The Highgate Cemetery Murder: A Tate and Bell Mystery, Book 1

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars | 3,325 ratings

Price: 23.88

Last update: 09-17-2024


About this item

His heart pounding, the man scribbles the words in his notebook as fast as he can: “Woman dead in Highgate. Man in caped coat.Milky way and red streaks.I’m being followed.”

Hours later, the man’s cold body lies in the city mortuary, alongside the woman he couldn’t save. And his sister, unconventional nurse Gemma Tate, tracks down troubled police inspector Sebastian Bell to unravel the truth.

Sebastian has enough pressure to solve the murder of an aristocratic heiress without Gemma meddling in his case. But the cryptic sentences she brings him from her brother’s notebook could be a crucial lead. If only they knew what “milky way” meant. But as the trail of clues takes them away from the gilded drawing rooms of the nobility and into the dangerous slums of London, how far will their partnership be tested on the quest for justice, and will they both emerge unscathed?


Top reviews from the United States

GrandmaLu OK
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent first book in this mystery series
Reviewed in the United States on July 8, 2024
Loved all the fleshed out characters. The personalities of the main two characters, Sebastian and Gemma, are perfect for working partners, friends to become and perhaps a more serious relationship. The mystery was not easily solved, with lots of good clues and interesting interviews. Looking forward to the next in the series. Thank you Irina Shapiro for an excellent escapist mystery!
D. B. Pierce
4.0 out of 5 stars Well crafted!
Reviewed in the United States on June 23, 2024
A very well crafted story with appealing and well drawn main characters we will want to know better. Elements of the time and place are artfully drawn. My only complaint is actually inevitable as this format does not lend itself to lengthy novels. In fact, its very brevity highlights author Shapiro's skill. Highly recommend!
Kindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent murder mystery
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
I don't often award such high tribute to a book but this one was extremely hard to put down. Ms. Shapiro has crafted an excellent plot with great atmosphere and totally authentic characters. This is a book that is well worth the read.
Joyce
5.0 out of 5 stars Gripping Tale
Reviewed in the United States on August 10, 2024
The story is gripping! I love how the readers are in every step of the investigation. The flow of the investigation is realistic and I particularly love the partnership of Gemma and Sebastian.
PCHWoman
4.0 out of 5 stars Believable characters
Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
Writing believable characters, especially those " living" in an earlier time period takes real skill. This story has such characters. The story doesn't drag and the mystery earns it's name. I am pleased with is novel. Thank you.
ReenieC
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Read!!
Reviewed in the United States on August 22, 2024
What a page turner as I read the whole book in 5 hours! Just love all the characters in the book but especially the leads. Can’t wait to read another by this author! Very well done and thanks Ms. Shapiro!
Heather Black
3.0 out of 5 stars I really like the characters.
Reviewed in the United States on April 25, 2024
The characters were great. Especially Gamma. She can be professional at the right times. And Bell said near the end, she was there to help him through his healing, of bones and habits. It felt right that she helped him. But her grief is unrelieved. Nurses do they a lot. The mystery was a bit of a stretch. And I am not sure the bad guys would have given up the confession so easily. But I like the characters and will read more books.
Book Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent historical murder mystery
Reviewed in the United States on August 24, 2024
The mid-1800s London setting is perfect for a murder mystery. Especially Highgate Cemetery and All Hallows church.

The research is gently incorporated. This is an engaging murder mystery, doesn't come across as a text book.

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