laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Death of Riley
3.5 Stars
Irish immigrant Molly Murphy is acclimating to life in New City at the turn of the century, but is finding it difficult to hold on to a position due to her fiercely independent nature. After witnessing a private investigator at work, Molly is determined to apprentice herself out to him and all seems to be going well until Paddy Riley is murdered and Molly sets out to discover who killed him.
It took me a bit longer to get into this installment as compared to the first book mainly due to the slow pacing while Molly attempts to find employment. The story picks up in the second half with the murder and Molly’s investigation, and the inclusion of an actual historical event makes it all the more interesting.
Molly is an endearing and likable character albeit somewhat naive about the harsh realities of life. This could be explained by her rural upbringing or a reflection of a time in which people were more trusting of others. Sid and Gus are a charming pair, but meeting them is, once again, a very lucky coincidence.
Molly’s romance with Daniel takes an unexpected and disappointing turn. His potential as a love interest was established very well in the first book, however, his actions in this one leave much to be desired. I really hope that this plotline does not drag on for too long. Looking forward to Molly’s further adventures.
3.5 Stars
Irish immigrant Molly Murphy is acclimating to life in New City at the turn of the century, but is finding it difficult to hold on to a position due to her fiercely independent nature. After witnessing a private investigator at work, Molly is determined to apprentice herself out to him and all seems to be going well until Paddy Riley is murdered and Molly sets out to discover who killed him.
It took me a bit longer to get into this installment as compared to the first book mainly due to the slow pacing while Molly attempts to find employment. The story picks up in the second half with the murder and Molly’s investigation, and the inclusion of an actual historical event makes it all the more interesting.
Molly is an endearing and likable character albeit somewhat naive about the harsh realities of life. This could be explained by her rural upbringing or a reflection of a time in which people were more trusting of others. Sid and Gus are a charming pair, but meeting them is, once again, a very lucky coincidence.
Molly’s romance with Daniel takes an unexpected and disappointing turn. His potential as a love interest was established very well in the first book, however, his actions in this one leave much to be desired. I really hope that this plotline does not drag on for too long. Looking forward to Molly’s further adventures.
monicamjw's review
4.0
A good mystery series with enjoyable characters and an interesting window into New York early 1900s.
neen11's review
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
durantedianne's review
3.0
Good local color: I know a lot about New York City ca. 1900-1910, and this was quite accurate. Plot: so-so; the ending seemed quite abrupt. Also: the main character, Molly, is beginning to bother me. She wants X, she doesn't, she does, well maybe ... I'm hoping that if I read another in the series, she'll stop waffling - but because of this, it will be a while before I try another.
indianajane's review
3.0
I can't decide about these books. The historical setting is greatand the story was decent, but I was again irritated by the inconsistencies in the behavior & speech of the main character.
csdaley's review
3.0
I enjoyed this book. Ste around the early 1900's New York it is a quick and easy read. A lot of times people who write historical mysteries get to caught up in the history of the time.
Bowen does a great job of letting the history seamlessly sit in the background. Looking forward to the next one.
Bowen does a great job of letting the history seamlessly sit in the background. Looking forward to the next one.
nataliewright1995's review
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
susanatwestofmars's review
4.0
I can't remember when I read the first book in this series, but man, I'm sorry I waited so long to read this one. I won't wait this long for the third book, that's for sure.
Bowen brings a real verve to this series, with a fun heroine in Molly and fantastic supporting characters in Gus and Sid. I can't wait to watch them develop and hope they won't wear out their welcome like Seamus and his kids did. It's not that they wore out their welcome so much as they ran out of useable plot. I couldn't see how any of that situation was going to advance the storylines.
But Gus and Sid open so many possibilities, and even make us check our thinking about Molly and her prospects. Will she wind up with Daniel? Is he even being honest? Will we see more of Miss Van Woekem (Oh, I hope so)?
The thing I guess I'm least excited about is Molly's career as a private eye. I think I need to see her develop some skills and doubt herself a tiny bit less. She needs to come into herself still.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
Bowen brings a real verve to this series, with a fun heroine in Molly and fantastic supporting characters in Gus and Sid. I can't wait to watch them develop and hope they won't wear out their welcome like Seamus and his kids did. It's not that they wore out their welcome so much as they ran out of useable plot. I couldn't see how any of that situation was going to advance the storylines.
But Gus and Sid open so many possibilities, and even make us check our thinking about Molly and her prospects. Will she wind up with Daniel? Is he even being honest? Will we see more of Miss Van Woekem (Oh, I hope so)?
The thing I guess I'm least excited about is Molly's career as a private eye. I think I need to see her develop some skills and doubt herself a tiny bit less. She needs to come into herself still.
Can't wait to see what happens next.
dorkira's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25