Away in a Manger

Molly Murphy #15

by Rhys Bowen

It’s Christmastime in 1905 New York City, and for once, Molly Murphy Sullivan is looking forward to the approaching holidays. She has a family of her own now: she and Daniel have a baby son and twelve-year-old Bridie is living with them as their ward. As Molly and the children listen to carolers in the street, they hear a lovely little voice, the voice of an angel, and see a beggar girl, huddled in a doorway, singing Away in a Manger. Bridie is touched by the girl’s ragged clothes and wants to help her out if they can. They give her a quarter, only to watch a bigger boy take it from her. But Molly discovers the boy is the girl’s older brother. They’ve come from England, their mother has disappeared, and they’re living with an aunt who mistreats them terribly.
Molly quickly realizes that these children are not the usual city waifs. They are well-spoken and clearly used to better things. So who are they? And what has happened to their mother? As Molly looks for a way to help the children and for the answers to these questions, she gets drawn into an investigation that will take her up to the highest levels of New York society.
This is another compelling and richly drawn mystery from New York Times bestseller Rhys Bowen.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Christmas, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Historical, Cozy Mystery

247 pages, Hardcover

First published November 17, 2015

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

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 STARS

This is a perfect light and sweet read to help set the tone for the holiday season with likable characters and a few very sweet children at the center of the story

[Melodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

First I've read in this series and I quite liked it. Molly pulled a totally stupid stunt at the end, but I guess it wouldn't be a story without it. I found myself caring about the 2 children Molly and Bridie found begging on the street and am interested in learning more about Molly's interesting across the street neighbors. I'm usually not one for period stories, but this one was very enjoyable. Recommend!

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas 1905 is approaching, and Molly is looking forward to spending a quiet holiday with her family. However, a young girl out in the cold attracts her attention, and she feels compelled to find out all she can about this girl’s family. Her mother disappeared months ago. What happened to her? Does the girl have any family left who would take her in?

The book gives us a wonderful look at Christmas in another time as we see different traditions we don’t follow any more. But that feeling is balanced by the mystery, which has some serious tones to it. Rhys Bowen balances the two perfectly. Mix in our favorite characters, and you’ve got a Christmas mystery to savor.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very sweet, but a little plebeian for my taste. I think it just wasn't the right book for me. I found Molly too much of a pollyanna and her telling of the events of each day repetitive and unexciting. Further, I thought her solving of the mystery far too dependent on coincidence and luck to be believable and I wasn't comfortable with some of her ideas on underaged criminals.

But again, that's just my opinion. For those who like a sweet, uplifting mystery, I'm sure this will be a winner. The writing and editing seem fine and there is an appreciable amount of diversity in the cast (though I think a little of that was compromised by the final disclosure about the villain's personality). Lastly, this is #15 in a series that I've not read, and though events from past books were mentioned, it successfully stands alone.

[Hermien · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thoroughly enjoyable Molly Murphy mystery.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was especially thrilled when I learned earlier this year that there would be two Molly Murphy books out in 2015, The Edge of Dreams last spring and Away in a Manger this November. I truly cannot get enough of Molly, her family, her friends, and the city of New York City at the beginning of the 20th Century. Rhys Bowen has gifted readers with a Christmas story bonus that I wasn't able to wait until Christmas to read. Having been lucky enough to receive an ARC, I even got in a bit early before the November 17th publication date. This series is such a favorite for so many readers, and fans will be delighted with Away in a Manger. It's Molly at her detecting best, clever and resourceful with a maturing confidence in herself and her abilities. The author's meticulous research is evident in the historical details of New York City coming into a new century, where the newness of motor cars is in high contrast to the struggling problems of the immigrants, especially the untended children of the poor.

Molly is preparing for Daniel's mother, the other Mrs. Sullivan, to visit for the Christmas holidays, and while running errands with her baby son and twelve-year-old Bridie, two young immigrant children catch their attention. Under-dressed and obviously underfed, the two children, whose names are Tig and Emmy, are brother and sister out on the cold streets trying to earn money, as are many children at that time. First Bridie, then Molly are drawn to these children in particular, the very young Emmy with an angelic singing voice and the well-spoken Tig. They are not the usual children of the street encountered. So, Molly is pulled in by her heartstrings and Bridie's concern to see that Tig and Emmy have some warm clothes and food. It, of course, gets much more complicated, with the mystery of their missing mother and an "aunt" who isn't really an aunt, who lets them stay at her boarding house, but only at nighttime. Molly is determined to find out who these children are and what has happened to their mother, and her best friends Gus and Sid become involved and enchanted with the two beggar children. Molly's investigation will take her from the dregs of society to the upper echelon of it, and will reveal a dark, twisted plan of greed and heinous acts.

And, there is Christmas. Molly and her mother-in-law have never been completely comfortable with one another, and the Christmas that Molly hoped would show Daniel's mother how happy Daniel was with his family turns chaotic. Even the steady Daniel presents a major problem with which Molly must deal. There is much to do to save Christmas for everyone, the Sullivans and the two orphaned children, and a happy ending seems a desperate reach indeed. Much is at stake for many in Maggie's latest challenge.

Great characters, fascinating plot, and Christmas magic. Rhys Bowen never fails to deliver a fascinating, thrilling tale. This Christmas season she gives readers a gift that is sure to please.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

The title had me a bit confused until the end. Thus, the title does tie into the story. Away in a Manger
(Molly Murphy Mysteries #15) by Rhys Bowen is a story thats setting is 1905 New York City. This is the first book of this series that I have read, but I did know that Molly had been a detective. In this holiday story she is married with a son and a 13 year old girl, Birdie, living with her and her husband,
Daniel, a NY Police Captain. At this time in NYC many immigrants are moving to America, The Land of Opportunity, with many landing by ship and staying in NYC. One day Molly, Birdie, and her 1 year old son are out walking, and they hear a beautiful singing voice. As they look around for the source of the singing, they notice a young, possibly 4 year old little girl singing with a lovely voice while sitting in a doorway freezing because she is not wearing adequate clothing for December weather in NYC. This mystery brings out maternal feelings. At least it did with me. The reason centers on the little girl and her 8 year old brother who appear to be all alone, but are different that the other street kids. Birdie takes interest in the little girl and then Molly does. It is a sweet, but sad holiday story, but rest assured, Molly uses her detective skills to reach a happier ending especially as it is Christmastime.

[Laura Edwards · Rating 4 out of 5]

As usual, Rhys Bowen describes the streets of New York during the early 20th Century in vivid detail. I love Molly, but Daniel is really the most ungracious man. After all Sid and Gus have done for Molly and they are always nice to him even if he doesn't always reciprocate, yet he still makes snide comments about them and can barely conceal his dislike when in their presence at times. Well, guess what, Daniel Sullivan? You're no prize yourself and I think it's a shame Molly is stuck with such a boor. She certainly deserves better.

There are two reasons I knocked off a star. First, Molly didn't even consider the obvious suspect when he was first brought to her attention and actually turned over a crucial piece of evidence. Nor did she guess the obvious reason for his perfidy. Second, I cringed at the careless way she imparted important news to the children.

Rhys Bowen does a nice job of portraying the relationship between Mrs. Sullivan and Molly in a realistic way. All in all, an enjoyable read, although it would be more enjoyable without Daniel.

[Dawn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, intriguing mystery! First I have read in this series. Looking forward to reading the others!

[Natalie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven’t read any of the other books in this series - I picked this book up purely because it was a Christmas installment and I love Christmas books. The book can be read as a stand-alone, though I’m sure there’s more context for some of the secondary characters if you’ve read the series.

The mystery was pretty decent. I wasn’t sure what to expect going in because I don’t read many cozy mysteries, but I liked it. Plot-wise, it reminded me a lot of the Gilded Newport mystery series.

I liked Molly as a character, but I didn’t care for Daniel all that much. Maybe I would have liked him more if I had seen him throughout the series, but he seemed to look down on Molly at points. Also, I couldn’t stand Daniel’s mother. I liked all the kids though, especially Bridie. I thought it was so sweet of her to knit that scarf.

I also loved the depictions of New York City during the holiday season, and the way they decorated their home and tree for Christmas.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bridie was such a kind hearted person, she saw a beautiful girl in rags singing "Away in a Manger'' and she thought she was an Angel. She asked Molly Murphy, what can we do to help this frozen child. Molly told her they'd get some yarn to make scarf for her. She worked all night knitting a bright red scarf. She also gave warm underwear she grew out of. Bridie is so sad to see her without the scarf. and she finds out her mean aunt took it from her. The little girl and her brother were made to beg to earn money for her Aunt. Molly and Bridie work hard to help them. This is a great Christmas Story.

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is great to be back with Molly Murphy by Rhys Bowen. It is Christmas in New York in this time Molly is married to policeman Daniel and she has a son Liam and Bridie is living with them and helping with the chores and taking care of Liam. But, there has to be a mystery involved and this comes into play when Molly is with Birdie and pushing Liam in his stroller. They see a young girl out in the cold without a coat singing a beautiful song. Mollie feels so sorry for her and gives her brother a quarter. There is no way that all the homeless children can be saved, but Birdie takes a special interest in her and buys a skein of wool to make a warm scarf for her. Daniel is shot and taken to the hospital and Molly goes to his side to learn that the bullet entered his shoulder and is not fatal. Daniel's mother is spending the holidays with her son. Mollie discovers the children came from England and think their mother will return to claim the. The girl has a locket that belonged to her mother. Molly, who used to be a detective gets involved in trying to figure out who the woman was that was keeping the children and sending them out in the cold to beg. With Mollie on the trail, it will not take long to solve the case. This is a wonderful story to read at Christmas. Read it and discover how the story ends.

[Empress Reece (Hooked on Books) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Molly Christmas....

This was a nice heartwarming Christmas story to read during the holidays. It will put you in a festive mood, however, I've read the entire Molly Murphy series and I still liked them a lot better when Molly was a detective with her own agency and wasn't married to Daniel, her old-fashioned prig of a husband. I'm just tired of hearing Daniel complain about her detecting and complain about her friends and I'm tired of seeing Molly play the semi-obedient housewife. That story line is so played out and there was some of that again in this book. It wasn't as bad as the last several books though but it was still there. I keep hoping that the Bowen will just write Daniel out of the picture or at least give Molly back her detective agency and find some way for her to be able to have a career again and work in peace, free of her whining husband. I actually got really excited while I was reading, because for a second I thought my wish had been granted, but unfortunately that Christmas miracle was not to be.
 
**I received this ARC through FirstReads in exchange for an honest review. Thank you! 

[Mayda · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Christmas, and Molly is dismayed to see the poor begging on the streets in New York City. She is especially distressed by the young children, in ragged and thin clothes braving the chilly weather to beg for pennies. Her young ward is touched by plight of a small girl and her brother and Molly is surprised to hear those children respond in a well-spoken English accent. Clearly, these children had been well cared for, but now seem to be nearly abandoned. Not one to let such a mystery go unchallenged, Molly and her neighbors take the children under their care. But it soon becomes obvious that this is more than a case of abandonment: it may be that abduction and murder is involved. The more Molly investigates, the more unsavory details she uncovers. Though a Christmas tale, the author has given us a well-written and gripping mystery.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

checked this out from library to read on crowded train since I know from experience these books do not require great concentration...sentimental and simply plotted. but then I also know there will be nothing offensive. I enjoy her royal spyness series more than the Molly Murphy series. Molly continues to be naive and put herself in danger but things turn out well in the end even though her husband, Captain Sullivan gets shot but recovers - just before Christmas in this one.

[Dan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually not a fan of mystery books, but this one had my attention all the way through the book. Molly is taking care of a niece who happens to hear an orphan girl singing on the streets of New York city. They soon become entangled in a mystery which eventually leads them to finding a family for the girl and her brother. I guess cozy mysteries are my new genera to search. LOL

[Jonathan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really 4.5 stars but I rounded up.

Wonderful, it ended up being a worthy addition to this series. However, I felt like the first few chapters were extremely slow and it took awhile for the action to start.

[Lina Hansen · Rating 2 out of 5]

As much as I love the first ten or so in the series, the writing goes downhill from there Molly is such a fabulous heroine, the setting is great and the mysteries very imaginative. Bless the Bride is the last of the series I enjoyed. It's an achievement to write ten engaging stories, however, there's a point where the author should have stopped in order to avoid books like this one.
Yes, it's a christmas story. They tend to be quite unoriginal. I wouldn't have minded that. The premise is actually engaging, two urchins, siblings out in the streets of New York in the bitter winter. What happened to their mother? Who are they? Unfortunately, the answers come pretty quickly, and the plot is so predictable, the characters so wooden, the writing so trite and cliché, i just raced through, hoping for a plot twist.
I didn't get it. Instead, I got trope central, complete with dastardly villain, an unforgiving grandfather who really is a sweetie, a sweet, betrayed bride and a heroine who is acting so stupidly, it can't be Molly. Our clever, feisty irish girl would never give up the one proof she has for the villainy to the person who all too obviously is the villain.
Sorry, but that didn't work.
Great ambiance as always, a true feeling for old New York, so I gave this two stars. But from a mystery and characterisation perspective - Ms. Bowen can do a LOT better than this. It feels hurried, rushed, unloved.

[Mac Daly · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my first Molly Murphy adventure, and has whet my appetite for more. Molly, the wife of a NY policeman at the turn of the 20th century, sees too small children begging in the snow. Soon, she is embroiled in the mystery of what happened to their mother. It's a quick short novel, but packs a lot of action.

[Sandy Rambler]

I really liked this book! I took some time off and read another book by a different author. What I liked coming back to the Molly Murphy series is the characters are so comfortable. It is like coming back to old friends. This book was a fun read. And the mystery was solved by someone I did guess. Can't wait to read the next book.

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have read many "Christmas mysteries" in my life. Most of them are either mysteries that have little to do with Christmas or Christmas stories containing not very good mysteries. This book gets high marks on both fronts and I highly recommend it.

[Madeleine · Rating 2 out of 5]

Operation "Read formulaic genre fiction that doesn't make me think until the smoke lifts" is in full swing here.

[Camilla · Rating 3 out of 5]

Another great mystery with a Christmas twist. Bowen is a master at these stories and this one is no exception.

[Evelyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though this is number 15 in the series, it is my first Molly Murphy book. I was very impressed with Ms. Bowen's characters and will definitely look for more books in this series. Molly Murphy Sullivan is happily married to her husband, Daniel, a captain with the New York police. They now have a son, Liam, a young toddler. Also living with them is Bridie, a preteen who helps with young Liam. Molly and Bridie meet a four-year-old girl who is singing "Away in a Manger" on the street in hopes of alms. She is accompanied by her eight-year old brother. Molly wants so much to help these two children, sensing that they are from an upper-class British family. Finding time to research their history is difficult with her young son, her mother-in-law visiting, and getting ready for Christmas. The solution to the mystery is touching and a lovely read. I think I will look for book one and get to know Molly a bit better.

[Lynette · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quite vanilla, but a quick read.

[Karen Ezra · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very interesting mystery. Didn't love the character Molly as much as I wanted to, but a good mystery made it fun!

[Tara Howell · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 really...it was good..

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another Christmas cozy in the Molly Murphy Mystery series. Nicely written!

[Rhonda Siebert · Rating 4 out of 5]

Picked this book up because I love reading different Christmas books at this time of year. It was quite enjoyable to read. I may have to try other books in the series.

[Ed · Rating 4 out of 5]

#15 in the Molly Murphy series. 1905 in lower NYC, Molly's mother-in-law has come to spend Christmas with her son (NYPD Captain Sullivan) and his family in time for the news that he has been shot and is in the hospital. Meanwhile, Molly and her Bohemian neighbors, Sid and Gus, have taken it upon themselves to shelter two waifs and find their missing mother. An appealing holiday time story although at times the repetitive conversations speculating about the whereabouts and fate of the missing woman felt like padding.

Molly Murphy series - It's Christmastime in 1905 New York City, and Molly Murphy Sullivan is looking forward to the approaching holidays. She has a family of her own now: she and Daniel have a baby son and twelve-year-old Bridie is living with them as their ward. As Molly and the children listen to carolers in the street, they hear a lovely voice and see a beggar girl huddled in a doorway, singing "Away in a Manger." Bridie is touched by the girl and wants to help her out if they can. They give her a quarter, only to see her give it to a bigger boy. Molly discovers the boy is the girl's older brother. They've come from England and their mother has disappeared, and they're living with an "aunt" who mistreats them. Molly realizes that these children are not the usual city waifs. They are well-spoken and well-behaved. Where is their mother?