Through the Window

Molly Murphy #12.5

by Rhys Bowen

Molly Murphy—now Molly Sullivan—is absolutely thrilled to give birth to her first child, a beautiful little boy named Liam. But while confined to bed rest for the weeks following his birth, she finds herself watching the activity across the street through her window, and she soon begins to notice some odd goings-on that set her detective's sixth sense to tingling.

Genres: Mystery, Historical Fiction, Fiction, Historical Mystery, Short Stories, Mystery Thriller, Cozy Mystery

57 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 5, 2014

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

[Bette · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this as ongoing adventure with Mollie. I have read the entire series and enjoyed each of them, Rhys Bowen's stories are perfect when you are between reading long and intense books.

[Shawn Bird]

Nice little mystery novella.

[Betty]

Was It Murder?

Molly has given birth must lay in bed for a couple of weeks. Molly is bored and watches activity outside her window. One of her neighbors asked help about his disppearing wife. This book has a sharp twist and the ending will surprise you.

[Karen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Not a Book!

At best, this is a short story. I don’t understand how something that took 20 minutes at most to read can be advertised and sold as a book!

[Joanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rather a strange ending.

[Alexandra]

1/10/15 $.99 for Kindle.

[Virginia Tican · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enforced two~weeks rest after giving birth was the new mother's lot aside from breast~feeding her lovable robust and healthy son. So nothing to do but look out her window and watch the world go by. It was the first time Molly saw a mulatto man and he was looking up at the rows of houses along and across her lane. Then later on within the week Molly befriended a black girl from New Orleans married to a controlling clerk who did not want his wife on friendly terms with Molly and her other neighbors. When his wife disappeared, the clerk came to the Sullivans for help knowing Daniel's profession. An ending with a twist because Molly's first surmise was wrong.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find that I'm hesitating to read more of this series. I'm uncomfortable with Molly putting her child in jeopardy. This is a fairly harmless little short story. Lucky Molly (and she realizes that this is so different than her mother's experience) who has her mother-in-law and her little maid looking after her after she gives birth. And, suddenly, we learn much more about her neighborhood, and yes, Molly gets involved in a mystery, even in her "confinement." She cleverly solves the mystery, though the postscript which proves her right seems a little implausible.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even a short Molly Murphy is an enjoyable experience and this one doesn't feel like a throw away at all. A neighbor has disappeared and Molly thinks her rigid husband has killed her. But where is the body? Is it really murder or did the abused wife finally take flight and run away? All is answered, and more, in a quickie that takes no time to read. Although snack size, it's still filling!

[Jane Irish Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This short story is somewhat in the vein of Rear Window. While spending time in bed recovering from the birth of her son, Molly observes the happenings on the street outside. When a neighbor's wife disappears, she wonders at first if he could have murdered him. I enjoyed this, however I did feel the ending was rather rushed.

[Sharon Weyant-Muir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet short story

This was a sweet short story about an unhappy marriage. Molly has recently delivered her son and is on bed rest so looking out her bedroom window is how she passes her time. Daniel is more cooperative with her than usual which keeps the story on a more even tone. Really quick read.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun fast read and I am glad I ordered it. I am going backwards for the Molly Murphy books, I read 2 or 3 some time ago and having just reviewed the new Christmas book and blogged about it I got this one also. Very enjoyable.

[Lori D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am listening to the audible stories of Molly but this short story came up next

Delightful interlude to this series with Molly just becoming a mother. But of course a mystery arises and she solves it pretty quickly. On the the next exciting adventure!

[Roberta]

A short mystery story for those who enjoy the Molly Murphy mysteries (I do for the most part), reminiscent of the movie Rear Window (Molly has just had a baby and spends a lot of time watching her neighbors out the window).

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly Murphy, on bed rest following birth of first child, is called upon to help find a missing wife, who might have wanted to go missing. This short work fits between THE FAMILY WAY and CITY OF DARKNESS AND LIGHT, and is a delight to read.

[Jan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good Molly Murphy short story.

[Kristine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short story

Disappointed that it was such a short story. It did say a Molly Murphy Mystery but it's obviously not since it is so short.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

Molly murphy


Love all the molly murphy books, hope to see many more of these books. She has wonderful neighbors and adventures.

[Marianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great short story...looking forward to the next one
..

[Kit · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice novella

Again, it's nice enough as a novella, but lacks substance and has some formatting errors. The mystery is a bit convoluted yet easy enough to figure out.

[Roxie Klinksiek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful

I loved this novella with Molly and Daniel working together, kind of, in the disappearance of one of their neighbors.

[Kathy Sebesta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too simplistic and obvious.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

It’s just a couple chapters. But was fun to read.

[Bob · Rating 1 out of 5]

Disappointed

Two short stories, that don't add anything of significance to the Molly Murphy story line. Content not completely finished either, left hanging issues.

[George · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maybe a little too neat, but I don't think I'd've liked it better longer. Worth the dollar.

[Carole Fearing]

Only an hour, but a very interesting detective story.

[Tonya Mathis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. Another novella in the Molly Murphy series that I missed when I read the series.

[Dawn Mohl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was okay but the wrap up was a bit wonky.

[Beth · Rating 5 out of 5]

A short Molly Murphy story. It is a good read.

[Lavender Dreamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love the Molly series! And this book is a quick easy read.