I really enjoyed this book. It may be my favorite in the series. I think Shapiro always does a great job of creating mysteries that are meaty, but not overly complicated or convoluted. She drops clues to make you spin theories and then rule them out, but it never drags down the pace of the story. I also enjoyed the character development. Both Tate and Bell individually take a good look at themselves and their situations and have to decide if they’re willing to settle, or what they want their futures to look like. I’m looking forward to the next installment. Big thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC in exchange for an honest review.

Irina Shapiro delivers an atmospheric and engrossing historical mystery filled with intrigue, scandal, and well-developed characters. The richly detailed setting enhances the suspense, and the investigation unfolds at a satisfying pace with well-placed twists. While seasoned mystery readers may predict aspects of the resolution, the journey remains compelling. A captivating read for fans of historical whodunits!

Thankyou to NetGalley, the publishers and the author for the opportunity to read Murder at the Orpheus Theatre in exchange for an honest and unbiased opinion.
Irina Shapiro has done it again. She has delivered another good read that keeps the reader eagerly turning pages to learn the identity of the villain.
The characters are richly drawn and the storyline fully mysterious. Who do you trust?
Well worth a read for fans of the genre.

In this fourth book in the Victorian mystery series, nurse Gemma Tate is now caring for a woman with dementia after losing her job at the Foundling Hospital. Her feelings for Inspector Sebastian Bell have deepened, but she is still in mourning for her brother Victor, so she can not spend much time alone with him. Attending the theatre one night with her new employer, Dr Colin Ramsey, his mother Anne (her patient) and Sebastian, they witness the death of two of the actors.

Sebastian must unravel the complex relationships and rivalries of all those in the theatre before he can work out who would want to murder the two young actors. Gemma is once again able to help him with some quiet research behind the scenes which helps to shed light on means and motive, which turns out to be someone quite unexpected.

I enjoy the characters and their ongoing development in this historical series. Both the MCs have strong personalities and interesting backstories, with neither of them willing to be too constrained by society’s expectations of them. The Victorian theatre makes an interesting backdrop to this mystery and the period is well depicted.

A straightforward procedural mystery with a lovely element of a strong female on the side. Inspector Sebastian and Gemma Tate are back in this fourth book of the Tate and Bell Mysteries. They are at the Orpheus Theatre to see Romeo and Juliet and the actors really do die! Swept into the mystery Gemma seeks answers on her own as Inspector Sebastian leads the investigation. Exploring the behind the scenes theater world in 1850's England.

I'm here for the very slow, tender relationship developing between Gemma and Sebastian. They need to move in together and then go adopt Lucy!
I know the series is pretty dark, but this book seemed especially so with Frances and Gen. Modine's storyline. I was VERY glad for the epilogue.
Thank you to Storm for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

Having received an ARC copy of the third book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, Murder at the Foundling Hospital, and loving, it I was so excited to be approved for an ARC copy of this book, the fourth in the series. I had such high hopes for this book, and it did not disappoint!

A performance of Romeo and Juliet should be an entertaining spectacle, not a cover for murder, but on the night that Gemma, Sebastian, Colin and Colin's mother Anne attend to celebrate Anne's birthday the performance turns deadly for the two main actors. What follows is an investigation full of red herrings, political upheaval within Scotland Yard, and an ending you won't see coming.

Having only read books 3 and 4 in the series, each murder and investigation is self contained and can be read independently of each other, however, you will absolutely get the most out of the series by reading the books in order. I absolutely need and want to get the first 2 books in the series and read them so I can fully appreciate the events that have led Sebastian and Gemma to the point they are at now.

I highly recommend this book and, by extension, the Tate and Bell Mystery series as a whole. I hope there will be more books in this series as I can't wait to see how the relationship between Gemma and Sebastian progresses, especially once Gemma is out of her mourning period and they can openly pursue a relationship.

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre was an absolutely gripping read! The atmosphere was so vividly drawn, I felt like I was right there in the shadowy backstage with Inspector Bell and nurse Gemma Tate. The tension kept building, and I couldn’t put it down as the mystery unfolded. The rich character development, especially the chemistry between Bell and Gemma, added layers to the plot. I loved how the secrets of the suspects kept me guessing until the very end. A thrilling Victorian murder mystery that has everything—intrigue, danger, and a touch of romance! Highly recommend!

This book is by far my favorite in the series yet. Not only do readers get the fast-paced mystery Irina Shapiro is so well known for, but we also finally get to see Gemma and Sebastian's romantic relationship solidify into a more substantial thing. In addition, we are introduced to a new character (Poppy) in this book who seems to be set up to continue her appearance in the next one. I'm even hoping that Poppy, a woman who was a nurse with Gemma in the Crimean War, might become a love interest for Dr. Collin Ramsey in the coming books. I can not wait for the next book in the series. I'm eager to see where Shapiro takes the series from here.

Another fabulous read from the author. Gemma and Sebastian are out solving murders again. I was able to figure out the villian early on, but how the two sleuths got to it was interesting. Their romance is also heading in the right direction.

#netgalley #MurderattheOrpheusTheatre

“For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”

This title in the Gemma Tate and Inspector Sebastian Bell Victorian mysteries started off rather dramatically where the lead actors in the play, Romeo and Juliet, didn’t arise from the death scene. Wow!
Turmoil is everywhere throughout this title, deaths pile up and Gemma becomes a tad resentful because Sebastian has to warn her off, due to the attitude towards her of his Scotland Yard boss. Not that Gemma took much notice. Their first fight!
Gemma investigates on her own in places it hasn’t occurred to Sebastian to look.
When Gemma’s life is in danger, Sebastian doesn’t hesitate. Moments before I’d thought, ‘My goodness! How’s Gemma going to get out of this! Where are you Sebastian!’
Shapiro highlights the social issues of the age, women in danger from their husbands, children thrown out on the street, the attitudes of the more powerful.
Old acquaintances are renewed. Sebastian faces change at Scotland Yard.
Another excellent episode from Shapiro featuring these two incredible people who really need each other but hesitate for so many reasons.
But, perhaps that horizon has shifted closer? Sigh!

A Storm invitation ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

1859 Gemina Tate and Sebastian Bell are attending a performance of Romeo and Juliet. But the play ends with both actors actually dead. Bell and Tate start their investigation, with all the cast and employees suspect. Most with secrets to hide.
An entertaining and well-written Victorian mystery with its very likeable main characters supported by a cast of varied personalities. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

A night at the theater comes to a shocking end for inspector Sebastian and nurse Gemma when two actors mysteriously die on stage. Investigating a cast of suspicious characters, Sebastian strives to find the killer before Gemma becomes dangerously entangled with the culprit.

This book doesn’t shy away from the dark side of life in Victorian London. I enjoyed the diverse cast of well-drawn characters. The mystery is full of twists, and I honestly had no idea what direction it would go in. The audiobook added to the enjoyment of the story. I look forward to the next book in the series.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

4.5/5 stars

I am still very much enjoying this historical mystery series, and this addition just solidified my opinion of it.

I love those mysteries that are set in a "closed set" of suspects so to speak. Here it's the theatre world, and there are quite a few suspicious folks to choose from and motives are wide-ranging. There's the cutthroat business of making money, jealousies (both professional and personal), and of course, various secrets and lies. And just as an aside, the denouement is both surprising and nail-biting.

But it's the mains, Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate, that are really the draw here for me. They are both flawed, either as characters themselves or as others perceive them to be. Alone, they are very interesting as their backgrounds have been fleshed out well by the author. But together, they are a wonderful team, complementing each other's strengths and abilities. And their sweet romance is lovely to watch as they hold each other in the highest respect and regard.

Another well-done outing by Shapiro, and I look forward to meeting up with this dynamic duo (hopefully) again in the near future.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing the free early arc of Murder at the Orpheus Theatre for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

Another entertaining read about Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell. The murder takes place at the theatre and the pair have the task of finding the culprit. There are a variety of characters to consider which makes their task harder. There are also changes at the police station where Sebastian is an Inspector. Gemma did come up against some men’s attitude to women of intelligence. There is also domestic violence that is allowed by husbands towards their wives. I like the connection between the two main characters, how they understand each other and realise when they’ve made a mistake. I really look forward to the next book in this series. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Irina Shapiro for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder at the Orpheus Theatre coming out February 25, 2025. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I am super obsessed with this author! I have pretty much all of her books. I’ve read several of them. This series is amazing and I love it so much! The time period and setting is perfect. Gemma and Sebastian are amazing. I love the dynamics between them. I loved that this book featured the theater. I am definitely excited to read more books in the series.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys Victorian murder mysteries!

When two of the lead actors in a stage production are found dead – murdered in front of the audience, no less! – Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate are drawn into the investigation. What they learn provides them with so many suspects, it’s hard to know where to start. Sebastian is determined to keep Gemma safe while also identifying the killer, but in a world full of actors, how do you know who you can trust?

This is the fourth book in what has quickly become one of my favorite series. I really like both Sebastian and Gemma and the way they’re able to work together. Their strengths and talents complement each other, so they work well together. There were a lot of possible suspects, and plot twists and red herrings kept me guessing throughout. It wasn’t until just before the confrontation scene in the book that I figured out who the culprit was, and I was completely surprised by the revelation.

I can’t wait for the next book in this series and another visit with Sebastian, Gemma and the rest.

On a rare night out at the theatre for Sebastian, Gemma, Colin and his mother to see Romeo and Juliet, the tragic love story turns true as the leading actors are poisoned right in front of the audience. In order to solve these murders, Inspector Sebastian Bell delves into the theatrical world, as trained nurse Gemma again assists with her medical knowledge and skills in digging into the maze of Victorian society.

What keeps me coming back to the series, beyond the well-done murder mysteries, is how Shapiro gives us heartbreaking insight into a society where a married woman had abolutely no rights to her fortune or her own body. Where orphaned children can be tossed out in the street, left to survive as best they can. Where Sebastian and Gemma's budding relationship is hampered by her year-long mourning period, and how they can never be truly along together. But in spite of all that, their relationship deepens and grows and I can't wait for the time when they can truly be together.

I will admit the killer in this case was a total surprise to me, but I appreciated all the twists and turns that brought us to the answer. At times, I felt the plot seemed to stragnate, but overall another enjoyable read. 4 stars.

Irina Shapiro has done it again, but bigger and better and with a deadlier killer!

Guy Wearhers is the genius behind the newest Romeo and Juliet play at the Orpheus Theater. But his play may now be compromised because in the final scene, Esme and Christopher,his lead actors where poisoned with real morphine. It is now up to Gemma and Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard to figure out who of the many suspects is the killer before they strike again. You will never guess who the real killer is!

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this marvelous mystery!

Murder at the Orpheus Theatre is the fourth book in the Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate series. Sebastian and Gemma are attending a performance of Romeo and Juliet with friends when the two lead characters are murdered on stage. They immediately start investigating but with a theatre full of suspects, it proves to be a tough case. Also complicating matters are impending changes in the department that could affect Sebastian's job and Gemma is also dealing with a new nursing position as well. This is another good page turning mystery and slow burn romance with plenty of 19th century period detail. #Netgalley #MurderattheOrpheusTheatre