Publication: 29th September 2026 – Storm Publishing
A powerful politician dies at an elegant dinner party. But was it murder? And if so, who wanted him dead?
When a prominent Member of Parliament collapses during a private dinner attended by London’s elite, his personal physician swiftly attributes the death to a weak heart. But Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell isn’t convinced. Suspecting political assassination by poison, he calls on his wife, Gemma, to help investigate.
The two soon find themselves navigating treacherous corridors of power, where every guest at that fatal dinner has secrets to hide. But as they delve deeper into the dead man’s life, the evidence begins to tell a curious story. The killer’s motive may not be political ambition—but something far more personal and devastating.
With powerful forces working to bury the truth and close the case, Gemma and Sebastian must risk everything to expose a murderer who believes they are above the law. But in a world where reputation is currency and scandal can destroy lives, how far will the guilty go to protect themselves?
A suspenseful Victorian mystery full of power, poison, and deadly secrets, perfect for fans of Andrea Penrose, Anna Lee Huber, and the Lady Sherlock mysteries.
I really enjoyed A Murder in Belgravia. The mystery is well-developed and intriguing, the characters are engaging, and the setting is very atmospheric. During a dinner party that included many prominent and powerful people, including the Superintendent and the Commissioner of Scotland Yard, the host, an important Member of Parliament, collapses on the floor dying. What initially looks like a heart attack, turns out to be a murder and it’s up to Detective Inspector Sebastian Bell and his wife Gemma, nurse and pathologist in training, to investigate.
A Murder in Belgravia is the ninth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone. I have read only some of the previous books in the series, but I am looking forward to reading the rest. First of all, I loved the historical setting. Victorian London wasn’t an easy place to live in if you were poor and the author brings us to a side of London that is even darker than expected and that most people chose to ignore. And all that glitters is not gold in beautiful Mayfair as Sebastian and Gemma uncover secrets, lies, and betrayals that the wealthiest and most influential people of the city try to keep hidden.
The murder mystery is intriguing and full of twists and tension, but it wasn’t the only thing keeping me immersed in the story. I enjoyed Sebastian and Gemma’s relationship, romantic and full of trust. The newly-married couple works very well together, treating each other as equals, and they are determined to find the killer. I am already looking forward to reading more Gemma and Sebastian’s mysteries.
A huge thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with a proof of the novel.
Irina Shapiro lives in New Jersey, and is the bestselling author of over 50 novels spanning six acclaimed series, including the Tate and Bell Mysteries, the Redmond and Haze Mysteries, and the Echoes from the Past series, as well as standalone psychological thrillers. Her gripping Victorian murder mysteries and emotional time-slip novels have captivated millions of readers worldwide, blending rich historical detail with suspense, romance, and a touch of the uncanny. When she’s not crafting her next page-turner, she’s researching forgotten scandals, exploring old cemeteries, or imagining what secrets might lie hidden behind crumbling walls.
