This is the first in a series of period mysteries introducing Molly Murphy, an enterprising, turn of the twentieth century Irish woman who comes to America to escape the law in Ireland, having committed a serious crime in self-defense. Set in the early 1900s, the book is replete with period detail. Those who enjoy mysteries and historical fiction will find much to enjoy in this Agatha Award winning novel.
When Molly arrives in America, she immediately comes under the scrutiny of law enforcement, as a fellow passenger, with whom she had had a public argument, is murdered on Ellis Island. She meets Captain Daniel Sullivan in the process, and her Irish charm makes an indelible impression upon him.
Molly manages to leave Ellis Island under her own steam but, wary that she might be a suspect, she is determined to find the killer on her own. Her search takes her through various New York neighborhoods, all with a flavor of their own. She also gets to know Captain Daniel Sullivan a bit better, and the sparks fly.
This book certainly held my interest and made me want to read the other books in this series. With a well-plotted storyline, a host of interesting characters, and a plucky, intelligent heroine, this appears to be a promising series of books. Molly Murphy is a character that is here to stay.