Irina Shapiro never disappoints! Each novel draws me in and this was no exception. You really get a sense for Gemma's love for the children, especially little Lucy! I like that we get to see more of Gemma in her responsibilities as a nurse this time around. And more Inspector Bell is always welcome 😁.

If you've read the rest of the series, you won't want to miss this installment. If you haven't, I'd recommend going back to Book 1 first. While you'd still enjoy the story, there's a lot of background information you'd be missing out on.

This is another great addition to the Tate & Bell series, which I am really beginning to love. Sebastian and Gemma are genuine, and are just trying to build a nice life for themselves. It feels like their relationship is progressing naturally, flaws & insecurities and all. The mystery is engaging but not convoluted or overly complicated. It’s a nice job of introducing suspects and clues, but then ruling them out one by one. The atmosphere is also spot on for the late fall/early winter season.

Murder at the Foundling Hospital is book 3 in the series. I enjoyed this mystery. I think it's written well, and it kept my attention. There was a few times I thought I knew who done it then I was like no its this person lol.. I was wrong lol.. I look forward to book 4.

Gemma and Sebastian are back together, solving crimes in their additive way. Sebastian is a brilliant Scotland Yard Detective who has a knack for solving even the toughest crimes. He continues to fight his own demons, but it is so nice to see him alive and thriving as he pursues this newest case. Gemma is working at the Foundling Hospital and has found a place to engage her nursing and caregiving talents. Once again, Sebastian and Gemma are thrust together when a crime is committed at the Foundling Hospital. I really liked seeing the growth and friendship develop between these two. There is definitely more there, but they are wise and intelligent in their pursuit and the way they handle their growing feelings. I love them seeing work together, complimenting each other’s style and abilities. Gemma certainly exerts her abilities a little more in this book and I loved it! I found the story to be intriguing, captivating, and engaging. I did not predict the end, which is always a win for me. I really cannot wait to see what else is in store for these two. If you have not read the first two stories in this series, you can pick up just fine, but it will be appreciated even more if you read them first.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Murder at the Foundling Hospital is book 3 in the Tate and Bell mystery series and while you could probably pick this one up and muddle through all the missing backstory, I don't recommend it. You should definitely read this series from book one as you truly do get to know Gemma and Sebastian throughout which is what I think makes this series that much more interesting.

In this installment, Gemma's place of employment is at the heart of the story as one of the children at the Foundling Hospital has been killed. When Sebastian is brought in to work the case, she knows he will do whatever he can to solve the case, but she also knows that he will need her help because not everyone at the orphanage is willing to be as open and honest as they need them to be.

Gemma is determined to figure out what happened, not only for the sake of the murdered girl, but also for those children still at the orphanage. The mystery also takes a turn when Sebastian finds a small wooden doll in the murdered girl's hand and when Gemma hears there was a secret romance, they both start asking some questions that put a lot of people within the walls of the orphanage in uncomfortable positions. Unfortunately for Gemma and Sebastian, that also puts Gemma in danger and Sebastian isn't always able to protect her. I can't say too much about the mystery here as I don't want to give it away but I will say that Shapiro kept me guessing here. There were a lot of questionable characters and I don't blame Gemma and Sebastian for considering each and every one of them.

I also appreciate the progress being made with Gemma and Sebastian's relationship. Obviously, Sebastian has a pretty big thing in his background that he has to make sure he's prepared to move forward from and Gemma has to make sure she's ready to trust that he is. I'm hoping that with her new job that this isn't going to derail anything with them...and I'll leave it at that. I'll be looking forward to the next book in this series and if you haven't picked this one up, consider doing so!

The 3rd in the Tate and Bell Mystery series but my first read. Nurse Gemma Tate works at the Foundling Hospital where she has become attached to one of the orphans, which is highly frowned upon. This read well as a stand-alone, although it was clear to me that there must have been previous books in the series.

Briefly, when a 14 year old orphan, Amanda Carter, is found dead in the laundry in suspicious circumstances Gemma knows that her friend, police inspector Sebastian Bell, will do his utmost to ensure Amanda’s killer is apprehended, but that won’t stop her helping! At every turn the homes matron seems to be doing her utmost to hamper the investigations and Bell’s boss is keen for a quick resolution.

Some good twists and turns kept the tension high and the killer hidden. Well written and captivating storyline and I did enjoy the two main characters. Narrative clearly illustrates the restrictive social life in this era for women and the harsh life in the orphanages. An enjoyable and entertaining read.

I am a little biased and like all Shapiro books. They are raw, have plenty of twists and turns and the characters with depth and flaws.

Gemma and Sebastian are so lonely, I just need these to get married and support each other all the time. The mystery plot was fabulous, there were a lot of red herrings and sub plots. As always it was fast paced.

#netgalley MurderattheFoundlingHospital

Nurse Gemma Tate is devastated when she learns that a young girl that was in her charge iat The Foundling Hospital is dead. She is further heartbroken when it appears that the girl was murdered. She has faith that police inspector Sebastian Bell will be able to figure out what happened, but she will need to help him navigate the reclusive world of the orphanage. As the two work together, things are not what they seem, and there are shocking secrets to be revealed.

This is the third story in the Tate/Bell series, and it is just as good as the others! Once again, Ms. Shapiro does a fantastic job of using the setting and atmosphere of the place as an invisible character. The darkness and tension add to the pace of the story. I couold not put this book down!

i love the development of each of the characters, and the slow reveal of their truer selves. Gemma is at the center of this story, and she continues to be caring and persistent in all things that matter to her. Sebastian is learning to trust her instinct and observations, and they make a terrific team. The romantic tension continues to grow as each character strives to balance professionalism with growing passion.

The crime and mystery are heartbreaking, yet it is so well written and representative of the times. The plot is developed nicely, and I would try to guess what would happen based on the clues and information revealed.

I love this series, and this author! If you love a good Victorian mystery with authentic characters, a well written plot, and a dark and sometimes creepy atmosphere- this is the book and series for you!!

Huge thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. This is my voluntary and honest review.

A dark and atmospheric mystery set at an orphanage is Dickensian England. The characters are well-drawn and the writing gives a very authentic sense of the historical period.

I am here for the very slow, slowww burn between Gemma and Sebastian. They just need to get together, take Gustav and move out of those horrible boarding houses, and adopt little Lucy and live happily ever after. That's it.

Another great installment of the Tate and Bell partnership. I am always surprised at who did it. I never have a clue. A lot of the story is grim and disturbing, but I look forward to little progresses made in their relationship.

Thank you to netgalley for the ARC. Opinions are my own.

Thank you for allowing me to review this book. The 3rd in the series about Sebastian and Gemna Tate. Although, it could be read as a standalone, I feel the reader would do well to read the previous 2 books first. I am enjoying this series and look forward to seeing how the relationship between the two main characters develops. Gemma is a brave lady, living in the 19th century, when women were subservient to me and not expected to have an opinion.
I can recommend this series to those who enjoy historical crime fiction.

This story which was emotional, sad and joyous too takes us into the world of orphanages in Britain in Victorian times and how hard life was for a great proportion of its people.

Gemma works as a nurse at the Foundling hospital. She considers herself lucky to get this job, and she knows she has to be careful not to overstep any of the rules and regulations governing her life as a single, unmarried woman. Her relationship with Detective Bell in its very early stages has to be kept secret as it can affect both their jobs. Her attachment to Lucy a little girl in the orphanage is viewed with suspicions causing distress to them both.

A body of a young girl, murdered in the laundry of the hospital begins an investigation which is fraught with difficulties. The Orphanage Matron wants it shoved under the carpet as an accidental death, not bringing any notoriety or press attention. Her focus more than on the safety of her charges, lies more with self preservation and keeping the sponsors happy.

Gemma from within the hospital has a better chance of obtaining clues as to who was responsible and despite the Detectives warning to stay clear, she pursues and gets clues which will link the very basic information they now have.

The murder and detective work was very well depicted, but it is the story of the orphanage its working, its rigidity and regulations that form the heart of the story.

Beautifully written.

I am totally addicted to this series - non stop action and well written - superb !

I just couldn’t put it down, definately a page turner, full of twist's and turns , great characters and full of suspense and excitement

A must read for fans of hysterical mysteries

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

I am still enjoying this series and plan to continue with it as it goes along.

I especially enjoyed the plotline in this one, very twisty and turny and tension filled. As in the previous outing, I still wished for more fleshing out of the heroine, Gemma, but I'm becoming more and more excited and intrigued by how Gemma and Sebastian's relationship will continue to bloom. They are both empathetic and good-hearted characters and are easy to fall in love with and cheer for as they complement the other's abilities in solving crimes. They are a good team and work well together as they each have their own unique strengths and contributions to add to their investigations.

I'm looking forward to seeing where their adventures lead next.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing the free early arc for Murder at the Foundling Hospital for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

This is a historical murder/mystery. It's obviously part of a series but the first one I've read. That made no difference to my enjoyment of it. It just made me wish I had read the others. I will be doing that.
Our hero faces a lot of obstacles while he's trying to solve this murder. There are too many people covering their butts. Our heroine is a nurse who is very brave and independent. The story is quite emotional because they are dealing with vulnerable children. I didn't guess the murderer. There are a few possible suspects. There is also a surprising ending.
Very exciting.

4.2 Stars
One Liner: A good mystery

1858
Nurse Gemma Tate is heartbroken to realize that one of her wards in the Foundling Hospital has been killed. Though she trusts Inspector Sebastian Bell to solve the case, Gemma knows there are things he might never find out. She is in a position to access the gossip and secret whispers since she works in the same place.
As new clues emerge, Sebastian and Gemma realize there’s more to the case than a random murder. They need to find the truth soon or the victim may not get justice.
The story comes in Sebastian and Gemma’s third-person POVs.

My Thoughts:
The victim is a young girl (a teen). The official blurb makes it clear but I’m highlighting it again just to be sure. We do get a semi-detailed description as it is necessary for the plot.
Finally, in book three, this becomes a Tate and Bell Mystery with Gemma playing a crucial part in the investigation. The book should work as a standalone.
Since this is a dark mystery (still borderline cozy), the setting has a life of its own. The story takes place between Christmas and New Year; a handful of days, but filled with a lot of investigation. The cold weather, the rigid rules of the Foundling Hospital, the uncertain future of the children, and the bleakness of the murder make the plot atmospheric.
The mystery is revealed in stages, with new information coming out, and most of it does not make sense for the characters since they have yet to connect the dots. Even I couldn’t guess until the characters almost did. The reveal did make sense in a way.
Quite a few leads are pursued to solve the case, and these provide a glimpse into the lives of the unfortunate, the social conditions, and other aspects. Nothing preachy; just showcasing how things were back then.
The ‘romance’ track doesn’t have any progress here due to the time span and the intensity of the case. However, the characters spend some time acknowledging their feelings (to themselves).
The pacing is on the slower side, which cannot be helped. The book demands a steady-paced narrative to let the readers think and explore the details.
There’s a development in the overarching plot which takes the story forward in a new direction. Without revealing spoilers, I’ll say that this could make Gemma play a more active role in future investigations. I’d like that (even if she tends to get dramatic and reckless at times)
.
To summarize, Murder at the Foundling Hospital is a worthy read for historical mystery fans. Set in Victorian London, it takes us into the dark corners of the city where danger is a constant companion.
I found the blurb for the next one on Amazon and saw that this book has set the foundation for it. Excited to read it!
Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

What can be better than a historical, almost gothic mystery set in England? Only more of the same and this author has it down pat!

I love historical mysteries. There is mystery, murder, intrigue with historical facts peppered into the story which makes it even more interesting.

The death of a child brings Tate and Bell full circle and there is an amazing journey to find the killer. Not to be missed.

26th December 1858. At the Foundling Hospital, the workplace of nurse Gemma Tate, the body of a young girl, Amanda Carter, is discovered drowned in a laundry tub. Matron Holcombe calls on Inspector Sebastian Bell to investigate. Gemma also decides to help.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters, supported by a cast of varied personalities. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Irina Shapiro is a consummate storyteller whose books I am thrilled to have found. Murder at the Foundling Hospital is the best yet, with a complex murder that seems impossible to solve. It is also one that has some not wanting it solved because of the bad publicity it would cause to a good orphanage. Not an easy place to live or work but better than many during Victorian times.

Police Inspector Sebastian Bell is still struggling but winning over his demons while Gemma Tate finds it easy to get in over her head. I have grown addictive to this series eagerly waiting for Sebastian and Gemma to become more than close friends. Hopefully the ending to this book will move Sebastian along in that area. I highly recommend this series to all mystery reader fans.

I’m really enjoying this series. Inspector Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate are the main characters and I love that there is a hint of romance between them. They both have experienced trauma in their background. This murder takes place at the hospital where Gemma works as a nurse. She is a kind and caring person and finds it difficult to stay detached from the children. This is a complex story with a few possible culprits, it had me guessing until the end. I’m looking forward to the next in the series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own. However I did preorder my own copy.