Irina Shapiro’s Murder at the Foundling Hospital is a gripping addition to the Tate & Bell Mystery series, offering a thrilling and atmospheric murder investigation set against the backdrop of Victorian London in 1858.

When Nurse Gemma Tate learns that one of the children at the Foundling Hospital has been tragically killed, her initial relief that it isn’t Lucy, a child she holds dear, is quickly replaced by guilt and a fierce determination to uncover the truth. Teaming up with the steadfast Chief Inspector Sebastian Bell, Gemma must navigate the orphanage’s tightly guarded secrets, including the matron’s reluctance to cooperate, as the pair race to prevent further tragedy.

The discovery of a wooden doll in the victim’s hand hints at a chilling mystery, while whispers of a forbidden romance add layers to the intrigue. As clues emerge and danger escalates, the story builds to a tense and shocking climax. Gemma’s courageous yet impulsive actions once again put her in peril, but her tenacity and compassion make her a standout character.

Shapiro’s detailed depiction of Victorian London and the challenges of 19th-century police work adds richness to the narrative. Sebastian’s determination and methodical approach, despite lacking modern investigative tools, make him a compelling lead. The dynamic between Gemma and Sebastian remains a highlight, their partnership underscored by mutual respect and a hint of unspoken affection.

Murder at the Foundling Hospital is a masterfully woven mystery filled with suspense, emotional depth, and unexpected twists. Fans of historical mysteries and the Tate & Bell series will not be disappointed. I eagerly await the next instalment and highly recommend this book to those who enjoy a well-crafted whodunit with strong characters and a vividly realised setting.

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✨ Publication date: October 21, 2024✨

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

It’s the day after Christmas and Gemma and Sebastian are both looking forward to the new year in hopes of exploring what’s next for them after they shared a kiss.

Gemma is now a nurse at the Orphan Foundling Hospital and when the call comes that the body of one of the children is found and it’s likely murder, Sebastian and Gemma rush to the hospital.

As the investigation into the death of the young girl continues, Gemma uses her position in the hospital to search for evidence as much as Sebastian is worried she’s putting herself in danger.

Time is running out and Sebastian’s superiors and the Hospital board are eager to close the case even if the murderer hasn’t been found. Gemma puts herself in danger to ensure the person responsible for taking the life of one of her young charges is caught.

Sebastian must race against time to get to Gemma before she is the next body discovered.

Love these two and the historical storylines! I really enjoyed this case and am interested to see where their personal relationship goes. This is a solid 4 star read for me

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

#NetGalley #irinashapiro #murderatthefoundlinghospital

I once again loved getting back to Gemma and Sebastian's adventures with this new murder investigation happening right after book 2. This time again, Gemma is back to be really present and important to the investigation, which was missing for me in book 2, so I'm glad of what she did there.

I really loved how the story went, and once again loved following the investigation from start to end, without easy takes, with all informations we could get. I enjoyed following it and trying to find the culprit myself! I liked the reasonning behind the culprit's motivations, while still being sad it went up to a teenage girl murder, but it was still great and done well.

The epilogue and ending this time is more quiet, and, unless we don't know the title of the next book, we could think this was the end of the series. But here again I loved how important the epilogue is, as it gives us a closing for the current investigation, and launch us on the next one!

This was a fascinating story, very sad but historically accurate. Peoples lives were very hard in those days. A very satisfying conclusion.

This is the third Tate and Bell mystery, Gemma Tate being a nurse and Sebastian Bell being in the more usual mystery-solving job of Police Detective. Nevertheless like most mystery novels that in evolve non-professionals, the murder that occurs is linked to her life first, namely her work within the Foundling Hospital. Irina Shapiro's historical spends quite a lot of time exploring how the Foundling Hospital worked and was different to a standard orphanage, and she is very interested in the processes and management of the hospital and its own internal politics. She isn't so interested in trying to summon up mid-nineteenth-century London sights and sounds, the Foundling Hospital's proximity to King's Cross is barely referenced, and this is very much a book of dingy interiors (the hospital, and various boarding houses). It's a serious mystery, for all of its tinges of slow burn romance between Gemma and Sebastian (mainly thwarted by propriety).

Its serious air also comes from the crime, the murder of a fourteen-year-old girl. It is a locked room mystery writ large, in as much as the hospital was locked to outsiders, so the criminal had to be one of the charges or staff (unless someone else had gained access). The strict regime within the hospital makes the detection process difficult, though not as much as the barriers put forth by the Matron, whose main aim is to ensure the hospital doesn't get any bad publicity, which might jeopardize charitable fundraising. Indeed she seems happier to allow the criminal to go free to avoid bad publicity, with the thought that if it was a particular crime against the person, the criminal is unlikely to commit another crime. Bell also has complications with the Met's office politics, requiring patronage. It creates a book where the crime is often challenged for importance by the bureaucracy they have to work around. The murder investigation itself is well balanced if anything suffering from a shortage of viable candidates, but with well flagged clues which made the little bit of action at the end satisfying. If you are reading for the romance or character development the slow pace in that area might be frustrating, but as a well structured period mystery I had no complaints.

Irina Shapiro is the queen of Victorian detective mysteries. Bell and Tate combine forcing in solving the murder of a girl living at the foundling hospital.
"Murder at the Foundling Hospital" kept me guessing until about 90 percent through.
Set in Victorian London, the poverty of orphans and those without a supportive husband or family, see them living or working at such an establishment as a foundling hospital, which is funded by wealthy benefactors.
Gemma Tate works at the hospital as a nurse. Sebastian Bell is a detective. They are a great team...agile minds and not afraid of pushing boundaries of personal safety and lines of questioning. With a hint of growing love bubbling away underneath.
A dark story...a young person's death, an austere setting and reminders of a Russian connection to the terrible Crimean war. Gemma takes a bigger role in this book....she is confident in herself and her instincts. Sebastian comes across as more fragile....struggling with his demons and battling a feisty matron anxious about the scrutiny from affluent benefactors and making solving the murder differcult for Sebastian.
The third book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, I have read "Murder at Traitors Gate", and am a fan.
Thanks you NetGalley, Storm Publishing and Irina Shapiro for my copy.

Murder at the Foundling Hospital was the third book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series. I am enjoying this series so much. The characters of DI Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate have come to feel like old friends. I have come to expect Gemma’s involvement in the cases that Sebastian has been assigned despite Sebastian’s efforts to keep her out of them for her safety. Murder at Foundling Hospital was perhaps my favorite book in this series so far. I really enjoyed the setting of the hospital and some of the new characters that were introduced in this book and I really like the time period of the late 1800’s when it takes place. Although the Matron of the Foundling Hospital ground on my nerves, she left a lasting impression. Irina Shapiro once again kept the pace just right and threw in just enough twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end. Murder at the Foundling Hospital can be read as stand-alone book but I suggest reading the books in order. It has been nice to observe the progression the characters have made from the beginning of this series to now and how their relationships have evolved over the course of the series. I highly recommend Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro if you enjoy a good mystery.

Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read the digital version of Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.

Content warning: murder of a minor, drowning, drugging, child abandonment

Shapiro wastes no time kicking the plot off in this third installment of the Tate and Bell Mystery series as it opens with Gemma finding out there's been a murder at her work. While I was hoping for a little more on the Gemma and Sebastian having feelings for each other front, I did like that both characters in this book are starting to really think about what they mean to each other and what that could look like moving forward. Towards the end of the novel there is a comment about Gemma's brother being dead for only 4 months which caught me by surprise... this series really does take place in a very short time span and that's easy to forget one book from the other.

I enjoyed the mystery and how it didn't play out exactly how I had guessed. In this book Shapiro gives readers a look at a different aspect of Victorian society. I do love that Shapiro has created a bit of a humanitarian and potential feminist of his times in Sebastian.

Once again a solid historical mystery and I look forward to the next novel to see what Gemma and Sebastian get up to next. Perhaps the situation Gemma finds herself in at the end of the novel will lend more flexibility for her to help Sebastian on future cases?

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

An delightful novel set in Victorian London centred around a death at a foundling hospital. Follows the investigation from a nurses view who works at the hospital and her detective friend. Crosses over into a bit of a love story too between the two, but due to her recent widow status they cannot be seen to take things further.

Even though its the third story in a series it can be read as a standalone novel.

I received this book from netgalley in return for a honest review.

A really good story which can be read as a standalone book. Cleverly written as it takes you right back to the past. A twisty story which had me gripped. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

Book #3 - Another book in the Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell mystery series. It was okay. I suggest reading the books in order.

Another fantastic story in the Tate and Belle Mystery series! I really enjoy that each of these books just continues to build off each other and builds on the character development as the series goes on.

I loved that Gemma Tate took a bigger role in this book with helping solve the mystery of a death at the Foundling Hospital where she worked. I enjoyed learning about the inner workings of an orphanage in the 1800s and how the children are cared for.

If you are a history buff this book continues to provide an excellent description of London in the 1800s. I also appreciate that there is lots of description of the medical field during this time as well.

I cannot wait for the next book in the series!

I really enjoy Irina Shapiro's stories, and this one is no exception. I had a great time reading it.

Shapiro’s Tate and Bell Mystery series follows the lives of two main characters: Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell from Scotland Yard and nurse Miss Gemma Tate. The pair first met in the first book when Detective Inspector Bell investigated the murder of Gemma’s brother, Victor. Since then, they have developed a strong friendship, each holding a deep mutual respect for the other's abilities.
Somehow I've missed the second installment, but I am correcting that mistake right away.
In "Murder at the Foundling Hospital," Shapiro places our female protagonist, Miss Gemma Tate, at the center of the story.
On December 26, 1858, Boxing Day started with the finding of a young girl's body in the laundry area of the Foundling Hospital.
The Foundling Hospital was not a medical facility in the modern sense. Instead, it acted as a sanctuary for unwanted children, created over a century ago primarily for the illegitimate children of mothers deemed worthy. It was more than just an orphanage; the institution not only cared for the children but also prioritized their education, equipping them with vital life skills and getting them ready for life beyond its walls.
Gemma, a nurse at the Foundling Hospital, was aware that having favorites among the children was not advisable. Nonetheless, she had developed a special affection for a five-year-old girl named Lucy. When alarms went off due to an incident in the laundry, Gemma fervently wished that Lucy was not the one found motionless in that tub.
The Matron, anxious about her standing and the scrutiny from affluent benefactors, was tightening her grip. DI Bell had a limited timeframe to resolve the case before she curbed his access to essential information. Fortunately, he received discreet assistance from Miss Tate, who was supportive of his investigation.

Shapiro's writing is wonderfully rich and packed with descriptive detail. The mystery threads are cleverly woven together and grounded in historical accuracy. This author keeps readers on their toes, making it difficult to guess the culprit with unexpected twists and red herrings leading you astray. Multiple threads emerge—most leading nowhere, with just one pointing to the true killer.

I’m thoroughly enjoying how the author is developing these characters, and I'm eager to discover what lies ahead for this duo.

Special thanks to NetGalley and especially to Storm Publishing for the much-appreciated ARC.

I was absolutely hooked. I could not put it down. I will be looking for more books from this author because it was so well written

Nurse Gemma assists inspector Sebastian in investigating the murder of a child at the foundling hospital where Gemma works. Their investigation uncovers dark secrets within the orphanage walls, putting Gemma’s own life at risk.

This intriguing and atmospheric mystery does a good job of conveying the high stakes and frustration of an investigation into a shocking crime with few clues to go on. The puzzle pieces are revealed gradually as the relationship between Gemma and Sebastian grows. I loved the audiobook narration.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is the third book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but it's much better if you start at the beginning. It has now become my go-to series as they are released. It’s a wonderful read with a well-thought-out plot and engaging characters. The mystery kept me guessing with lots of twists and turns. I really enjoy how the murderer is found without all the modern tools. I received this as an ARC from Netgalley and freely give my review.

I went into reading this book without having read either of the two previous books in the series, purely requesting a review copy because the book description and cover image shown interested me. Despite this being the third book in the series, I didn't feel like I was missing any crucial character or previous plot information, with the references to the previous books being informative and intriguing rather than creating massive holes. That being said, if you want to know about how characters and relationships develop I would recommend reading the series in order.

This book gave me a real sense of deja-vu and felt very familiar at the beginning, but I can't think of any other books I might have read or any films or TV series I may have watched that are similar.

The story grabs you right from the start, throwing you right into the mystery surrounding the unexplained murder of one of the young girls residing in the Foundling Hospital in Victorian London, a residence for unwanted children to be raised, educated and prepared for life outside the walls of the hospital.

I found myself very quickly drawn to and liking certain characters and very quickly disliking/ being frustrated by others, but understanding their views and decisions.

The author does a fantastic job of keeping the mystery alive, utilising red herrings, plot twists and multiple plausible culprits and motives, whittling it down until you're left with the truth.

Based on how much I enjoyed this book, I would be very interested to go back and read the first two books in the series.

Ohhhh, this was very good!! I am so glad that I took a chance on this series!!

Well-written, with a very god, very intriguing mystery [I had NO idea and was shocked when the reveal happened], this was probably the best of the series, though that is not to cast shade on the others as they were very good as well [the first book blew me away with its mystery and content]. It was fascinating to learn more about the workings of a foundling hospital [the good AND the bad] and some of the parts in that made me so very sad. I cannot imagine what it must have been like to be a child in that atmosphere.

Gemma and Sebastian work so well together, and I love seeing how they figure each mystery out and I like how Sebastian admires and respects Gemma [even as she does things that make him crazy with worry] and strives to help her expand her freedom; it is such a joy to read. I also really like how he respects the space she has erected around herself and isn't pushing for anything other than deep, abiding friendship. The end was very good and since I just found the synopsis of the new book, sets that up perfectly.

IF you love good historical mysteries [or just good mysteries in general], I highly recommend this series. It has been such a joy to read them.

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

Murder At The Foundling Hospital is the third installment in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, and I highly recommend to also read the previous books because are all masterfully written.

This book was a little hard to read, because the victim is a young girl, killed in the safest and only place she knew, the foundling hospital. The investigation is difficult and annerving because DI Bell and the nurse Tate aren't free to roam for the building and to follow their leads for the strict rules abiding at the hospital.

I like that Gemma and Sebastian feel like they have to protect each other. I wish their relationship becomes easier, but I still adore the small gestures of appreciation and support they exchange without anyone noticing.

Irina Shapiro is really good to highlight the difficulties of the Victorian age, and to portray these pathetic and miserable characters that live only for themselves without taking into consideration the consequences of their actions.

Recommended! Gripping storyline, captivating setting.

In my opinion, Irina Shapiro can do no wrong! This historical fiction mystery series is outstandingly researched and she has the tone and mood of the time perfectly. She can transport you back to Victorian London as quick as a flash and you will know exactly what to see, hear and even smell as if you were actually there.

I love the characters Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell and couldn't believe that it had only been 4 months (in book time) since the first three books had all happened. I appreciate how Gemma is a no nonsense lady with a heart of gold and an exceptionally caring and nurturing side. She is a heroine of the times having nursed in Crimea and she is a couragous and honest. Sebastian is an honest man in a profession that many can and have corrupted. He lives through the trauma of losing his family every day and the diligence of wanting to only put away the actual criminals and not just any handy scapegoat. I keep waiting for the romantic side of their relationship to develop but since it has only been 4 months since they met I can understand the delay.

This tale, was unputdownable and I was so sure that I had figured out the reason for the murder, cleverly, before the protagonists too...but...alas...I hadn't. The ending was put together very well indeed and I enjoyed every minute of the telling. Can't wait for the next book in the series and to see how Gemma gets on at her new job.

Thanks very much to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Irina Shapino for a cracker of a book to read as an ARC. All viewpoints are my own.