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Molly Murphy #5
Oh Danny Boy
In turn-of-the-century New York City, Irish immigrant Molly Murphy is contemplating giving up PI work for something a little less complicated, less exciting. Molly has had quite enough excitement recently, thank you very much. Especially from the handsome but deceptive NYPD captain Daniel Sullivan, whom she'd like to avoid completely. But when Daniel is accused of accepting bribes and lands himself in the Tombs, the notorious city jail, he begs Molly to help prove he was framed, and after everything they've been through, she cannot turn him down.
As she finds herself drawn further and further into the case, she begins to fear that Daniel's trouble is related to one of his investigations---catching the Eastside Ripper, a serial killer who is targeting prostitutes.
"""" "Oh Danny Boy" marks Edgar Award finalist Rhys Bowen's triumphant fifth installment in the award winning Molly Murphy mystery series.
325 pages, Hardcover
First published March 6, 2006
378 people are currently reading
1570 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Bowen
123 books9,563 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
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 372 reviews
May 25, 2019
I enjoyed this one a little less than the previous four books. Perhaps I have overindulged in Molly Murphy and need to let her have a little rest before I read the next one.
It was still a very enjoyable and interesting story with the usual insights into life at that time. The introduction of a new character in the form of a woman who worked for the police was good although she immediately demonstrated one of the biggest faults in these books - that Molly has no clue how to do detective work at all. She just blunders around accusing people to their faces until the case somehow solves itself around her.
So I guess my problem is that in five books Molly has not really made much character development at all. Nevertheless I will return to find out whether she marries the unreliable Daniel and whether she ever learns the tools of her trade. I will just wait a while first.
It was still a very enjoyable and interesting story with the usual insights into life at that time. The introduction of a new character in the form of a woman who worked for the police was good although she immediately demonstrated one of the biggest faults in these books - that Molly has no clue how to do detective work at all. She just blunders around accusing people to their faces until the case somehow solves itself around her.
So I guess my problem is that in five books Molly has not really made much character development at all. Nevertheless I will return to find out whether she marries the unreliable Daniel and whether she ever learns the tools of her trade. I will just wait a while first.
February 18, 2018
4.5 stars
Another delightful Molly Murphy mystery, always with that dash of Irishness in it. Can't help myself, I love it.
Another delightful Molly Murphy mystery, always with that dash of Irishness in it. Can't help myself, I love it.
August 18, 2017
Another great mystery in this series. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading about Molly's adventures as she solves mysteries, exposing corruption in the early 1900's. She can be full of spunk, pushing the boundaries of the acceptable role of the early 1900's woman one minute, then very vulnerable the next. One gets a glimpse of what life was like for people in the different classes at this point in time. Although a driving force for the story, the reader sees very little of Molly's love interest. Can't wait to read more in this series.
March 30, 2024
I just finished it for the second time and enjoyed it more. I did not remember much but there is some very gruesome stuff. At least it is not boring.
September 25, 2016
This, I'm sad to say, is where I end my acquaintance with the Molly Murphy Mystery series. Although well-written, just like the previous four books, I found too many things to be off-putting in this fifth addition to the series.
Molly is back from her assignment in upstate New York and is yet again lacking in cash and cases to keep her afloat. However, she suddenly finds all her time consumed when she is summoned to the Tombs, the city's harsh and unforgiving prison. There, she finds Daniel Sullivan, his situation much changed: he has broken off his engagement to Arabella Norton, but is now in jail on trumped up charges. Daniel swears he's innocent and Molly, despite her still uncertain feelings towards him, believes him. With the entire police force against him, Daniel asks Molly to help him. Her investigation leads her to Daniel's two other investigations-a horse doping case and the more sensational East Side Ripper case involving the killings of prostitutes-as possible motives for wanting him out of the way. Add to this a seemingly-unconnected missing persons case from, of all people, Arabella Norton, and Molly has her hands full. If that wasn't enough, Molly also finds herself pregnant, which causes her to be sick and emotionally unstable for the entirety of the book as she goes back and forth about whether or not to keep the baby. This also forces her to consider her feelings towards Daniel, which, per usual, go back and forth. Although the addition of a friend and ally in the form of police matron Sabella Goodwin helps to stabilize Molly somewhat, it isn't enough to keep feelings of annoyance at bay: Molly is usually such a strong character, and so I was able to forgive her incessant back-and-forth with Daniel because of it, but in this novel, she's reduced to an emotional wreck who literally can't stop crying. And although I love Sid and Gus, they're starting to become too bland; they blend into the background and only seem to be kept in the story in order to keep Molly from being completely devoid of companionship. Truth be told, the only thing that kept me going in this book was unraveling the thick plot and discovering who was behind it all. That made it worth the read, although yet again the very end was rushed and left me uncertain as to how Molly truly feels towards Daniel, which seem to change from chapter to chapter, let alone book to book. I suppose I'm just tired of the see-sawing dance Molly is doing. That and her amateur investigator skills; you would think about four books she would have learned something, but beyond a few good insights, she still fumbles around in book five. Sabella had a better grasp than she did, and she was only a police matron! Everything is becoming too repetitive for me, and so with a heavy heart, I'm afraid I must bid Ms. Murphy adieu.
Molly is back from her assignment in upstate New York and is yet again lacking in cash and cases to keep her afloat. However, she suddenly finds all her time consumed when she is summoned to the Tombs, the city's harsh and unforgiving prison. There, she finds Daniel Sullivan, his situation much changed: he has broken off his engagement to Arabella Norton, but is now in jail on trumped up charges. Daniel swears he's innocent and Molly, despite her still uncertain feelings towards him, believes him. With the entire police force against him, Daniel asks Molly to help him. Her investigation leads her to Daniel's two other investigations-a horse doping case and the more sensational East Side Ripper case involving the killings of prostitutes-as possible motives for wanting him out of the way. Add to this a seemingly-unconnected missing persons case from, of all people, Arabella Norton, and Molly has her hands full. If that wasn't enough, Molly also finds herself pregnant, which causes her to be sick and emotionally unstable for the entirety of the book as she goes back and forth about whether or not to keep the baby. This also forces her to consider her feelings towards Daniel, which, per usual, go back and forth. Although the addition of a friend and ally in the form of police matron Sabella Goodwin helps to stabilize Molly somewhat, it isn't enough to keep feelings of annoyance at bay: Molly is usually such a strong character, and so I was able to forgive her incessant back-and-forth with Daniel because of it, but in this novel, she's reduced to an emotional wreck who literally can't stop crying. And although I love Sid and Gus, they're starting to become too bland; they blend into the background and only seem to be kept in the story in order to keep Molly from being completely devoid of companionship. Truth be told, the only thing that kept me going in this book was unraveling the thick plot and discovering who was behind it all. That made it worth the read, although yet again the very end was rushed and left me uncertain as to how Molly truly feels towards Daniel, which seem to change from chapter to chapter, let alone book to book. I suppose I'm just tired of the see-sawing dance Molly is doing. That and her amateur investigator skills; you would think about four books she would have learned something, but beyond a few good insights, she still fumbles around in book five. Sabella had a better grasp than she did, and she was only a police matron! Everything is becoming too repetitive for me, and so with a heavy heart, I'm afraid I must bid Ms. Murphy adieu.
August 30, 2021
Oh Danny Boy
4 Stars
When New York police captain Daniel Sullivan is arrested for taking bribes, he turns to fledgling PI Molly Murphy for help. Despite Daniel's past actions, Molly cannot leave him to rot in jail and sets out to prove he was framed. Soon she finds herself investigting several leads from horse doping, to illegal prizefighting to missing girls and even a serial killer plaguing the streets of the East Side.
While it has been a while since I read the last book, it is easy to get back into the swing of things.
Molly is a charming heroine, but she is still running around without much knowledge or skill and more often than not stumbles on the truth quite accidentally. Nevertheless, the mystery is intriguing albeit darker than some of the previous cases.
The serial killer plot is disturbing and highlights an issue that persists well into the 21st century, i.e., the idea that murdered prostitutes are somehow less deserving of justice. The eventual explanation is believable, and the climax and resolution are exciting and suspenseful.
Molly and Daniel's relationship remains the weakest aspect of the series. Given his behavior and the events in this book, it is difficult to see how they will be able to reconcile their differences. There really needs to be an excellent amount of groveling if he is to redeem himself.
Overall, it is fun getting back into the series and I look forward to the next installment.
4 Stars
When New York police captain Daniel Sullivan is arrested for taking bribes, he turns to fledgling PI Molly Murphy for help. Despite Daniel's past actions, Molly cannot leave him to rot in jail and sets out to prove he was framed. Soon she finds herself investigting several leads from horse doping, to illegal prizefighting to missing girls and even a serial killer plaguing the streets of the East Side.
While it has been a while since I read the last book, it is easy to get back into the swing of things.
Molly is a charming heroine, but she is still running around without much knowledge or skill and more often than not stumbles on the truth quite accidentally. Nevertheless, the mystery is intriguing albeit darker than some of the previous cases.
The serial killer plot is disturbing and highlights an issue that persists well into the 21st century, i.e., the idea that murdered prostitutes are somehow less deserving of justice. The eventual explanation is believable, and the climax and resolution are exciting and suspenseful.
Molly and Daniel's relationship remains the weakest aspect of the series. Given his behavior and the events in this book, it is difficult to see how they will be able to reconcile their differences. There really needs to be an excellent amount of groveling if he is to redeem himself.
Overall, it is fun getting back into the series and I look forward to the next installment.
March 8, 2016
Books are starting to feel as empty as films as far as I'm concerned. I'm missing too much wordplay and repartee and I'm not able to extract the most of the books that I chose. Take the title 'Death Of Riley' for example. It's derived from an expression 'life of Riley'. I didn't know that until I read Oh Danny Boy, which is itself a referencing title to a song. Yet again, take the example of the Ryan O'Hare character, who is a flaming bisexual metrosexual ahead of his time. He's supposed to be this very witty persona, larger than life. To me he doesn't come across as vibrant. That's because I'm missing too much of the dialog and the jokes. I'm at a crossroad here. Books are turning to be as unimportant as movies. What to do? I must think.
January 16, 2014
Oh Danny Boy is the fifth installment in the Molly Murphy mystery series set in early twentieth century New York City. One of the strongest elements in these books is how Rhys Bowen so clearly ensconces the reader into the time frame of this city full of immigrants. It is the Irish immigrants with whom we gain familiarity most, as Molly is an Irish young woman with all the sauce and temperament of the red-haired Irish lass. She is determined to make her own way in a male-dominated city and profession as a private investigator. The author is most adept at contrasting the accepted male and female roles in the early 1900s. One of the most admirable characteristics of Molly is her refusal to accept the limitations placed on her a a female and Irish immigrant.
In this latest book, Molly is faced with major and possible life altering problems, both professional and personal. Her complicated relationship with police Captain Daniel Sullivan takes on a reversal of roles, as she is now the one who must rescue and keep Daniel safe. He is no longer in a position to aid, or, as Molly sometimes sees it, hinder her with any police involvement, as Daniel finds himself in jail and accused of serious infractions against the police code and the law. It is up to Molly to prove that Daniel was set up and gain his release from "The Tombs," where many strong and healthy people go in, but where it is an arduous struggle to survive. In searching for answers to the questions surrounding Daniel's downfall, Molly finds herself in the middle of a serial killer investigation which takes on the nightmarish deception of a funny-house mirror. In her attempts to root out the truth, Molly encounters Police Matron Sabella Goodwin, a character based on real-life Isabella Goodwin, who in 1912 was appointed as the first female first grade detective on the New York City police force. In 1902, Sabella is fighting her own battles of prejudice against women, and it is great luck that Molly finds a kindred spirit and ally in her. It is a long and winding road to ferret out the facts for these two investigators, and Molly will experience both personal tragedy and professional frustration throughout.
In this latest book, Molly is faced with major and possible life altering problems, both professional and personal. Her complicated relationship with police Captain Daniel Sullivan takes on a reversal of roles, as she is now the one who must rescue and keep Daniel safe. He is no longer in a position to aid, or, as Molly sometimes sees it, hinder her with any police involvement, as Daniel finds himself in jail and accused of serious infractions against the police code and the law. It is up to Molly to prove that Daniel was set up and gain his release from "The Tombs," where many strong and healthy people go in, but where it is an arduous struggle to survive. In searching for answers to the questions surrounding Daniel's downfall, Molly finds herself in the middle of a serial killer investigation which takes on the nightmarish deception of a funny-house mirror. In her attempts to root out the truth, Molly encounters Police Matron Sabella Goodwin, a character based on real-life Isabella Goodwin, who in 1912 was appointed as the first female first grade detective on the New York City police force. In 1902, Sabella is fighting her own battles of prejudice against women, and it is great luck that Molly finds a kindred spirit and ally in her. It is a long and winding road to ferret out the facts for these two investigators, and Molly will experience both personal tragedy and professional frustration throughout.
February 17, 2015
Alternative Title: Daniel the Deceiver Meets Karma
Anyone else want a cat fight between Molly and N (Spell check is really not liking her name, hence, "N".) Or at least a really good catty back and forth? I feel as if N and Molly were a bit too civilized about it.
The plot is a tangled web of murder, a dead horse, prize fights, and missing girls. Molly as per usual bungles her way through the seedier side of New York in effort to free Daniel's name and get him out of the Tombs. What is different about Oh, Danny Boy, is that Molly really starts to come into her own. She finally gives herself moments to give into her feminine weakness and let's herself fall apart. Sometimes a good cry is necessary for perspective.
*Molly is most definitely the 20th century Irish Stephanie Plum.*
Anyone else want a cat fight between Molly and N (Spell check is really not liking her name, hence, "N".) Or at least a really good catty back and forth? I feel as if N and Molly were a bit too civilized about it.
The plot is a tangled web of murder, a dead horse, prize fights, and missing girls. Molly as per usual bungles her way through the seedier side of New York in effort to free Daniel's name and get him out of the Tombs. What is different about Oh, Danny Boy, is that Molly really starts to come into her own. She finally gives herself moments to give into her feminine weakness and let's herself fall apart. Sometimes a good cry is necessary for perspective.
*Molly is most definitely the 20th century Irish Stephanie Plum.*
May 16, 2009
Not quite as strong as the previous Molly Murphy entries, this adventure is both darker and duller with Molly overlooking the obvious villain for far too long in the narrative. Then, again, Molly is a little preoccupied with an unexpected pregnancy and her on-again-off-again beau, Captain Daniel Sullivan, behind bars. A Jack the Ripper-like case is the backbone of the mystery though there are several other red herring cases thrown in as well. Sabella Goodwin, an actual historical character who worked for the New York police first as a matron and then as a detective, is introduced and the subsequent bonding between her and Molly is quite engaging, even if it means Molly takes more of a backseat on some of the detecting.
November 17, 2008
I didn't enjoy this book. I managed for force myself to read about half of it, and finally gave it up.
In my opinion, this author has little talent. I'm amazed she is so successful -- perhaps I picked a poor example of her work. To me, this read like a second-rate television mystery show; it makes "Murder, She Wrote" look more like "Masterpiece Theatre". The characters are shallow and typey, and similarly the language is canned goods as caviar. The story was predictable.
No good news on this one.
In my opinion, this author has little talent. I'm amazed she is so successful -- perhaps I picked a poor example of her work. To me, this read like a second-rate television mystery show; it makes "Murder, She Wrote" look more like "Masterpiece Theatre". The characters are shallow and typey, and similarly the language is canned goods as caviar. The story was predictable.
No good news on this one.
January 14, 2015
I liked this story. Not always happy with Molly and her decisions in this installment, but overall a decent story. I wonder if any of the new characters will make appearances in future installments. I enjoy reading about NYC and the surrounding area in the late 1800's. I also liked the addition of 2 REAL people into the story - Police Matron Goodwin and Police Commissioner Patridge - even if we didn't know they were real until the postscript at the end of the book. Anxious to read Mystery #6.
November 26, 2018
Another enjoyable story set in 1900s New York. Her on again off again man wrongly arrested and in the damp Tombs prison. This story takes us to Coney Island, a serial killer and Molly has a dilemma. I failed to identify the murderer although it was difficult with so many characters. I like the Annabel subplot and the intros oof a policewoman detective.
I really enjoy reading these albeit that they are formulaic. I already have the next two in the series lined up to read.
I really enjoy reading these albeit that they are formulaic. I already have the next two in the series lined up to read.
January 30, 2019
Cozy, simple, fun.
World: The world building is solid. It’s a continuation of the world that Bowen has created for Molly and we get a large dose of Coney Island and also the police force this time and that’s a fun little piece of New York.
Story: Fairly straightforward and cozy with the pacing well done. Nothing really of note in terms of creativity and the plot but it was well written and enjoyable for what it was. I did like the changing of the status quo for Molly and O’Sullivan and there is finally some forward momentum there.
Characters: Molly is a fun character and her personal voice is strong and enjoyable. Her point of view allows for readers to enjoy the world that Bowen has created. The rest of the cast are here and they are solid, the new pieces are what they are suppose to be and I was surprised by where Bowen went with O’Sullivan’s fiance.
Solid for the series. Nice, cosy, fun.
Onward to the next book!
World: The world building is solid. It’s a continuation of the world that Bowen has created for Molly and we get a large dose of Coney Island and also the police force this time and that’s a fun little piece of New York.
Story: Fairly straightforward and cozy with the pacing well done. Nothing really of note in terms of creativity and the plot but it was well written and enjoyable for what it was. I did like the changing of the status quo for Molly and O’Sullivan and there is finally some forward momentum there.
Characters: Molly is a fun character and her personal voice is strong and enjoyable. Her point of view allows for readers to enjoy the world that Bowen has created. The rest of the cast are here and they are solid, the new pieces are what they are suppose to be and I was surprised by where Bowen went with O’Sullivan’s fiance.
Solid for the series. Nice, cosy, fun.
Onward to the next book!
June 11, 2023
Molly, at her best!
May 29, 2024
The über creative Rhys Bowen has goofy series but I favour this one, of the serious, ‘standard mystery’ genre. Bestowing 4 stars to the first two novels, I love Molly Murphy’s premise. A tenacious, Irish refugee crafts a professional career; instead of labouring under the gruelling leftovers of the 1900s racist, chauvinist, poverty divide in New York City. This series and Victoria Thompson’s share a decade and both expose the corrupt police, whom Theodore Roosevelt apparently eliminated.
In “Oh Danny Boy” 2006, officer Daniel Sullivan was jailed because one of his cases could reveal that corruption. Which one? Policemen had rigged horse races, gangsters were hiding boxing matches, and ladies were killed but disguised as if they had been prostitutes, so their murders would garner less attention.
Volume 3 is first to receive 5 stars but volume 4 sank to two. Rising back to four stars now in volume 5, is a bright outlook on these mysteries improving. If they comprised typical A to B resolutions before, their complexity is impressive now and Rhys wove all of it well!
I deemed her gay friends superfluous. Those wealthy pals lent but did not give her clothes they weren’t using, nor did they help her investigate much. They mainly wanted to swap gossip. Perhaps they will step up their research assistance from now on.
Readers who did not observe growth in Molly or Daniel, forgot about Arabella Norton! She transformed admirably: from a heedless fiancée, to a loyal woman who would not give up on finding her friend. I respected Arabella for hiring Molly and seeing her in a new light too.
Here is more woman’s power! In real history: policeman’s widow, Sabella Goodwin, worked undercover and then became the first lady to be a full New York City detective, in 1910!
In “Oh Danny Boy” 2006, officer Daniel Sullivan was jailed because one of his cases could reveal that corruption. Which one? Policemen had rigged horse races, gangsters were hiding boxing matches, and ladies were killed but disguised as if they had been prostitutes, so their murders would garner less attention.
Volume 3 is first to receive 5 stars but volume 4 sank to two. Rising back to four stars now in volume 5, is a bright outlook on these mysteries improving. If they comprised typical A to B resolutions before, their complexity is impressive now and Rhys wove all of it well!
I deemed her gay friends superfluous. Those wealthy pals lent but did not give her clothes they weren’t using, nor did they help her investigate much. They mainly wanted to swap gossip. Perhaps they will step up their research assistance from now on.
Readers who did not observe growth in Molly or Daniel, forgot about Arabella Norton! She transformed admirably: from a heedless fiancée, to a loyal woman who would not give up on finding her friend. I respected Arabella for hiring Molly and seeing her in a new light too.
Here is more woman’s power! In real history: policeman’s widow, Sabella Goodwin, worked undercover and then became the first lady to be a full New York City detective, in 1910!
March 19, 2013
I think in the series so far this was my favorite mystery Molly has had to solve. Molly is actually trying to solve multiple mysteries and the further she delves into each of them, the more she discovers they are connected.
I enjoyed her various explorations in New York and Coney Island. I also like the fact that Molly seems to be making connections in the police and gangs along the way just through her tenacious nature.
I think the two things that still stand out most are the way the City is brought to life and the way Bowen weaves real events and/or real people from the history of the city into her stories, and she doesn't fail in this story to deliver.
I think the two things that kept me from seeing this as a 5 star-was the almost complete lack of Daniel in the action of the story (makes sense in the context but I still missed him) and I also missed Bridie and Shamey-two characters who while minor I enjoyed and I hope their lack of a presence in this story doesn't mean they won't be part of future stories.
I enjoyed her various explorations in New York and Coney Island. I also like the fact that Molly seems to be making connections in the police and gangs along the way just through her tenacious nature.
I think the two things that still stand out most are the way the City is brought to life and the way Bowen weaves real events and/or real people from the history of the city into her stories, and she doesn't fail in this story to deliver.
I think the two things that kept me from seeing this as a 5 star-was the almost complete lack of Daniel in the action of the story (makes sense in the context but I still missed him) and I also missed Bridie and Shamey-two characters who while minor I enjoyed and I hope their lack of a presence in this story doesn't mean they won't be part of future stories.
September 28, 2009
I learned that I'm very much over the romantic plot of this series. Danny Boy is a ... how do I put this politely? A douche. I'm sorry to use such formal language, but there we are. Is it wrong of me to want Molly to meet a nice friend of Sid and Gus's and settle down?
December 8, 2015
This book takes a darker tack on Molly Murphy's life, and that of the goings-on around Coney Island. I really enjoyed her character development. I was also pleased that Ryan, Sid, and Gus took a backseat, as they were becoming caricatures in the last book. Another great installment in this series!
July 4, 2019
First sentence: There was that maniacal laughter again.
Premise/plot: Molly Murphy stars in her fifth but far from final mystery novel in Oh Danny Boy. In this one, Molly takes on her toughest case yet. Captain Daniel Sullivan is in JAIL. He's been accused of accepting bribes and arranging a prizefight. Daniel assures Molly that he is completely innocent--well mostly. Will she do what she can to clear his name? So long as it doesn't, you know, actually involve talking to anyone who might be dangerous (other police officers, mob bosses and gangsters, etc.) The case he gives her isn't exactly the case she takes up. She will clear his name no matter what. She'll use false names, go dangerous places, follow leads where they lead her.
Clearing Daniel's name isn't the ONLY thing on her mind these days. But a new friend or two helps clarify things there as well. I hope that Mrs. Goodwin sticks around for other books. This lady police officer was a delight.
My thoughts: I definitely found this to be an absorbing read. I was happy that the love triangle did not magically reappear. Though there are obstacles standing in the way of the couple's happily ever after, none of the obstacles are other love interests.
Premise/plot: Molly Murphy stars in her fifth but far from final mystery novel in Oh Danny Boy. In this one, Molly takes on her toughest case yet. Captain Daniel Sullivan is in JAIL. He's been accused of accepting bribes and arranging a prizefight. Daniel assures Molly that he is completely innocent--well mostly. Will she do what she can to clear his name? So long as it doesn't, you know, actually involve talking to anyone who might be dangerous (other police officers, mob bosses and gangsters, etc.) The case he gives her isn't exactly the case she takes up. She will clear his name no matter what. She'll use false names, go dangerous places, follow leads where they lead her.
Clearing Daniel's name isn't the ONLY thing on her mind these days. But a new friend or two helps clarify things there as well. I hope that Mrs. Goodwin sticks around for other books. This lady police officer was a delight.
My thoughts: I definitely found this to be an absorbing read. I was happy that the love triangle did not magically reappear. Though there are obstacles standing in the way of the couple's happily ever after, none of the obstacles are other love interests.
September 25, 2022
It is 1902 and Bowen evokes this era in New York wonderfully. This is book.5 (I have now read 1,and 4. None of my libraries, including hoopla and cloudlibrary have 2 or 3 and I won't pay 11.99 for a kindle version) I am reading as many as I can this week because I have a review copy of the latest.
I have read almost all of Bowen except for this series, and what a mistake that was. I love Molly Murphy. She is smart and brave. Her on/off lover, Daniel Sullivan has been arrested on bribery charges and she knows he us innocent.
She sets out to prove it, linking up with a real woman who worked in the New York police force. Together they work to solve a New York ripper murder and help to prove Daniel's innocence. I was completely surprised by the ending!!
I have read almost all of Bowen except for this series, and what a mistake that was. I love Molly Murphy. She is smart and brave. Her on/off lover, Daniel Sullivan has been arrested on bribery charges and she knows he us innocent.
She sets out to prove it, linking up with a real woman who worked in the New York police force. Together they work to solve a New York ripper murder and help to prove Daniel's innocence. I was completely surprised by the ending!!
February 9, 2018
I highly recommend this compelling mystery which takes place in 1902 in New York City and is very evocative of that time and place. Molly Murphy, a female private detective, is trying desperately to free her friend and former lover, police detective Daniel Sullivan from jail. She is convinced of his innocence and believes him when he claims to have been framed although he does not know how or why. Molly is joined by her bohemian friends, Sid and Gus as well as Sabella Goodwin (a historical figure who was the first female police detective in Manhattan) as she strives to free Daniel. This book features a wonderful cast of characters and presents many social issues of the time.
July 24, 2019
This book was sad in parts and had a few chapters in the middle that made me wonder where this was going... and not in a good way. Overall, this is still not my favorite series (Lady Georgie, anyone?), but this was a pretty good installment. The mystery was good and it had an exciting end. I do wish there would be a little more TO the end, as it felt like there was so much more to say! But at least with a series like this, you hope things will be addressed in the next book...
February 13, 2023
This one was a real struggle for me. I just... don't get Molly and Daniel. If Arabella is not as vindictive as Daniel thought, then why could he not just break it off with her from the beginning. And obviously I support Arabella not being the Bad Guy (TM) here, but then it just makes her as an obstacle to Molly and Daniel even more ridiculous. And that's before I even get to Molly's pregnancy and miscarriage here. I just don't understand what Bowen was trying to do???
Anyway, I had already checked out book six from the library so I'll probably read that to see where that one goes. But then I think I need a break from this series.
Anyway, I had already checked out book six from the library so I'll probably read that to see where that one goes. But then I think I need a break from this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 8, 2018
This one took on a pretty serious tone but was better written than the last couple I read. While coincidental, the story was still pretty good. Plus, arrogant Daniel got knocked down a few notches...not such a bad thing. Trigger warning: the story deals with abortion and the loss of a child.
October 10, 2018
I'm still enjoying the series. This one was a little less enjoyable but I think it was because Daniel was too petulant (I suppose he had a right considering how things were going for him) but I still enjoyed the story.
January 11, 2018
Very good as every other book in this series.
July 12, 2019
Don’t like Daniel much so I wasn’t really invested in poor him. It was fun trying to solve the mysteries along with Molly, though.
August 13, 2021
2.5 gwiazdki
January 27, 2018
Is it me or does this series get better and better? Molly faces new challenges with help from a new friend or two, and I hope some of them will turn up in subsequent books. (No, I haven't caught all the way up in the series yet, but I'm working on it!)
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