Murder on the Prince Regent

Tate and Bell Mystery #6

by Irina Shapiro

The ship rocks violently, and Gemma leans against the door to steady herself, but the figure on the narrow cabin bed doesn’t move at all…

London, 1859. Nurse Gemma Tate boards the American packet ship the Prince Regent to aid Inspector Sebastian Bell in investigating the death of a British aristocrat. But when she sees the crime scene, Gemma realizes that her knowledge of human nature will be just as valuable as her medical training. Lord Anthony Blackstock lies murdered in his cabin, his head locked inside a nightmarish iron cage. His wife has vanished without a trace, and time is running out to find her, dead or alive…

Sebastian and Gemma have until the ship docks in London to uncover the truth behind the Blackstocks’ final evening together. But as they unearth a web of blackmail, bitter arguments and secret affairs among the ship’s guarded passengers and crew, one chilling fact becomes they are trapped aboard with a killer who is growing increasingly desperate…

Love, obsession and danger collide on the murky waters of the Thames in this atmospheric mystery, perfect for fans of Anne Perry, Andrea Penrose and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Mystery, Historical Mystery

344 pages, Kindle Edition

Expected publication November 3, 2025

About the author

To write a novel was a dream of mine since I was a child. Life, my practical nature, and self-doubt got in the way, so it was decades later that an opportunity to write finally presented itself. I honestly didn't think I had what it takes to write a full-length novel, but once I faced the blank screen and my fingers touched the keyboard, everything disappeared except my characters and their surroundings, and suddenly I knew that this was what I was born to do.

Since then, I've written many books and have enjoyed some positive reviews, but sometimes, when I stop to reflect, I'm still amazed that I'm living my dream.

Follow me on BookBub for discount deals and new release alerts.

https://www.bookbub.com/authors/irina...

Reviews

[Dab · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally! Gemma is out of mourning! 🌈🌈🌈I’m very excited that there’s progress in the romance department 😏

The murder was gruesome, but this is what I’ve come to expect from this author; blood, gore and darkness. I didn’t guess the killer, but I don’t care. I don’t even think that’s the point here. It’s more philosophical than that, at least for me. I’ve noticed it in this series before, but in this book especially: that eerie realization that we’re all capable of murder. (And in this case I’m team killer, sorry not sorry.)

This book is perfect for book clubs and buddy reads; nothing is obvious or black-and-white, there are so many layers to this story, so many angles to discuss that you can’t help but admire the author’s skillful storytelling.

Gemma and Sebastian got to work together a lot more than in the previous book, which is highly appreciated. I needed that glimmer of joy to balance out the rest.

I can’t wait for the next book!

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.


——-


So my honest takeaway from this book is that I side with the killer, and I’m kinda bummed they got caught. I’m gonna write an alternative ending where they get away with murder.

RTC but first please give me a minute to come to terms with my rotten morals.

———


The covers in this series are my catnip and this one might be my favorite so far.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Prince Regent by Irina Shapiro

Synopsis /

London, 1859. Nurse Gemma Tate boards the American packet ship the Prince Regent to aid Inspector Sebastian Bell in investigating the death of a British aristocrat. But when she sees the crime scene, Gemma realizes that her knowledge of human nature will be just as valuable as her medical training. Lord Anthony Blackstock lies murdered in his cabin, his head locked inside a nightmarish iron cage. His wife has vanished without a trace, and time is running out to find her, dead or alive…

Sebastian and Gemma have until the ship docks in London to uncover the truth behind the Blackstocks’ final evening together. But as they unearth a web of blackmail, bitter arguments and secret affairs among the ship’s guarded passengers and crew, one chilling fact becomes they are trapped aboard with a killer who is growing increasingly desperate…


My Thoughts /

First and foremost, a huge THANK YOU to NetGalley, Storm Publishing and author, Irina Shapiro for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review. Publication date is currently set for November 03, 2025.

A crime on the high seas.

Murder on the Prince Regent is the sixth story in Shapiro's Tate and Bell Mystery series.

I'm a big fan of this series and, while I thought the last two books lacked a little of Shapiro's usual brilliance, book 6 has Shapiro well and truly back to her best writing form.

Although best read in order to understand the connection between characters; it is possible to read this as a stand alone.

In what could be compared to a locked-room mystery, Shapiro has protagonists, Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse, Gemma Tate investigating the mysterious death of a British aristocrat aboard an American packet ship, the Prince Regent.

The victim, Lord Anthony Blackstock was found dead in his first-class cabin by his wife's lady's maid. Lady Audrey Blackstock is also missing, and it's not clear whether she's a victim, an accomplice or, a murderer.

This case will prove a tough one for the pair, not only mentally, but physically – as it starts with having to negotiate a perilous ladder climb to board the ship. Again, Shapiro's detailed descriptions of life in 1859 are meticulous and the reader will have no difficulty picturing the scene.

With several hundred passengers aboard the vessel there will be no shortage of potential suspects. However, Sebastian is limiting his investigation to those in first and second class – as steerage passengers weren't afforded the same freedom of movement as their wealthier cohorts.

The well constructed plot moves swiftly and as she always does, Shapiro blends the mystery with developments between the supporting characters. The bond between Sebastian and Gemma is blossoming and hits a high point at the end of the book. Dr Colin Ramsey again makes an appearance. His mother Anne is deteriorating in health due to her dementia and is nursed by Gemma's friend and fellow nurse, Poppy Bright. Poppy is a breath of fresh air and holds a secret affection for the young doctor.

Very much enjoying how the author is growing these characters, and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the pair next.

With thanks to NetGalley and especially to one of my favourite publishers, Storm Publishing 💗 for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. The publication date is currently set for November 03, 2025.

[Grandma Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series I’ve read. I plan to go back and read the previous 5. The main characters of Gemma and Sebastian are quite memorable. When the murderer was revealed, I was surprised. This author’s writing is quite descriptive and I could picture each scene as it unfolded. There was also a wonderful personal and satisfying end to the story. Highly recommend.

I was blessed with an ARC. Thank you NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own and unbiased.

[Pippa Elliott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell – the new Victorian power couple.
Gemma Tate is a nurse who learned her craft in the Crime under Florence Nightingale. Now she’s back in England, and working as a private nurse. Over the previous novels she and Sebastian (a police inspector) have developed an emotional attachment (you don’t need to have read earlier stories.) When Sebastian is called to investigate the murder of a member of the peerage on a sailing ship (in effect a locked door mystery) he takes Gemma with him to examine the body for clues.
The sleuthing partnership must solve the mystery before the ship docks and the suspects disperse. A Lord has been murdered in a particularly disturbing way, and his wife is missing. Did she commit the murderer and then jump overboard? Is she being held against her will and the murderer still at large? Tate and Bell have a whole ship’s company and passengers as suspects, can they solve the crime in time?
This was a hugely enjoyable read and another triumph from Irina Shapiro. I particularly enjoyed the interplay between Gemma and Sebastian, and the evocation of Victorian London. The mystery was generally a head scratcher…until it wasn’t (no spoilers, but I guessed the murderer about two-thirds of the way through.) But that didn’t matter, but they still had to be trapped and doing this involved considerable peril!
Anyone who enjoyed the previous Tate and Bell mysteries, or loves historical mysteries with a hint of romance, should find this book a blast!

[Samantha Crowley · Rating 5 out of 5]

London, 1859, Nurse Gemma Tate boards the American packet ship the Prince Regent to aid Inspector Sebastian Bell in investigating the death of a British aristocrat.
But when she sees the crime scene, Gemma realizes that her knowledge of human nature will be just as valuable as her medical training. Lord Anthony Blackstock lies murdered in his cabin, his head locked inside a nightmarish iron cage.
His wife has vanished without a trace, and time is running out to find her, dead or alive... Sebastian and Gemma have until the ship docks in London to uncover the truth behind the Blackstocks' final evening together.
The 6th book in the series and this has been one of my favourites. Set on board a ship, pushed for time before they can dock and the killer could escape, this atmospheric read is enthralling and engaging.

[Jeannine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another incredible installment in a must-read series!

How do you get a sleuthing couple on a cruise ship for a mystery when they are working class? Have the murder take place just before the ship docks! Sebastian and Gemma board a cruise ship carrying wealthy American and British passengers to sold the murder of an aristocrat. He collected antique torture devices and one was used in his murder. Meanwhile, his wife is missing and the acting caption on the boat isn’t interested in helping Sebastian, but is interested in flirting with Gemma.

Aside from a great take on the cruise ship mystery, we have a significant development in the series-long romantic story arc.

This was a delightful and satisfying adventure and though Gemma and Sebastian were investigating separately for portions, the scenes with them together were wonderful!

[Trina Dixon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Instead of a murder on the streets of Victorian London Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate are on a ship thats dropped anchor just outside London port after the discovery of the death of Lord Blackstock, With the culprit on board the ship, it shouldn't be difficult to apprehend them but there appear to be a few candidates that wanted him dead.
This series is getting better and better, the right mix of historical fiction and crime fighting. The characters are wonderful and the description of Victorian London is spot on.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

1859. When the body of passenger Lord Anthony Blackstock is discovered on board the American ship the Prince Regent, Detective Bell is sent to investigate and Nurse Gemma Bell accompanies him, officially because of her medical experience. But where is Lady Blackstock as she seems to have vanished. They must find the killer before the ship docks or the killer may escape.
An entertaining and well-written historical mystery with its likeable main characters. Another good addition to this enjoyable series.
An ARC was provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[K McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This Victorian London-set series is consistently excellent, and this latest book is no exception. Much of this one is set on a ship where a murder is committed just before it docks in London from New York. The author does a great job conveying the tight quarters, and the effect is almost like that of a locked room mystery. Sebastian and Gemma are quickly drawn in to a case with many strands but no apparent pattern. The plot moves quickly and is well constructed, and as always in this series the action is nicely blended with developments in the relationships among the regular characters. Sebastian and Gemma themselves reach some important conclusions, and I’m looking forward to the next book. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy. All views are entirely my own and offered voluntarily.

[Tammy Moldovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the sea

I love Sebastian and Gemma and their historical whodunit series. Like the other books in the series, this one had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense which made it hard to put down once I started. This author always manages to craft the most intriguing mysteries that keep me enthralled in the plot and guessing right along with Gemma and Sebastian as they try to solve the latest murder. Sebastian and Gemma are portrayed as real, relatable and complex people who have flaws and scars, but are really just trying to do their best as messy humans. Plus the history nerd in me loves the glimpse into 19th century life. Gemma is a nurse in 1859 London who works as a live in nurse/companion for Dr Colin Ramsey’s mother, Anne, who suffers from dementia. Sebastian is a Scotland Yard detective and a widower. Sebastian and Gemma enjoy puzzling out a case together and want to court but they are unable to move their relationship along until Anne recovers from her injuries resulting from the last case they worked. This time Sebastian is called upon to solve a gruesome murder that occurred on a ship that has just arrived on the coast of London. The investigation of all the suspects stuck on a ship leads Sebastian and Gemma to dead ends, secrets, and surprising revelations. As always, there are smaller personal story arcs and social commentary which enrich the main plot line and give the characters even greater dimension. I love these characters and this series. I cannot wait to read about Sebastian and Gemma’s next case.

[Leanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Irina Shapiro’s Murder on the Prince Regent is a masterclass in historical mystery—claustrophobic, richly textured, and quietly devastating. Set aboard an American packet ship bound for London in 1859, the novel traps its characters in close quarters, where secrets fester and danger drifts like fog over the Thames.

When Lord Anthony Blackstock is found murdered in his cabin—his head encased in a grotesque iron cage—nurse Gemma Tate and Inspector Sebastian Bell are tasked with uncovering the truth before the ship docks. But as they navigate the tangled web of blackmail, betrayal, and vanished women, it becomes clear: the killer is among them, and desperation is rising with the tide.

Shapiro’s prose is elegant and restrained, allowing the emotional undercurrents to speak for themselves. The setting is beautifully rendered—wood-paneled cabins, storm-lashed decks, and the eerie hush of a ship adrift in grief. Gemma and Sebastian remain compelling leads, their dynamic built on mutual respect and quiet resilience.

This sixth instalment in the Tate and Bell series stands confidently on its own, offering a mystery that is both cerebral and deeply human. Perfect for fans of Anne Perry and Andrea Penrose, it’s a story that lingers like salt air and candle smoke—haunting, immersive, and exquisitely paced.

A must-read for autumn evenings, when the wind howls and the past feels just close enough to touch.

Thank you to Irina Shapiro, the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.

[Sora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma's plan for the day was to go on a date with Sebastian but ended up on a ship with a dead body that was murdered with quite… gruesome way. It was quite a case when the murderer and allegedly missing lady (that also might be a victim too) were nowhere to be found when they were literally stranded on a ship in the middle of the sea.

The whole case was fast paced, quite interesting tbh and I did enjoy figuring out the suspects and the way they entangled with each other. I might have the urge to open up a board and do my own red string thingy that you normally see in crime dramas. I would have given 3 stars if the case was too straightforward but the story proves to me that it has its own mystery charms.

The romance genre in the story was little to none existence. I might be a sucker for romance that I wish there’s more to their relationship only to realise it’s the sixth book of the series. I was definitely far away from my favourite plot of a romance story. And the romantic encounters in the story are like barely there (which totally make sense since it’s more focused on the crime) that I can imagine how the other books in the series would be. Coming to this, if I were to ask, am I interested in reading the whole series? Unless I’m craving for crime cases and murders, maybe only the first book for now. But I do hope that if one day I end up reading the first book, it will pique my interest to pick up the whole series.

Thank you NetGalley and author for the ARC Copy!

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have again Inspector Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate had planned a lazy Sunday! But Sebastian got an urgent missive to go aboard the “Prince Regent” ship to investigate a murder!
The murder was of one Lord Anthony Blackstock a very abusive and arrogant English Lord who tormented and abused his wife and any women under his care!
He is was found locked in a Midevial torture device and suffocated! He was completely naked with the word pig written on his chest!
There are several suspects and his wife is missing! With an indisposed Captain and a ship docked with a time line to meet their contract Sebastian is racing against the clock! Once the ship docks the Passengers will scatter to the four winds!
When Atl the clues finally point in the same direction the suspects will fight tooth and nail to be free!
Sebastian is again injured and so is Gemma! But Sebastian has made on his mind to make it official but never has a couple been so thwarted in a romance! It is justice for now there are two murders and a conclusion but for Gemma and Sebastian only the beginning! Bravo well done! I love the conclusion to a very bizarre mystery!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion!

[Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

When a packet ship traveling from America approaches the outskirts of London, a grisly murder has the ship held offshore while Scotland Yard is brought aboard to investigate. British aristocrat Lord Anthony Blackstock is found dead in his stateroom and his wife is missing, although crew members report a suspicious nighttime splash and a search of the ship reveals no Lady Blackstock. Sebastian Bell, aided by Gemma Tate, investigates both the killing and the missing woman. The manner of death suggests a personal, deep vendetta, and once Lord Blackstock’s despicable character is revealed, this hatred comes as no surprise - the only question is which person hated him most? And what’s the connection when another murder occurs?

As usual with this fantastic series, Gemma and Sebastian work well together in figuring out all the threads of the case. It was certainly not a cozy mystery, but a well written one, and as a fan of the whole series I was happy to see their personal relationship progressing as well. I look forward to the next one!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Enid Pereira · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

This is a good 19th century mystery given that it's the first book I have read of this author.
Sebastian and Gemma come across another murder on an American Shop. The gruesome description of the murder definitely gets you intrigued.
Given that it's the 19th century there are limitations on what a woman could do and I liked that the author didn't try to fantasize anything. The investigation is light and also figuring about the killer without fancy tests is refreshing.
The characters are well written giving them a selfish human touch and the climax of the story did leave me torn. I guess sometimes poetic justice would be fitting.

The romance between the leads is cute and doesn't interfere with the main plot. Overall this makes for a good light reading.

I thank NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the E-Arc and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Christina Cleversey · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5! Perfect cozy mystery with twists and turns but not too scary. I wasn’t sure what to expect but I loved this mystery.

Gemma and Sebastian are the perfect crime fighting duo. I loved the mix of his detective skills and her opinions as a nurse with medical knowledge. The setting of a murder aboard a ship was interesting and suspenseful. You are constantly trying to figure out who did it and piece together the little crumbs of information along the way. All the characters were well developed, giving this book great depth and providing a very entertaining read.

Read if you like:
• murder mystery
• suspense
• historical mystery
• dual pov
• crime fighting couple

Thank you to Irina Shapiro and NetGalley for the ARC! All opinions and reviews are my own.

Enjoy and cozy night in and read this book!!

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great series! The plot leaves you guessing up to about the end of the book, wondering about each one of eventual suspects. A gripping suspense indeed set on the Thames. I like Gemma and Sebastian and can relate to both of them. Gemma appears as a modern woman for the times she lived in, but in subtle ways. She still perfectly fits in the historical background. That's good!
I also found it interesting to read about the way a voyage across the ocean looked liked, all depending on how much money one enjoyed!
An entertaining and well written novel! I can't wait for the next book in the series!
I received a digital copy of this novel from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.

[ElinorsBookshelf · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Murder on the Prince Regent is book 6 in Irina Shapiro’s Tate and Bell Mystery. This is another great book in this series! I love Gemma and Sebastian and their growing relationship as well as their great partnership in solving crimes.

I really enjoyed the setup of this mystery. A man is found brutally murdered aboard the Prince Regent, a ship arriving in London from New York. The body is discovered before the ship comes into the port and Sebastian and Gemma board the ship to investigate. I liked the “closed circle” scenario – with all of the suspects being confined to the board.

(While I highly recommend this entire series, this book could easily be read as a stand-alone.)

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an advanced copy.

[Kathleen Riggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Brilliant Historical Mystery
Murder on the Prince Regent
An excellent book from start to finish! I absolutely loved the author’s writing style and the way they brought the era to life every detail felt authentic and immersive. The characters are rich and engaging, and the mystery itself is full of clever twists that kept me guessing right to the end.
I have always loved stories set in this period, and this one captures it perfectly. A truly enjoyable and well-crafted read cannot wait to explore more from this author! Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Cri · Rating 5 out of 5]

I find this series more and more fascinating, the setting sucks you in, the characters are compelling and the mystery perfectly plotted.

Gemma and Sebastian always have difficult situations to face and this time it makes no difference, instead of spending a wonderful day out together as planned, they find themselves investigating an heinous crime with several possible culprits.

Impossible to put down!

I am eager to see what next book has in store!

I received an advance copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily, thanks to the author for it.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms Shapiro takes us on another adventure with Gemma and Sebastian - this time on the Thames - aboard an American clipper ship stuck at anchor due to the vicious murder that occurred onboard the last night of sailing. Some of the descriptions felt a bit forced and over the top to me, but the overall story was excellent, as usual. Gemma and Sebastian's relationship continues to grow, even as they face trial after trauma after setback. Lovely to read about - still hoping for wedding bells soon!

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

[Bethany · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I've read by Irina Shapiro and I didn't know it was the 6th book of the Tate and Bell series but it won't be the last I read! I was able to read this easily without reading any of the other books in the series although I want to read the rest to feel the development of the Tate and Bell's working and personal relationship.
The book opened to a very bizarre murder and captured your interest right away! I love the Victorian London set and the plot moves very quickly and always keeps you guessing!
I received this eARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

[Lyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another interesting case for Sebastian and Gemma to unravel. Once again, it is the clever piecing together of clues that leads to the solution. This was an interesting story, which touched on domestic violence and the powerless position women can be put in. And finally, we get to the proposal, so now we await the next book to see whether they get to tie the knot. I have enjoyed reading about their relationship and the respect with which they treat each other. Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for an ARC to read and freely review.

[Farah G · Rating 3 out of 5]

A shipboard murder investigation. A bizarre killing. A missing wife. Layers of secrets and lies layered upon each other. Investigators Sebastian and Gemma have their hands full with the challenge that lies ahead!

This is an intriguing mystery revealed through an engaging piece of story telling. This historical novel will be enjoyed by readers who favour this genre, and gets 3.5 stars.

I received a free copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

[Barbi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical mysteries and this series is one to read. It continues the story of Gemma and Sebastian solving crimes and working thru their relationship. Reading about Victorian England is fascinating.

Thanks for the ARC Netgalley!

[Heather Moll · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m always glad to spend more time with Sebastian and Gemma. Locked room style mysteries are fun for me and this one delivers. It’s rare that I want to side with the murderer. Come for the mystery, stay for finally making real progress on the romance front.

I received an arc from NetGalley

[Carrie ✨ The Blinging Bibliophile✨]

November 3rd

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

review to come

[Natalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series keeps getting better and better. I loved that this time around we see a lot more of Sebastian and Gemma working together. And squee! there's some huge leaps happening in their personal lives. I adore these two together and the long way they've come from the first book battling their grief while trying to move forward.

A twisty mystery set in Victorian London with a compelling heroine and hero, I can't wait for more.

Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.