She looks hardly more than a child, sleeping, her lashes long and thick as they rest against her rounded cheeks. But in the flickering gaslight, she is unnaturally still…

For Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate, a night at the theater becomes a deadly spectacle when the two lead actors are found dead on the stage, murdered before a stunned audience. Drawn into a shadowy backstage world, they encounter a cast of suspects, each with desperate secrets to hide…

Sebastian is determined to get justice, and to keep Gemma safe from the dangerous killer circling the cobbled streets of Covent Garden. But she is already too deeply involved, and, in a world where everyone wears a mask, could she have trusted the wrong person…?

Be drawn into a heart-pounding Victorian mystery. With its richly drawn characters and simmering romance, this thrilling tale of murder and redemption is perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries and Miss Scarlett and the Duke.

Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries:

“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… must-read series.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

“I loved this one. The mystery was fantastic, and I read as quickly as I could to discover whodunit… I was shocked when the killer was revealed. I never saw it coming! The suspense really kept me on edge. As wonderful as the mystery was, however, it’s the characters in this series that will keep me returning for more.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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

“I’m in this one for the long-haul folks and I cannot get enough of Tate and Bell!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Whew nonstop action!… Keeps you guessing until the end!… This was a rollercoaster ride of emotions and clues! Hold on and get ready for the ride and thrilling conclusions! Bravo.” 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!” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“Highly recommend this for anyone interested in historical mystery… 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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“The mystery was exquisite, the story flew seamlessly and was easy to follow despite its complexity.” Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐