"Taylor constructs an entertaining, sometimes enchanting world" in this historical mystery about a grieving man who confronts the specter of ghosts (People).1786, Jerusalem College, Cambridge The ghost of Sylvia Whichcote is rumored to be haunting Jerusalem ever since student Frank Oldershaw claimed to have seen the dead woman prowling the grounds and was locked up because of his violent reaction to these disturbed visions. Desperate to salvage her son's reputation, Lady Anne Oldershaw employs John Holdsworth, author of The Anatomy of Ghosts—a stinging account of why ghosts are mere delusion—to investigate. But his arrival in Cambridge disrupts an uneasy status quo as he glimpses a world of privilege and abuse, where the sinister Holy Ghost Club governs life at Jerusalem more effectively than the Master, Dr. Carbury, ever could. And when Holdsworth finds himself haunted—not only by the ghost of his dead wife, Maria, but also by Elinor, the very-much-alive Master's wife—his fate is sealed. He must find Sylvia's murderer, or else the hauntings will continue. And not one of this troubled group will leave the claustrophobic confines of Jerusalem unchanged. CWA Cartier Diamond Dagger winner Andrew Taylor returns with an outstanding historical novel that will simultaneously keep the reader riveted, and enchant with its effortless elegance."[A] masterful thriller. . . . Fans of Michael Cox and Charles Palliser will relish this sophisticated period puzzle, which takes an intriguing look at the age-old question of the reality of ghosts." —Publishers Weekly, starred review"[An] engaging premise and . . . evocative setting." —Booklist

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?Fans of Andrea Penrose, Deanna Raybourn and Miss Scarlet and the Duke will be hooked on this intricate, compelling mystery set in Victorian London.Readers love The Highgate Cemetery Murder…“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, ?????“A highly engaging plot, with a richly atmospheric, almost gothic-like setting, and compelling characters… read this in one sitting. A must-read for historical mystery fans.” Reader review, ?????Readers love Irina’s historical mysteries…“I loved, loved, loved this story… I couldn’t put the book down… What better way to spend the day but wrapped in a warm blanket and being transported to an adventure.” Reader review, ?????“I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars.” Reader review, ?????“I absolutely loved this! The plot twist and storyline left me reeling in the best way possible.” Reader review, ?????

Included in THE TIMES Best Historical Fiction Books of 2025: 'A lively new perspective on a grimly familiar tale'The world's most famous unsolved serial killer mystery, told from the perspective of a gang of women.'A fresh and captivating retelling of the Jack the Ripper mystery, brimming with authentic historical detail and well-drawn, sympathetic characters. A must-read for lovers of finely crafted historical fiction.' IRINA SHAPIRO'This is a wonderfully crafted book where historical fiction meets seamlessly with historical fact. The case of Jack the Ripper as you have never read it before.' Reader review ?????London, 1888. A monster prowls the gaslit streets, and the police are looking in all the wrong places, at all the wrong suspects. But three women refuse to stay silent.Emma, the chief detective’s sharp-witted wife, sees the investigation failing. Maggie, a private investigator, exposes men’s darkest secrets. Bet, a police station cleaner, overhears what others ignore.Together, they form an alliance to hunt down the killer dubbed Jack the Ripper. But as the women weave through the slums, brothels, and smoke-filled parlours of London’s underworld, they uncover corruption more sinister than they ever imagined.The city belonged to men – until now.Readers are hooked by The Women in the Shadows:'Harriet Fox will delight readers with this clever reimagining of the Jack the Ripper murders through the eyes of Whitechapel women. Engrossing and original – this story will keep pages turning and night-lights burning.' ROSE PASCOE'I can honestly say it was the most thrilling, page turning book I've read this year. I literally could not put it down.' HELEN PHIFER'A wonderful romp through Jack the Ripper's London! A dark subject, but the author's light touch made it an unputdownable, easy read. I especially loved that each of the victims was given a personality and a voice, and that the women turned the tables on the Ripper through their investigations.' KATHLEEN MCGURL'This is a thrilling page turner of a novel which will appeal to historical fiction and crime fiction fans alike' ANNIE LYONS'A twisty and gripping thriller' MY WEEKLY'A compelling reimagining' THE PEOPLE'S FRIEND'I wasn't really sure there were any more takes to be had on the story of Jack the ripper. But I was wrong.' Reader review ????'In a world where the focus is more on the Ripper himself – this brilliant, disturbing, and heart-wrenching story gives these important women a voice.' Reader review ????'This was so easy to read and very difficult to put down. Brilliant.' Reader review ?????'I can’t even begin to describe how many Jack the Ripper books I’ve read. But there are no books like this, and I’m so in love with the premise of it' Reader review ????'If Emma, Bet and Maggie popped up again in some other historical mystery… I would not be mad. I would in fact be asking the bookseller to take my money.' Reader review ????'This book grabbed me from the start and I couldn't stop reading' Reader review ????'I absolutely adored The Women In the Shadows.' Reader review ?????

A reluctant lady sleuth finds she's investigating her own family.1881, Sussex. With a drowned husband—the second love lost—an overbearing family, no longed-for child, and the responsibility of a huge baroque mansion, it's not surprising Lady Helena Whitcombe is overwhelmed. When attractive, mysterious, French physician Armand Fortier disturbs her first weeks of mourning with his theory of murder, Helena's reluctant and ineffective attempts at investigation are hardly life-changing—until the resulting revival in her long-abandoned herbalist studies bring her into confrontation with her past and her family's.Can Lady Helena survive bereavement the second time around? Can she stand up to her six siblings' assumption of the right to control her new life as a widow? And what role will Fortier—who, as a physician, is a most unsuitable companion for an earl's daughter—play in her investigations?Every family has its secrets. The Scott-De Quincy family has more than most.