

Thanks to Net Galley and Storm Publishing for this ARC. After reading the first Tate and Bell i then found the Haze and Redmond series and read the whole series in a few weeks, they were brilliant. I was so excited when i saw a second in this series and was delighted to see Haze mentioned. This series is a step up from the previous. The character development is strong and characters relatable. I really hope this series will continue strong like the H&R series.

You've got to love a murder mystery that keeps you guessing right to the last page. "Murder at Traiters' Gate" by Irina Shapiro nearly does just that.

A historical murder mystery, Gemma and the murder victims are linked by their time serving in the horrific Crimea war. So it is assumed that the perpetrator is also from this group of associates...after all, the means and details of the 2 murders that occur in this book, are very personal and allude to the keeping of secrets. The title also hints at the feeling of a betrayal.

Sebastian twists and turns through the long list of possibly guilty parties. They are all complex and many have motive. It was only very near the end of the book that my suspicions and wonderings (couldn't switch my mind off after putting the book down to go to sleep) were rewarded with the unravelling of the murderers motive and a few home truths about the first victim come to light.

Certainly an atmospheric setting of cold dark London....with plenty of locations and miles on foot or in cabs covered. This time in history is hard for many barely scaping by but contrasts with the well to do who can afford staff. Life is cheap and expendable.

Although the second book of the Tate and Bell Mystery series, you don't suffer unduly by not knowing the main characters Sebastian and Gemma from the previous book. I look forward to reading further additions of the series...keep them coming!

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Irina Shapiro for my copy.