Murphy's Law (A Molly Murphy Mystery) (Molly Murphy Mysteries)

By Rhys Bowen

Book Overview

From the creator of the much-loved Constable Evan Evans mysteries comes a colorful new series set in turn-of-the-century New York City. When spirited redhead Molly Murphy was growing up a peasant on the coast of Ireland she always imagined there was something more in store for her. She couldn't have known how right she was until the day she became a murderer, albeit in self-defense. Under drastic circumstances, Molly is forced to strike out into a new world. With the police right behind her, Molly's only chance at escape is a false identity and a steamship that will take her far, far away: to America. When her ship sails into New York Harbor, with the majestic figure of the Statue of Liberty providing comfort and inspiration, Molly is sure her whole life is in front of her. But she's got one last hurdle to clear: Ellis Island. She is just one among thousands of immigrants on the tiny island, awaiting their fate with anxiety and hope. Unfortunately for Molly, before she is able to leave the island a man is brutally murdered, his throat cut from ear to ear, and coincidence and fate make her a suspect in a crime she didn't commit. Under a cloud of suspicion, and due largely to a growing mutual attraction between Molly and the handsome police captain in charge of the case, she is allowed to leave Ellis Island for Manhattan. Unfortunately, she's got a mission she couldn't have anticipated: clear her own name of murder. Alone in a new country with no one to lean on, Molly hits the vibrant streets of New York intent on finding out what really happened. After all, if she can't, she'll be sent back to Ireland, where the dreaded gallows await. With the sweeping skyline of 19th century New York and the gritty, pulsating underworld of recently arrived immigrants forming a vivid backdrop, Rhys Bowen transports readers back in time to America's not-so-distant past. The first entry in the Molly Murphy series is a fascinating look at our immigrant history as well as an intensely absorbing page-turner.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0312282060
• ISBN13: 9780312282066
• Release Date: October 2001
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press
• Length: 226 Pages
• Weight: 0.85 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.8" x 1.0" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Murphy's Law

I really enjoy the Murphy' Law because it is fun to follow Molly along her trip. She has had some interesting things happen to her, she leaves Ireland and she fnds a way to get to come to the states. Molly starts out in the right place at the right time, but she is going to bring two children with her that are not hers. Molly must travel in the bottom of the ship because she is not rich. While traveling along she has bad experiences, Molly tries hard to keep herself and the two children safe. Molly must keep a secret all through her travels even know she meets a young boy who be friends her. They encounter a not so friendly man on the ship who likes to cause problems. Molly tries hard to stay away from the man. They arrive in Ellis Island and must to through the proper channels to be let into the states. During this time something bad happens and Molly is questioned by the police. She finally is allowed into the States and she must live with some people she does not like staying with. She is questioned by the police several times and so she decides she needs to solve the problem herself. Molly is trying to find a job and at the same time solve the murder.

Mystery and History

I am hooked!! I am a big fan of good mysteries, history books and anything Irish (my maiden name was Murphy!!) I picked this book up for a light summer read and I loved it. Molly Murphy is a fascinating character and the tale of her arrival in New York is interesting and pulls the reader in. You really get to know the characters, you care about them and you hope right along with them. Since finishing this, I have read Death of Riley and For the Love of Mike. I have become a huge fan of Rhys Bowen AND Molly Murphy! Very enjoyable reading and hard to put down!

Clever and Witty Mystery

First in a new series, this novel follows Irish immigrant Molly Murphy to New York and gives an excellent depiction of immigrant life there at the turn of the twentieth century. Molly Murphy is forced to flee her small Irish village when she accidentally kills the local landowner's son who attempts to rape her. Fleeing to England, she comes across Kathleen O'Connor, a woman who is sailing with her two children to America to meet her husband. As Mrs. O'Connor has tuberculosis and would be refused admission to the U.S., Molly agrees to take her place and escort the children there herself. But when colorful character O'Malley is murdered after arrival at Ellis Island, and Molly is a prime suspect, she must do her own investigative work to prove her innocence. As the reader shares in Molly's discovery of the sights and smells of early twentieth century New York, Molly travels the wintry city on foot searching for clues to the identity of the murderer. The only advantage she discovers in her new land is her acquaintance with Detective Daniel Sullivan, the handsome Irish-American who first considered her a suspect. In a clever combination of wit and mystery, Molly seems to get in one scrape after another, only to be bailed out by the attractive police captain. As it becomes apparent that Molly's life may be in danger, the reader is left to wonder if Daniel can save her in time. Ms. Bowen can do no wrong with a heroine as likeable as Molly with her combination of clever wit, curiosity, and determination. Lessons of history relating to corruption of Tammany Hall and the poverty of many immigrants are pleasingly inserted in the storyline to lend an air of reality to the read. With true mystery, colorful characters, and a splash of romance, future installments in this series can be eagerly anticipated.