The chill of winter has descended on London. But for Sebastian Bell and Gemma Tate, there will be little cheer this season...

Gemma Tate has a new job and a new address. She is putting her past - her memories of nursing in the Crimean war - behind her. But when Jacob Harrow, a journalist with ties to Crimea, is found brutally killed, Gemma is pulled into the investigation.

Police inspector Sebastian Bell works alone. But when all signs point towards a dark secret Harrow brought back from the war, he realizes he needs Gemma's help to untangle the mystery. But raking up the past has devastating consequences when Gemma's friend, another nurse from Crimea, is found murdered in her boarding house...

As dark betrayals come tumbling out, Gemma and Sebastian are on a dangerous race to uncover the truth. But in her determination to solve the case, could one rash act by Gemma place her next in the killer's sights...?

The second addictive and atmospheric Tate and Bell mystery is perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, the Lady Sherlock mysteries, and Miss Scarlet and the Duke.

Readers love the Tate and Bell mysteries...

"I was hooked, basically. The story is so extremely gripping that it's hard to put the book down." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"The characters are so real and likeable. I was absolutely gobsmacked at who the killer was... I really couldn't put the book down till the end a real page-turner. I can't wait to get the next book in this series and will add to my must-read series." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"So good I could hardly put the book down... Once you start, you may as well forget everything else." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Grips you from the very beginning and pulls you in... If you're a fan of Miss Scarlet and the Duke and Enola Holmes, then you will love Gemma Tate's wits and tenacity." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Absolutely in love with this book and halfway through I bought another book by this author. Now to read all things Irina Shapiro!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Spellbound!... Shapiro's writing is sublime, transporting you to the vibrant streets of Victorian London. You'll feel like you're accompanying Gemma and Sebastian as they track down clues and uncover the truth... A must-read... Five stars!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"Highly recommend this for anyone interested in historical mystery, particularly set in Victorian England, and for fans of Deanna Raybourn, Andrea Penrose, and Anna Lee Huber." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"This was a fantastic read! I absolutely LOVED it! I look forward to seeing more in this series!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"So gripping and twisted I could not put it down... Both Gemma and Sebastian are quite damaged but they can rely on each other. I can't wait to see what the next book has in store for them!" Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

"I immediately fell in love with the complexity of both characters... I honestly cannot wait to see where this series leads as I think this is a stunning beginning for both Bell and Tate." Reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐