I am still enjoying the tales of Gemma and Sebastian! A new book means a new death. Gemma is starting to feel the constraints of her time and wishes for more. I am curious to see how this desire plays out, especially set against the time period and with the burgeoning feeling between Gemma and Sebastian. I will keep returning!

Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell is at the train station to meet his estranged brother, not get involved in a strange (even for Victorian London) murder. Sebastian and his friend (and perhaps more) nurse, Gemma Tate investigate the unknown woman's death and concealment in a trunk in left luggage.
They struggle with Sebastian's superintendent's reluctance to investigate a murder that is unlikely to be solved, especially if it gets into the papers. Sebastian and brother, Simian try to sort out their differences and make amends for years of estrangement. Gemma deals with the dismissive attitudes of everyone, except Sebastian, as she attempts to find out who, where, and why the murder took place. Sometimes it helps to be just a nosy woman; people will be less guarded than with a policeman.
As the clues add up and several suspects are identified, the murderer is watching them as well, and may be closer than anyone imagines.
I really enjoy this series, especially the way Sebastian and Gemma make each other grow and work through their past tragedies and traumas. Also happy for Gemma to FINALLY be coming out of mourning for her parents, sister-in-law, and beloved brother.
This is a great series and can't wait to see what happens next.

This was another strong entry in the Tate and Bell series, atmospheric as usual, with a good balance of the mystery and the human side of the story.

Plot summary: When a body is found in a trunk on a train platform, inspector Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate need to find the murderer before it's too late.

Their personal relationship doesn't progress much here. The author is moving the timeline very slowly so that Gemma is still in mourning and can't get engaged, and she pushes it off even further here as Gemma is asked to stay on to help Mrs. Ramsey, whom she cares for in her capacity as a nurse, after she is hurt.

There is a colorful cast of characters with many suspects for who could be the murderer. I enjoyed the side story of Sebastian meeting with his brother.

However, there were some weak parts here. There were too many coincidences to move the plot, and Gemma's thoughts about female empowerment didn't fit the time. There were some loose ends that weren't tied up well enough at the end, to me.

I'm looking forward to the next installment.

3.5/5

Thank you to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Irina Shapiro for the opportunity to review an advanced copy.

Irina Shapiro has found her stride with Gemma Tate and Inspector Bell. I adore these mysteries. Gabe and Gemma are on a new case, and with newfound freedom as there is a mutual care and respect in Gemma’s contributions and Gabe’s appreciation of her abilities. Gemma finds herself taking the lead in new ways that are absolutely perfect at showcasing her talents and demonstrating how she balances Gabe so well. Meanwhile, Gabe is settling into a new routine with the new superintendent at the station and understands the importance of not only solving this latest mystery but solving it quickly. There are some well-timed obstacles in this case, but they really do serve to showcase each of their talents. I loved some of the happy side trails offered in this story and I cannot wait for future installments to see what else may in store for these two. You can enjoy as a standalone and won’t feel like you are out of place, but reading in order will provide so much depth and backdrop to these amazing characters.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher via NetGalley and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.

Thank you Storm Publishing for the ARC of Murder on Platform Four. I enjoy thrillers and mysteries and this book was unique as a mystery. Unique because the entire story centered on solving a murder and carefully walked the reader through.the investigative process which was interesting for me. It was easy to follow and side stories were kept to a minimum making the murder the main thread of the story. I particularly like anything set in London and this didn't disappoint. I look forward to reading the other books in the series with these characters and more Irina Shapiro books.

[3.5/5 rounded to 4/5]

Sadly my hopes after reading book 4 weren't satisfied: there were no big leap in time, so there is no real progress with Gemma and Sebastian's romance in this book, even if the ending leads up to a new change (even if it'd still be slow considering how this ended). So it's my biggest frustration with this book 5.

Otherwise the story itself and the investigation was interesting, while being less eventfull (besides the ending) than previous books. I enjoyed that this time it was both far from our MCs yet still being close to them as well, it was well nuanced. As always, I loved following the investigation besides Sebastian and Gemma and trying to find the murderer by myself ; this time it was more subtle and a bigger story than expected - even if I was frustrated a bit by Sebastian not interrogating someone before they vanished, but that's game!

I will gladly continue on reading this series, as I still love following their adventures, even if I really truly hope the next book won't happen only 1 week later than this one - there is a big need of a leap in the storyline to stop reader being frustrated and finally giving them some hope.

What a truly gripping page-turner. It had everything and more than I could have wished for. A dramatic storyline , interwoven with a cast of memorable characters.

While waiting at the train station for the arrival of his estranged brother, Inspector Sebastian Bell finds himself caught up in a murder investigation when a young woman’s body is found in an abandoned trunk. The victim had been stabbed to death, and it does not take Bell long to determine that she had been staying at a nearby hotel. Now Bell must not only find the killer, but determine the woman’s identity and figure out what she was doing in London and who she was there to see. Nurse Gemma Tate has helped Bell with several past cases, and she offers valuable assistance again in getting justice for the murdered woman.

I am a big fan of the Tate and Bell Mysteries. The historical series is set in London in the mid-1850s, and Shapiro brings the setting to life. MURDER ON PLATFORM FOUR is full of suspense and red herrings. Several suspects are close to either Sebastian or Gemma, and that adds to the drama and the urgency to uncover the killer. But to find the killer, they must first figure out the identity of the dead woman. Despite Scotland Yard’s lack of interest in the murder, Sebastian continues to work on the case while Gemma conducts her own investigation behind the scenes.

Atmospheric, Smart, and Suspenseful.

Murder on Platform Four is a beautifully written and atmospheric Victorian mystery. Inspector Bell and Gemma Tate are drawn into a suspicious death on a railway platform, uncovering a layered story of loss, secrets, and survival. The plot is tight and engaging, the historical detail feels authentic, and the characters especially Bell and Tate continue to shine. Irina Shapiro balances mystery with emotional depth perfectly. Highly recommended for fans of historical crime fiction! Thanks to NetGalley and to the publishers of this book for giving me a free advance copy of the book to preview and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

1858 London; Scotland Yard detective Sebastian Bell is at Paddington to meet his brother after many years of separation. He's just at the tight place when a body is found in an abandoned trunk but then practically ignores his brother so the family reunion starts on a rather down note. Nurse Gemma Tate is currently nursing a lady with dementia but has the advantage of a live-in position, she's nearing the end of her mourning period for her twin brother and is contemplating what the future might hold. She and Sebastian have admitted feelings to each other but there are always things in the way. The body is of a young woman, stabbed with a bodkin and bled to death. Who is she, was she meeting someone? What was she doing in London? Where is she from? No papers for identification other than a scrap giving an address in the street in which Sebastian lodges. The body is taken for autopsy and Gemma, whilst not intruding, does an external examination - totally frowned upon by her patient's son, Colin, who does the formal autopsies. There is a lot of surmising and thought going on and this does get repetitive at times. It's good to see some of these, however, given the lack of evidence and the lack of the familiar 21st century technologies. Medics of various sorts are highly involved, there's blackmail, revenge, accidental death and a whole lot more dealing with the murder. Sebastian is the solid, practical sort, a doggedly determined policeman and coming to terms with the murder of his wife and unborn child. There is also a lot about Gemma's thoughts and frustrations of being a women in these times where she can nurse and mop fevered brows but given, mostly, little consideration as to having a brain let alone using it for anything other than womanly jobs. At least Sebastian appreciates her. Another good read that can be read as a standalone. Excellent descriptions of the times and conditions in London, especially of the majority who are poor and desperate. Look forward to the next installment. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy.

The latest entry in the Tate and Bell series by Irina Shapiro is an absolute delight. From the opening pages, the mystery pulls you in: Sebastian Bell is waiting at a train station for the arrival of his estranged brother, Simeon, when a porter discovers the body of a dead woman stuffed into a trunk. Although Simeon arrives as planned, Sebastian quickly becomes absorbed in the investigation, eager to begin tracking down the killer while the crime scene is still fresh. The body is brought to Dr. Colin Ramsey’s home for autopsy, but with both Colin and his ailing mother Anne under the weather, Gemma takes it upon herself to start investigating on her own.
There’s a lot to love about this installment. The introduction of Simeon adds a meaningful layer to Sebastian’s backstory, filling in a long-standing gap in his family history. Meanwhile, the relationship between Gemma and Sebastian continues to grow in a way that feels genuine and respectful. Sebastian’s recognition of Gemma as a smart, independent woman is refreshing—especially when contrasted with Colin’s dismissiveness of her involvement. Here’s hoping Colin comes around in future books.
As always, the glimpse into mid-19th century investigative techniques is fascinating, even with their limitations.
Murder on Platform Four is a perfect weekend read—ideal for a quiet afternoon on the porch. Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read an advance copy in exchange for my honest opinion. Fans of Irina Shapiro and historical mysteries will find plenty to enjoy here. Highly recommended.

“Murder on Platform Four” is the fifth volume in Irina Shapiro’s Tate and Bell mystery series. It can be read as a standalone, but is much richer when read as part of the series.

While waiting to pick up his estranged brother at the train station, Inspector Sebastian Bell becomes involved in a murder investigation when a young woman’s body is discovered in a trunk left on the platform. It seems to be a crime of passion…and a crime of deliberation. Nurse Gemma Tate takes custody of the victim’s body on behalf of her ill employer who is a medical examiner. Being naturally curious and somewhat of an expert at solving crimes, Gemma does an initial examination of the body and shares her insights with Sebastian. The two begin investigating the clues and quickly come to the conclusion that the killer is uncomfortably close to them, but which suspect is the true culprit?

This is a twisty-turny mystery that keeps the reader engaged to the end. Chance encounters and off-hand remarks add to the puzzle. Gemma and Sebastian’s relationship continues to develop, but Gemma is still in mourning for her brother.

This story is great for readers who enjoy historical mysteries with a slow-burn romance.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Storm Publishing, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Historical drama part of a series. Characters are really good and the story is intriguing and full of twists and turns.

I know these books are not romance, per say, but every book little by little Sebastian and Gemma get closer and realize that they're in love. I do wish they could just move out of their lodgings and move into their own place, then go and adopt Lucy. A girl can dream.
I was impressed that Gemma did the autopsy. She probably is more knowledgeable than Colin is about such matters anyway.
Thank you to Storm for the copy of this book. Opinions are my own.

Tate, a nurse, and Bell, a police inspector, work together to piece who was the murdered woman stuffed and left in a trunk at the train station. Good story and kept my interest throughout. First I've read in the series, so some of the references of the past had little meaning for me. Still though, would recommend.

The strange occurrences happening in both of Sebastian and Gemma’s lives, aided them in solving the mystery of the unidentified woman and her murderer.
With the solving of this case and with the ending of her period of mourning, the future of their lives appears to be more promising.

Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the eRC to review.

It has been a while since I read a historical mystery and this one didn't disappoint. This book was my introduction to the Tate and Bell mystery series and I enjoyed reading about a murder being solved the old fashioned way—no internet, no phones, no DNA tests, not even a police photographer in the employ of the Scotland Yard to help with its investigations.
The pacing might have been better if a few excessively descriptive portions had been omitted, but nevertheless the plot was clever and intriguing enough to keep me turning the pages.

As this book is part of a series, I recommend reading the books in order. However, there is enough context for a first-time reader to enjoy this book as a standalone as well.

I thank the author, the publishers, and Netgalley for the arc provided in exchange for an honest review.

If you haven't tried the Tate and Bell Mystery series, you are missing out! One of the best historical mystery novels out there. And Murder on Platform Four, excellent read. Sébastien and Gemma are on the case and kept me guessing til the end on who did it. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the advanced copy in return for an honest review! I love this series!

Another great installment of Gemma Tate & Sebastian Bell solving a mystery while moving forward in their relationship. They don't actually spend that much time together during the book but we get to hear their thoughts and feelings about what they want in their future together. Gemma is still working to take care of her friend's ailing mother, while Sebastian navigates the hierarchy of Scotland Yard. Gemma is coming up to the end of her mourning period for her twin brother and Sebastian is learning to let go of his murdered wife and unborn child, while being confronted by the murder of an unknown woman who was stuffed in a trunk. The killer is close to home and they must figure out who it is before more people are killed. The ending is action-packed and full of drama.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read this book

Another fantastic instalment of this historical mystery series. Inspector Sebastian Bell is waiting at Paddington Station for his estranged brother Simian when train porters report the discovering of a dead woman in a trunk. Meanwhile nurse Gemma Tate has her hands full with a sick household, but she’s restless for more challenges.

From the opening chapter to the end, I eagerly kept page turning. Irina Shapiro recreates 1859 London so vividly I could smell its fetidness. Woven is how women were restricted. Gemma wants more out of life than being a dutiful woman (grrr Colin, yay Sebastian). The mystery was compelling with twists and turns that I couldn’t guess the culprit. At times though the pace dragged a bit with too many inner monologues (I really had to eye roll with Gemma thinking ‘she was not like other women’ – did we really have to go there?).

What I really appreciate is the character development. With all their grief and trauma, Gemma and Sebastian have grown in leaps and bounds since the first book and it’s what keeps me coming back for more books. Sebastian is no longer hitting the opium and alcohol to blot himself out; he’s grown and opened his heart to Gemma and appreciate her as an equal. Gemma is also close to the end of her mourning period and, in a poignant scene talks in her head to her late brother about moving on with life and grabbing happiness. These two are at the heart of the series which keeps me coming back so I hope they find true happiness as they’ve suffered enough as it is.

I am utterly hooked on this series, and can’t wait for more Sebastian and Gemma because I am greedy!

Thanks to Storm and NetGalley for the ARC.