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Molly Murphy #19
All that Is Hidden
"Retired" detective and police captain's wife Molly Murphy Sullivan tangles with Tammany Hall in the next in Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles's New York Times bestselling historical mystery series.
New York, Autumn, 1907: Former private detective Molly Murphy Sullivan is happy with her place in the world. She and her policeman husband, Daniel, have built quite a life for themselves in Greenwich Village, in their modest-yet-beautiful-home in Patchin Place, filled with family, friends, and laughter. Molly and Daniel have a good marriage, a true partnership where they value each other’s opinions in all things.
So when he tells her they’re moving to a fancy home on Fifth Avenue―and that he’s running for the sheriff of New York―Molly is left reeling. Daniel begs Molly to trust him, but why would he run for sheriff on the Tammany ticket? A party known more for kickbacks and quid pro quo than anything else, it used to be everything Daniel despised. So what’s changed? And why didn’t he discuss it with her beforehand? Molly can’t help but wonder what Daniel’s got himself tangled up in… and whether he needs her help to get out.
In this next installment in this beloved series All That Is Hidden, the incomparable Molly is drawn into the dangerous world of politics, forced to navigate through the webs of lies and deceit which are hidden behind a veil of vast wealth and grandeur.
New York, Autumn, 1907: Former private detective Molly Murphy Sullivan is happy with her place in the world. She and her policeman husband, Daniel, have built quite a life for themselves in Greenwich Village, in their modest-yet-beautiful-home in Patchin Place, filled with family, friends, and laughter. Molly and Daniel have a good marriage, a true partnership where they value each other’s opinions in all things.
So when he tells her they’re moving to a fancy home on Fifth Avenue―and that he’s running for the sheriff of New York―Molly is left reeling. Daniel begs Molly to trust him, but why would he run for sheriff on the Tammany ticket? A party known more for kickbacks and quid pro quo than anything else, it used to be everything Daniel despised. So what’s changed? And why didn’t he discuss it with her beforehand? Molly can’t help but wonder what Daniel’s got himself tangled up in… and whether he needs her help to get out.
In this next installment in this beloved series All That Is Hidden, the incomparable Molly is drawn into the dangerous world of politics, forced to navigate through the webs of lies and deceit which are hidden behind a veil of vast wealth and grandeur.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published March 14, 2023
411 people are currently reading
4187 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Bowen
126 books9,608 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 269 reviews
April 1, 2023
All That Is Hidden by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles (her daughter) was the nineteenth book in this series and my first. Even though I was late in starting this series, I was so glad that I had finally been given the opportunity to read this book. It was definitely a book that could be read as a stand-alone book. All That Is Hidden could best be described as an extremely clever mystery. I really enjoyed the characters and the setting in this book. It took place in New York City during the early 1900’s during a time when women were fighting for their rights, class distinctions were glaring and corruption and bribery was not unheard of.
Molly Murphy Sullivan, the strong female protagonist in All That Is Hidden, was happily married to her husband, Daniel Sullivan. Daniel was the police captain at his precinct and a very good one as well. Molly had been a private detective but was now retired. They had a little boy named Liam and a ward named Bridie that they hoped to adopt. The Sullivan family lived in Greenwich Village in an apartment on Patchin Place. Molly loved her apartment and neighborhood. It was home and she had friendly and caring neighbors.
One day in early fall, Daniel invited his wife, Molly, to take a walk with him. They put Liam in his pram and started to walk. Daniel needed to tell Molly something that he wasn’t able to divulge the complete truth about. He needed Molly to trust him. Daniel had been asked to run for sheriff on the Tammany ticket. He would have to give up his position as police captain and they would be required to move into a grand house on Fifth Avenue. The house was one that Molly could only have dreamed about. It was a house that had indoor heating and servants galore. Molly was not pleased with his decision to leave the police force. They usually made decisions together and discussed things before deciding whether to do something. Daniel had not done any of those things. Besides, he deplored what the Tammany ticket stood for. The members of the Tammany organization were known for accepting bribes, kickbacks, being involved with underhanded deals and their negligence in making safety a priority was a common occurrence. Daniel would run on the same ticket as “Big Bill”, his benefactor, who was running for mayor. Molly could not understand why Daniel was doing this. She had no desire to leave Patchin Place. Daniel kept repeating that he needed her to trust him. The Sullivan family moved to Fifth Avenue but Molly was not happy about it.
Bridie, an adolescent girl and the ward of the Sullivan family, was attending a private school. Most of her classmates were from very rich and influential families. The girls in Bridie’s school made fun of her, left her out and thought that they were so much better than her. Of all the girls in Bridie’s class, Big Bill’s daughter was the worst. One day Bridie’s class went on a field trip to see The Statue of Liberty and other historic sites. They were to go on a boat so that they could see everything. Molly accompanied Bridie on the trip. Most of the other girls had brought their nannies along. Molly was the only mother. Half way through the trip, the boat that had transported the girls on the trip caught fire. Bridie ended up saving Big Bill’s daughter life. The two girls forged a strong friendship from that day forward. It was not surprising then that Bridie, Molly and Daniel were invited to the lavish birthday celebration that was thrown for Big Bill’s daughter at Big Bill’s home. During the celebration, though, someone murdered Big Bill. Big Bill had lots of enemies but who could have murdered him in his own home during a birthday party for his only daughter? Daniel, Molly and even Bridie searched for clues in order to solve the mystery of who murdered Big Bill and for what reason.
All That Is Hidden (Molly Murphy, #19) by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles was suspenseful and quite clever. I really enjoyed Molly and Bridie’s characters the most. They were both strong, determined, clever and caring protagonists. Each had a special gift for recognizing clues and solving puzzles. I thought I had this mystery solved a few times but discovered that I was wrong. The ending was perfect and unexpected. I hope that these two talented authors continue to write more books in this series so I can continue to read them. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read All That Is Hidden by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Molly Murphy Sullivan, the strong female protagonist in All That Is Hidden, was happily married to her husband, Daniel Sullivan. Daniel was the police captain at his precinct and a very good one as well. Molly had been a private detective but was now retired. They had a little boy named Liam and a ward named Bridie that they hoped to adopt. The Sullivan family lived in Greenwich Village in an apartment on Patchin Place. Molly loved her apartment and neighborhood. It was home and she had friendly and caring neighbors.
One day in early fall, Daniel invited his wife, Molly, to take a walk with him. They put Liam in his pram and started to walk. Daniel needed to tell Molly something that he wasn’t able to divulge the complete truth about. He needed Molly to trust him. Daniel had been asked to run for sheriff on the Tammany ticket. He would have to give up his position as police captain and they would be required to move into a grand house on Fifth Avenue. The house was one that Molly could only have dreamed about. It was a house that had indoor heating and servants galore. Molly was not pleased with his decision to leave the police force. They usually made decisions together and discussed things before deciding whether to do something. Daniel had not done any of those things. Besides, he deplored what the Tammany ticket stood for. The members of the Tammany organization were known for accepting bribes, kickbacks, being involved with underhanded deals and their negligence in making safety a priority was a common occurrence. Daniel would run on the same ticket as “Big Bill”, his benefactor, who was running for mayor. Molly could not understand why Daniel was doing this. She had no desire to leave Patchin Place. Daniel kept repeating that he needed her to trust him. The Sullivan family moved to Fifth Avenue but Molly was not happy about it.
Bridie, an adolescent girl and the ward of the Sullivan family, was attending a private school. Most of her classmates were from very rich and influential families. The girls in Bridie’s school made fun of her, left her out and thought that they were so much better than her. Of all the girls in Bridie’s class, Big Bill’s daughter was the worst. One day Bridie’s class went on a field trip to see The Statue of Liberty and other historic sites. They were to go on a boat so that they could see everything. Molly accompanied Bridie on the trip. Most of the other girls had brought their nannies along. Molly was the only mother. Half way through the trip, the boat that had transported the girls on the trip caught fire. Bridie ended up saving Big Bill’s daughter life. The two girls forged a strong friendship from that day forward. It was not surprising then that Bridie, Molly and Daniel were invited to the lavish birthday celebration that was thrown for Big Bill’s daughter at Big Bill’s home. During the celebration, though, someone murdered Big Bill. Big Bill had lots of enemies but who could have murdered him in his own home during a birthday party for his only daughter? Daniel, Molly and even Bridie searched for clues in order to solve the mystery of who murdered Big Bill and for what reason.
All That Is Hidden (Molly Murphy, #19) by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles was suspenseful and quite clever. I really enjoyed Molly and Bridie’s characters the most. They were both strong, determined, clever and caring protagonists. Each had a special gift for recognizing clues and solving puzzles. I thought I had this mystery solved a few times but discovered that I was wrong. The ending was perfect and unexpected. I hope that these two talented authors continue to write more books in this series so I can continue to read them. I highly recommend this book.
Thank you to Minotaur Books for allowing me to read All That Is Hidden by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles through Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased and honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 2, 2023
2-1/2 / 5
Daniel has been invited to run for a political position on the Tammany Hall ticket which required Daniel to give up his police job and move the family into a mansion on Fifth Avenue with servants and a cook who only knows how to cook Italian food.
There is much talk about Tammany Hall politics and their unsavory dealings if you happen to be interested (which I was not).
At a fancy function an important man is murdered, but Daniel is not supposed to investigate since he is no longer on the police force. However, that does not prevent him from doing just that. And of course Molly gets herself involved to some extent, but she is not the Molly of old. She is very much wife and mother now.
I thought I’d give this series another try since I so enjoyed the early books, but like I said about
“Wild Irish Rose” (Molly Murphy #18) in 2022 the characters that I liked have completely changed.
The ‘Molly Murphy’ stories are now more the ‘Daniel Sullivan’ stories.
Because this latest in the series is marginally better than the last one (#18) I am adding a half star, but I think I am done with this series.
Daniel has been invited to run for a political position on the Tammany Hall ticket which required Daniel to give up his police job and move the family into a mansion on Fifth Avenue with servants and a cook who only knows how to cook Italian food.
There is much talk about Tammany Hall politics and their unsavory dealings if you happen to be interested (which I was not).
At a fancy function an important man is murdered, but Daniel is not supposed to investigate since he is no longer on the police force. However, that does not prevent him from doing just that. And of course Molly gets herself involved to some extent, but she is not the Molly of old. She is very much wife and mother now.
I thought I’d give this series another try since I so enjoyed the early books, but like I said about
“Wild Irish Rose” (Molly Murphy #18) in 2022 the characters that I liked have completely changed.
The ‘Molly Murphy’ stories are now more the ‘Daniel Sullivan’ stories.
Because this latest in the series is marginally better than the last one (#18) I am adding a half star, but I think I am done with this series.
January 29, 2023
Daniel’s rising star seems to have been sidelined!
One of the more interesting plots in the Molly Murphy series. Daniel comes home and has Molly look at a house on 78 Avenue that they’re moving into this Friday. Molly is incensed at Daniel’s high handedness, particularly as it seems he’ll be a candidate for Sheriff in the County of New York, which included five boroughs. He would be running on the Tammany ticket. How did that happen? Molly’s puzzled? Daniel had always maintained that that ticket came with bribes and kickbacks. Everything Daniel hated. Now Daniel has asked her to trust him. She does of course…but!
We go from that domestic bombshell, to a fire on a boat, to Molly trying to cope with having maids and a cook, and the expectations on Molly as lady of the house. There’s the cook’s meals of gluggy pasta to try to overcome, and the startling situation of being escorted by some heavy dock workers wherever she goes.
But when Big Bill, Daniel’s sponsor, is murdered during his young daughter’s birthday party Molly’s sleuthing abilities are honed and ready.
Bridie has more to cope with. With the change of address she’s registered at a posh school nearby where she subjected to the usual treatment by girls from wealthy families with little tolerance of someone who’s different. I heartily disliked them.
Not as exciting as earlier Molly mysteries. Somewhat of a trip down memory lane for Molly, and not the pleasant paths, but the uncomfortable ones.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
One of the more interesting plots in the Molly Murphy series. Daniel comes home and has Molly look at a house on 78 Avenue that they’re moving into this Friday. Molly is incensed at Daniel’s high handedness, particularly as it seems he’ll be a candidate for Sheriff in the County of New York, which included five boroughs. He would be running on the Tammany ticket. How did that happen? Molly’s puzzled? Daniel had always maintained that that ticket came with bribes and kickbacks. Everything Daniel hated. Now Daniel has asked her to trust him. She does of course…but!
We go from that domestic bombshell, to a fire on a boat, to Molly trying to cope with having maids and a cook, and the expectations on Molly as lady of the house. There’s the cook’s meals of gluggy pasta to try to overcome, and the startling situation of being escorted by some heavy dock workers wherever she goes.
But when Big Bill, Daniel’s sponsor, is murdered during his young daughter’s birthday party Molly’s sleuthing abilities are honed and ready.
Bridie has more to cope with. With the change of address she’s registered at a posh school nearby where she subjected to the usual treatment by girls from wealthy families with little tolerance of someone who’s different. I heartily disliked them.
Not as exciting as earlier Molly mysteries. Somewhat of a trip down memory lane for Molly, and not the pleasant paths, but the uncomfortable ones.
A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
August 13, 2022
In the 19th installment of the Molly Murphy Mysteries series, Molly’s husband Daniel leaves his job as a police captain to run for sheriff on the Tammany Hall ticket. Thus Molly and Daniel are pulled into the shady world of early 20th century politics. Daniel is running alongside “Big Bill” McCormick, who puts them up in a 5th Avenue brownstone complete with cook and housemaids. But the suspicious death of a reporter who was investigating Big Bill’s docks makes Molly suspicious and worried about Daniel becoming involved with Tammany Hall. Soon, another death pulls them in even deeper Molly and Daniel find themselves investigating while becoming close with Big Bill’s family.
This is a solid entry into the Molly Murphy series though not a particular favorite. It was interesting to learn a bit about Tammany Hall and what was going on in New York politics at the time, but there wasn’t enough focus there to feel like I had really come to understand that world. Molly has become increasingly domestic as the series has gone on, as she is now a wife and mother, and I feel like this limits her in some ways. She’s less likely to take risks in the name of her investigations, and those risks often lead to life-threatening capers that enriched previous stories.
I think fans of the series will continue to stick by Molly and enjoy the new stories and it’s a series I would continue to recommend for mystery lovers. But nineteen books in, I find myself less invested.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. Review will be posted to my instagram account in late February, early March, prior to publication.
This is a solid entry into the Molly Murphy series though not a particular favorite. It was interesting to learn a bit about Tammany Hall and what was going on in New York politics at the time, but there wasn’t enough focus there to feel like I had really come to understand that world. Molly has become increasingly domestic as the series has gone on, as she is now a wife and mother, and I feel like this limits her in some ways. She’s less likely to take risks in the name of her investigations, and those risks often lead to life-threatening capers that enriched previous stories.
I think fans of the series will continue to stick by Molly and enjoy the new stories and it’s a series I would continue to recommend for mystery lovers. But nineteen books in, I find myself less invested.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC. Review will be posted to my instagram account in late February, early March, prior to publication.
July 17, 2022
You could read this as a stand alone as the authors do a good job of character development without boring long time followers. Book 19 by my count, and I've been reading about Molly since 2001 with great excitement.
Now set in 1907, Molly is ahead of her time with her ideas on being female and independent. Daniel surprises Molly with a brownstone on Fifth Ave. Not only will they leave her little house, but Daniel is running for Sheriff of NY County on the Tammany ticket with Big Bill McKenzie running for Mayor. What has brought on such drastic changes? How will Molly adjust to being a politician's wife? A missing reporter and unsafe conditions on the docks have Molly asking questions. Murder behind a locked door? How intriguing!
There were enough sub plots to keep this cozy moving quickly. Thank you Clare for continuing this series with your Mom Rhys. They work well together and we Molly-fans are grateful.
I volunteered to read an ARC form Minotaur Books (St. Martin's Press) through Net Galley.
Release date March 14, 2023.
Now set in 1907, Molly is ahead of her time with her ideas on being female and independent. Daniel surprises Molly with a brownstone on Fifth Ave. Not only will they leave her little house, but Daniel is running for Sheriff of NY County on the Tammany ticket with Big Bill McKenzie running for Mayor. What has brought on such drastic changes? How will Molly adjust to being a politician's wife? A missing reporter and unsafe conditions on the docks have Molly asking questions. Murder behind a locked door? How intriguing!
There were enough sub plots to keep this cozy moving quickly. Thank you Clare for continuing this series with your Mom Rhys. They work well together and we Molly-fans are grateful.
I volunteered to read an ARC form Minotaur Books (St. Martin's Press) through Net Galley.
Release date March 14, 2023.
December 29, 2022
This is usually one of my favorite series. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this installment as much. The characters felt forced, and even though Molly has been investigating for years, her husband still judges her and makes her feel useless. It just didn't really work for me.
December 1, 2022
I was impressed with the way the last Molly Murphy book reinvigorated the series, so I was eager to read this next installment. (Please, let there be continued improvement in Daniel’s attitude toward Molly’s investigative talents)
Daniel leaves his job as a police captain to run for sherif on the Tammany Hall ticket and moves his family to 5th Ave—without telling Molly. His reasons were clear to me, and I was disappointed Molly didn’t put it together.
Slow start with a lot of repetition, and a rushed ending with few consequences for the guilty. The murder doesn’t happen until about halfway and that’s when Molly starts to shine. If you’re not familiar with Molly Murphy, this is a rough one to dive in with. But if you’ve read the series, read this one too.
Daniel leaves his job as a police captain to run for sherif on the Tammany Hall ticket and moves his family to 5th Ave—without telling Molly. His reasons were clear to me, and I was disappointed Molly didn’t put it together.
Slow start with a lot of repetition, and a rushed ending with few consequences for the guilty. The murder doesn’t happen until about halfway and that’s when Molly starts to shine. If you’re not familiar with Molly Murphy, this is a rough one to dive in with. But if you’ve read the series, read this one too.
September 14, 2022
I had read the first in the Molly Murphy series years ago but, for some reason, had not continued with the rest of the series despite having read all of Rhys Bowen's other series, the Her Royal Spyness (which I absolutely love). I was a bit worried that it might be difficult getting into this latest in the series; however, it was easy to jump into the book. I didn't feel lost in the storyline despite this being number nineteen in the series!
In All That is Hidden, Molly is surprised to discover that her husband Daniel is running for the Sherriff of the county of New York on the Tammany Hall ticket. She doesn't think this is at all like him! Not only is he going into politics, but he's also on the ticket running against William Randolph Hurst. Molly and Daniel are loaned a fancy house on 5th Avenue as part of the job. The move to higher society brings some strange political dealings, backroom conversations, and ultimately, a murder for Molly and Daniel to solve.
The book has good character building, and I loved the time period. The descriptions of the buildings, people, clothes and dialogue made it feel like you were investigating alongside Molly. Unfortunately, the ending felt rushed and not quite as strong as the rest of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley, the authors, and the publisher for this review copy. I heartily recommend it.
In All That is Hidden, Molly is surprised to discover that her husband Daniel is running for the Sherriff of the county of New York on the Tammany Hall ticket. She doesn't think this is at all like him! Not only is he going into politics, but he's also on the ticket running against William Randolph Hurst. Molly and Daniel are loaned a fancy house on 5th Avenue as part of the job. The move to higher society brings some strange political dealings, backroom conversations, and ultimately, a murder for Molly and Daniel to solve.
The book has good character building, and I loved the time period. The descriptions of the buildings, people, clothes and dialogue made it feel like you were investigating alongside Molly. Unfortunately, the ending felt rushed and not quite as strong as the rest of the book.
Thank you to Netgalley, the authors, and the publisher for this review copy. I heartily recommend it.
March 23, 2023
Molly and Daniel are back at it, but are in the political and 5th Ave. Society circles.
I really liked the names in this book such as Big Bill, Finn, Constanza, and Tammany. It gave the book and mystery a mafia vibe. It was also fun to see Molly take on Society and build some friendships with the family in the thick of the murder.
I liked the twists and having a murderer that was not very likely. However, I did struggle a bit getting into it since it took a long time to actually get to the murder. I think that was to fill in and build on events from where the previous book left off. This could be read standalone, but the slow start would definitely be even less intriguing for someone just picking up this book. I am ready for the next book and hope it takes off quick from the start due to the way this one ended.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
I really liked the names in this book such as Big Bill, Finn, Constanza, and Tammany. It gave the book and mystery a mafia vibe. It was also fun to see Molly take on Society and build some friendships with the family in the thick of the murder.
I liked the twists and having a murderer that was not very likely. However, I did struggle a bit getting into it since it took a long time to actually get to the murder. I think that was to fill in and build on events from where the previous book left off. This could be read standalone, but the slow start would definitely be even less intriguing for someone just picking up this book. I am ready for the next book and hope it takes off quick from the start due to the way this one ended.
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.
March 8, 2024
4.5⭐
October 4, 2023
Loved this one. But I haven’t read a Rhys Bowen book that I haven’t enjoyed. This was the 19th installment about Molly Murphy Sullivan which takes place in NYC in the early 1900s. Cozy historical mystery.
September 18, 2022
To read a Molly Murphy novel is like stepping back in time to turn of the century NYC! The reader is immersed in the sights, sounds, the corruption, the excesses of the upper class, and struggles of the lower class in these well researched and entertaining novels. This latest installment finds Molly content with her life in Greenwich Village until Daniel announces that they will be moving to fancy house on Fifth Avenue. Not only that but he will be running for Sheriff of New York on the Tammany Hall ticket - a party he has always despised for their corrupt political dealings. Molly can’t understand what Daniel is thinking but she knows she has to trust him, more importantly she might have to help him out of whatever mess he has gotten mixed up in.
I loved seeing Molly and Daniel work together in this novel and that he treats her as an equal instead of trying to hide her role in his investigation. I have also enjoyed seeing Bridie grow up in the last two novels and play a bigger role in the series. Sid and Gus continue to give the story a lightness and add diversity to the cast of characters.
The mystery in this novel was suspenseful and impossible to solve. I didn’t see the twists coming or have any solid guesses as to who the culprit was. However, I did feel that there was one plot hole in the novel. Gertie Grace is featured prominently throughout the story but then disappears after confronting Lucy McCormick at the funeral. She also hints at knowing about Big Bill’s first wife so I have to wonder if that’s what she told Lucy at the funeral. Molly throws away the letter at the end so the secret won’t come out, but does Lucy know all along? Those things combined with Juniors seeming loyalty to Lucy make it seem like she played a role in the murder. I feel like that part of the story is left with some loose ends. However, that could have just been done to distract the reader from the real murderer.
The addition of Clare Broyles as a coauthor has added a depth to the stories that wasn’t there before (I was shocked that they could possibly get better!). After 19 novels, one might think the stories would become repetitive but this latest chapter in the life of Molly and her family is just as unique as the last. I was especially delighted with the surprise at the end! I hope for many more chapters in the story of Molly and Daniel Sullivan!
I loved seeing Molly and Daniel work together in this novel and that he treats her as an equal instead of trying to hide her role in his investigation. I have also enjoyed seeing Bridie grow up in the last two novels and play a bigger role in the series. Sid and Gus continue to give the story a lightness and add diversity to the cast of characters.
The mystery in this novel was suspenseful and impossible to solve. I didn’t see the twists coming or have any solid guesses as to who the culprit was. However, I did feel that there was one plot hole in the novel. Gertie Grace is featured prominently throughout the story but then disappears after confronting Lucy McCormick at the funeral. She also hints at knowing about Big Bill’s first wife so I have to wonder if that’s what she told Lucy at the funeral. Molly throws away the letter at the end so the secret won’t come out, but does Lucy know all along? Those things combined with Juniors seeming loyalty to Lucy make it seem like she played a role in the murder. I feel like that part of the story is left with some loose ends. However, that could have just been done to distract the reader from the real murderer.
The addition of Clare Broyles as a coauthor has added a depth to the stories that wasn’t there before (I was shocked that they could possibly get better!). After 19 novels, one might think the stories would become repetitive but this latest chapter in the life of Molly and her family is just as unique as the last. I was especially delighted with the surprise at the end! I hope for many more chapters in the story of Molly and Daniel Sullivan!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 15, 2023
Molly Sullivan is perfectly satisfied with her life, caring for her family in her dear little house in Patchin Place. Her husband’s career as a New York City police captain is going well, their small son Liam is thriving, and their ward Bridie is getting a fine education. In the space of a few hours, everything she knows and loves is turned upside down.
Daniel, who abhors the corruption in the New York political scene, stuns Molly when he informs her that he is running for Sheriff of New York County on the Tammany Hall ticket, and that they will be moving to a mansion on 5th Avenue in a matter of days. He assures her that he knows what he’s doing, and that all will be well, but she finds that hard to believe.
Molly is ill-prepared for the life of a society lady. The servants intimidate her, she fears Liam is beginning to prefer his nanny’s company to hers, she finds her husband’s new cronies abhorrent and their wives shallow and unsufferable. Add to that the bodyguards who follow her everywhere are a nuisance. She soon finds out they are a necessary nuisance, as the world of New York City politics are fraught with danger.
Once again, Ms. Bowen has written another gem in this historical mystery series. Molly is a strong, intelligent, and likable protagonist, and the other characters are three dimensional. The historical setting is well researched and interesting. Highly recommended.
Daniel, who abhors the corruption in the New York political scene, stuns Molly when he informs her that he is running for Sheriff of New York County on the Tammany Hall ticket, and that they will be moving to a mansion on 5th Avenue in a matter of days. He assures her that he knows what he’s doing, and that all will be well, but she finds that hard to believe.
Molly is ill-prepared for the life of a society lady. The servants intimidate her, she fears Liam is beginning to prefer his nanny’s company to hers, she finds her husband’s new cronies abhorrent and their wives shallow and unsufferable. Add to that the bodyguards who follow her everywhere are a nuisance. She soon finds out they are a necessary nuisance, as the world of New York City politics are fraught with danger.
Once again, Ms. Bowen has written another gem in this historical mystery series. Molly is a strong, intelligent, and likable protagonist, and the other characters are three dimensional. The historical setting is well researched and interesting. Highly recommended.
January 6, 2023
All That is Hidden is a Molly Murphy mystery by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, the first book I have ever read by either of the authors. The story opens in 1906 and takes place over the next year in the household of a police captain for the New York Police department, Daniel. In this mystery, we find that Daniel has taken leave after a recommendation to run for sheriff on the Tammany ticket, a party he disapproved of. It is known to be corrupt, especially Big Bill, a current alderman who plans to run for mayor alongside Daniel. Because of the situation, Big Bill supports the family's new residence on Fifth Avenue. While Molly has many questions for her husband, at this time, he's not sharing any in depth information about why, specifically, he has chosen to switch his career path, especially in choosing to run for office. Daniel is not the type of man to join the corrupt as he fights against it with all his might. And, Daniel does tell Molly he cannot tell her everything, when he breaks the news that he is changing their lives so drastically, but shares that he does think he can make a difference running for sheriff. However, Molly is suspicious, with reason to be but trusts her husband’s word.
Regardless of the enormous house and many servants they are provided with from Big Bill, Molly and Daniel’s life is riddled with more mystery than ever before. For instance, why would a cook who cannot manage a cup of tea be hired, after her husband dies on the docks? Why was there a fire on a boat trip that puts Molly, her ward (and daughter) Millie, and even Big Bill’s daughter's life at risk?
On the night Molly and Daniel are presented with the knowledge that Willian Randolph Hearst’s (a man known in history for developing the nation’s largest newspaper chain) reporters have gone missing, (and, they find out, others too), when Big Bill is found dead that evening while trying to revise his will, no one knows yet what his death is related to, as there are so many problems, one has many avenues to investigate. The problem is, with Daniel running for office, staying even after Big Bill’s death, he can’t investigate. And, the bumbling officer assigned to the case does not believe in even the simplest methods, like how helpful fingerprints can be even when not yet accepted as evidence in court. Will the right killer be found without Daniel on the case? Does Molly need to do some sleuthing herself as she has been successful, in the past, solving mysteries just like this?
It comes as little surprise when Molly learns Daniel hasn’t left the police department, his job there, but only gone undercover for the New York police department. After all, someone has to find out what has happened to several of Hearst’s reporters and others who are somehow, some way, linked to the Tammany political party? Furthermore, Hearst wants justice for those who might have made his reporters disappear as he sees this act having been done to suppress other reporters from writing the truth for the public to see. And there is nothing Hearst wants more than his newspaper, all public news, to be able to report the truth without fear of retaliation for telling it.
But, with Big Bill’s death, when Daniel pushes to investigate his murder, all the disappearances, to be back in his position as chief of police, he is told that he must stay undercover and see what shakes out of the Tammany tree. After all, with Big Bill dead, someone else must run for mayor. Who will the party choose? Will there be replacements? Is there an unknown puppet that has been, in actuality, making the decisions that Big Bill was thought to have made? What will happen to the political party when the head of it is chopped off? Will it grow back? Will it kill the rest of the party? Or, will the party somehow be stronger?
All readers are going to want to put this new mystery on their shelf as Molly is one of my new, favorite sleuths. The characters were all ones who created an exciting, dramatic, enlightening tale full of intrigue and, in the end, the idea that the truth should never be able to be wiped away, with any external means. That we should be able to search for it, find it, and shout it to the world (if we want) without fear of reprisal or repercussion from anything or anyone. No one should be above the truth and all should be allowed to tell it. Furthermore, the most important factor, for me, here, is that, in telling the truth, all should be able to hear it, all should have access. William Hearst, in real life shared this hope with others and his newspapers along with sharing it in this book as he is one of the characters running against Big Bill for mayor. And while Hearst was not a perfect man, he valued the truth above anything else as he found it, at the time, most important for the American citizen. Thus, the newspapers and all those who wrote for it,
All That Is Hidden shares a story based on a time that was ever changing, each moment in time, important for the future of mankind. Because what happens in the past sets precedent for the present, tells people in the here and now, what can and can't be done. It was a time where individuals sought to repress certain things, usually, criminal or nefarious activities, keeping individuals from being able to share important knowledge of what had been done with the world. The U.S., at the time, was still in its infancy (and still, maybe), the judicial system, the people, only finding their footing in what was right and wrong, criminally. Newspapers, really, the only form of media at the time (other than word of mouth) was the only way to bring people the knowledge of immoral activities so, as a whole, people could begin to decide what was right and wrong, legally, and criminally.
Loving the mixture of a few real characters (the Tamany party), the fictitious, events that happened, or could have happened, I love writers who take creative liberties because, even in reality, the truth is never as black and white, cut and dry, as we see it. All that is Hidden was a great introduction to the Molly Murphy Mystery series and a great find and an author, when publishing a new book, that I don’t want to miss. Sorry for leaving some of the questions here without answers but, as I found the book so lively and good, I wanted others to have to read it to answer them themselves. And, hopefully, you will get some of the feel that I got, from the book, of what American history was like, as it was being made. Because, in America, there was a time like this, situations that happened like this and people, just like Daniel and Molly, who fought against the injustices of the world.
Happy Reading!
Regardless of the enormous house and many servants they are provided with from Big Bill, Molly and Daniel’s life is riddled with more mystery than ever before. For instance, why would a cook who cannot manage a cup of tea be hired, after her husband dies on the docks? Why was there a fire on a boat trip that puts Molly, her ward (and daughter) Millie, and even Big Bill’s daughter's life at risk?
On the night Molly and Daniel are presented with the knowledge that Willian Randolph Hearst’s (a man known in history for developing the nation’s largest newspaper chain) reporters have gone missing, (and, they find out, others too), when Big Bill is found dead that evening while trying to revise his will, no one knows yet what his death is related to, as there are so many problems, one has many avenues to investigate. The problem is, with Daniel running for office, staying even after Big Bill’s death, he can’t investigate. And, the bumbling officer assigned to the case does not believe in even the simplest methods, like how helpful fingerprints can be even when not yet accepted as evidence in court. Will the right killer be found without Daniel on the case? Does Molly need to do some sleuthing herself as she has been successful, in the past, solving mysteries just like this?
It comes as little surprise when Molly learns Daniel hasn’t left the police department, his job there, but only gone undercover for the New York police department. After all, someone has to find out what has happened to several of Hearst’s reporters and others who are somehow, some way, linked to the Tammany political party? Furthermore, Hearst wants justice for those who might have made his reporters disappear as he sees this act having been done to suppress other reporters from writing the truth for the public to see. And there is nothing Hearst wants more than his newspaper, all public news, to be able to report the truth without fear of retaliation for telling it.
But, with Big Bill’s death, when Daniel pushes to investigate his murder, all the disappearances, to be back in his position as chief of police, he is told that he must stay undercover and see what shakes out of the Tammany tree. After all, with Big Bill dead, someone else must run for mayor. Who will the party choose? Will there be replacements? Is there an unknown puppet that has been, in actuality, making the decisions that Big Bill was thought to have made? What will happen to the political party when the head of it is chopped off? Will it grow back? Will it kill the rest of the party? Or, will the party somehow be stronger?
All readers are going to want to put this new mystery on their shelf as Molly is one of my new, favorite sleuths. The characters were all ones who created an exciting, dramatic, enlightening tale full of intrigue and, in the end, the idea that the truth should never be able to be wiped away, with any external means. That we should be able to search for it, find it, and shout it to the world (if we want) without fear of reprisal or repercussion from anything or anyone. No one should be above the truth and all should be allowed to tell it. Furthermore, the most important factor, for me, here, is that, in telling the truth, all should be able to hear it, all should have access. William Hearst, in real life shared this hope with others and his newspapers along with sharing it in this book as he is one of the characters running against Big Bill for mayor. And while Hearst was not a perfect man, he valued the truth above anything else as he found it, at the time, most important for the American citizen. Thus, the newspapers and all those who wrote for it,
All That Is Hidden shares a story based on a time that was ever changing, each moment in time, important for the future of mankind. Because what happens in the past sets precedent for the present, tells people in the here and now, what can and can't be done. It was a time where individuals sought to repress certain things, usually, criminal or nefarious activities, keeping individuals from being able to share important knowledge of what had been done with the world. The U.S., at the time, was still in its infancy (and still, maybe), the judicial system, the people, only finding their footing in what was right and wrong, criminally. Newspapers, really, the only form of media at the time (other than word of mouth) was the only way to bring people the knowledge of immoral activities so, as a whole, people could begin to decide what was right and wrong, legally, and criminally.
Loving the mixture of a few real characters (the Tamany party), the fictitious, events that happened, or could have happened, I love writers who take creative liberties because, even in reality, the truth is never as black and white, cut and dry, as we see it. All that is Hidden was a great introduction to the Molly Murphy Mystery series and a great find and an author, when publishing a new book, that I don’t want to miss. Sorry for leaving some of the questions here without answers but, as I found the book so lively and good, I wanted others to have to read it to answer them themselves. And, hopefully, you will get some of the feel that I got, from the book, of what American history was like, as it was being made. Because, in America, there was a time like this, situations that happened like this and people, just like Daniel and Molly, who fought against the injustices of the world.
Happy Reading!
April 20, 2023
Daniel Sullivan is excited to show his wife Molly his surprise for her. He takes her for a walk from her beloved home, and comfortable neighborhood to the more upscale part of town. They arrive at an address at Fifth Avenue. It is a huge, and fancy house. She is full of questions. The problem is most he refuses to answer except for two words. Trust me seems to be his concert hall. He has been asked to run as New York Sheriff. He plans to leave his captain of the police to join the ticket representing Tammany Hall ticket. He has always known they are a deceitful , and crooked bunch. Still he asks her to have patience, and trust him. The book is exciting as she tries to adjust to the new way of life. Her nor Birdie fit in that well as they keep borrowing dresses from her old neighbors , and they pay to have a few ones made. Then disaster on a boat owned by Big Bill, his new boss nearly costs the lives of children, and after that a death happens during a birthday party. It is exciting, and enticing until the ending. I guess at the murderer, and was right, but it was a tangles of clues, as the whole bunch were so dirty. Molly gets involved behind the scenes, and so does Birdie. Daniel works privately with a loyal policeman, on the sly. The ending is sad, but triumphant for Molly, and Daniel. Plus their is a twist at the end, you won’t want to miss. 5 stars.
March 13, 2023
All That is Hidden by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles is a Molly Murphy mystery. At first glance the situation opening the book didn’t seem right, but having faith in Daniel, I persevered. Daniel is running for Sheriff of New York County. He has to resign as Chief Detective of the Metropolitan Police and he has them moving to a fancy townhouse on Fifth Avenue. Molly is not at all sure she likes any of it. Move away from Sid and Gus? Leave her house on Patchett Lane? Then she discovers there are servants. What is she to do with her spare time? And what is Daniel doing getting mixed up with Tammany Hall? She meets an odd variety of people and hears about things of which she does not approve. Maybe even murder. Then, the worst happens, and Daniel’s benefactor is killed. This is every nightmare Molly has ever had, come to life.
Molly and Daniel have been married for several years by now. They have a toddler son, Liam, and Molly’s ward, Bridie. All have traveled many miles to arrive where they are now. They are well-written, interesting characters, despite, or maybe because of Molly’s struggle to be a docile housewife, rather than an investigator. She has two dear friends, Sid and Gus, who are indeed different, but warm and loving. How can she move away from them? The history and the mystery are both hallmarks of this book, making it a very special story in the saga of Molly Murphy.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of All That is Hidden by St Martin’s Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #RhysBowen #ClareBroyles #AllThatIsHidden
Molly and Daniel have been married for several years by now. They have a toddler son, Liam, and Molly’s ward, Bridie. All have traveled many miles to arrive where they are now. They are well-written, interesting characters, despite, or maybe because of Molly’s struggle to be a docile housewife, rather than an investigator. She has two dear friends, Sid and Gus, who are indeed different, but warm and loving. How can she move away from them? The history and the mystery are both hallmarks of this book, making it a very special story in the saga of Molly Murphy.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC of All That is Hidden by St Martin’s Press, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #RhysBowen #ClareBroyles #AllThatIsHidden
March 15, 2023
All That is Hidden
By: Rhys Bowen
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel was an absolute joy. Former detective Molly Murphy Sullivan and her husband Daniel live in a quiet Greenwich Village in a modest home.
Daniel gets a promotion which takes them to the upscale part of NY with maids, cooks, etc. Molly is not happy as she is used to taking care of her home. How will she adjust?
Daniel is suddenly in a job where others are corrupt, but he tells Molly to trust him. He is set to run for sheriff with another big wig.
Fires, murder, and mayhem along with Molly’s spitfire personality made this novel fun! This is a series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you Netgalley, Minotaur books and author Rhys Bowen for this advanced copy. Available March 14, 2023.
#netgalley, #rhysbowen, #minotaur, #bookstagram, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50
By: Rhys Bowen
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This novel was an absolute joy. Former detective Molly Murphy Sullivan and her husband Daniel live in a quiet Greenwich Village in a modest home.
Daniel gets a promotion which takes them to the upscale part of NY with maids, cooks, etc. Molly is not happy as she is used to taking care of her home. How will she adjust?
Daniel is suddenly in a job where others are corrupt, but he tells Molly to trust him. He is set to run for sheriff with another big wig.
Fires, murder, and mayhem along with Molly’s spitfire personality made this novel fun! This is a series, but can be read as a stand alone.
Thank you Netgalley, Minotaur books and author Rhys Bowen for this advanced copy. Available March 14, 2023.
#netgalley, #rhysbowen, #minotaur, #bookstagram, #bookreview, #booksconnectus, #stamperlady50
May 7, 2023
I'm late to the series, actually #19 is the first I have read. Now I am excited to have eighteen others to add to my TBR. An upset comes to Molly Murphy Sullivan's happy life when her husband agrees to run for sherriff on the Tammany Hall ticket. This means uprooting her happy household and moving to a mansion on Fifth Avenue. The characters are vital, alive and fascinating. And the mystery well-done. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 14, 2024
Another good entry in the Molly Murphy series, this book related the story of what happens when Molly, Daniel, Liam, and Bridie have to move from their beloved little house to live in a posh mansion on Fifth Avenue, all because of Daniel's job. When Molly and Daniel attend a party at the house of a very important politico, the last thing they expect is that he will be murdered during the party. His body is found stabbed in a locked room, and there seem to be no suspects, although there are many guests and servants in the house at the time. Molly helps Daniel, and together they solve the crime, and eventually are able to go back to their own house and much calmer life.
April 2, 2023
Fun series and gets a little more interesting each time.
June 15, 2023
It is Autumn in 1907 New York. "All That Is Hidden" is the latest Molly Murphy Mystery Series.
Molly Murphy Sullivan and her NYC Police Captain husband, Daniel have been asked to move into a grand house on Fifth Avenue at the expense of Tammany Hall's Big Bill. Big Bill is running for mayor, and he has convinced Daniel to take a leave of absence from the NYC Police Force to run for Sherriff.
The NYC Commissioner has granted Daniel's leave of absence in order to go under cover to investigate Big Bill had his possible connection to a missing Hearst Reporter. The Hearst Newspaper has been reporting many negative news about Big Bill and Tammany Hall.
Murder Mysteries is a particular, fascinating read for me. And Ms. Bowen has yet to disappoint this reader on her plots, characters and surprising outcomes.
Molly Murphy Sullivan and her NYC Police Captain husband, Daniel have been asked to move into a grand house on Fifth Avenue at the expense of Tammany Hall's Big Bill. Big Bill is running for mayor, and he has convinced Daniel to take a leave of absence from the NYC Police Force to run for Sherriff.
The NYC Commissioner has granted Daniel's leave of absence in order to go under cover to investigate Big Bill had his possible connection to a missing Hearst Reporter. The Hearst Newspaper has been reporting many negative news about Big Bill and Tammany Hall.
Murder Mysteries is a particular, fascinating read for me. And Ms. Bowen has yet to disappoint this reader on her plots, characters and surprising outcomes.
October 1, 2023
Morphs and succeeds
March 10, 2023
Great addition to the series.
Sometimes I wonder if a series has over-extended its appeal, but that is definitely not the case in the newest addition to the series. Molly is as incomparable as ever, juggling her roles as wife and mother, and utilizing her investigative talents as she continues to stumble into one mystery after another.
Her husband makes a career change that mysteriously moves the family into a home on Fifth Avenue. As she seeks to adjust to the role of a society lady, she questions her husband's decision to run for political office.
This is a perfect blend of mystery surrounding the police and politics of early 1900's NYC. The authors include realistic historical detail that captures the imagination. With a heroine that is smart and full of spunk, readers can't help but cheer for Molly. Although quiet about his own decisions, Daniel seems more inclined to include Molly in his investigations. One step forward for women's rights. Loved the hint of changes that will be coming Molly's way in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Sometimes I wonder if a series has over-extended its appeal, but that is definitely not the case in the newest addition to the series. Molly is as incomparable as ever, juggling her roles as wife and mother, and utilizing her investigative talents as she continues to stumble into one mystery after another.
Her husband makes a career change that mysteriously moves the family into a home on Fifth Avenue. As she seeks to adjust to the role of a society lady, she questions her husband's decision to run for political office.
This is a perfect blend of mystery surrounding the police and politics of early 1900's NYC. The authors include realistic historical detail that captures the imagination. With a heroine that is smart and full of spunk, readers can't help but cheer for Molly. Although quiet about his own decisions, Daniel seems more inclined to include Molly in his investigations. One step forward for women's rights. Loved the hint of changes that will be coming Molly's way in the future.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author/publisher through Netgalley and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.
May 20, 2024
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres, and paired with a mystery, well, count me in!! This book, however, just wasn’t it. The writing was fine, but the plot had me bored to tears. Even more than halfway through, I just couldn’t finish it 🫣
March 9, 2023
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher; thank you to St. Martin's Press for the advanced copy!
I ended up being genuinely surprised by this book! Before this, I had never read a Molly Murphy mystery or heard of them before. Regardless, I enjoyed reading this one! Despite it being the 19th in this series, you could read this as a stand-alone if you wanted, albeit there would be a few instances throughout where you might be a little confused.
This year, I have been trying to get myself out of my comfort zone regarding book genres and I think this one did a great job of that. The beginning of the book was slow-moving, and at one point I considered DNF-ing it because it seemed like nothing was happening. Then, close to the halfway point, things started getting really good! From that point on, I didn't want to put it down because I wanted to see what would happen. After reading this book, I can confirm that I don't mind a good "whodunnit" mystery. There were many times throughout when I thought I had guessed who had committed the crime, but then something else would come up.
All of the characters were interesting and complex. Each character was presented as having a reason for committing the crime and, at the same time, you liked the characters. The friendship between Bridie and Blanche seemed kind of odd to me though. The book begins by making a point of how much Blanche picks on Bridie in school and then, after an accident on a field trip, they are suddenly best friends. I'm not sure that's something that would happen in real life but, nevertheless, they seemed to have a close friendship.
If you're looking for a plain old whodunnit mystery, I would recommend this one!
I ended up being genuinely surprised by this book! Before this, I had never read a Molly Murphy mystery or heard of them before. Regardless, I enjoyed reading this one! Despite it being the 19th in this series, you could read this as a stand-alone if you wanted, albeit there would be a few instances throughout where you might be a little confused.
This year, I have been trying to get myself out of my comfort zone regarding book genres and I think this one did a great job of that. The beginning of the book was slow-moving, and at one point I considered DNF-ing it because it seemed like nothing was happening. Then, close to the halfway point, things started getting really good! From that point on, I didn't want to put it down because I wanted to see what would happen. After reading this book, I can confirm that I don't mind a good "whodunnit" mystery. There were many times throughout when I thought I had guessed who had committed the crime, but then something else would come up.
All of the characters were interesting and complex. Each character was presented as having a reason for committing the crime and, at the same time, you liked the characters. The friendship between Bridie and Blanche seemed kind of odd to me though. The book begins by making a point of how much Blanche picks on Bridie in school and then, after an accident on a field trip, they are suddenly best friends. I'm not sure that's something that would happen in real life but, nevertheless, they seemed to have a close friendship.
If you're looking for a plain old whodunnit mystery, I would recommend this one!
February 26, 2023
I have always really enjoyed this series and this most recent entry did not disappoint. Molly is now basically staying home as a wife and mother and is no longer trying to run her own detective business. Her husband, Daniel, isn’t quite as stiff as he’s seemed in some of the other books. He suddenly moves Molly and their children to an uptown mansion while he runs for office for the Tammany Hall machine. This is so clearly against everything that he has always stood for that we just have to accept his plea that Molly trust him and something bigger is at stake.
Sure enough, there is a murder of Tammany’s boss so Molly and Daniel will have to pair up to figure things out. Once I found out who the murderer was, I could look back and recognize the clues that had been sprinkled throughout the book.
I think you could read this even if you haven’t read the earlier books, but I recommend that you go back and read them.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
Sure enough, there is a murder of Tammany’s boss so Molly and Daniel will have to pair up to figure things out. Once I found out who the murderer was, I could look back and recognize the clues that had been sprinkled throughout the book.
I think you could read this even if you haven’t read the earlier books, but I recommend that you go back and read them.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.
March 5, 2023
This is the latest in the terrific Molly Murphy series by Rhys Bowen. Set in New York City in 1907, it features Molly and her husband Daniel Sullivan, a police captain.
In book one of the series we learn the circumstances leading to Molly leaving her home and family in Ireland and traveling to America. She arrives friendless and penniless, but soon develops a career as a private investigator.
Now that she is married, Molly no longer works as a private eye, but her natural curiosity and her urge to investigate have not left her.
Molly loves the small house in Greenwich Village that she shares with Daniel, their ward Bridie, and their son, Liam. So she is not thrilled when Daniel announces, out of the blue, that they will be moving into a big brownstone on Fifth Avenue, complete with servants.
Daniel also tells her that he has quit his job as police captain in order to run for Sheriff on the Tammany Hall ticket. Molly is stunned by this sudden and inexplicable turn of events. Daniel has always despised Tamanny Hall, the powerful and corrupt political machine.
And why had Daniel not discussed all this with her beforehand? Theirs has always been a marriage of partnership and honesty. But Daniel explains nothing and only asks Molly to trust him.
Well, we know Molly, and when she doesn’t understand something, she starts to dig.
The story has amusing moments as Molly, unaccustomed to having servants, learns the protocol for dealing with them. She can’t get the cook to make anything but tasteless pasta for dinner. She is jealous of the nanny, who spends more time with her son than she does. She is a fish out of water as she tries gamely to socialize with the wives and families of the more monied Tammany Hall leadership.
She misses her old neighbors, Sid and Gus, and her friend Ryan. These three characters are always a highlight of the books for me. Their unpretentious attitudes and eccentric lifestyles add interest and another perspective to the stories. This book also features Bridie more than in the past, which is delightful.
It’s always great to catch up with Molly and her world. This nineteenth entry in the series does not disappoint. Recommended, ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 stars, available March 14, 2023.
My thanks to the author, Rhys Bowen, to the publisher, Minotaur Books, and to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book
#AllThatIsHidden #MollyMurphy #MinotaurBooks #netgalley
In book one of the series we learn the circumstances leading to Molly leaving her home and family in Ireland and traveling to America. She arrives friendless and penniless, but soon develops a career as a private investigator.
Now that she is married, Molly no longer works as a private eye, but her natural curiosity and her urge to investigate have not left her.
Molly loves the small house in Greenwich Village that she shares with Daniel, their ward Bridie, and their son, Liam. So she is not thrilled when Daniel announces, out of the blue, that they will be moving into a big brownstone on Fifth Avenue, complete with servants.
Daniel also tells her that he has quit his job as police captain in order to run for Sheriff on the Tammany Hall ticket. Molly is stunned by this sudden and inexplicable turn of events. Daniel has always despised Tamanny Hall, the powerful and corrupt political machine.
And why had Daniel not discussed all this with her beforehand? Theirs has always been a marriage of partnership and honesty. But Daniel explains nothing and only asks Molly to trust him.
Well, we know Molly, and when she doesn’t understand something, she starts to dig.
The story has amusing moments as Molly, unaccustomed to having servants, learns the protocol for dealing with them. She can’t get the cook to make anything but tasteless pasta for dinner. She is jealous of the nanny, who spends more time with her son than she does. She is a fish out of water as she tries gamely to socialize with the wives and families of the more monied Tammany Hall leadership.
She misses her old neighbors, Sid and Gus, and her friend Ryan. These three characters are always a highlight of the books for me. Their unpretentious attitudes and eccentric lifestyles add interest and another perspective to the stories. This book also features Bridie more than in the past, which is delightful.
It’s always great to catch up with Molly and her world. This nineteenth entry in the series does not disappoint. Recommended, ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 stars, available March 14, 2023.
My thanks to the author, Rhys Bowen, to the publisher, Minotaur Books, and to NetGalley for providing me a copy of this book
#AllThatIsHidden #MollyMurphy #MinotaurBooks #netgalley
January 6, 2023
All That is Hidden is a Molly Murphy mystery by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, the first book I have ever read by either of the authors. The story opens in 1906 and takes place over the next year in the household of a police captain for the New York Police department, Daniel. In this mystery, we find that Daniel has taken leave after a recommendation to run for sheriff on the Tammany ticket, a party he disapproved of. It is known to be corrupt, especially Big Bill, a current alderman who plans to run for mayor alongside Daniel. Because of the situation, Big Bill supports the family's new residence on Fifth Avenue. While Molly has many questions for her husband, at this time, he's not sharing any in depth information about why, specifically, he has chosen to switch his career path, especially in choosing to run for office. Daniel is not the type of man to join the corrupt as he fights against it with all his might. And, Daniel does tell Molly he cannot tell her everything, when he breaks the news that he is changing their lives so drastically, but shares that he does think he can make a difference running for sheriff. However, Molly is suspicious, with reason to be but trusts her husband’s word.
Regardless of the enormous house and many servants they are provided with from Big Bill, Molly and Daniel’s life is riddled with more mystery than ever before. For instance, why would a cook who cannot manage a cup of tea be hired, after her husband dies on the docks? Why was there a fire on a boat trip that puts Molly, her ward (and daughter) Millie, and even Big Bill’s daughter's life at risk?
On the night Molly and Daniel are presented with the knowledge that Willian Randolph Hearst’s (a man known in history for developing the nation’s largest newspaper chain) reporters have gone missing, (and, they find out, others too), when Big Bill is found dead that evening while trying to revise his will, no one knows yet what his death is related to, as there are so many problems, one has many avenues to investigate. The problem is, with Daniel running for office, staying even after Big Bill’s death, he can’t investigate. And, the bumbling officer assigned to the case does not believe in even the simplest methods, like how helpful fingerprints can be even when not yet accepted as evidence in court. Will the right killer be found without Daniel on the case? Does Molly need to do some sleuthing herself as she has been successful, in the past, solving mysteries just like this?
It comes as little surprise when Molly learns Daniel hasn’t left the police department, his job there, but only gone undercover for the New York police department. After all, someone has to find out what has happened to several of Hearst’s reporters and others who are somehow, some way, linked to the Tammany political party? Furthermore, Hearst wants justice for those who might have made his reporters disappear as he sees this act having been done to suppress other reporters from writing the truth for the public to see. And there is nothing Hearst wants more than his newspaper, all public news, to be able to report the truth without fear of retaliation for telling it.
But, with Big Bill’s death, when Daniel pushes to investigate his murder, all the disappearances, to be back in his position as chief of police, he is told that he must stay undercover and see what shakes out of the Tammany tree. After all, with Big Bill dead, someone else must run for mayor. Who will the party choose? Will there be replacements? Is there an unknown puppet that has been, in actuality, making the decisions that Big Bill was thought to have made? What will happen to the political party when the head of it is chopped off? Will it grow back? Will it kill the rest of the party? Or, will the party somehow be stronger?
All readers are going to want to put this new mystery on their shelf as Molly is one of my new, favorite sleuths. The characters were all ones who created an exciting, dramatic, enlightening tale full of intrigue and, in the end, the idea that the truth should never be able to be wiped away, with any external means. That we should be able to search for it, find it, and shout it to the world (if we want) without fear of reprisal or repercussion from anything or anyone. No one should be above the truth and all should be allowed to tell it. Furthermore, the most important factor, for me, here, is that, in telling the truth, all should be able to hear it, all should have access. William Hearst, in real life shared this hope with others and his newspapers along with sharing it in this book as he is one of the characters running against Big Bill for mayor. And while Hearst was not a perfect man, he valued the truth above anything else as he found it, at the time, most important for the American citizen. Thus, the newspapers and all those who wrote for it,
All That Is Hidden shares a story based on a time that was ever changing, each moment in time, important for the future of mankind. Because what happens in the past sets precedent for the present, tells people in the here and now, what can and can't be done. It was a time where individuals sought to repress certain things, usually, criminal or nefarious activities, keeping individuals from being able to share important knowledge of what had been done with the world. The U.S., at the time, was still in its infancy (and still, maybe), the judicial system, the people, only finding their footing in what was right and wrong, criminally. Newspapers, really, the only form of media at the time (other than word of mouth) was the only way to bring people the knowledge of immoral activities so, as a whole, people could begin to decide what was right and wrong, legally, and criminally.
Loving the mixture of a few real characters (the Tamany party), the fictitious, events that happened, or could have happened, I love writers who take creative liberties because, even in reality, the truth is never as black and white, cut and dry, as we see it. All that is Hidden was a great introduction to the Molly Murphy Mystery series and a great find and an author, when publishing a new book, that I don’t want to miss. Sorry for leaving some of the questions here without answers but, as I found the book so lively and good, I wanted others to have to read it to answer them themselves. And, hopefully, you will get some of the feel that I got, from the book, of what American history was like, as it was being made. Because, in America, there was a time like this, situations that happened like this and people, just like Daniel and Molly, who fought against the injustices of the world.
Happy Reading!
Regardless of the enormous house and many servants they are provided with from Big Bill, Molly and Daniel’s life is riddled with more mystery than ever before. For instance, why would a cook who cannot manage a cup of tea be hired, after her husband dies on the docks? Why was there a fire on a boat trip that puts Molly, her ward (and daughter) Millie, and even Big Bill’s daughter's life at risk?
On the night Molly and Daniel are presented with the knowledge that Willian Randolph Hearst’s (a man known in history for developing the nation’s largest newspaper chain) reporters have gone missing, (and, they find out, others too), when Big Bill is found dead that evening while trying to revise his will, no one knows yet what his death is related to, as there are so many problems, one has many avenues to investigate. The problem is, with Daniel running for office, staying even after Big Bill’s death, he can’t investigate. And, the bumbling officer assigned to the case does not believe in even the simplest methods, like how helpful fingerprints can be even when not yet accepted as evidence in court. Will the right killer be found without Daniel on the case? Does Molly need to do some sleuthing herself as she has been successful, in the past, solving mysteries just like this?
It comes as little surprise when Molly learns Daniel hasn’t left the police department, his job there, but only gone undercover for the New York police department. After all, someone has to find out what has happened to several of Hearst’s reporters and others who are somehow, some way, linked to the Tammany political party? Furthermore, Hearst wants justice for those who might have made his reporters disappear as he sees this act having been done to suppress other reporters from writing the truth for the public to see. And there is nothing Hearst wants more than his newspaper, all public news, to be able to report the truth without fear of retaliation for telling it.
But, with Big Bill’s death, when Daniel pushes to investigate his murder, all the disappearances, to be back in his position as chief of police, he is told that he must stay undercover and see what shakes out of the Tammany tree. After all, with Big Bill dead, someone else must run for mayor. Who will the party choose? Will there be replacements? Is there an unknown puppet that has been, in actuality, making the decisions that Big Bill was thought to have made? What will happen to the political party when the head of it is chopped off? Will it grow back? Will it kill the rest of the party? Or, will the party somehow be stronger?
All readers are going to want to put this new mystery on their shelf as Molly is one of my new, favorite sleuths. The characters were all ones who created an exciting, dramatic, enlightening tale full of intrigue and, in the end, the idea that the truth should never be able to be wiped away, with any external means. That we should be able to search for it, find it, and shout it to the world (if we want) without fear of reprisal or repercussion from anything or anyone. No one should be above the truth and all should be allowed to tell it. Furthermore, the most important factor, for me, here, is that, in telling the truth, all should be able to hear it, all should have access. William Hearst, in real life shared this hope with others and his newspapers along with sharing it in this book as he is one of the characters running against Big Bill for mayor. And while Hearst was not a perfect man, he valued the truth above anything else as he found it, at the time, most important for the American citizen. Thus, the newspapers and all those who wrote for it,
All That Is Hidden shares a story based on a time that was ever changing, each moment in time, important for the future of mankind. Because what happens in the past sets precedent for the present, tells people in the here and now, what can and can't be done. It was a time where individuals sought to repress certain things, usually, criminal or nefarious activities, keeping individuals from being able to share important knowledge of what had been done with the world. The U.S., at the time, was still in its infancy (and still, maybe), the judicial system, the people, only finding their footing in what was right and wrong, criminally. Newspapers, really, the only form of media at the time (other than word of mouth) was the only way to bring people the knowledge of immoral activities so, as a whole, people could begin to decide what was right and wrong, legally, and criminally.
Loving the mixture of a few real characters (the Tamany party), the fictitious, events that happened, or could have happened, I love writers who take creative liberties because, even in reality, the truth is never as black and white, cut and dry, as we see it. All that is Hidden was a great introduction to the Molly Murphy Mystery series and a great find and an author, when publishing a new book, that I don’t want to miss. Sorry for leaving some of the questions here without answers but, as I found the book so lively and good, I wanted others to have to read it to answer them themselves. And, hopefully, you will get some of the feel that I got, from the book, of what American history was like, as it was being made. Because, in America, there was a time like this, situations that happened like this and people, just like Daniel and Molly, who fought against the injustices of the world.
Happy Reading!
September 26, 2022
This was the first of the “Molly Murphy” mysteries I had read by Rhys Bowen and co-author Clare Broyles, and it did not disappoint. The novel is set in early-20th century Tammany Hall-era New York City, and Molly (Murphy) Sullivan’s husband, Police Captain Daniel Sullivan, is tapped to run for Sheriff on the Tammany ticket. This causes big changes in their lives which unsettle Molly . To begin with, they have Tammany security around the clock wherever they go and are moved to a mansion on Fifth Avenue. Molly loved her smaller home which she herself had bought and is uncomfortable having servants. In addition, they are swept into a heady political world in which rumors of corruption and skirting safety measures on the ferries and docks are rampant. Running for Sheriff, Daniel becomes aware of the specifics.
“Big Bill” McCormick, Tammany head, his wife Lucy, and children become intertwined in Daniel, Molly and their ward Bridie’s lives, and the narrative evolves from there. I especially enjoyed the details of early-1900’s life, e.g., hansom cabs, “meat safes,” proper dress for wealthy girls and women, Stravinski as a “new” composer, and that fingerprints at that time were not admissible in a court of law. There were multiple twists and turns in the mysteries themselves which made for an excellent storyline, with a major surprise at the end.
While I truly enjoyed this book and plan to read more in the series, as a personal matter of taste I love Rhys Bowen’s WWII-era books more, such as “In Farleigh Field.”
My thanks to #NetGalley and #St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
“Big Bill” McCormick, Tammany head, his wife Lucy, and children become intertwined in Daniel, Molly and their ward Bridie’s lives, and the narrative evolves from there. I especially enjoyed the details of early-1900’s life, e.g., hansom cabs, “meat safes,” proper dress for wealthy girls and women, Stravinski as a “new” composer, and that fingerprints at that time were not admissible in a court of law. There were multiple twists and turns in the mysteries themselves which made for an excellent storyline, with a major surprise at the end.
While I truly enjoyed this book and plan to read more in the series, as a personal matter of taste I love Rhys Bowen’s WWII-era books more, such as “In Farleigh Field.”
My thanks to #NetGalley and #St. Martin’s Press for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
March 14, 2023
Having read and enjoyed the Molly Murphy series since book #1, I am so happy that Rhys Bowen's daughter Clare Broyles is now co-writing this series with Rhys to continue adding to the series! This book was enjoyable and so many unexpected events happened it kept me turning the pages. I love how even though Molly is no longer an investigator, Daniel still respects her as one, and she helped out in this case, and solved the crazy puzzle of whodunit. Happy news at the end that I won't mention here, but I cannot wait for Book #20 in this series! Please keep up the great work.
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