Death of Riley

Molly Murphy #2

by Rhys Bowen

Molly Murphy has finally begun to forget the unpleasant murder of a would-be rapist back in Ireland, not to mention her investigation into the murder of a fellow recent Irish immigrant, and is finally free to begin her life in New York City. Given her experiences so far in the New World, Molly has decided that her first order of business is to become a private investigator, a people finder of sorts, working for families in Europe who've lost touch with relatives in America. Not only might this put some food on her table, but her second order of business is to hook the handsome NYPD police captain Daniel Sullivan, and she envisions lots of opportunities to "seek his counsel" in her new profession.

Paddy Riley is a tough old Cockney p.i. who specializes in divorce work, and with a little persuasion he's ready to take on Molly as an apprentice. It's not exactly what she imagined, but she plans to make the most of it. That is, until she comes in to work one day to find her new world turned upside down and all expectations for her professional life suddenly up in the air.

Before long, Molly has set off on a journey that will take her through the back alleys of Manhattan and into the bars and lounges of the literary scene, where she spends time with writers, actors, poets, and musicians. It's quite an eye-opening turn for innocent young Molly, but she's resolute in her decision to find out exactly what happened that day in the office of Paddy Riley. Armed with nothing more than her fiery will and matching wild red hair, Molly has no idea of the danger her pursuit may bring in this fascinating, well-researched, and suspenseful second novel in Rhys Bowen's Agatha-award winning series.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Cozy Mystery, Audiobook

320 pages, Hardcover

First published December 5, 2002

About the author

I'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.

I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.

My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.

I also write the Agatha-winning Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.

I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries

Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law

Reviews

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

As in book one, suspend belief for most of the book and it is very enjoyable indeed. Try not to think what would happen to the totally outrageous Molly if Daniel was not there as her guardian angel to save her from her ridiculous scrapes. Just sit back and enjoy the atmosphere of turn of the century New York when it was so easy to shoot a President except that the crowd would try to lynch you afterwards!

I listened to this one on audio as I did the first book and I think the narrator adds to the enjoyment of the story. She reads all the different voices so well and makes listening a real pleasure. I intend to keep going with the series this way as long as the current narrator lasts:)

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

After I finished the first book in this series, I couldn't wait to read the second, and since I'd picked it up awhile ago at a book sale I dug right in! Though not quite as good as the first, Death of Riley was still an excellent book.

Molly has finally started settling in to her life in New York but she still can't find a job that suits her. So, when circumstances lead her to Paddy Riley she desperately wants to be his assistant, even though he's not sure if he wants or needs an assistant yet. However he takes Molly on and when Paddy is found dead, Molly inherits the business and a murder investigation. As Molly digs deeper into Paddy's cases to try to find who killed him things start to get dangerous, and when the police offer little to no help Molly must try to find the killer before the killer finds her!

Once again, I had absolutely no complaints about Molly, she is everything I look for in a MC. Daniel is also a great character, though he frustrated me in this book. Seamus and his kids reappeared in this book, and I must say I hope they stay on for awhile, though I could do without his cousin Nuala. Gus and Sid were also refreshing; I hope they reappear, too.

The mystery in this book was very good. A lot of action and adventure mixed with the mystery of being in a huge sity. I love Ms. Bowen's talent of weaving nonfiction and fiction together. Honestly, I learn something new every time I read one of her books.

Another just great book. With (mostly) great characters and a great plotline, yet Daniel's drama (which I could have done without) and Nuala, Death of Riley gets 4/5 stars. Can't wait to read the next one!

[C. (Comment, don't blank click reviews). · Rating 4 out of 5]

I collected Rhys Bowen hardcovers and softcovers for awhile and was glad to find that I love this Molly Brown series. I am impressed by how realistically and tangibly 1902 in New York is conveyed. Oddly, I dislike her Evan Evans series. I will try her royal ones soon.

I read “Murphy’s Law” in April 2018. I am pleased to continue this series, again which I would have given five stars, if nonsense did not weaken the end of the mysteries. Released a year later in 2002, “The Death Of Riley” is a title that aptly reflects a second large change in Molly’s life. I admire how fiercely she seized upon an opportunity she recognized, to learn how to bring her detective idea to fruition. At a time when the various races of the city of new immigrants kept to the same few trades, one needed to invent their own fortune.

Molly impressed a wealthy lady for whom she worked as a companion, by being her candid self. She politely resigned, to convince Paddy Riley to train her in detective work. When he was murdered and had no kinfolk, Molly took over his business. She then asked her wealthy ally for support, via information about well-heeled suspects to interview. Befriending poets and playwrights landed her a rent-free room with a wealthy lesbian couple and more ease of movement in circles she needed to survey. Molly’s rise several steps above where she started was invigorating and inspiring to watch.

The story lost points for a few large leads arriving in blatantly coincidental manners and silly decisions made, in a fairground chase at the end, that cost a life. It blends true history of an American president who died from conspiracy at a world fair. I look forward to Rhys’s third adventure.

[Luffy Sempai · Rating 1 out of 5]

After reading all of the story and part of the afterword, I can understand that The Death of Riley is a twofer that links up to the death of President McKinley. I also understand that many of the quips were referenced ideas that will strike the funny bone of people more cultured, amenable, or aware than me. That does not make this premise less of a headscratcher in terms of vitals, twists, showdowns, and cliffhangers.

I was lulled into a sense of insecurity from the senseless violence and action undertaken against the life of the heroine. In the end the entire death of Riley, and his last words were futile. This book is a major downgrade from the first book. Take the "code" deciphered by Molly. It was totally transparent. I know books that are entirely sub par - this is one of them. The entire premise of detection is all for naught. This reader feels cheated. The book is a cozy in name only. There's nothing that was deduced. It's a mercy that the writer didn't leave clues for the discerning reader as that would register as a major bungle as well.

The writer comes into her own while describing the features of almost 19th century New York. A landscape that depicts buildings that still exist to this day, next to forgotten ones that no one alive knows. I do happen to think that the parts of the misfortunes of the children weren't badly written. Also the nod towards the burgeoning horizons of Molly's mind having encountered gay people were skillful. Whether that makes this book worthwhile is a decision totally unto fans of cozy mysteries. For me, this book was another door closed.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Continuing where Murphy's Law finished, Irishwoman Molly Murphy is back to solving mysteries. In this one, she must solve the mysterious death of her recent PI partner and deal with a break in romantic pursuits from Daniel Sullivan. The detective work was the best part because I just couldn't deal with Molly choosing to just wait and see if Daniel would choose her over his fiancee.

I don't believe that I will continue with the series.





Goodreads review published 25/02/22

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn't enjoy this quite as much as the first one, but the mystery was still good. I think it was in part because of a bit more risqué content than the first one contained—there are numerous Irish curses, and Molly ends up with a bohemian artsy crowd with scant morals. Otherwise, a solid mystery as Molly seeks to go from amateur to professional and blunders her way through a case far beyond her experience.

[Kara · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was really getting into this book, but then the author had to throw in some homosexual relationships and it just ruined it for me. The story is set in 1901 so I really didn't expect anything like that but there it was. I was really enjoying it too and I was more than halfway through, but I just can't condone things like that by reading further. Too bad everything seems to be bombarded with it these days =(.

[LibraryCin · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s 1901. Molly Murphy arrived in New York City not long ago from Ireland. She wants to train as a private investigator, but when she finds an investigator (Paddy Riley), he isn’t terribly interested in training her. He does, however, hire her to clean his office. Mollly still hopes that she’ll still be able to learn something, although Paddy won’t share any of his case information with her. She’s only been working with him a short time when she arrives at the office to find him dying (though she initially thought him asleep); she finds someone ransacking the back office and he hits her and runs; Molly only gets a brief glimpse, but the police don’t seem terribly interested in trying hard to investigate, so Molly will.

This was really good. It started off good – I do like the feisty Molly – but it picked up in the last 1/3 of the book, as things became dangerous for her. I wasn’t sure initially about Sid and Gus – two women that took Molly in with a room to live in – but I sure did like them by the end! The book seems to do a good job of portraying early 20th century NYC, as well.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly is acclimating herself to New York City after immigrating from Ireland and decides she would like to become an investigator working for people in Europe who've lost touch with relatives in America. She thinks this will be a source of income and also keep her in touch with the police detective she met on Ellis Island, Daniel Sullivan.

She notices a man lurking in the bushes outside a house one day and follows him to his place of business. He turns out to be Paddy Riley, a tough old Cockney Private investigator who specializes in divorce work. Molly uses her charm and persuasion to take her on as an apprentice. He uses her mainly to clean the office and although she is disappointed, she plans to make the most it until he trusts her with more. One morning she goes into the office and sees that the office is in disarray with papers and folders strewn over the floor. She sees a figure slipping through a back window and finds Paddy dead. Now, her true detective skills are called on to find the man who killed Paddy and why. She sets off through back alleys of Manhattan and into the bars and lounges of the literary scene where she spends time with writers, actors and musicians to solve the crime.

This outstanding series offers a fascinating heroine, glimpses of the 1900s in New York City, and historical information about the city, its buildings, people, and institutions.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death of Riley
3.5 Stars

Irish immigrant Molly Murphy is acclimating to life in New City at the turn of the century, but is finding it difficult to hold on to a position due to her fiercely independent nature. After witnessing a private investigator at work, Molly is determined to apprentice herself out to him and all seems to be going well until Paddy Riley is murdered and Molly sets out to discover who killed him.

It took me a bit longer to get into this installment as compared to the first book mainly due to the slow pacing while Molly attempts to find employment. The story picks up in the second half with the murder and Molly’s investigation, and the inclusion of an actual historical event makes it all the more interesting.

Molly is an endearing and likable character albeit somewhat naive about the harsh realities of life. This could be explained by her rural upbringing or a reflection of a time in which people were more trusting of others. Sid and Gus are a charming pair, but meeting them is, once again, a very lucky coincidence.

Molly’s romance with Daniel takes an unexpected and disappointing turn. His potential as a love interest was established very well in the first book, however, his actions in this one leave much to be desired. I really hope that this plotline does not drag on for too long. Looking forward to Molly’s further adventures.

[Shylo · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story rambled on and on and on. The first book in the series had a clear beginning, middle, and end. It was not so for this book. I generally enjoy Rhys' stories and characters, but this book seemed to make no progress and I was constantly irritated with the main character. I got tired of "Well, I KNOW that I should do this....but I'm going to do this really stupid thing instead." The only redeeming facet was the two female characters Molly ends up living with. Also, the ending is totally abrupt. It definitely relies on the next book for continuation. The love interest comes across condescending and patronizing. Nope. I will be going back to the Her Royal Spyness series post haste.

[Sarah Coller · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn't super impressed with this installment of the Molly Murphy series. There were many coincidences and several pretty hokey parts: the mysterious "language" that was really just backward writing (not much sleuthing required there...). Also I thought Molly did several out of character things like falling for Ryan so quickly and becoming weirdly jealous---even after she found out he wasn't interested in women. This story was kind of dull and didn't really capture my interest. Hoping for a better one in book three.

[S. Rowe · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars for what it is: a charming, light mystery, but not one I'd like to continue at this time.
Maybe when I'm my grandmother's age.

[Aoife · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Wing Kee · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting continuation to themes and threads from book 1.

World: The world building is pretty fantastic for a cozy mystery book like this. I had expected basic premise and foundation before the book went ahead with it’s basic plot but here the world is lush and lived in and the look of New York that Bowen gives us is well thought out and detailed. The world building is possibly the biggest and most well done thing in the series and I am plesantly surprised. This time around we get different areas of New York from Greenwich to even the description of the elevated rails, it’s pretty great. The ties to history is also well done interweaving fiction and fact.

Story: The story is gritty and cozy, yes it makes no sense but it’s true. Molly is tough as nails and the places and things she does gives us a grimey look at New York at the turn of the century and it’s quite interesting. The mystery here is simple and basic and has the beats expected of the genre, not a lot of surprises there. It’s the interactions and the banter that make this story pop and there are enough interesting characters to make it so. This is a continuation of the story from the last book and some threads that get resolved and new threads that lead to the greater story of Molly is done well. The end is well done making readers have to read the next book to see what happens but enough of it is done to wrap this book up nicely.

Characters: Molly is resourceful, smart and her personal voice is interesting. Her point of view is a nice blue collar look at New York and her being our guide makes for some nice cozy reading. The people she meets this time around are just as interesting and tropes and archetypes for the genre and the time period but they are well done. The banter that Bowen writes and the chemistry she creates for the characters is fun. The love interest and that romance still is a bit of fluff and Molly’s ease of falling for people is a problem for me but that’s something I can live with.

A nice little second book that builds on the first and gives readers as fun world built in detail.

Onward to the next book!

[Berna · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was not just as good as the first one but still a very decent mystery. I think this series can be categorized as semi-cozy mystery which I think I prefer ;)
I love the character of Molly and do wish the best for her. I cannot wait to read more adventures from her.

[Stacie Haden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Dragged.

New York, 1901

[Roberta Van · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delightful, fast paced mystery. With young detective Molly Murphy experiencing Greenwich Village artists and writers,communists, liberated females, McKinney assignation, Irish immigrants. All dealt with wisely by Molly’s kind heart.

[Jackie]

Sadly I had a lot of trouble getting into this book so I dnf it

[Audrey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 I was disappointed given how much I enjoyed the first installment. I started this the same night I finished the first book and while it started off fine, toward the middle of the book it went off the rails. There were way too many things happening at once and some ultimately felt irrelevant in the greater scheme of things. Then the conclusion came all too quickly, which I did anticipate as I’ve noticed this theme in other books by Rhys Bowen, but this tops the others I’ve read. I can’t say why without having to mark it for spoilers, but I can say where it draws from historical events, the reasons behind the mystery Molly is trying to solve is glossed over all too quickly after monotonous (and frankly improbable) steps getting here. I also found Molly’s naivety more endearing in the first book than the second — as though she’s learned nothing from her first mystery.

All that said, I’m not discouraged from the series yet. It had disappointing and baffling moments but I’m invested enough there are still ends I’d like to see tied up. I do enjoy Rhys Bowen’s stories. Even when they don’t sit right with me I continue to come back.

[Angela Holland · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book started out a little slower for me then the first one did but it did pick up. I was sorry to see Paddy killed as I liked the interaction between Molly and Paddy. Molly meets some new colorful friends in this book and I will be anxious to see how this progresses in future books. I was hoping for Molly and Daniel to get a little closer in this book but there is someone standing in the way, we shall see what happens in the later books. Lots of things to look forward to. As for Molly and her investigating, poor Molly seems to get put in some not so good spots but her persistence pays off, but not without some bumps in the road. I give this book 4 stars.

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

New immigrant Molly Murphy has decided to take on a job as a private investigator. Somehow, she talks Riley into mentoring her. However, when he is murdered, Molly is on her own trying to find out what happened to him. Another great visit to 1901 New York, this one introduces more series regular characters and is stronger than the debut in the series.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

This the second book in the series. Molly is settled in New York. She is determined to become a private investor and manged to convince Paddy Riley to hire her. When she enters the office one day she finds him dead and gets a glimpse of the Murderer. The cops are really interested in the case so Molly Decides to solve it. She meets Gus and Sid and learns about them. This is a suspenseful story and the end is a surprise. This was a large print edition from my library.

[Janet · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love period mysteries that cover actual events and this one did that so well. I enjoyed Rhys Bowen's British series "Her Royal Spyness" enough that I started the Irish-immigrant-in-NYC series circa 1901. Molly Murphy is the protagonist and I like this series even more so far. I am well into book 3 and I look forward to book 4 already.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

An easy read, quite enjoyable, and New York in the 1900s is interesting but the heroine, Molly Murphy, certainly seems to bluster her way around discovering clues by accident. And, if I'm going to be completely honest, the vast majority of the characters in this book are totally flat. Let's see if the third in the series is any better...

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having read the first in the series, I was eager to see how Molly was faring in her new country. She is a very determined woman, and having done well investigating in the first book she really wants to become a private investigator by finding families of immigrants to reunite them. She does work for a few days, by being a companion to an elderly woman, however this does not satisfy her, and having seen her friend Daniel make contact with a private-eye, she decides that she will work for him whether he wants her or not. Having offered her services, he will only accept her as a cleaner with some paper work involved. He points out all her shortcomings as regards an investigator, but she is prepared to wait and learn from him. Unfortunately for her and definitely for him, he is found dead in the office by her. The killer is still there and attacks her, then vanishes. The police are called but take very little interest in the murder, and tell her to keep away. Obviously, Molly's nature is not to ignore the murder, but to ignore the police. This is another fast-paced book, and shows different parts and people in this varied community, from those who are monied to those with no money.

[Susie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was more like 3.5 stars, but I'm rounding up because the last half of the book really shined. (Shone?) (The first part was a bit draggy.) I enjoyed the supporting characters Molly met toward the end and I really hope they stay in her life. Molly can be an exasperating protagonist -- she's rash and silly sometimes and does some dumb stuff -- but in the end you're right there with her, hoping she gets to the bottom of things. I wish the writing were a bit more sophisticated, but mostly it was enjoyable. Better than the first book in the series. I'll definitely read the next one.

[Jodi W · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm really enjoying these books. I have the audio version and find myself keeping the TV off and listening to the book while crafting. The characters really come alive in the audio book highly recommend them.

[Jude: The Epic Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well that romance was short-lived but too quickly picked back up again . I really was interested in this murder but anarchist groups are not something I'm interested in. I like the group of artists that we met in this one and I hope they continue to be in future books.

[Christina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book would have been a lot shorter if Molly had initially realized she was at a turn of the century gay bar.