Gemma’s boots slip on uneven ground and her black cape catches in the wind as she runs. “Please, not Lucy,” she prays.

Nurse Gemma Tate is heartbroken when she hears that one of her young charges at the Foundling Hospital has been killed. She knows that police inspector Sebastian Bell will work tirelessly to uncover the truth, but obstructed by the curt matron, he’ll need her help navigating the cloistered world of the orphanage.

The mystery thickens when Sebastian finds a small wooden doll clutched in the murdered girl’s hand and Gemma hears whispers of a shadowy romance. But that isn’t the darkest secret hidden behind the high hospital walls. As time runs down on the investigation, Gemma won’t give up. But could the shocking discovery she makes be her last?

A gripping gaslit Victorian mystery, perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries:

“I was hooked… The story is so extremely gripping that it’s hard to put the book down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I was absolutely gobsmacked at who the killer was… I really couldn’t put the book down till the end, a real page-turner. I can’t wait to get the next book… will add to my must-read series.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“I immediately fell in love with the complexity of both characters… I honestly cannot wait to see where this series leads as I think this is a stunning beginning for both Bell and Tate.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Grips you from the very beginning and pulls you in… If you’re a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Enola Holmes, then you will love Gemma Tate’s wits and tenacity.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Absolutely in love with this book and halfway through I bought another book by this author. Now to read all things Irina Shapiro!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Spellbound!… 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… A must-read… Five stars!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“This was a fantastic read! I absolutely LOVED it! I look forward to seeing more in this series!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“So gripping and twisted I could not put it down.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“A highly engaging plot, with a richly atmospheric, almost gothic-like setting, and compelling characters… read this in one sitting. A must-read for historical mystery fans.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“So good I could hardly put the book down… Once you start, you may as well forget everything else.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐