Category: Historical Mystery

Murder at the Foundling Hospital by Irina Shapiro

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Gothic Historical, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Murder at the Foundling Hospital (A Tate and Bell Mystery, #3)Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Tate and Bell #3
Publication Date: 10/21/24
Period: Victorian – 1858
Number of Pages: 343

This riveting, atmospheric series is most definitely in the gaslight-gothic tradition in that it is very serious and somber. If one of your requirements is wit and humor, you won’t find it in these books. However, what you will find is an excellently paced, well-plotted murder mystery with realistically flawed characters. Gemma Tate, the main female lead, is a nurse who trained in Crimea with Florence Nightingale, and Sebastian Bell, the main male lead, is a widower inspector with Scotland Yard.

Gemma has just enjoyed a lovely Christmas when she is summoned to the Foundling Hospital where she works. One of the children has been found – murdered. The staff members are forbidden to become attached to any of the children, but Gemma’s loving heart has become entwined with sickly little Lucy. During her mad dash to the orphanage, she is constantly whispering – “Please Not Lucy” “Please Not Lucy”. While it wasn’t Lucy, it was a lovely, kind, sweet fourteen-year-old young lady who never deserved such a violent end.

The Matron at the Foundling Hospital is determined to protect the institution from any scandal and therefore, throws obstacle after obstacle in Sebastian’s way – including her intention to petition the leadership at Scotland Yard to close the case as unsolved directly after the child’s funeral. Yes, she cared more for the institution – even if it housed a murderer – than she did for the life of one of her charges. Gemma has the access Sebastian needs and is determined to help solve the case and she does – even to her own peril.

Between them, they find many potential suspects, follow many leads, and uncover many secrets within the orphanage. The murderer – and the reason – will surprise you and make you very, very sad.

You won’t be able to put the book down once you start reading, so prepare yourself with all of the comforts before you begin. The story pulls you in from the first word and holds you until far past the last word with its compelling characters and superb mystery.

I love Sebastian and Gemma with all of their humanness – their flaws and their strengths. Sebastian has overcome so much in the last few months and you will be pulling for his continued success in defeating his personal demons. Gemma has suffered great tragedy with the murder of her twin brother and is working hard to recover emotionally and financially from that loss. You will root for her too, but you will also worry that she has more TSTL moments than she should.

I enjoyed this book and I hope you will as well.

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

Murder in Masquerade by Mary Winters

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Historical Mystery, Part of a Series, Victorian Era (1837-1901)Leave a comment

Murder in Masquerade (A Lady of Letters Mystery #2)

Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Lady of Letters #2
Publication Date: 2/20/24
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 331

This series features Amelia, Countess of Amesbury, a widow after only two months of marriage. Yes, she knew all along her husband wouldn’t be long in this world because he had a degenerative disease that would take him quickly. She loved him and nursed him night and day for those two months – and then he was gone. Aside from money and a title, he left her with two priceless gifts – his formidable Aunt Tabitha and his lovely, sweet niece, Winifred. However, widowhood and mourning can be very taxing on a young woman’s spirits, so, when her good friend suggested she answer a few ‘advice’ letters his newspaper had received, she took him up on the suggestion. Thus, Amelia, a countess, became the very popular Lady Agony – and that identity must remain a secret! Well, mostly a secret anyway.

Marquis Simon Bainbridge was a great friend to Edgar – and to Amelia – and he is one of the few people who know of her secret identity. Who would have ever thought Simon would require advice from Lady Agony? Yet, here he is – in desperate need. You see, his beloved sister, Marielle, has fallen, hard, for a scoundrel. Not only has she fallen for him, but she is prepared to run away to Gretna Green with him because she knows her family will never approve. Simon knows he has to tread carefully. He has to persuade Marielle her beau, George, is a scoundrel of the first order, yet not tip her over the edge of running away with him. What to do? What to do?

When George’s lifeless body is found in a dirty alley, with a knife protruding from its chest, Simon can breathe a sigh of relief. Or can he? Who murdered George – and why? Will the murderer come after Marielle next? Does she know something she shouldn’t? Could their father have taken matters into his own hands?

Simon and Amelia work tirelessly to find the answers and protect those they love. Yet, the more they learn about George and his underhanded, nefarious schemes, the more suspects they have – including those in their own family.

This fast-paced, well-plotted murder mystery will keep you guessing – because lots of people could want George dead. You’ll see the logic behind each potential suspect and why they could or would have done it – right up until the last Ah! Ha! moment when it all comes together. Murder in Masquerade was a fun, quick read with great main characters and lovely supporting characters. I can hardly wait for the third book in the series to release.