A mysterious woman’s murder leads Sebastian and Gemma to risk everything to find a remorseless killer.

Inspector Sebastian Bell arrives at Paddington station through thick Victorian mist, hoping to reconcile with his estranged brother. Instead, he discovers a young woman’s body in an abandoned trunk, stabbed with a peculiar bone-handled knife. But with no clues to her identity and his new boss dismissing the case, Sebastian’s investigation seems doomed.

Nurse Gemma Tate is at work when the nameless woman is brought in for an autopsy. Realizing how desperate Sebastian is for a lead, she risks a forbidden examination and makes two tragic discoveries: the woman recently gave birth, and she wears a wedding ring with the inscription “G loves H”. Has this brutal act of violence shattered not just one life, but an entire family?

Determined to get justice, Sebastian and Gemma pursue answers to the woman’s wretched fate. But when the trail of clues leads them uncomfortably close to home, Sebastian realizes too late the danger they are in. By ignoring his superior to follow this case, has he fatally doomed the woman he loves…?

Gemma and Sebastian confront their most heartbreaking case yet in this atmospheric, gripping and romantic mystery perfect for fans of the Lady Sherlock, Veronica Speedwell, and Lady Darby mysteries.

Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries:

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

“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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

“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, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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