10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Molly's in Danger Again, 11 Dec 2002
By Mark Baker - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Death of Riley: A Molly Murphy Mystery (Molly Murphy Mysteries) (Hardcover)
It's been several months since Molly arrived in America, and she's still trying to find her nitch in New York City. Her strong will and sharp tongue have gotten in the way of several jobs. She has her heart set on becoming a PI to hunt lost relatives. After much persuasion, she starts to assist Paddy Riley with his PI business. But she hasn't been there too long before she walks into the office one day to find her new boss dead. Why was he murdered? Molly's determined to find out. Meanwhile, her relationship with Daniel hits a major snag. And her living situation gets very sticky when Seamus's relatives keep showing up.
I enjoyed the second in this historical fiction series. The author has done her research, and it shows. The detail is fantastic, and I was drawn into the world of 100 years ago. The plot moves better here then in the first in the series, and the subplots add the right mixture to the overall storyline. Molly's really grown on me, too. She's the right mix of stubbornness and the naiveté that would come from her previous life in a small Irish village. The historical aspect of this is done right as well, mixing real life people into the fictitious story.
I've recently been rediscovering my love of historical fiction, and this book is a perfect fit in that genre. Ms. Bowen seamlessly mixes history and mystery into an engrossing story.
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Molly's at it again, 24 Feb 2003
By "tsm224" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Death of Riley: A Molly Murphy Mystery (Molly Murphy Mysteries) (Hardcover)
Molly Murphy has decided after many failed attempts at employment to be an investigator. Since this is the early 1900's in NYC many find this announcement nonsense and dismiss it as foolish behavior. Well she meets Paddy and convinces him to give her a job cleaning his office. She bothers him everday about his
cases and ask question after question. Upon coming to work one day, she discovers a robbery in progress and her world is turned upside down. Molly manages to irritate everyone with her determination to find the criminal. Her actions place in her danger and it is up to Daniel Sullivan to rescue her from her
shortcomings. This sequel is not as tightly written as the debut novel. I found myself skimming the last third of the book as Molly actions were just over the top where the plot was headed. Bowen does manage to reel Molly in and the conclusion of the story was solid yet murky. Rating 7
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Molly is wonderful!!!, 15 Sep 2010
By tricia "Tricia" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: Death of Riley: A Molly Murphy Mystery (Molly Murphy Mysteries) (Mass Market Paperback)
Each and every Molly mystery is filled with historical information, which is fed ever so lightly and creates a realistic flavor. The characters are well developed, the stories well plotted and each a treasure in its own right. I read these 9 books in just 3 weeks. Once started, I couldn't stop! I am happy I read them in order, and you may want to consider this as well. Since many of them have been awarded mysteries top writing awards, I have created a list for you to read which book received which award, and placed them in order according to publication date in case you too would like to read them in order:
Murphy's Law (2001)
2001 Agatha Award for Best Novel
Finalist 2002 Mary Higgins Clark Award
Death of Riley (2002)
Finalist 2002 Agatha Award for Best Novel
For the Love of Mike (2003)
2004 Anthony Award for Best Historical Novel
Finalist 2004 Macavity Award for Best Novel
In Like Flynn (2005)
Finalist 2006 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel
Oh Danny Boy (2006)
2007 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel
Finalist 2007 Barry Award for Best Novel
In Dublin's Fair City (2007)
Tell Me, Pretty Maiden (2008)
Finalist 2009 Bruce Alexander Award
In a Gilded Cage (2009)
Finalist 2010 Bruce Alexander Award
The Last Illusion (2010)
I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did!!