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Tate and Bell Mystery #8
Murder on Devil’s Ridge
Not yet published
Expected 28 Jul 26The girl lies on the ancient stone, her brown hair falling loosely onto the crude altar. Her narrow little arms are crossed just beneath the strange, angular dagger protruding from her chest.
Nurse Gemma Bell and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family in Suffolk when a neighbor discovers the brutal murder of a young girl, high on Devil’s Ridge. Left alone to examine the body while Sebastian breaks the devastating news to the girl’s father, Viscount Ravenel, Gemma finds disturbing wounds that suggest calculated ritual, not random violence. And before long, whispers from the village reach her of Pagan sacrifice and ancient blood offerings.
With no local police, the desperate viscount begs Sebastian and Gemma to investigate. And as the couple question the manor’s servants and family, they uncover forbidden desires, bitter resentments, and desperate ambitions lurking behind respectable façades.
When another child vanishes from her bed, the investigation takes on terrible urgency. Racing against time to prevent another death, Gemma risks everything to uncover the truth. But in this close-knit, isolated community, could the killer’s next target be the outsider nurse who knows too much?
A richly atmospheric Victorian mystery. The next thrilling listen for fans of Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and the Lady Sherlock mysteries.
Nurse Gemma Bell and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family in Suffolk when a neighbor discovers the brutal murder of a young girl, high on Devil’s Ridge. Left alone to examine the body while Sebastian breaks the devastating news to the girl’s father, Viscount Ravenel, Gemma finds disturbing wounds that suggest calculated ritual, not random violence. And before long, whispers from the village reach her of Pagan sacrifice and ancient blood offerings.
With no local police, the desperate viscount begs Sebastian and Gemma to investigate. And as the couple question the manor’s servants and family, they uncover forbidden desires, bitter resentments, and desperate ambitions lurking behind respectable façades.
When another child vanishes from her bed, the investigation takes on terrible urgency. Racing against time to prevent another death, Gemma risks everything to uncover the truth. But in this close-knit, isolated community, could the killer’s next target be the outsider nurse who knows too much?
A richly atmospheric Victorian mystery. The next thrilling listen for fans of Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and the Lady Sherlock mysteries.
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Expected publication July 28, 2026
About the author
Irina Shapiro
116 books1,363 followersTo 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...
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...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
June 9, 2026
Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell have quickly become one of my favorite sleuthing partners. The mysteries in this series have just the right amount of Victorian grit and the relationship subplot advices nicely in every single book. We're lucky Irina Shapiro is going the rapid release route so we don't have to wait too, too long between stories (and it would be totally fine if we did have to wait because the books are so memorable!).
In this story, Sebastian has taken Gemma to his hometown to stay with his brother's family. On All Hollow's Eve, the daughter of the local Lord is found dead in a ritualistic killing. Gemma and Sebastian have to move into investigative mode, with Gemma using her new training to assess the body for the cause of death (which ties into an occult element). There's a large cast here, but it's easy to keep track of them (no character list needed!) because they are introduced slowly and given plenty of room to develop.
There are some lovely scenes with children in this story and Gemma has some asides when she contemplates what her life could be like if she and Sebastian become parents. From the beginning of the series, Sebastian has contemplated what opportunities might be waiting for the couple outside of London. It'll be interesting to see how that is resolved in the future.
In this story, Sebastian has taken Gemma to his hometown to stay with his brother's family. On All Hollow's Eve, the daughter of the local Lord is found dead in a ritualistic killing. Gemma and Sebastian have to move into investigative mode, with Gemma using her new training to assess the body for the cause of death (which ties into an occult element). There's a large cast here, but it's easy to keep track of them (no character list needed!) because they are introduced slowly and given plenty of room to develop.
There are some lovely scenes with children in this story and Gemma has some asides when she contemplates what her life could be like if she and Sebastian become parents. From the beginning of the series, Sebastian has contemplated what opportunities might be waiting for the couple outside of London. It'll be interesting to see how that is resolved in the future.
June 28, 2026
ARC review
Murder in Devils Ridge is a feast for those who like Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie. A “whodunnit” that is both charming and human.
The daughter of aristocracy is found murdered on the ridge and husband and wife team must sort of out. They are allowed full access to the home, where our cast of characters grows. There is no overwhelming dialogue or explanations of character, you feel you know each person well enough but never lose your footing. Very well written.
As the tale winds up and we find out the culprit it is done in such a way that you feel the human-ness of it. The way Sebastian cares about the victim and killer alike, as well as the need to solve the case.
Just a really well done detective story set in a vague time not too long ago that holds onto the humane and pain that comes with these type of cases
Murder in Devils Ridge is a feast for those who like Sherlock Holmes and Agatha Christie. A “whodunnit” that is both charming and human.
The daughter of aristocracy is found murdered on the ridge and husband and wife team must sort of out. They are allowed full access to the home, where our cast of characters grows. There is no overwhelming dialogue or explanations of character, you feel you know each person well enough but never lose your footing. Very well written.
As the tale winds up and we find out the culprit it is done in such a way that you feel the human-ness of it. The way Sebastian cares about the victim and killer alike, as well as the need to solve the case.
Just a really well done detective story set in a vague time not too long ago that holds onto the humane and pain that comes with these type of cases
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fantastic addition to the series. Its lovely to see Sebastian and Gemma enjoy married life as well as getting a glimpse into Sebastians past.
A particularly disturbing case involving what looks like a ritual child murder.
Plenty of suspects and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. A sad but satisfactory conclusion I was kept guessing until the end. Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for the copy
A particularly disturbing case involving what looks like a ritual child murder.
Plenty of suspects and enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing. A sad but satisfactory conclusion I was kept guessing until the end. Thanks to netgalley, the author and publisher for the copy
July 4, 2026
The 8th instalment of the Tate and Bell mysteries and this does not disappoint. A change of scenery for the usual dark depths of London to a large wealthy estate in Suffolk. Tate and Bell find themselves in the middle of another murder.
Just as atmospheric as previous endeavours, this book is perfect for those who love a dark historical gothic mystery. The unique relationship of Tate and Bell in such an era of male dominance is always a breath of fresh air.
As ever, the plot is well paced, intriguing, and mysterious. Well written, and a pleasure to immerse yourself into.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy
Just as atmospheric as previous endeavours, this book is perfect for those who love a dark historical gothic mystery. The unique relationship of Tate and Bell in such an era of male dominance is always a breath of fresh air.
As ever, the plot is well paced, intriguing, and mysterious. Well written, and a pleasure to immerse yourself into.
Thank you NetGalley for this advanced copy
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"Murder on Devil's Ridge delivers another brilliantly layered historical mystery full of suspense, heart, and unforgettable twists."
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There are very few historical mystery series that continue to feel just as fresh and captivating eight books in, but Murder on Devil's Ridge proves once again why Irina Shapiro's Tate & Bell Mysteries remains one of my favourite historical whodunit series. It is rare to find a historical mystery series that balances grand atmospheric tension with such deeply intimate character dynamics. Still, Irina Shapiro’s Tate and Bell series manages it with effortless grace. In its eighth instalment, Murder on Devil’s Ridge, Shapiro delivers perhaps the most compelling chapter yet, keeping me enthralled as I navigate the dark, layered puzzle alongside the protagonists.
The Characters
At the heart of this series are the deeply complex Gemma Tate, a trailblazing nurse in 1859 London with ambitions to train as a pathologist and surgeon, and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard. Both are characters scarred by their own histories, refusing to fit neatly into the rigid boxes society imposes upon them. Instead, they live authentically, leveraging their unique perspectives to help those around them. Watching them evolve from tentative allies to a true, grounded, and mature partnership has been one of the greatest joys of following this series. Their professional synergy is fascinating; Gemma’s sharp, medical mind perfectly complements Sebastian’s methodical investigative instincts, making them an unstoppable team.
The Mystery
The story finds the newlyweds visiting the Suffolk village of Haverleigh, where Sebastian’s brother resides. Their respite is shattered when they are tasked somewhat unwillingly by the local landowner, Viscount Ravenel, to investigate the brutal murder of a young girl found on a crude stone altar high on Devil’s Ridge.
Shapiro crafts an exceptional, harrowing whodunit that wraps the reader in a suffocating shroud of village superstition, whispers of ancient pagan rituals, and a claustrophobic sense of isolation. As they move through the investigation, Sebastian and Gemma encounter a web of bitter resentments, forbidden desires, and desperate ambitions buried behind the grand façades of the aristocratic household. When a second child vanishes, the investigation takes on a terrifying urgency, keeping the red herrings flying and the pacing razor-sharp.
Why It Works
What truly sets this series apart is that the progression never stops with the main duo. Shapiro masterfully checks in on the beloved supporting cast, bringing a wonderful sense of continuity and life to the world. Between the cracks of the murder investigation, she weaves in personal story arcs and sharp social commentary that give the characters immense dimension and ensure the world feels genuinely alive.
While I had a slight gripe that one of the main situational threads wasn't completely concluded, leaving me wondering about the outcome, the book remains an exceptional read. Murder on Devil’s Ridge is the perfect blend of Gothic atmosphere, high-stakes puzzle-solving, and a beautiful exploration of love and partnership. If you haven’t picked up a Tate and Bell mystery yet, you are missing out on one of the finest historical fiction series on the market. I absolutely recommend starting this journey immediately.
Overall, Murder on Devil's Ridge is another brilliant addition to an already outstanding series. It delivers an atmospheric historical mystery filled with clever twists, compelling suspects, emotional character development, and a partnership that continues to be one of my favourites in fiction. If you enjoy historical crime novels with intelligent investigations, richly developed characters, Gothic settings, and beautifully layered storytelling, I cannot recommend the Tate & Bell Mysteries enough.
I'd rate this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). It has everything I love in a historical mystery: an engaging investigation, fantastic character development, and an ending that leaves me excited for the next instalment.
I already can't wait to see where Sebastian and Gemma's next investigation takes them.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There are very few historical mystery series that continue to feel just as fresh and captivating eight books in, but Murder on Devil's Ridge proves once again why Irina Shapiro's Tate & Bell Mysteries remains one of my favourite historical whodunit series. It is rare to find a historical mystery series that balances grand atmospheric tension with such deeply intimate character dynamics. Still, Irina Shapiro’s Tate and Bell series manages it with effortless grace. In its eighth instalment, Murder on Devil’s Ridge, Shapiro delivers perhaps the most compelling chapter yet, keeping me enthralled as I navigate the dark, layered puzzle alongside the protagonists.
The Characters
At the heart of this series are the deeply complex Gemma Tate, a trailblazing nurse in 1859 London with ambitions to train as a pathologist and surgeon, and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell of Scotland Yard. Both are characters scarred by their own histories, refusing to fit neatly into the rigid boxes society imposes upon them. Instead, they live authentically, leveraging their unique perspectives to help those around them. Watching them evolve from tentative allies to a true, grounded, and mature partnership has been one of the greatest joys of following this series. Their professional synergy is fascinating; Gemma’s sharp, medical mind perfectly complements Sebastian’s methodical investigative instincts, making them an unstoppable team.
The Mystery
The story finds the newlyweds visiting the Suffolk village of Haverleigh, where Sebastian’s brother resides. Their respite is shattered when they are tasked somewhat unwillingly by the local landowner, Viscount Ravenel, to investigate the brutal murder of a young girl found on a crude stone altar high on Devil’s Ridge.
Shapiro crafts an exceptional, harrowing whodunit that wraps the reader in a suffocating shroud of village superstition, whispers of ancient pagan rituals, and a claustrophobic sense of isolation. As they move through the investigation, Sebastian and Gemma encounter a web of bitter resentments, forbidden desires, and desperate ambitions buried behind the grand façades of the aristocratic household. When a second child vanishes, the investigation takes on a terrifying urgency, keeping the red herrings flying and the pacing razor-sharp.
Why It Works
What truly sets this series apart is that the progression never stops with the main duo. Shapiro masterfully checks in on the beloved supporting cast, bringing a wonderful sense of continuity and life to the world. Between the cracks of the murder investigation, she weaves in personal story arcs and sharp social commentary that give the characters immense dimension and ensure the world feels genuinely alive.
While I had a slight gripe that one of the main situational threads wasn't completely concluded, leaving me wondering about the outcome, the book remains an exceptional read. Murder on Devil’s Ridge is the perfect blend of Gothic atmosphere, high-stakes puzzle-solving, and a beautiful exploration of love and partnership. If you haven’t picked up a Tate and Bell mystery yet, you are missing out on one of the finest historical fiction series on the market. I absolutely recommend starting this journey immediately.
Overall, Murder on Devil's Ridge is another brilliant addition to an already outstanding series. It delivers an atmospheric historical mystery filled with clever twists, compelling suspects, emotional character development, and a partnership that continues to be one of my favourites in fiction. If you enjoy historical crime novels with intelligent investigations, richly developed characters, Gothic settings, and beautifully layered storytelling, I cannot recommend the Tate & Bell Mysteries enough.
I'd rate this ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5). It has everything I love in a historical mystery: an engaging investigation, fantastic character development, and an ending that leaves me excited for the next instalment.
I already can't wait to see where Sebastian and Gemma's next investigation takes them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder on Devil's Ridge by Irina Shapiro
Synopsis /
The girl lies on the ancient stone, her brown hair falling loosely onto the crude altar. Her narrow little arms are crossed just beneath the strange, angular dagger protruding from her chest.
Nurse Gemma Bell and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family in Suffolk when a neighbour discovers the brutal murder of a young girl, high on Devil’s Ridge. Left alone to examine the body while Sebastian breaks the devastating news to the girl’s father, Viscount Ravenel, Gemma finds disturbing wounds that suggest calculated ritual, not random violence. And before long, whispers from the village reach her of Pagan sacrifice and ancient blood offerings.
With no local police, the desperate viscount begs Sebastian and Gemma to investigate. And as the couple question the manor’s servants and family, they uncover forbidden desires, bitter resentments, and desperate ambitions lurking behind respectable façades.
When another child vanishes from her bed, the investigation takes on terrible urgency. Racing against time to prevent another death, Gemma risks everything to uncover the truth. But in this close-knit, isolated community, could the killer’s next target be the outsider nurse who knows too much?
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.
Murder on Devil’s Ridge is the eighth and latest book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series written by the talented, Irina Shapiro.
In a nutshell:
The story opens with newlywed sleuths Gemma and Sebastian Bell visiting Sebastian's brother and his family in the isolated, rural countryside of Suffolk.. The long overdue visit takes a macabre turn when a neighbour discovers a horrific scene high atop a local landmark known as Devil's Ridge. A young village girl has been murdered and left on top of the ancient stone landmark - an angular dagger protruding from her chest.
As there is no local police presence, Sebastian and Gemma agree to secure the scene. Utilising her skills as a battlefield nurse, Gemma identifies specific wounds on the young child's body, suggesting this was not a random attack, but more of a ritualistic killing.
Because the area lacks local police resources, the girl's grieving father, Viscount Ravenel, begs the duo to investigate. While interviewing the tightly-knit household staff, Sebastian and Gemma uncover secret, illicit affairs that breach the strict boundaries of class and Victorian gentility.
Forbidden desires, deep resentments, and hidden ambitions. The stakes escalate dramatically when another child vanishes, forcing Gemma to risk her life to unmask the killer.
The well constructed plot moves swiftly and as she always does, Shapiro blends the mystery with developments between our protagonists and the supporting characters. The bond between Sebastian and Gemma is blossoming (and more importantly 'maturing') and hits a high point at the end of the book. Supporting her narrative with short punchy chapters, this instalment is Shapiro at her best and, if pressed, I'd say book #8 is the best of the series so far.
Murder on Devil’s Ridge deserves all the stars.
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 July 28, 2026.
Synopsis /
The girl lies on the ancient stone, her brown hair falling loosely onto the crude altar. Her narrow little arms are crossed just beneath the strange, angular dagger protruding from her chest.
Nurse Gemma Bell and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family in Suffolk when a neighbour discovers the brutal murder of a young girl, high on Devil’s Ridge. Left alone to examine the body while Sebastian breaks the devastating news to the girl’s father, Viscount Ravenel, Gemma finds disturbing wounds that suggest calculated ritual, not random violence. And before long, whispers from the village reach her of Pagan sacrifice and ancient blood offerings.
With no local police, the desperate viscount begs Sebastian and Gemma to investigate. And as the couple question the manor’s servants and family, they uncover forbidden desires, bitter resentments, and desperate ambitions lurking behind respectable façades.
When another child vanishes from her bed, the investigation takes on terrible urgency. Racing against time to prevent another death, Gemma risks everything to uncover the truth. But in this close-knit, isolated community, could the killer’s next target be the outsider nurse who knows too much?
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.
Murder on Devil’s Ridge is the eighth and latest book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series written by the talented, Irina Shapiro.
In a nutshell:
The story opens with newlywed sleuths Gemma and Sebastian Bell visiting Sebastian's brother and his family in the isolated, rural countryside of Suffolk.. The long overdue visit takes a macabre turn when a neighbour discovers a horrific scene high atop a local landmark known as Devil's Ridge. A young village girl has been murdered and left on top of the ancient stone landmark - an angular dagger protruding from her chest.
As there is no local police presence, Sebastian and Gemma agree to secure the scene. Utilising her skills as a battlefield nurse, Gemma identifies specific wounds on the young child's body, suggesting this was not a random attack, but more of a ritualistic killing.
Because the area lacks local police resources, the girl's grieving father, Viscount Ravenel, begs the duo to investigate. While interviewing the tightly-knit household staff, Sebastian and Gemma uncover secret, illicit affairs that breach the strict boundaries of class and Victorian gentility.
Forbidden desires, deep resentments, and hidden ambitions. The stakes escalate dramatically when another child vanishes, forcing Gemma to risk her life to unmask the killer.
The well constructed plot moves swiftly and as she always does, Shapiro blends the mystery with developments between our protagonists and the supporting characters. The bond between Sebastian and Gemma is blossoming (and more importantly 'maturing') and hits a high point at the end of the book. Supporting her narrative with short punchy chapters, this instalment is Shapiro at her best and, if pressed, I'd say book #8 is the best of the series so far.
Murder on Devil’s Ridge deserves all the stars.
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 July 28, 2026.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
There are few historical mystery series that manage to feel both grand in their atmospheric tension and deeply intimate in their character dynamics. Irina Shapiro’s *Tate and Bell Mystery* series is a shining example of this balance, and its eighth installment, Murder on Devil’s Ridge, might just be the most compelling addition yet. As a long-time fan, what keeps me returning to this world isn’t just Shapiro's knack for weaving a tight, clever historical whodunit—it is the rich, beautifully paced evolution of the characters' lives and relationships.
In Murder on Devil's Ridge, Shapiro takes us out of familiar territory and drops us straight into Suffolk. Nurse Gemma Bell and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family when the unthinkable happens: a young girl, the daughter of Viscount Ravenel, is found brutally murdered on a crude stone altar high on Devil's Ridge, a strange dagger buried in her chest. Because the community lacks a local police force, Sebastian and Gemma are asked to step in.
The mystery itself is brilliantly executed. It wraps the reader in a shroud of village superstition, whispers of ancient pagan rituals, and a claustrophobic sense of isolation. When a second child vanishes, the investigation takes on a terrifying urgency. Shapiro keeps the red herrings flying and the pacing razor-sharp. Behind the grand façades of the local manor, the couple uncovers a web of bitter resentments, forbidden desires, and desperate ambitions.
However, as fantastic as the plot is, the real magic of this book lies in the progression of Gemma and Sebastian’s relationship. Having watched them evolve across the series, seeing them navigate this case as a married couple adds a whole new layer of depth to their partnership. They are no longer just allies or tentative lovers skirting around Victorian propriety; they are a true team. The deep trust and domestic rhythm they have established are beautiful to witness. Gemma’s sharp medical mind as a nurse complements Sebastian’s methodical investigative instincts perfectly.
What I love most about their arc in this book is how their marriage is tested not by a lack of affection, but by the outside world. Sebastian is fiercely protective of Gemma, especially when the isolated community turns its suspicious eyes toward her as an "outsider nurse" who knows too much. Yet, he respects her intelligence too much to ever ask her to sit out. Their relationship feels incredibly mature, grounded, and earned.
Shapiro also shines in how she handles the lives of the supporting cast. The progression doesn’t stop with our main duo; the author checks in on the characters we've come to care about over eight books. Seeing the evolution of those around them, particularly Colin, brings a wonderful sense of continuity and life to the series. The world feels alive, populated by real people whose lives move forward even between the cracks of a murder investigation.
If you have never picked up a Tate and Bell mystery, you are missing out on one of the finest historical fiction series on the market. Murder on Devil’s Ridge delivers the perfect blend of Gothic atmosphere, an urgent, high-stakes puzzle, and a beautiful exploration of love, partnership, and family growth. I absolutely recommend picking this one up—along with the rest of the series—as soon as possible. It is a great read from start to finish.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
In Murder on Devil's Ridge, Shapiro takes us out of familiar territory and drops us straight into Suffolk. Nurse Gemma Bell and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family when the unthinkable happens: a young girl, the daughter of Viscount Ravenel, is found brutally murdered on a crude stone altar high on Devil's Ridge, a strange dagger buried in her chest. Because the community lacks a local police force, Sebastian and Gemma are asked to step in.
The mystery itself is brilliantly executed. It wraps the reader in a shroud of village superstition, whispers of ancient pagan rituals, and a claustrophobic sense of isolation. When a second child vanishes, the investigation takes on a terrifying urgency. Shapiro keeps the red herrings flying and the pacing razor-sharp. Behind the grand façades of the local manor, the couple uncovers a web of bitter resentments, forbidden desires, and desperate ambitions.
However, as fantastic as the plot is, the real magic of this book lies in the progression of Gemma and Sebastian’s relationship. Having watched them evolve across the series, seeing them navigate this case as a married couple adds a whole new layer of depth to their partnership. They are no longer just allies or tentative lovers skirting around Victorian propriety; they are a true team. The deep trust and domestic rhythm they have established are beautiful to witness. Gemma’s sharp medical mind as a nurse complements Sebastian’s methodical investigative instincts perfectly.
What I love most about their arc in this book is how their marriage is tested not by a lack of affection, but by the outside world. Sebastian is fiercely protective of Gemma, especially when the isolated community turns its suspicious eyes toward her as an "outsider nurse" who knows too much. Yet, he respects her intelligence too much to ever ask her to sit out. Their relationship feels incredibly mature, grounded, and earned.
Shapiro also shines in how she handles the lives of the supporting cast. The progression doesn’t stop with our main duo; the author checks in on the characters we've come to care about over eight books. Seeing the evolution of those around them, particularly Colin, brings a wonderful sense of continuity and life to the series. The world feels alive, populated by real people whose lives move forward even between the cracks of a murder investigation.
If you have never picked up a Tate and Bell mystery, you are missing out on one of the finest historical fiction series on the market. Murder on Devil’s Ridge delivers the perfect blend of Gothic atmosphere, an urgent, high-stakes puzzle, and a beautiful exploration of love, partnership, and family growth. I absolutely recommend picking this one up—along with the rest of the series—as soon as possible. It is a great read from start to finish.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Having had read every book in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, I can honestly say that Murder on Devil’s Ridge was my favorite book so far. Irina Shapiro has continued to surprise me with her ability to keep creating compelling mysteries in this series and memorable characters.
It was heartwarming to finally witness and acknowledge Gemma and Sebastian as loving newlyweds in this eighth book. Their love for each other is tender and sweet and their partnership that they have cultivated over many mysteries appeared even stronger than ever to me. Gemma’s intelligence and her compassion toward others has continued to balance Sebastian’s determination and investigative instincts when he is presented with a new case or mystery to solve. I’ve really enjoyed watching their relationship develop throughout the series. It has made me appreciate all their individual contributions, talents and areas of expertise that both Gemma and Sebastian possess.
The mystery in Murder on Devil’s Ridge was both heartbreaking and gripping. It was about the murder of a young child that was staged to look like an ancient pagan sacrifice. What could be more devastating than a senseless murder of a young innocent child? It took place in the village where Sebastian grew up in. Gemma and Sebastian had come to finally visit his once estranged brother and his family when the murder occurred and Sebastian’s expertise was called upon to find out who could have committed such a heinous crime. As the mystery of who was behind the murder of this child started to unravel, Gemma and Sebastian were able to uncover family secrets, old resentments and hidden motives. Murder on Devil’s Ridge explored grief, class distinctions and the expectations that were placed upon those in higher classes of society, love, prejudice and the choices one was forced to make and the consequences that came with those choices.
Murder on Devil’s Ridge was fast paced and kept me guessing right up to the very end. I experienced the heartbreak, hope and disappointment that was evident throughout the book. The characters of Gemma and Sebastian have become like old friends and I can’t wait to see where their journey together takes them next. Murder on Devil’s Ridge was everything I hoped it would be and more. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read Murder on Devil’s Ridge by Irina Shapiro through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
It was heartwarming to finally witness and acknowledge Gemma and Sebastian as loving newlyweds in this eighth book. Their love for each other is tender and sweet and their partnership that they have cultivated over many mysteries appeared even stronger than ever to me. Gemma’s intelligence and her compassion toward others has continued to balance Sebastian’s determination and investigative instincts when he is presented with a new case or mystery to solve. I’ve really enjoyed watching their relationship develop throughout the series. It has made me appreciate all their individual contributions, talents and areas of expertise that both Gemma and Sebastian possess.
The mystery in Murder on Devil’s Ridge was both heartbreaking and gripping. It was about the murder of a young child that was staged to look like an ancient pagan sacrifice. What could be more devastating than a senseless murder of a young innocent child? It took place in the village where Sebastian grew up in. Gemma and Sebastian had come to finally visit his once estranged brother and his family when the murder occurred and Sebastian’s expertise was called upon to find out who could have committed such a heinous crime. As the mystery of who was behind the murder of this child started to unravel, Gemma and Sebastian were able to uncover family secrets, old resentments and hidden motives. Murder on Devil’s Ridge explored grief, class distinctions and the expectations that were placed upon those in higher classes of society, love, prejudice and the choices one was forced to make and the consequences that came with those choices.
Murder on Devil’s Ridge was fast paced and kept me guessing right up to the very end. I experienced the heartbreak, hope and disappointment that was evident throughout the book. The characters of Gemma and Sebastian have become like old friends and I can’t wait to see where their journey together takes them next. Murder on Devil’s Ridge was everything I hoped it would be and more. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.
Thank you to Storm Publishing for allowing me to read Murder on Devil’s Ridge by Irina Shapiro through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions and thoughts expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Barbara’s rating: 5 out of 5 Stars
Series: Tate and Bell Mystery #8
Publication Date: 7/28/26
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 274
The prologue opens with a worried dairy farmer setting out on his usual pre-dawn walk through the bitter cold and thick, fog-shrouded countryside. He has always enjoyed these early morning walks—at least he did until this one led him up Devil's Ridge, where he discovered the mutilated body of a young child lying atop the ancient stone at its summit.
Gemma and Sebastian are enjoying a visit with Sebastian's brother, Simian, and his family at the Bell farm in Suffolk when a loud, insistent knock interrupts their morning. Peter, the dairy farmer who found the body, begs Sebastian to accompany him to Devil's Ridge because, as an investigator, Sebastian would surely know how to proceed.
The murdered child's father, Viscount Augustus Ravenel, arrives determined that Sebastian will investigate his son's death. Faced with such a heartbreaking request, Sebastian has little choice but to accept.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that nearly everyone in the household is hiding secrets. The challenge lies in uncovering which of those secrets could possibly provide a motive for the brutal murder of an innocent seven-year-old child. Fortunately, Gemma and Sebastian each possess their own unique talents for wringing out the truth. As they draw closer to solving the mystery, the danger escalates, and they soon find themselves in peril as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the Tate and Bell series, from its atmospheric opening to its shocking conclusion. The mystery is exceptionally well crafted and kept me guessing until the very end. In fact, I was completely surprised by the killer's identity. Every time I thought I had solved the case, another twist sent me in an entirely different direction.
As much as I enjoy the mysteries, it is the characters who keep me coming back for each new book. Gemma and Sebastian are wonderfully developed protagonists who have found love despite the tragedies they have both endured. I'd love to invite them over for dinner just to hear about all of their adventures—but since that's impossible, I'll simply have to impatiently await their next one.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: Tate and Bell Mystery #8
Publication Date: 7/28/26
Period: Victorian
Number of Pages: 274
The prologue opens with a worried dairy farmer setting out on his usual pre-dawn walk through the bitter cold and thick, fog-shrouded countryside. He has always enjoyed these early morning walks—at least he did until this one led him up Devil's Ridge, where he discovered the mutilated body of a young child lying atop the ancient stone at its summit.
Gemma and Sebastian are enjoying a visit with Sebastian's brother, Simian, and his family at the Bell farm in Suffolk when a loud, insistent knock interrupts their morning. Peter, the dairy farmer who found the body, begs Sebastian to accompany him to Devil's Ridge because, as an investigator, Sebastian would surely know how to proceed.
The murdered child's father, Viscount Augustus Ravenel, arrives determined that Sebastian will investigate his son's death. Faced with such a heartbreaking request, Sebastian has little choice but to accept.
As the investigation unfolds, it becomes clear that nearly everyone in the household is hiding secrets. The challenge lies in uncovering which of those secrets could possibly provide a motive for the brutal murder of an innocent seven-year-old child. Fortunately, Gemma and Sebastian each possess their own unique talents for wringing out the truth. As they draw closer to solving the mystery, the danger escalates, and they soon find themselves in peril as well.
I thoroughly enjoyed this latest installment in the Tate and Bell series, from its atmospheric opening to its shocking conclusion. The mystery is exceptionally well crafted and kept me guessing until the very end. In fact, I was completely surprised by the killer's identity. Every time I thought I had solved the case, another twist sent me in an entirely different direction.
As much as I enjoy the mysteries, it is the characters who keep me coming back for each new book. Gemma and Sebastian are wonderfully developed protagonists who have found love despite the tragedies they have both endured. I'd love to invite them over for dinner just to hear about all of their adventures—but since that's impossible, I'll simply have to impatiently await their next one.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4/5 stars: This is Shapiro's eighth entry in the Tate and Bell Mystery series, which is a Historical Mystery set in England 1859. Featuring an unconventional nurse and her new husband, a police inspector, who've traveled from London to visit family in Suffolk, as they find themselves investigating the brutal death of the local viscount's young daughter, who's discovered on All Hallows displayed on a crude alter with a strange, angular dagger protruding from her chest. Upon examining the child's body, she finds disturbing wounds that suggest calculated ritual, not random violence. Before long, whispers from the village reach her of Pagan sacrifice and ancient blood offerings. As the couple question the manor’s servants and family, they uncover forbidden desires, bitter resentments and desperate ambitions lurking behind respectable facades. When another child vanishes, the investigation takes on terrible urgency. To prevent another death, she'll risk everything to uncover the truth. But in this close-knit, isolated community, could the killer’s next target be the outsider nurse who knows too much?
With plenty of twists and turns, Shapiro has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in dual POV, Shapiro's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. The historical research Shapiro's done is evident and well done without overshadowing the overall mystery plot and providing a sense of time and place perfectly.
Shapiro touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Highgate Cemetery Murder.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of twists and turns, Shapiro has crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects and weaves in plenty of clues and red herrings that will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Written in dual POV, Shapiro's writing and character work are excellent; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced. The historical research Shapiro's done is evident and well done without overshadowing the overall mystery plot and providing a sense of time and place perfectly.
Shapiro touches on some sensitive topics; so take care and the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Highgate Cemetery Murder.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is the 8th book in the Tate and Bell series, and it continues to deliver! I think this one is my favorite!!
Nurse Gemma Bell and Detective Sebastian Tate are newly married and visiting his family in Suffolk. While there, a girl is found murdered on a stone altar with a dagger in her heart. She is the daughter of Viscount Ravenel. This particular community does not have a police presence, so Sebastian and Gemma decide to step in.
What follows is a riveting, twisted, and often dark tale that gives you plenty of suspects and red herrings. The atmosphere has an almost gothic fee[, and is full of tension as Tate and Bell try to untangle many secrets. I love that it is evident that Shapiro takes time to do her research and incorporates the issues from an historical perspective into the story. I also realize, we still have many of these issues today.
The characters continue to be one of the strongest elements in the story- both the main players and the side cast. The continued growth we see in Gemma and Sebastian as they steer through these new waters of marriage is touching. Although there are times when they do not agree, I really like how they are able to talk it through- this is surprising for a man in this era! There is a bit of humor, especially with the side characters that we meet in the village. And although there are many characters in the book, each has his/her own voice and so i did not struggle to keep them straight.
The mystery itself is intricate, puzzling and heartbreaking. There is a lot of moral gray in this book, and I found that I really felt so sorry for all the people involved and it left me thinking about after I finished.
If you like historical mysteries with great characters, researched really well, and darker mysteries I think you would absolutely love this series. You can read this as a stand alone, because you will still get to know the characters. But I would suggest possibly starting on book 1!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Storm Publishing for the ARC. Tis is my honest and voluntary review.
Nurse Gemma Bell and Detective Sebastian Tate are newly married and visiting his family in Suffolk. While there, a girl is found murdered on a stone altar with a dagger in her heart. She is the daughter of Viscount Ravenel. This particular community does not have a police presence, so Sebastian and Gemma decide to step in.
What follows is a riveting, twisted, and often dark tale that gives you plenty of suspects and red herrings. The atmosphere has an almost gothic fee[, and is full of tension as Tate and Bell try to untangle many secrets. I love that it is evident that Shapiro takes time to do her research and incorporates the issues from an historical perspective into the story. I also realize, we still have many of these issues today.
The characters continue to be one of the strongest elements in the story- both the main players and the side cast. The continued growth we see in Gemma and Sebastian as they steer through these new waters of marriage is touching. Although there are times when they do not agree, I really like how they are able to talk it through- this is surprising for a man in this era! There is a bit of humor, especially with the side characters that we meet in the village. And although there are many characters in the book, each has his/her own voice and so i did not struggle to keep them straight.
The mystery itself is intricate, puzzling and heartbreaking. There is a lot of moral gray in this book, and I found that I really felt so sorry for all the people involved and it left me thinking about after I finished.
If you like historical mysteries with great characters, researched really well, and darker mysteries I think you would absolutely love this series. You can read this as a stand alone, because you will still get to know the characters. But I would suggest possibly starting on book 1!
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and Storm Publishing for the ARC. Tis is my honest and voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
➰️⚒️🔪 Murder on Devil's Ridge by Irina Shapiro
Book 8: A Tate and Bell Mystery
Genre: Victorian Mystery
Length: 274 pages
Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Summary:
Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate have just gotten married, only to become immersed in a new highly disturbing murder case. Back in Sebastian's hometown, the Viscount Ravenel's oldest daughter, Cynthia (age 8) has been found high on Devil's Ridge murdered in what appears to be some kind of pagan ritual sacrifice.
Sebastian (and Gemma by proxy) are put on the case of finding Cynthia's murderer. Tate & Bell are at it again, interviewing a host of possible witnesses/suspects, ranging from the child's grandmother, uncle, mother, the town vicar, nanny, and several others in the viscount's employ. Can they solve this one before another of the family's daughters becomes the next victim?
Review:
I have not read all the Tate & Bell mysteries, but read the previous one and loved it so much I went ahead with Book 8! I love the Victorian time period setting, but also how the author shows a strong FMC in Gemma and her determination to be a pioneer for women in the medical field. This murder, as grisly as it was with the victim being an innocent child, was a tough one to solve and I did not figure out how it all pieced together until it was revealed. I loved Gemma especially in this story, who was adjusting to married life, and the possibility of continuing her career goals vs. starting a family with Sebastian. It is hard to believe there was a time in which women had to choose explicitly between those things rather than find a way to piece them together as so many do today. Tate & Bell always catch their murderer, but in this case, I did find myself feeling sorry for all involved, as some things do find themselves living between black and white.
Book 8: A Tate and Bell Mystery
Genre: Victorian Mystery
Length: 274 pages
Pub Date: July 28, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Summary:
Inspector Sebastian Bell and nurse Gemma Tate have just gotten married, only to become immersed in a new highly disturbing murder case. Back in Sebastian's hometown, the Viscount Ravenel's oldest daughter, Cynthia (age 8) has been found high on Devil's Ridge murdered in what appears to be some kind of pagan ritual sacrifice.
Sebastian (and Gemma by proxy) are put on the case of finding Cynthia's murderer. Tate & Bell are at it again, interviewing a host of possible witnesses/suspects, ranging from the child's grandmother, uncle, mother, the town vicar, nanny, and several others in the viscount's employ. Can they solve this one before another of the family's daughters becomes the next victim?
Review:
I have not read all the Tate & Bell mysteries, but read the previous one and loved it so much I went ahead with Book 8! I love the Victorian time period setting, but also how the author shows a strong FMC in Gemma and her determination to be a pioneer for women in the medical field. This murder, as grisly as it was with the victim being an innocent child, was a tough one to solve and I did not figure out how it all pieced together until it was revealed. I loved Gemma especially in this story, who was adjusting to married life, and the possibility of continuing her career goals vs. starting a family with Sebastian. It is hard to believe there was a time in which women had to choose explicitly between those things rather than find a way to piece them together as so many do today. Tate & Bell always catch their murderer, but in this case, I did find myself feeling sorry for all involved, as some things do find themselves living between black and white.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
When a local banged on the door to Inspector Sebastian Bell's relatives in Suffolk, whom he and his new wife, Gemma (Tate) Bell were visiting, Sebastian and Gemma followed him up to the top of Devil's Ridge, where there was an ancient altar for pagan rituals. On the altar was the slain body of a young girl, seven year old Cynthia. It was All Hallows Eve - was there a connection? Shocked and horrified, Sebastian visited Viscount Ravenel at his manor to advise him of his eldest daughter's death. The Viscount begged Sebastian to investigate as the local police weren't up to the task, he said. Investigating, questioning the staff of the manor, led to secrets and hidden jealousies rising to the surface. And when Colin - surgeon from London, and Gemma & Sebastian's good friend - arrived to assist, he gave them the cause of Cynthia's death. That opened the door to more theories; a more direct solution, if they could find it. When the second daughter went missing, panic ensued. Was this to be another murder?
Murder on Devil’s Ridge is #8 in the Tate & Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro and it was another excellent addition to the series. Set in England's 1850s, Sebastian and Gemma are a great investigative team, and now they are happily married, their unity seems even better. I loved this one; perhaps one of the best so far, in my opinion. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
Murder on Devil’s Ridge is #8 in the Tate & Bell Mystery series by Irina Shapiro and it was another excellent addition to the series. Set in England's 1850s, Sebastian and Gemma are a great investigative team, and now they are happily married, their unity seems even better. I loved this one; perhaps one of the best so far, in my opinion. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley & Storm Publishing for my digital ARC to read and review.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
This historical murder mystery is a great installation to the Tate and Bell series. The newlyweds, nurse Gemma Tate and Scotland Yard Inspector Sebastian Bell, are spending their honeymoon happily on the farm of Sebastian's brother. Their peaceful days, however, come to an abrupt end when a childhood friend comes banging on the door urgently calling Sebastian to come and check the body of a 7-year-old girl he found on Devil's Ridge, a place that's been rumored to be pagan sacrifice altar. Gemma and Sebastian now put their honeymoon on hold and start their investigation to solve the mystery of the little girl's passing to bring her killers to justice.
From the first page to the last I was completely invested in this story and it kept me on edge until the end. This investigation is especially hard for Gemma as it involves a 7-year-old girl and she has to keep her emotions under control to ensure the objectivity of the process.
Initially, it was almost impossible to determine potential suspects, but as Gemma and Sebastian interrogate more members of the household the number of suspicious people increased almost immediately. At that point, I had to keep guessing and then second-guessing everything that was revealed in layers. Yet, I was still blindsided by the final twist at the end.
Irina Shapiro really is a master storyteller and she knows how to keep the suspense going without overwhelming the reader. Her accessible writing style and mastery in plot and character development make this historical mystery a delightful and intriguing read. I really recommend this book to readers who love their historical murder mysteries with emotional depth!
Rating: 4.5 stars
From the first page to the last I was completely invested in this story and it kept me on edge until the end. This investigation is especially hard for Gemma as it involves a 7-year-old girl and she has to keep her emotions under control to ensure the objectivity of the process.
Initially, it was almost impossible to determine potential suspects, but as Gemma and Sebastian interrogate more members of the household the number of suspicious people increased almost immediately. At that point, I had to keep guessing and then second-guessing everything that was revealed in layers. Yet, I was still blindsided by the final twist at the end.
Irina Shapiro really is a master storyteller and she knows how to keep the suspense going without overwhelming the reader. Her accessible writing style and mastery in plot and character development make this historical mystery a delightful and intriguing read. I really recommend this book to readers who love their historical murder mysteries with emotional depth!
Rating: 4.5 stars
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am thoroughly enjoying this historical mystery series, and it's been a pleasure to watch the unfolding story over the course of eight books (so far). I am thoroughly invested and am hopeful that there will be lots more adventures in the offing. This particular book was maybe a bit darker than usual as it involved the death of a young child (8-years-old), and the body was found in a particularly gruesome state. Just wanted to put that upfront.
This finds Gemma and Sebastian (only 3-months married) on a bit of a vacation/visit to his brother and his family in the countryside (I always enjoy a bit of a change-up in locations occasionally). While there was not a lot of family scenes, it was nice to see that the brothers are making strides to reconnect after an estrangement.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the story (some I saw coming, some I did not) with multiple possible villains and all of the supporting cast carrying secrets of either their own or others. At the denouement we find that villains come in all venues (not just those who are directly involved in the act itself).
The book hinted at a possible personal event that I really hope does not come about right away. It feels rushed to me and adds extra turmoil and complications down the line of the story. The timing just doesn't seem right for it to me...but what do I know, right?
Overall, another wonderful installment for Gemma and Sebastian, and as always, I look forward to future endeavors.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing the free early arc of Murder on Devil's Ridge for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
This finds Gemma and Sebastian (only 3-months married) on a bit of a vacation/visit to his brother and his family in the countryside (I always enjoy a bit of a change-up in locations occasionally). While there was not a lot of family scenes, it was nice to see that the brothers are making strides to reconnect after an estrangement.
There are a lot of twists and turns in the story (some I saw coming, some I did not) with multiple possible villains and all of the supporting cast carrying secrets of either their own or others. At the denouement we find that villains come in all venues (not just those who are directly involved in the act itself).
The book hinted at a possible personal event that I really hope does not come about right away. It feels rushed to me and adds extra turmoil and complications down the line of the story. The timing just doesn't seem right for it to me...but what do I know, right?
Overall, another wonderful installment for Gemma and Sebastian, and as always, I look forward to future endeavors.
My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing the free early arc of Murder on Devil's Ridge for review. The opinions are strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
I have really enjoyed all of the Tate & Bell mysteries, and this was no exception. The big difference I experienced with this novel than in the previous stories was that when it ended, I did not leave the pages with a feeling of overall optimism. Even with the dark motives of the killers in the previous books there was always Gemma and Sebastian romance to fall back on so things did not feel so dark. With this story, the realization that one man's selfish actions had caused so much pain and ruined so many lives but knowing he would never really pay a price or even change his actions was just really disappointing. Mostly because that is reality and resolutions to terrible crimes rarely have a truly happy ending to them. As for the mystery itself, the author once again offers readers multiple suspects and motives and a tangled web of lies for our investigators to work through. I liked seeing Gemma get a chance to put her knowledge to the test with her own preliminary findings on the victim. I also appreciated that the author acknowledged that Gemma did want to be a mother, but realized that would put an end of everything she wanted to pursue on a scholarly level. There is no way Sebastian would allow her to get anywhere near an investigation, especially with what happened to his first wife. I cannot see Gemma being completely happy and satisfied in the limited role of wife and mother which would be required of her in this time period.
I have really enjoyed all of the Tate & Bell mysteries, and this was no exception. The big difference I experienced with this novel than in the previous stories was that when it ended, I did not leave the pages with a feeling of overall optimism. Even with the dark motives of the killers in the previous books there was always Gemma and Sebastian romance to fall back on so things did not feel so dark. With this story, the realization that one man's selfish actions had caused so much pain and ruined so many lives but knowing he would never really pay a price or even change his actions was just really disappointing. Mostly because that is reality and resolutions to terrible crimes rarely have a truly happy ending to them. As for the mystery itself, the author once again offers readers multiple suspects and motives and a tangled web of lies for our investigators to work through. I liked seeing Gemma get a chance to put her knowledge to the test with her own preliminary findings on the victim. I also appreciated that the author acknowledged that Gemma did want to be a mother, but realized that would put an end of everything she wanted to pursue on a scholarly level. There is no way Sebastian would allow her to get anywhere near an investigation, especially with what happened to his first wife. I cannot see Gemma being completely happy and satisfied in the limited role of wife and mother which would be required of her in this time period.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Note: This novel centers on the murder of a child, which may be difficult for some readers.
Although I was not previously familiar with the Tate and Bell series, I'm glad I discovered it. I read Murder on Devil's Ridge in just two days because the story immediately captured my attention. Scotland Yard Detective Sebastian Bell and Nurse Gemma Tate are engaging protagonists, and after reading books seven and eight, I now want to go back and start the series from the beginning. It's clear there's a rich history to these characters that I have yet to experience.
In this installment, Sebastian and Gemma are visiting Sebastian's brother when the young daughter of a viscount is found murdered on All Hallow's Eve on the infamous Devil's Ridge. The crime appears to bear all the hallmarks of a ritual sacrifice, but when the grieving father asks the pair to investigate, they begin to suspect that the truth is far more complicated.
Beyond the mystery, the author recreates the atmosphere of Victorian England with insight on the lives of servants as well as the limited roles and expectations imposed on women, adding depth to the story without overshadowing the central investigation.
I had my suspicions about the culprit, but Shapiro still managed to surprise me with a couple of twists before the satisfying conclusion. Fans of historical mysteries with well-developed characters and an intriguing investigation should enjoy this installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. The book will release on July 28.
Although I was not previously familiar with the Tate and Bell series, I'm glad I discovered it. I read Murder on Devil's Ridge in just two days because the story immediately captured my attention. Scotland Yard Detective Sebastian Bell and Nurse Gemma Tate are engaging protagonists, and after reading books seven and eight, I now want to go back and start the series from the beginning. It's clear there's a rich history to these characters that I have yet to experience.
In this installment, Sebastian and Gemma are visiting Sebastian's brother when the young daughter of a viscount is found murdered on All Hallow's Eve on the infamous Devil's Ridge. The crime appears to bear all the hallmarks of a ritual sacrifice, but when the grieving father asks the pair to investigate, they begin to suspect that the truth is far more complicated.
Beyond the mystery, the author recreates the atmosphere of Victorian England with insight on the lives of servants as well as the limited roles and expectations imposed on women, adding depth to the story without overshadowing the central investigation.
I had my suspicions about the culprit, but Shapiro still managed to surprise me with a couple of twists before the satisfying conclusion. Fans of historical mysteries with well-developed characters and an intriguing investigation should enjoy this installment.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC. The book will release on July 28.
June 8, 2026
Death, family and choices
I love Sebastian and Gemma and their historical whodunit series. They are such complicated characters, both scarred by grief and neither fitting nicely into society’s boxes. They nonetheless live their lives being true to who they are while also helping society as a whole. This installment in the series once again had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. This author always manages to craft the most intriguing mysteries that keep me enthralled in the plot and guessing right along with the MCs as they try to solve their latest case. Gemma is a nurse who lives in 1859 London who wants to continue to train as a pathologist and to eventually become a surgeon. Sebastian is a Scotland Yard detective. Sebastian and Gemma enjoy puzzling out cases together and just recently got married. When Sebastian and Emma are visiting his brother and family in Suffolk, they are asked by an aristocratic family to assist in the investigation of a young girl who appears to have been murdered in a ritualistic way. Sebastian and Gemma’s investigation leads to dead ends, secrets, and surprising revelations all while dealing with the politics and relationships within an aristocrat household. As always, there are smaller personal story arcs and social commentary sprinkled throughout the story which further enriches the main plot line and give the characters more dimension. I love these characters and this series.
I love Sebastian and Gemma and their historical whodunit series. They are such complicated characters, both scarred by grief and neither fitting nicely into society’s boxes. They nonetheless live their lives being true to who they are while also helping society as a whole. This installment in the series once again had a layered storyline, an intriguing mystery, surprising plot twists, and suspense. This author always manages to craft the most intriguing mysteries that keep me enthralled in the plot and guessing right along with the MCs as they try to solve their latest case. Gemma is a nurse who lives in 1859 London who wants to continue to train as a pathologist and to eventually become a surgeon. Sebastian is a Scotland Yard detective. Sebastian and Gemma enjoy puzzling out cases together and just recently got married. When Sebastian and Emma are visiting his brother and family in Suffolk, they are asked by an aristocratic family to assist in the investigation of a young girl who appears to have been murdered in a ritualistic way. Sebastian and Gemma’s investigation leads to dead ends, secrets, and surprising revelations all while dealing with the politics and relationships within an aristocrat household. As always, there are smaller personal story arcs and social commentary sprinkled throughout the story which further enriches the main plot line and give the characters more dimension. I love these characters and this series.
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Newly weds Inspector Sebastian Bell and Nurse Gemma Bell, nee Tate, are visiting the small village of Haverleigh where his brother Simian runs the Bell family farm. After a neighbour makes a frantic call to alert the visitors about a dead body he's discovered nearby, they are tasked unwillingly with investigating the death of a local child. Although the Scotland Yard detective has no official standing in the area Viscount Ravenel, the local landowner, hires him to discover who committed a crime so heinous even the London detective is shocked to his core. Gradually, as they question everyone with a link to the victim, clues begin to surface including family secrets, job dissatisfaction, and an interest in heathen practices, and, when a second child goes missing, they know the clock is ticking for everyone involved
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an exceptional read. The storyline though harrowing is beautifully written and the thought processes of Gemma and Sebastian are a fascinating excellent way of showing how they differ in their analysis while complimenting each other in reaching the correct outcome. My only slight gripe is one of the main situations wasn't completely concluded which left me wondering what happened to...? This is however, an excellent series and the prospect of the next book in just a few months is an exciting one.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is an exceptional read. The storyline though harrowing is beautifully written and the thought processes of Gemma and Sebastian are a fascinating excellent way of showing how they differ in their analysis while complimenting each other in reaching the correct outcome. My only slight gripe is one of the main situations wasn't completely concluded which left me wondering what happened to...? This is however, an excellent series and the prospect of the next book in just a few months is an exciting one.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder on Devil’s Ridge is an immersive and atmospheric historical mystery that draws you in with its eerie premise and refuses to let go. From the haunting discovery of a young girl’s body laid out on an ancient stone, the novel establishes a tone that is both unsettling and quietly compelling.
At the heart of the story is Gemma Bell, a thoughtful and perceptive heroine whose calm determination makes her a pleasure to follow. Her partnership with her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, adds warmth and balance to the investigation, with their shared resolve grounding the darker elements of the case.
The setting is particularly effective—an isolated Suffolk community steeped in whispers of pagan ritual and long-held secrets. There’s a constant sense that something is just beneath the surface, as polite society masks deeper tensions, resentments, and hidden desires. Shapiro does an excellent job of gradually peeling back these layers, keeping suspicion shifting from one character to another.
As the stakes rise with the disappearance of another child, the pace quickens, and the sense of urgency becomes palpable. The tension builds steadily rather than relying on shock, making the final reveals all the more satisfying.
A richly layered, atmospheric mystery with a chilling edge—perfect for readers who enjoy historical settings, complex characters, and a slow-building sense of unease.
With thanks to Irina Shapiro, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
At the heart of the story is Gemma Bell, a thoughtful and perceptive heroine whose calm determination makes her a pleasure to follow. Her partnership with her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, adds warmth and balance to the investigation, with their shared resolve grounding the darker elements of the case.
The setting is particularly effective—an isolated Suffolk community steeped in whispers of pagan ritual and long-held secrets. There’s a constant sense that something is just beneath the surface, as polite society masks deeper tensions, resentments, and hidden desires. Shapiro does an excellent job of gradually peeling back these layers, keeping suspicion shifting from one character to another.
As the stakes rise with the disappearance of another child, the pace quickens, and the sense of urgency becomes palpable. The tension builds steadily rather than relying on shock, making the final reveals all the more satisfying.
A richly layered, atmospheric mystery with a chilling edge—perfect for readers who enjoy historical settings, complex characters, and a slow-building sense of unease.
With thanks to Irina Shapiro, the publisher and netgalley for the ARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Murder on Devil’s Ridge is the 8th mystery featuring Gemma Tate and Sebastian Bell. Sebastian and Gemma have finally gotten married and are visiting his family in the country. A child is found murdered and Sebastian, being the only law enforcement officer in the area, is in charge of finding out what happened. This is a much darker mystery than I usually read, but I just loved this book. There are many tragic stories and terrible people in this book that nearly everyone was a suspect. I just could not put this book down and when the final truth was revealed it was shocking, horrible and tragic all at once. Gemma and Sebastian do an admirable job of solving the crime, but it was very obvious they couldn’t wait to leave these awful people behind. Just because you have money and live on an estate does not make you a good person. It was so enjoyable to see Gemma and Sebastian work together as true partners and I look forward to more of their adventures in the future, especially as they navigate married life and careers in a time where women especially married women did not have careers. There is always some interesting commentary worked in the story and so much of it applies even today.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
When I accepted this ARC, I didn't realise Murder on Devil's Ridge was part of a series, book 8 in fact, if memory serves. While this could have impacted my enjoyment of the book, it didn't. Enough backstory was given for me to get a feel for the protagonists. 🗡️
Sebastian Bell is an inspector with the Metropolitan Police. His wife, Gemma, is a nurse who worked on the frontline in Crimea, and now studies anatomy. Murder on Devil's Ridge finds the pair in Suffolk, where they are visiting with Sebastian's family. 🗡️
The book opens with the discovery of a child's body on Devil's Ridge, laid out on a stone locals believe to be a Druidic altar. The child is the eldest daughter of the local aristocrat, Viscount Ravenal. It falls to Sebastian to break the news to the Viscount. The Viscount then enlists the help of Sebastian and Gemma to find out who killed his daughter. 🗡️
I enjoyed this historical mystery immensely. It was well paced, and gripping. Every time I thought I had it figured out, Sebastian and Gemma would find new evidence to prove otherwise. There were a few red herrings, and some surprises too. 🗡️
There are quite a lot of characters. Well, there's aristocracy involved and we know from Downtown Abbey that they require a lot of staff to run their homes. 😉
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
Sebastian Bell is an inspector with the Metropolitan Police. His wife, Gemma, is a nurse who worked on the frontline in Crimea, and now studies anatomy. Murder on Devil's Ridge finds the pair in Suffolk, where they are visiting with Sebastian's family. 🗡️
The book opens with the discovery of a child's body on Devil's Ridge, laid out on a stone locals believe to be a Druidic altar. The child is the eldest daughter of the local aristocrat, Viscount Ravenal. It falls to Sebastian to break the news to the Viscount. The Viscount then enlists the help of Sebastian and Gemma to find out who killed his daughter. 🗡️
I enjoyed this historical mystery immensely. It was well paced, and gripping. Every time I thought I had it figured out, Sebastian and Gemma would find new evidence to prove otherwise. There were a few red herrings, and some surprises too. 🗡️
There are quite a lot of characters. Well, there's aristocracy involved and we know from Downtown Abbey that they require a lot of staff to run their homes. 😉
Thanks to Storm Publishing and Netgalley for the ARC.
June 18, 2026
The book opens with a child laid out on an ancient stone, arms folded beneath a strange dagger, and a village already whispering about Pagan sacrifice. Shapiro stages the most lurid scene she can, then spends the rest of the book quietly taking it apart. The ritual is the story the killing wants you to believe. What actually happened is smaller, sadder, and far more human.
Nurse Gemma Bell and her husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family in Suffolk when the body of a young girl is found high on Devil’s Ridge. With no local police to call on, the grieving viscount asks the couple to investigate, and questioning the manor’s household opens up the usual gothic spread of buried resentments and quiet desperation.
The fake-out is what the whole book is built around, and Shapiro carries it off. She builds the Pagan-sacrifice frame with enough conviction that you start to accept it, then pulls it away to reveal a death that was never ritual at all. The motive is where this rises above the average historical mystery. So many books in this mode hand you a killer whose reasons exist only because the plot needed reasons. Here the why grows out of character and circumstance, and it is proportionate to what happened. Shapiro goes further than fairness, writing with real compassion for the person responsible and asking the reader to understand rather than condemn.
Gemma’s position does quiet work too. As a woman investigating in this period she is doubted and worked around, and that friction shapes who talks to her and what she is allowed to see. The one place it falters is when it turns inward. Her private reflections on her station return more often than they develop, and a lighter hand there would have sharpened the whole. A small thing against an otherwise controlled book.
Although this is the eighth Tate and Bell book, it works cleanly on its own. References to earlier cases are there, but nothing that locked me out as a first-time reader.
Nurse Gemma Bell and her husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family in Suffolk when the body of a young girl is found high on Devil’s Ridge. With no local police to call on, the grieving viscount asks the couple to investigate, and questioning the manor’s household opens up the usual gothic spread of buried resentments and quiet desperation.
The fake-out is what the whole book is built around, and Shapiro carries it off. She builds the Pagan-sacrifice frame with enough conviction that you start to accept it, then pulls it away to reveal a death that was never ritual at all. The motive is where this rises above the average historical mystery. So many books in this mode hand you a killer whose reasons exist only because the plot needed reasons. Here the why grows out of character and circumstance, and it is proportionate to what happened. Shapiro goes further than fairness, writing with real compassion for the person responsible and asking the reader to understand rather than condemn.
Gemma’s position does quiet work too. As a woman investigating in this period she is doubted and worked around, and that friction shapes who talks to her and what she is allowed to see. The one place it falters is when it turns inward. Her private reflections on her station return more often than they develop, and a lighter hand there would have sharpened the whole. A small thing against an otherwise controlled book.
Although this is the eighth Tate and Bell book, it works cleanly on its own. References to earlier cases are there, but nothing that locked me out as a first-time reader.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
Another top-notch storyline in the Tate and Bell series. In this book, Gemma and Sebastian are newly married and in love.and they went to visit Sebastian's hometown. Unfortunately, a viscount daughter was found murdered, and the latest couple were tasked with finding who did it.
I liked this new small town setting instead of the bustling London. I liked the change of scenery. The MCs did a very good job as usual, and the plot twist was just magnificent. A very, very good thriller.
CHARACTERS:
Our main characters, Gemma and Sebastian Bell, are still as amazing as ever. They're newly married and still partners in every way. Nothing new to say except that they're still as amazing.
Although I liked how Gemma is still ardent on being a coroner.
WRITING STYLE:
Good. I don't have any complaints.
SETTINGS:
I liked the small town settings and the intricacies of English Nobility. I would love to see more like this. A well-rounded class of victims.
OVERALL:
I liked this, and I've liked all the books in the series so far. If you've not started, you're missing a lot!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
STORYLINE :
Another top-notch storyline in the Tate and Bell series. In this book, Gemma and Sebastian are newly married and in love.and they went to visit Sebastian's hometown. Unfortunately, a viscount daughter was found murdered, and the latest couple were tasked with finding who did it.
I liked this new small town setting instead of the bustling London. I liked the change of scenery. The MCs did a very good job as usual, and the plot twist was just magnificent. A very, very good thriller.
CHARACTERS:
Our main characters, Gemma and Sebastian Bell, are still as amazing as ever. They're newly married and still partners in every way. Nothing new to say except that they're still as amazing.
Although I liked how Gemma is still ardent on being a coroner.
WRITING STYLE:
Good. I don't have any complaints.
SETTINGS:
I liked the small town settings and the intricacies of English Nobility. I would love to see more like this. A well-rounded class of victims.
OVERALL:
I liked this, and I've liked all the books in the series so far. If you've not started, you're missing a lot!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
We have Gemma and Sebastian Bell on holiday to visit Sebastian’s brother Simian and his family! It is their 1 year anniversary of meeting and also Gemma’s brother demise which hits her hard every year!
A neighbor comes to report a murder on Devils Ridge of a small child that appears a part of a pagan ritual! Gemma does her best but Colin comes from London and gives a more thorough yet still perplexing verdict! Sebastian has several theories and several suspects but most have alibis or no motive!
When it gets more complicated the second daughter is missing and throws the house into an uproar. This case distressed Gemma so much since children are involved and the father is beyond selfish!
He has set off this chain of events that are rocking the household and community!
When Gemma and Sebastian corner the suspects they barely escape with their lives! But can a commuting steeped in secrets turn their back on the final answer?
There is an extremely low degree of accountability those who should set the standard! Bravo another rollercoaster ride with a thrilling conclusion!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!
A neighbor comes to report a murder on Devils Ridge of a small child that appears a part of a pagan ritual! Gemma does her best but Colin comes from London and gives a more thorough yet still perplexing verdict! Sebastian has several theories and several suspects but most have alibis or no motive!
When it gets more complicated the second daughter is missing and throws the house into an uproar. This case distressed Gemma so much since children are involved and the father is beyond selfish!
He has set off this chain of events that are rocking the household and community!
When Gemma and Sebastian corner the suspects they barely escape with their lives! But can a commuting steeped in secrets turn their back on the final answer?
There is an extremely low degree of accountability those who should set the standard! Bravo another rollercoaster ride with a thrilling conclusion!
I received an ARC copy from Netgalley for my unbiased opinion!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
|| Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing me this arc in exchange for an honest review ! ||
I finally found what I loved about the first books of the series here, and it feels great!
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Sebastien and Gemma as a married couple, especially away from the rigid atmosphere of Scotland Yard. Sebastien is more at ease with Gemma’s assistance, while she is less reckless and puts herself in less danger, all while remaining the one who uncovers most of the key clues to identify the culprit.
Once again, I loved investigating alongside the main characters, and I was satisfied to uncover part of the truth. The story involves children, making the subject matter a bit more delicate, but that actually injected some fresh energy and novelty into the plot; the victim isn't personally connected to the couple (aside from the fact that events unfold in Sebastien’s childhood village), which makes for a welcome change of pace. The story is gripping and left its mark on the couple; I think it made them reflect on, and clarify, what they want for their future.
I finally found what I loved about the first books of the series here, and it feels great!
I really enjoyed the dynamic between Sebastien and Gemma as a married couple, especially away from the rigid atmosphere of Scotland Yard. Sebastien is more at ease with Gemma’s assistance, while she is less reckless and puts herself in less danger, all while remaining the one who uncovers most of the key clues to identify the culprit.
Once again, I loved investigating alongside the main characters, and I was satisfied to uncover part of the truth. The story involves children, making the subject matter a bit more delicate, but that actually injected some fresh energy and novelty into the plot; the victim isn't personally connected to the couple (aside from the fact that events unfold in Sebastien’s childhood village), which makes for a welcome change of pace. The story is gripping and left its mark on the couple; I think it made them reflect on, and clarify, what they want for their future.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
In this the latest book in this very enjoyable series newly married Gemma and Sebastian are visiting his family in Suffolk when they are asked to investigate the death of a young child, the daughter of the local Viscount. It can be read as a standalone book, but you miss some of the back stories and great storylines.
Be warned, the opening scenes with the discovery of the child's body is harrowing and sets the tone for the story, so it isn't a cosy mystery. What it is, though, is a fascinating case where there is no clear motive or suspects for the murder. There is a change from the previous gritty reality of Victorian London to rural Suffolk, with the local aristocracy and their servants showing that even the upper classes do not always have everything that they want make for a fresh view of the times. The investigation is convoluted and it is not until the end of the book that you begin to find out the truth of what happened. A great book for those who enjoy their crime dramas with a bit of grit without being too gruesome.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Be warned, the opening scenes with the discovery of the child's body is harrowing and sets the tone for the story, so it isn't a cosy mystery. What it is, though, is a fascinating case where there is no clear motive or suspects for the murder. There is a change from the previous gritty reality of Victorian London to rural Suffolk, with the local aristocracy and their servants showing that even the upper classes do not always have everything that they want make for a fresh view of the times. The investigation is convoluted and it is not until the end of the book that you begin to find out the truth of what happened. A great book for those who enjoy their crime dramas with a bit of grit without being too gruesome.
I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher through Netgalley, however this did not influence my review of the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Gemma and Seb are thrown into yet another gruesome, inexplicable murder during what is meant to be a restful vacation with family out in the country. Seb and his brother are communicating again, and Gemma is meeting her in-laws (sister-in-law & children) for the first time.
What had been a wonderful time of reconnecting with family turns into something completely other with the discovery of a mutilated child's body on what is locally referred to as an ancient pagan altar.
Suspects abound and cooperation is tough to maintain from the household; despite Gemma's misgivings that this may be the case they don't solve, they succeed. The solution is heartbreaking but makes sense. It also reveals a side of the era I was unaware of: the upper crust as 'better' really did use and abuse those they considered 'below' them. I thought that was reserved for issues of race, not class, so found it discouraging but sadly sensical.
As always, a great story spun by Ms. Shapiro.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
What had been a wonderful time of reconnecting with family turns into something completely other with the discovery of a mutilated child's body on what is locally referred to as an ancient pagan altar.
Suspects abound and cooperation is tough to maintain from the household; despite Gemma's misgivings that this may be the case they don't solve, they succeed. The solution is heartbreaking but makes sense. It also reveals a side of the era I was unaware of: the upper crust as 'better' really did use and abuse those they considered 'below' them. I thought that was reserved for issues of race, not class, so found it discouraging but sadly sensical.
As always, a great story spun by Ms. Shapiro.
I received an ARC; this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Nurse Gemma Bell and her new husband, Inspector Sebastian Bell, are visiting his family in Suffolk when a neighbour discovers the brutal murder of a young girl, high on Devil’s Ridge. Left alone to examine the body while Sebastian breaks the devastating news to the girl’s father, Viscount Ravenel, Gemma finds disturbing wounds that suggest calculated ritual, not random violence. With no local police, the desperate viscount begs Sebastian and Gemma to investigate. When another child vanishes from her bed, the investigation takes on terrible urgency.
The eighth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, I’ve loved how the characters have developed throughout the series, I especially love how Sebastian & Gemma’s relationship has grown & deepened. Another well written murder mystery which kept me guessing, there were twists, turns & red herrings all of which added to the enjoyment. I was surprised who the villain was. & loved the climax.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
The eighth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own, I’ve loved how the characters have developed throughout the series, I especially love how Sebastian & Gemma’s relationship has grown & deepened. Another well written murder mystery which kept me guessing, there were twists, turns & red herrings all of which added to the enjoyment. I was surprised who the villain was. & loved the climax.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Definitely dark & gritty involving the seemingly ritualistic murder of a young child. Gemma & Sebastian are visiting his brother's family back in his village when they are alerted to the body of the dead girl. Since there are no competent police/investigators nearby, the family asks Sebastian to find out who murdered their daughter. There are many suspicious family members with secrets they each hide from the world, and servants with various relationships with the family members. Add in the local church leaders, and there are numerous suspects. There is very little joy in this book, yet we get to continue to see the newly married couple rely on each other and contemplate what their future will hold. There is at least one unanswered question at the end of the book so I look forward to the next one.
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for selecting me to read an advance copy.
Thank you to Netgalley & the publisher for selecting me to read an advance copy.
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