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Molly Murphy #18
Wild Irish Rose
New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen, now writing in partnership with her daughter, Clare Broyles, transports and enthralls readers through the incomparable Molly Murphy Sullivan. A brand new novel in this beloved mystery series is cause for celebration for readers and critics alike.
New York, 1907: Now that she’s no longer a private detective—at least not officially—Molly Murphy Sullivan is looking forward to a time of settled tranquility with friends and family. Back in New York, where her own story began, Molly decides to accompany some friends to Ellis Island to help distribute clothing to those in need. This journey quickly stirs up memories for Molly. When you’re far from home and see people from your country, every face looks like a family member.
That evening Molly’s policeman husband, Daniel, is late returning home. He comes with a tale to tell: there was a murder on Ellis Island that day, and the main suspect is the spitting image of Molly. The circumstances are eerily similar to when Molly herself arrived on Ellis Island, and she can’t help but feel a sense of fate. Molly was meant to be there that day so that she can clear this woman’s name.
New York, 1907: Now that she’s no longer a private detective—at least not officially—Molly Murphy Sullivan is looking forward to a time of settled tranquility with friends and family. Back in New York, where her own story began, Molly decides to accompany some friends to Ellis Island to help distribute clothing to those in need. This journey quickly stirs up memories for Molly. When you’re far from home and see people from your country, every face looks like a family member.
That evening Molly’s policeman husband, Daniel, is late returning home. He comes with a tale to tell: there was a murder on Ellis Island that day, and the main suspect is the spitting image of Molly. The circumstances are eerily similar to when Molly herself arrived on Ellis Island, and she can’t help but feel a sense of fate. Molly was meant to be there that day so that she can clear this woman’s name.
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First published March 1, 2022
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About the author
Rhys Bowen
116 books9,652 followersI'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
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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 313 reviews
March 23, 2022
Sadly this is not vintage Molly Murphy at all. Having read the previous books it seems the characters have changed personalities overnight, or at least between #17 and #18.
Book #17 was in 2017 so it’s been a long spell between books.
The characters that we came to know in previous books have gone upside down.
Molly is no longer the clever Molly able to ferret out the bad guys/gals.
Her ward Birdie has become an annoying little brat.
Daniel has become a controlling jerk bossing Molly around as if she had not been a detective in her own right before even helping him in many cases. Now he expects her to be nothing but a housewife.
Since this book is co-written with Ms. Bowen’s daughter I think therein lies the problem. Perhaps Ms. Broyles didn’t bother to read any of the previous books in this series.
The answer to the mystery is so obvious from the start there is hardly any mystery at all.
If this is your first Molly Murphy you won’t know the difference, but if you have read the previous books you cannot help but see the glaring differences in the characters.
I don’t like any of these people anymore. The maid Jewel (a new character) was the only entertaining one in the story.
What a disappointment.
Book #17 was in 2017 so it’s been a long spell between books.
The characters that we came to know in previous books have gone upside down.
Molly is no longer the clever Molly able to ferret out the bad guys/gals.
Her ward Birdie has become an annoying little brat.
Daniel has become a controlling jerk bossing Molly around as if she had not been a detective in her own right before even helping him in many cases. Now he expects her to be nothing but a housewife.
Since this book is co-written with Ms. Bowen’s daughter I think therein lies the problem. Perhaps Ms. Broyles didn’t bother to read any of the previous books in this series.
The answer to the mystery is so obvious from the start there is hardly any mystery at all.
If this is your first Molly Murphy you won’t know the difference, but if you have read the previous books you cannot help but see the glaring differences in the characters.
I don’t like any of these people anymore. The maid Jewel (a new character) was the only entertaining one in the story.
What a disappointment.
March 2, 2022
It’s February 1907, and Molly Murphy Sullivan’s life has settled into the busyness of everyday life for a wife and mother. However, she feels the desire to return to her old life as a detective when her husband, New York Police Captain Daniel Sullivan, comes home with tales of his latest case. Seems a young woman newly arrived from Ireland has been accused of murder on Ellis Island. Molly can’t help but make the connection to when she first arrived several years before. Can she find out what really happened?
It's been years since we last visited with Molly, and I have missed her. Within pages, it was like no time had passed. Unfortunately, some of the bad remained, like how Daniel can run hot and cold, especially when it comes to Molly’s investigation. I get that it is accurate for the time, but can he grow out of it, please? However, there are other times I loved his character. Molly is her usual strong self, and the supporting players are as fun as always. The pacing was a little uneven early on, but it got much stronger as it went along. The solution was perfectly logical and wonderfully page turning. I hope we haven’t heard the last of Molly.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
It's been years since we last visited with Molly, and I have missed her. Within pages, it was like no time had passed. Unfortunately, some of the bad remained, like how Daniel can run hot and cold, especially when it comes to Molly’s investigation. I get that it is accurate for the time, but can he grow out of it, please? However, there are other times I loved his character. Molly is her usual strong self, and the supporting players are as fun as always. The pacing was a little uneven early on, but it got much stronger as it went along. The solution was perfectly logical and wonderfully page turning. I hope we haven’t heard the last of Molly.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
December 30, 2021
Absolutely loved the return of Molly and her circle. I have followed this indomitable heroine against the remarkably well-researched and vibrant Edwardian period of New York City at a time of change and flux. Welcoming back Sid and Gus and Daniel was a delight. As was taking Molly back to the center of her first case in Manhattan: Ellis Island where she, now, attempts to assist others and find the commonalities she experienced as an immigrant years before.
What sparks me the most about this world is how Bowen carefully deconstructs the societal pressures placed on women's roles and subverts them all while staying true to the time period. Molly struggles with being a housewife and is still given spirited opportunities to use her flat-foot intellect. Sid and Gus are female companions and roommates who offer a diverse and needed representation in a historical genre which often plays to the same romantic notes.
Now that she's back, I hope Molly is here to stay again!
What sparks me the most about this world is how Bowen carefully deconstructs the societal pressures placed on women's roles and subverts them all while staying true to the time period. Molly struggles with being a housewife and is still given spirited opportunities to use her flat-foot intellect. Sid and Gus are female companions and roommates who offer a diverse and needed representation in a historical genre which often plays to the same romantic notes.
Now that she's back, I hope Molly is here to stay again!
April 13, 2022
I do enjoy this series still, but I struggled with this book. I felt like I was always a step ahead of Molly on the case. I also struggled with all the random conflict, especially between Molly and Murphy. Definitely not my favorite of the series.
March 10, 2022
This is the first in the series that made Molly seem stupid. I didn't like it.
January 25, 2022
It is so great to have Molly back! I appreciate that the authors eased the readers back into Molly's world with plenty of reminders about Molly's past adventures and backstory. Despite reading all the previous books in the series, it's been a while and I needed the refresher. The addition of Clare Broyles as co-author felt seamless here. The tone and content were consistent with how I remembered the earlier books. The mystery itself was also engaging, even if the reader catches on well before Molly about what's going on. The usual entertaining blend of action, adventure and interesting historical tidbits about New York are all included here, and it provides the perfect vehicle for revisiting several sites and people that have helped shape Molly's journey along the way.
Given where the series left off in the last book and where it picks up here (which chronologically is not long after, but did follow a turning point in Molly's life), I like that both Molly and the reader are viewing things from a new perspective. Molly is struggling to balance the demands of being a mother to Liam and Bridie, the wife of a police captain, and her own independent interests in solving crimes. This theme was present in the last few books, as well, but we really get to dive into it here. Even though more often than not I wanted her to just ditch the lot of them and go back to being a detective, she manages to strike a balance here. She's not perfect by any means -- she often loses her temper and jumps to wrong conclusions -- but she's trying her best, which makes her an appealing and sympathetic narrator.
I particularly liked that we see how much Molly has grown over the series as the central mystery forces her to look back on her first arrival in New York and realize the many ways in which her life has changed. It was interesting that her view of Sid and Gus's antics also has changed over time -- although they remain loyal and devoted friends, Molly starts to view their passing obsessions and carefree lifestyle with a more critical lens as she realizes how it's impacting Bridie. Thankfully, Daniel is made more palatable over the course of the story. I was never a big fan of his, and the first half of the story did nothing to improve my opinion, but I like the direction they are taking his character if the authors choose to keep the series going.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
Given where the series left off in the last book and where it picks up here (which chronologically is not long after, but did follow a turning point in Molly's life), I like that both Molly and the reader are viewing things from a new perspective. Molly is struggling to balance the demands of being a mother to Liam and Bridie, the wife of a police captain, and her own independent interests in solving crimes. This theme was present in the last few books, as well, but we really get to dive into it here. Even though more often than not I wanted her to just ditch the lot of them and go back to being a detective, she manages to strike a balance here. She's not perfect by any means -- she often loses her temper and jumps to wrong conclusions -- but she's trying her best, which makes her an appealing and sympathetic narrator.
I particularly liked that we see how much Molly has grown over the series as the central mystery forces her to look back on her first arrival in New York and realize the many ways in which her life has changed. It was interesting that her view of Sid and Gus's antics also has changed over time -- although they remain loyal and devoted friends, Molly starts to view their passing obsessions and carefree lifestyle with a more critical lens as she realizes how it's impacting Bridie. Thankfully, Daniel is made more palatable over the course of the story. I was never a big fan of his, and the first half of the story did nothing to improve my opinion, but I like the direction they are taking his character if the authors choose to keep the series going.
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
April 11, 2022
I must start this review with a huge caveat, prior to reading this advanced reader copy of Wild Irish Rose, which is number 18 in the Molly Murphy Series, I had only read the first book in the series. I read the first book in the series a month earlier than reading this new release. I got way to excited when I saw a Rhys Bowen book become available on NetGalley and did not pay attention to the fact it was number 18 in a series I had only just begun.
Ironically, the story line relies on the fact that the two books (no. 1 and no. 18) are very similar. So, it was interesting reading this immediately following the first book in the series. I decided that reviewing this would be important because I was reading them out of order. Often when people talk about series, the question arises – does it need to be read in sequence? I can tell you this series does in fact need to be read in order. Wild Irish Rose references many aspects of the first book in the series but more than that it mentions numerous key plots and character narratives multiple times in the story. I am reading this series with a book club and I feel like I have cheated and know several plot lines. During our most recent book discussion for the second one in the series, I realized that my knowledge of plot lines in future books influenced how I viewed certain characters and their motivations.
Now, if you have read the series or are presently somewhere in the series, I will tell you that Wild Irish Rose is full of previously met characters, a return to Molly’s story, and the overall feel of the story felt very familiar. If you like Molly and her sassiness and method of detecting, this book stays true to her.
So, do I recommend this book or not? Honestly, I don’t feel that I can recommend or not recommend, how is that for a definite answer? I don’t recommend this book you have not read books number 1-17. I do recommend this book if you have read books number 1-17 and enjoyed them. I cannot believe Wild Irish Rose would disappoint if you already loved spending time with Molly and her story. Now on to number 3 in the series for me and the promise to pay closer attention to what I am requesting from NetGalley.
Ironically, the story line relies on the fact that the two books (no. 1 and no. 18) are very similar. So, it was interesting reading this immediately following the first book in the series. I decided that reviewing this would be important because I was reading them out of order. Often when people talk about series, the question arises – does it need to be read in sequence? I can tell you this series does in fact need to be read in order. Wild Irish Rose references many aspects of the first book in the series but more than that it mentions numerous key plots and character narratives multiple times in the story. I am reading this series with a book club and I feel like I have cheated and know several plot lines. During our most recent book discussion for the second one in the series, I realized that my knowledge of plot lines in future books influenced how I viewed certain characters and their motivations.
Now, if you have read the series or are presently somewhere in the series, I will tell you that Wild Irish Rose is full of previously met characters, a return to Molly’s story, and the overall feel of the story felt very familiar. If you like Molly and her sassiness and method of detecting, this book stays true to her.
So, do I recommend this book or not? Honestly, I don’t feel that I can recommend or not recommend, how is that for a definite answer? I don’t recommend this book you have not read books number 1-17. I do recommend this book if you have read books number 1-17 and enjoyed them. I cannot believe Wild Irish Rose would disappoint if you already loved spending time with Molly and her story. Now on to number 3 in the series for me and the promise to pay closer attention to what I am requesting from NetGalley.
December 18, 2021
1907 in New York City detective Molly Murphy, now Molly Sullivan has put her detective skills on the shelf, now that she is married to Captain Sullivan and has a little boy, Liam.
Giving warm coats and hats to immigrants as they arrive on Ellis Island keeps Molly going back and forth to the Island, where she gets into the thick of the investigation of a recent murder.
The suspect is Molly's look alike. Will she gain her trust or will she help arrest her?
The story is well written and interesting on every page.
The finished copy will be on sale March 1, 2022
I won this free ARC book for Minotaur Books
Giving warm coats and hats to immigrants as they arrive on Ellis Island keeps Molly going back and forth to the Island, where she gets into the thick of the investigation of a recent murder.
The suspect is Molly's look alike. Will she gain her trust or will she help arrest her?
The story is well written and interesting on every page.
The finished copy will be on sale March 1, 2022
I won this free ARC book for Minotaur Books
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 12, 2022
Very disappointed
This was not written by the same person who pinned the original series. I won't be trusting or following RB anymore. Her daughter doesn't have the gift for words her mother has .
This was not written by the same person who pinned the original series. I won't be trusting or following RB anymore. Her daughter doesn't have the gift for words her mother has .
January 19, 2022
I started with Molly Murphy ten years ago and I’ve read every one. I’ve been eagerly awaiting Molly’s return after a few years between books, and to visit again with Sid and Gus, and to see if Daniel ever improves his attitude. The last few reads in the series were only so-so for me so I was hoping that after such a long break that the Molly from the earlier books was back.
Molly is in typical form managing her husband, using her intuition, and helping to protect an Irish woman accused of murder whose arrival on Ellis Island mirrors Molly’s own emigration from Ireland. I guessed the culprit right away, but the why didn’t come until much later. The final resolution was a little too convenient, but all in all an entertaining read.
Just when I feared Daniel and Molly’s relationship was doomed to be static, he finally included her in his investigation. I’m hopeful he continues this trend to see Molly as his equal. His mother is as unlikable as ever, but Molly continues to shine. With revisiting the themes from Molly’s first book and some changes in how Daniel views Molly’s skills as a detective, this almost feels like a much needed reboot.
Although you’re caught up with Molly’s backstory and the secondary characters quickly, I think this is best enjoyed by someone who has read some of the earlier books.
3.5 stars I received an ARC from NetGalley
Molly is in typical form managing her husband, using her intuition, and helping to protect an Irish woman accused of murder whose arrival on Ellis Island mirrors Molly’s own emigration from Ireland. I guessed the culprit right away, but the why didn’t come until much later. The final resolution was a little too convenient, but all in all an entertaining read.
Just when I feared Daniel and Molly’s relationship was doomed to be static, he finally included her in his investigation. I’m hopeful he continues this trend to see Molly as his equal. His mother is as unlikable as ever, but Molly continues to shine. With revisiting the themes from Molly’s first book and some changes in how Daniel views Molly’s skills as a detective, this almost feels like a much needed reboot.
Although you’re caught up with Molly’s backstory and the secondary characters quickly, I think this is best enjoyed by someone who has read some of the earlier books.
3.5 stars I received an ARC from NetGalley
December 27, 2021
I’ve read and liked several of Rhys Bowen’s novels so I had high expectations for WILD IRISH ROSE by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles. There are a number of series running to a dozen or eighteen books that I love and keep reading, but I’ve been reading them since the first, and I think that makes a difference. WILD IRISH ROSE is the 18th in the novels featuring Molly Murphy Sullivan. I found it difficult to establish a rapport with the characters, coming to it so late.
I did expect something a little meatier, more in the tradition of Anne Perry’s Victorian mysteries or Charles Todd’s WWI and early 20th century mysteries. Something that bothered me a little is that it’s my understanding that the various ethnic groups in New York in the 19th and early 20th century tended to live in their own neighborhoods, like Little Italy in the case of Italian immigrants. There seems to be more of an ethnic mix in Molly’s neighborhood.
Another stumbling block for me was that Molly didn’t “feel” like a comparatively recent immigrant. But again, that may be because I’m a Joanie-come-lately to the books.
However, it’s well written and an entertaining read and fans of the series will probably enjoy it. It’s scheduled for release on March 1, 2022.
I received an ARC of WILD IRISH ROSE in exchange for my unbiased review.
I did expect something a little meatier, more in the tradition of Anne Perry’s Victorian mysteries or Charles Todd’s WWI and early 20th century mysteries. Something that bothered me a little is that it’s my understanding that the various ethnic groups in New York in the 19th and early 20th century tended to live in their own neighborhoods, like Little Italy in the case of Italian immigrants. There seems to be more of an ethnic mix in Molly’s neighborhood.
Another stumbling block for me was that Molly didn’t “feel” like a comparatively recent immigrant. But again, that may be because I’m a Joanie-come-lately to the books.
However, it’s well written and an entertaining read and fans of the series will probably enjoy it. It’s scheduled for release on March 1, 2022.
I received an ARC of WILD IRISH ROSE in exchange for my unbiased review.
February 5, 2022
"Wild Irish Rose" is written by the mega talented mother/daughter writing team of Rhys Bowen and Claire Broyles. This is the 18th book of the series "A Molly Murphy Mystery".
Molly Murphy is a retired detective living in New York in 1907. She is married to Daniel, who is a police captain. Daniel and Molly lead a busy life between his career and being parents to Bridie age-13 and Liam age-2. Additionally, Daniel's opinionated mother Mrs.Sullivan, is living with them. The family has great neighbor's Sid and Gus, who are always willing to help, but deep down Molly misses the excitement of being a detective.
Daniel comes home from work and tells Molly about a murder investigation he is involved in. This is right up Molly's alley. Will she be able to resist doing a little "secret" investigating of the case on her own?
This book is a clean heartwarming mystery with humor sprinkled in. The character's are sweet and make you smile. It is a series, but I read it as a standalone and it was awesome. If you are looking for a (non-violent) feel good book, "Wild Irish Rose" will be published March 1, 2022.
Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin's Press, for allowing me to review this e-book. It's a beautifully written delightful story.
Molly Murphy is a retired detective living in New York in 1907. She is married to Daniel, who is a police captain. Daniel and Molly lead a busy life between his career and being parents to Bridie age-13 and Liam age-2. Additionally, Daniel's opinionated mother Mrs.Sullivan, is living with them. The family has great neighbor's Sid and Gus, who are always willing to help, but deep down Molly misses the excitement of being a detective.
Daniel comes home from work and tells Molly about a murder investigation he is involved in. This is right up Molly's alley. Will she be able to resist doing a little "secret" investigating of the case on her own?
This book is a clean heartwarming mystery with humor sprinkled in. The character's are sweet and make you smile. It is a series, but I read it as a standalone and it was awesome. If you are looking for a (non-violent) feel good book, "Wild Irish Rose" will be published March 1, 2022.
Thank you NetGalley and St.Martin's Press, for allowing me to review this e-book. It's a beautifully written delightful story.
March 1, 2022
Engrossing!
I am conflicted about Molly Sullivan. I love her gutsiness, the way she flies in the face of the accepted order of things. Maybe I’m conflicted because Molly is too. How to manage being a mother, a wife, a daughter-in-law, and how to continue to be a detective in the face of opposition, particularly from her husband?
It’s 1907, and a trip back to Ellis Island with Bridie and philanthropic neighbours Elena and Augusta (Aunt Sid and Aunt Gus), to distribute warm clothing to newly arrived immigrants has Molly recalling her own terrifying arrival here. None of her anxiety is helped by Bridie becoming lost and then thought by the authorities to be a recently landed immigrant. Stuff of nightmare for our Molly, as she imagines Bridie disappearing into the bowels of bureaucracy. When Molly meets a young, defenceless woman from Ireland, Rose McSweeney, who is accused of murder, with hair a similar red to her own, Molly rushes to defend her, and sets out to prove her innocence, despite the disapproval of her husband Daniel, Captain Sullivan of the New York police.
Molly gets caught up in a maelstrom of situations, including finding a position for the Rose. I’m exhausted just from following the swirl of Molly’s activities. Between her mother-in-law, her husband, wanting to prove Rose’s innocence, and Brodie’s recalcitrant behavior, no wonder.
The murderer is caught but not without danger and heartache.
Bridie is growing up, and to some degree not helped by being caught betwixt a world that beckons, and the here and now.
A solid read!
A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
I am conflicted about Molly Sullivan. I love her gutsiness, the way she flies in the face of the accepted order of things. Maybe I’m conflicted because Molly is too. How to manage being a mother, a wife, a daughter-in-law, and how to continue to be a detective in the face of opposition, particularly from her husband?
It’s 1907, and a trip back to Ellis Island with Bridie and philanthropic neighbours Elena and Augusta (Aunt Sid and Aunt Gus), to distribute warm clothing to newly arrived immigrants has Molly recalling her own terrifying arrival here. None of her anxiety is helped by Bridie becoming lost and then thought by the authorities to be a recently landed immigrant. Stuff of nightmare for our Molly, as she imagines Bridie disappearing into the bowels of bureaucracy. When Molly meets a young, defenceless woman from Ireland, Rose McSweeney, who is accused of murder, with hair a similar red to her own, Molly rushes to defend her, and sets out to prove her innocence, despite the disapproval of her husband Daniel, Captain Sullivan of the New York police.
Molly gets caught up in a maelstrom of situations, including finding a position for the Rose. I’m exhausted just from following the swirl of Molly’s activities. Between her mother-in-law, her husband, wanting to prove Rose’s innocence, and Brodie’s recalcitrant behavior, no wonder.
The murderer is caught but not without danger and heartache.
Bridie is growing up, and to some degree not helped by being caught betwixt a world that beckons, and the here and now.
A solid read!
A St. Martin's Press ARC via NetGalley
April 24, 2024
This is another excellent Molly Murphy mystery. In this story, Molly goes to Ellis Island to help pass out warm clothing to newly arrived immigrants, when she sees a young Irish girl who reminds her very much of herself. When the girl is accused of murder, Molly is convinced of her innocence and is determined to prove her not guilty of the crime. Of course, Molly's police officer husband is just as determined that she stay out of the investigation. This is a satisfying mystery with some surprises.
July 23, 2022
When I saw that a new Molly Murphy book was being released after 5 years I was shocked. I thought Bowen had retired this series. I'm glad she didn't though. Even though it was a bit confusing at first, this book reminded me that Bowen is a phenomenal author. Recommend.
October 14, 2023
This is the best one in the series that I have read so far. I was thrilled to guess who the murderer was as usually I cannot figure it out. Molly sure gets herself into lots of trouble. Glad she survived once again since she now has a small son!
March 7, 2022
It’s almost here. Two more weeks.
November 14, 2021
Review of Uncorrected Digital Galley
After Molly Murphy Sullivan and her ward Bridie accompany Elena and Augusta [better known as Sid and Gus] to Ellis Island to distribute clothing to the immigrants, Molly learns that a murder was committed there and that the prime suspect is a young, red-haired Irish woman who bears a remarkable resemblance to Molly herself.
Although her detective days are behind her, Molly, thinking back to her own immigrant experience, is determined to help prove Rose McSweeney’s innocence. But a second murder causes her to wonder if perhaps she was a bit hasty in assuming Rose’s innocence. And, although she’s promised Daniel she won’t interfere in his case, she can’t help herself when it comes to ascertaining that Rose was not involved in the murder.
Will Rose prove to be worthy of Molly’s faith in her? And, despite her promise, will Molly solve the mystery of the Ellis Island murder?
=========
In this, the eighteenth outing for Molly Murphy, our intrepid heroine struggles to find her rightful place . . . she’d planned to spend her time being a good wife and mother, but she finds it difficult to stay away from the detective work. Between thirteen-year-old Bridie anxious to be more adult and an often-critical mother-in-law, there is often a great deal of tension in the Sullivan home and Molly’s uncertainty about what to do [or not to do] only adds to her stress.
With well-drawn, nuanced characters, a strong sense of place, and an intriguing mystery to solve, fans of this beloved series will find much to appreciate in the telling of this tale. The plot takes a couple of unexpected twists as the story unfolds, but astute readers may identify the culprit before the big reveal. An unforeseen event late in the story ramps up the suspense and leads to a satisfying denouement.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley
#WildIrishRose #NetGalley
After Molly Murphy Sullivan and her ward Bridie accompany Elena and Augusta [better known as Sid and Gus] to Ellis Island to distribute clothing to the immigrants, Molly learns that a murder was committed there and that the prime suspect is a young, red-haired Irish woman who bears a remarkable resemblance to Molly herself.
Although her detective days are behind her, Molly, thinking back to her own immigrant experience, is determined to help prove Rose McSweeney’s innocence. But a second murder causes her to wonder if perhaps she was a bit hasty in assuming Rose’s innocence. And, although she’s promised Daniel she won’t interfere in his case, she can’t help herself when it comes to ascertaining that Rose was not involved in the murder.
Will Rose prove to be worthy of Molly’s faith in her? And, despite her promise, will Molly solve the mystery of the Ellis Island murder?
=========
In this, the eighteenth outing for Molly Murphy, our intrepid heroine struggles to find her rightful place . . . she’d planned to spend her time being a good wife and mother, but she finds it difficult to stay away from the detective work. Between thirteen-year-old Bridie anxious to be more adult and an often-critical mother-in-law, there is often a great deal of tension in the Sullivan home and Molly’s uncertainty about what to do [or not to do] only adds to her stress.
With well-drawn, nuanced characters, a strong sense of place, and an intriguing mystery to solve, fans of this beloved series will find much to appreciate in the telling of this tale. The plot takes a couple of unexpected twists as the story unfolds, but astute readers may identify the culprit before the big reveal. An unforeseen event late in the story ramps up the suspense and leads to a satisfying denouement.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this eBook from St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books and NetGalley
#WildIrishRose #NetGalley
January 11, 2022
I absolutely loved this book! I am hoping to go back and read the earlier books in the series. A great mystery in that you know it might be who it was but there are other possibilities to consider. A couple of things seemed too modern for historical fiction but did not take away from the story. I don't even remember them now. A good read!
November 29, 2021
I’m so happy to see this series continue, now I’m collaboration with Rhys Bowen’s daughter Claire Broyles. I’ve been reading this series ever since I binged in the first 5 books when the sixth one came out.
Molly is no long a private investigator, and is continuing to (try to) settle into being a wife and mother. Molly goes to Ellis Island to hand out necessities to those in need. But it turns out to be bad timing because when her police office husband Daniel comes home that night, he tells her about a murder at Ellie Island, and the prime suspect is a woman who looks like Molly. Molly gets drawn back into the world of investigating, and there’s plenty of plots twists in this one.
Reading this book was almost like catching up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. I continue to love Molly’s character, the secondary characters were as fantastic as always, and there was a real sense of the historical time and place. There was some subtle humor as well. The whodunit it kept me guessing for a bit, I did guess correctly short before the reveal but it didn’t take away from enjoying the book.
I definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series to appreciate these characters history and personalities, and this is an entertaining addition to the series.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Molly is no long a private investigator, and is continuing to (try to) settle into being a wife and mother. Molly goes to Ellis Island to hand out necessities to those in need. But it turns out to be bad timing because when her police office husband Daniel comes home that night, he tells her about a murder at Ellie Island, and the prime suspect is a woman who looks like Molly. Molly gets drawn back into the world of investigating, and there’s plenty of plots twists in this one.
Reading this book was almost like catching up with friends you haven’t seen in a while. I continue to love Molly’s character, the secondary characters were as fantastic as always, and there was a real sense of the historical time and place. There was some subtle humor as well. The whodunit it kept me guessing for a bit, I did guess correctly short before the reveal but it didn’t take away from enjoying the book.
I definitely recommend reading the previous books in the series to appreciate these characters history and personalities, and this is an entertaining addition to the series.
Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 26, 2021
I am a huge fan of Rhys Bowen and am thrilled she has teamed up with her daughter, Clare Broyles, to continue the Molly Murphy series!
Molly loves being a wife and mother, but misses her old life as a detective. When a murder occurs on Ellis Island and a young Irish woman is suspected, it bring back memories of Molly's own experience arriving in America. Despite Daniel's warnings, she involves herself in the case, determined to prove the young woman's innocence. At the same time, Bridie is in those difficult years - not an adult, but not still a child - creating additional tension at home. When a second murder occurs and Daniel receives additional details about the victims and suspects from Scotland Yard, Molly begins to wonder if she made a mistake.
This is a wonderful addition to the series and I hope it continues. The characters and their situations are real - they struggle, they disagree, they make mistakes, but at the end of the day they are family and love each other. As always, the mystery and the plot are so well done and the turn of the century New York City setting is one of my favorite eras.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #WildIrishRose.
Molly loves being a wife and mother, but misses her old life as a detective. When a murder occurs on Ellis Island and a young Irish woman is suspected, it bring back memories of Molly's own experience arriving in America. Despite Daniel's warnings, she involves herself in the case, determined to prove the young woman's innocence. At the same time, Bridie is in those difficult years - not an adult, but not still a child - creating additional tension at home. When a second murder occurs and Daniel receives additional details about the victims and suspects from Scotland Yard, Molly begins to wonder if she made a mistake.
This is a wonderful addition to the series and I hope it continues. The characters and their situations are real - they struggle, they disagree, they make mistakes, but at the end of the day they are family and love each other. As always, the mystery and the plot are so well done and the turn of the century New York City setting is one of my favorite eras.
Thank you to #NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of #WildIrishRose.
November 10, 2021
I love Molly Murphy's books! I am so happy that after a bit of break Rhys Bowen has written another great Molly book. Rhys has teamed up with her daughter Clare Broyles and the result is a fun, entertaining, mystery book. A huge thanks to Rhys Bowen, Clare Broyles, NetGalley, and St.Martin's Press for the advance copy. This review is all my own and not related to the ARC in any way.
I love how Molly is struggling with her new role as wife and mother. She clearly loves this new role but is trying to fit in her love of detecting with it. Her loving husband is also trying to grasp Molly's desire to continue with more than just her womanly role. It is so easy to look at this in today's light but when this story takes place in time things were so very different for women. Women still didn't even have the right to vote yet. I love how Rys and Clare have written Daniel Sullivan's part. I so enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
I love how Molly is struggling with her new role as wife and mother. She clearly loves this new role but is trying to fit in her love of detecting with it. Her loving husband is also trying to grasp Molly's desire to continue with more than just her womanly role. It is so easy to look at this in today's light but when this story takes place in time things were so very different for women. Women still didn't even have the right to vote yet. I love how Rys and Clare have written Daniel Sullivan's part. I so enjoyed this book and look forward to more.
March 9, 2022
mediocre Molly
I have been reading the Molly Murphy books since the beginning, and this one is fairly awful. Save your time, read the earlier Molly Murphy books, the Georgie books, or the stand alone novels by Rhys Bowen and give this a miss. This book just felt lazy, I didn’t understand Molly’s attitude and her complete disregard for the obvious in Wild Irish Rose. It was evident from the very beginning what the situation was and who done it, yet she willfully refused to see it, making up outlandish wishful scenarios to explain away the obvious. Molly seemed to have few redeeming qualities in book 18; obnoxious wife, neglecting mother, mediocre friend, and definitely was a terrible “detective”. If this were my first Rhys Bowen book, I would not read any others. Luckily it isn’t, but I will skip future Molly Murphy Mysteries.
I have been reading the Molly Murphy books since the beginning, and this one is fairly awful. Save your time, read the earlier Molly Murphy books, the Georgie books, or the stand alone novels by Rhys Bowen and give this a miss. This book just felt lazy, I didn’t understand Molly’s attitude and her complete disregard for the obvious in Wild Irish Rose. It was evident from the very beginning what the situation was and who done it, yet she willfully refused to see it, making up outlandish wishful scenarios to explain away the obvious. Molly seemed to have few redeeming qualities in book 18; obnoxious wife, neglecting mother, mediocre friend, and definitely was a terrible “detective”. If this were my first Rhys Bowen book, I would not read any others. Luckily it isn’t, but I will skip future Molly Murphy Mysteries.
November 17, 2021
Look no further! This story has a modern day feel even though it was set in 1907. The characters are vividly created and it’s easy to develop an opinion about each one. The humor is slight, but the twists and turns make up for it! I felt like the story was like a train, slowly moving at first and then building up speed until the edge of your seat ride at the end! It was thrilling! The only caveat is that I guessed who the culprit was about 3/4 through the book, it would have been nice not to know until almost the end of the book. Otherwise I would highly recommend this story to all mystery buffs out there. Very well done
April 11, 2022
Just no.
I almost immediately noticed a different tone in this book. I'm guessing that Rhys Bowen didn't write any of this book.
The first thing that got me was the repeated use of the word 'ward' in regards to Birdie. Molly says she's her child but then keeps introducing Birdie as her ward. Why?
I also found that the language about a woman's place just set us back decades. I understand that might have been true in the time period that this book takes place, but I don't remember that in any of the previous 17 books. This book's message (at least the parts I read) are that a woman's place is in the home and making her husband happy.
I almost immediately noticed a different tone in this book. I'm guessing that Rhys Bowen didn't write any of this book.
The first thing that got me was the repeated use of the word 'ward' in regards to Birdie. Molly says she's her child but then keeps introducing Birdie as her ward. Why?
I also found that the language about a woman's place just set us back decades. I understand that might have been true in the time period that this book takes place, but I don't remember that in any of the previous 17 books. This book's message (at least the parts I read) are that a woman's place is in the home and making her husband happy.
October 22, 2021
Thanks to Rhys Bowen; Clare Broyles. #NetGalley and St.Martin's for the ARC!
Wild Irish Rose ended in a complicated and wild fashion.. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 for the ending..
It was good to visit with Molly Bridie and Daniel as well as their friends. I thought the story was somewhat long and Molly's relationships are a bit static but am sure there will be changes.
Wild Irish Rose ended in a complicated and wild fashion.. 3.5 stars rounded to 4 for the ending..
It was good to visit with Molly Bridie and Daniel as well as their friends. I thought the story was somewhat long and Molly's relationships are a bit static but am sure there will be changes.
May 19, 2022
Another excellent addition to the series! Fantastic characters, dialogue, mystery, everything!
July 10, 2022
I was thrilled to see the Molly Murphy series back. I don’t agree with other reviews. Molly as a detective was brilliant, and yes she has solved some of Daniel’s cases. I read lots of books in this time frame. Molly still is hard headed, and sneaky. With her friends across the street she still manages to get some investigating done while raising two children. To sneak into a man’s bedroom, even if he is dead would have ruined her family. I thought Daniel did his best to include her, and even listen to her, when in that time frame most ladies did not have an opinion. Mrs Sullivan points those rules out often enough. He wants to protect her, and their children. Plus he is a man of position now. He gives his wife credit for her findings, and how clever she is. Molly did not just want a life of being a detective. She wanted to marry Daniel, and have children. Plus I love her relationship with Birdie. Perhaps you don’t remember being in trouble over a sassy attitude, but I do. When Molly lays down the rules she comes right back in line. It would be confusing to be cherished, and spoiled by her aunts, but Molly has to teach her how a young lady acts. She neither has the money, or freedom to act out, as they do. I liked the mystery. It kept my interest, and even though I figured it out ,the ending was dramatic, and exciting. The wild Molly that got in over her head, and nearly died on many cases, would seem ridiculous as a young mother, and wife. Plus she owes Daniel her loyalty, as his wife. My husband would have not been pleased if I slipped out at night, leaving children at home under other’s care, when we had made a pact when we married. This took place in the early 1900’s. I thought she over stepped several times, but he forgave her, and didn’t demand she totally stop. She was involved to the very end. 5 stars.
February 10, 2022
Set in 1907 New York, Wild Irish Rose is the next in the delightful Molly Murphy series. Molly Murphy Sullivan is a young wife and mother with a wee son, Liam, and young teen ward, Bridie. Her husband Daniel is a captain with the New York police. Molly is busily caring for her family including her oft cantankerous mother in law who is temporarily living with them in a small but sweet house in an ordinary neighbourhood. But Molly's new friends include the theater set so she is able to enjoy occasional luxurious treats.
Along with her friends and neighbours Gus and Sid, Molly and Bridie volunteer with the benevolent society in distributing warm winter clothing to immigrant arrivals on Ellis Island on a chilly winter day. It just so happens that on that day a murdered body is discovered and a woman who closely resembles Molly is suspected. After that secret after secret is revealed and twists abound until the end. As a passionate ex-detective Molly inveigles her way into the case and as an immigrant from Ireland herself, Molly understands hardships involved. She sometimes goes against her husband's advice but is strong willed and independent.
My favourite aspects of this book are the time period, beautifully-described historical details such as theater, dress and Ellis Island. But even more than that I enjoyed the family dynamic, the love between mother and her children. I also appreciated the personal growth in the characters. The mystery plot is not tense but to me the book is more than "just" the mystery but also discovery.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this refreshingly wholesome and fun book.
Along with her friends and neighbours Gus and Sid, Molly and Bridie volunteer with the benevolent society in distributing warm winter clothing to immigrant arrivals on Ellis Island on a chilly winter day. It just so happens that on that day a murdered body is discovered and a woman who closely resembles Molly is suspected. After that secret after secret is revealed and twists abound until the end. As a passionate ex-detective Molly inveigles her way into the case and as an immigrant from Ireland herself, Molly understands hardships involved. She sometimes goes against her husband's advice but is strong willed and independent.
My favourite aspects of this book are the time period, beautifully-described historical details such as theater, dress and Ellis Island. But even more than that I enjoyed the family dynamic, the love between mother and her children. I also appreciated the personal growth in the characters. The mystery plot is not tense but to me the book is more than "just" the mystery but also discovery.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this refreshingly wholesome and fun book.
March 5, 2022
This is the first book I have read in the Molly Murphy series. It is Book 18 in the series, but it can be read as a standalone. However, I feel I missed out on some of the depth of the characters and richness of the varying plotlines by not having read the full series.
Molly is a strong and smart lady and she is a great detective. I especially enjoyed the scenes from her domestic life where she is dealing with a judgy mother-in-law and a sassy teen.
The initial murder happens on Ellis Island, and I think that is the perfect place to set a historical murder mystery. I’ve visited a couple times myself and the various rooms and buildings there make it a pretty spooky place.
The murder mystery was interesting, but I figured out the murderer pretty quickly. I think it took Molly too long to figure out that part of the mystery.
Overall I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Molly Murphy series. I do plan to go back and read all the books because I can’t wait to read the romance plotlines between Molly and Detective Sullivan.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Molly is a strong and smart lady and she is a great detective. I especially enjoyed the scenes from her domestic life where she is dealing with a judgy mother-in-law and a sassy teen.
The initial murder happens on Ellis Island, and I think that is the perfect place to set a historical murder mystery. I’ve visited a couple times myself and the various rooms and buildings there make it a pretty spooky place.
The murder mystery was interesting, but I figured out the murderer pretty quickly. I think it took Molly too long to figure out that part of the mystery.
Overall I really enjoyed this latest installment in the Molly Murphy series. I do plan to go back and read all the books because I can’t wait to read the romance plotlines between Molly and Detective Sullivan.
I received a free review copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
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