Barbara’s rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Series: Tate and Bell Mystery #5
Publication Date: 7/30/25
Period: Victorian London
Number of Pages: 324

This excellently crafted story caught my attention from the first page and didn’t let go until long after I’d finished the last page. The author does an excellent job of presenting both the victim and the perpetrator as both sympathetic and immoral – not that we’re ever led to think murder is moral. With a plethora of suspects, Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell will have to pull at every thread to uncover the true villain.

While I’m aware this is a mystery, I am also a romantic and am growing tired of the continuous obstacles to Gemma and Sebastian being together. This book continues with those obstacles, and it is the fifth book in the series. Should that continue with the sixth book, I will likely discontinue reading the series because I want BOTH the mystery and the romance.

I was delighted to see Gemma showing the gumption to perform her own inspection of the victim without Colin’s consent, but I was very disappointed in Colin’s reaction to it. It also saddened me that Sebastian spent so little time with his estranged brother, so I’ll be looking forward to seeing what develops in that relationship.

If you love a well-thought-out mystery with relatable characters, this book is for you. I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did. Happy Reading!

I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

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