deidrelj's review against another edition
adventurous
informative
inspiring
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
saraelizabetha's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Molly Murphy
4 Stars
On the run from the law, Molly Murphy escapes her native Ireland for the promise of 19th century New York. Unfortunately, trouble follows in Molly’s footsteps when a man with whom she had an altercation onboard ship is murdered at Ellis Island and she must use her sharp wits and Irish charm to clear her name.
The excellent historical background and vivacious heroine make up for the rather lackluster who-dun-it.
Despite its potential the mystery is underdeveloped. There are too few clues to go on and the resolution is achieved far too easily after being based on a series of lucky coincidences rather than any real investigative ability on Molly’s part.
Nevertheless, Molly is a wonderful heroine. While other readers are often ticked off by stubborn and willful characters, they are one of my favorite types and Molly epitomizes these traits alongside other endearing qualities such as intelligence, spirit and a certain amount of naïveté about the realities of immigrant life. The hints at a romance to come with the intrepid Detective Daniel Sullivan adds nuance both the the characterization and the story as a whole.
The historical detail on the Irish in New York at the turn of the century is fascinating and the descriptions of the immigrant experiences of Ellis Island, Hell’s Kitchen and the Bowery for the Jews, Italians, Germans, and Irish who flocked to America makes for compelling listening.
Nicola’s Barbers narration is out of this world and her Irish brogue is both immersive and a pleasure to listen to. Looking forward to continuing with the series and will look into Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series as well.
4 Stars
On the run from the law, Molly Murphy escapes her native Ireland for the promise of 19th century New York. Unfortunately, trouble follows in Molly’s footsteps when a man with whom she had an altercation onboard ship is murdered at Ellis Island and she must use her sharp wits and Irish charm to clear her name.
The excellent historical background and vivacious heroine make up for the rather lackluster who-dun-it.
Despite its potential the mystery is underdeveloped. There are too few clues to go on and the resolution is achieved far too easily after being based on a series of lucky coincidences rather than any real investigative ability on Molly’s part.
Nevertheless, Molly is a wonderful heroine. While other readers are often ticked off by stubborn and willful characters, they are one of my favorite types and Molly epitomizes these traits alongside other endearing qualities such as intelligence, spirit and a certain amount of naïveté about the realities of immigrant life. The hints at a romance to come with the intrepid Detective Daniel Sullivan adds nuance both the the characterization and the story as a whole.
The historical detail on the Irish in New York at the turn of the century is fascinating and the descriptions of the immigrant experiences of Ellis Island, Hell’s Kitchen and the Bowery for the Jews, Italians, Germans, and Irish who flocked to America makes for compelling listening.
Nicola’s Barbers narration is out of this world and her Irish brogue is both immersive and a pleasure to listen to. Looking forward to continuing with the series and will look into Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series as well.
tealadytammy's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-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? Yes
4.5
thegeekyblogger's review against another edition
3.0
Read for Fun (Library)
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
First Thought when Finished: Murphy's Law was a great start to a "new to me" series.
Quick Thoughts: The characters are what rocked Murphy's Law. Molly is smart, layered, and quick thinking. Her backstory is super interesting and different than what I expected. Though I doubt it is unusual for the time, I am just surprised to see it in a story. Good job Rhys! This series is a bit more serious than her other series but still just as rich in detail. I kind of felt transported back in time to NY. The case wasn't as strong, probably the only downside, but I expect that to change now that the setting and characters have been introduced. I will be continuing this series and I am glad my book club gave the push to read it!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
Overall Rating: 3.75
Story Rating: 3.50
Character Rating: 4.00
First Thought when Finished: Murphy's Law was a great start to a "new to me" series.
Quick Thoughts: The characters are what rocked Murphy's Law. Molly is smart, layered, and quick thinking. Her backstory is super interesting and different than what I expected. Though I doubt it is unusual for the time, I am just surprised to see it in a story. Good job Rhys! This series is a bit more serious than her other series but still just as rich in detail. I kind of felt transported back in time to NY. The case wasn't as strong, probably the only downside, but I expect that to change now that the setting and characters have been introduced. I will be continuing this series and I am glad my book club gave the push to read it!
Part of my Read It, Rate It, File It, DONE! Reviews
durantedianne's review against another edition
A solid conventional mystery, set in Ireland and NYC ca. 1900: good atmosphere, appealing characters, satisfying ending, although there were bits that stretched credibility. Recommended if you read mysteries regularly and need your habit fed, although perhaps not as the only book you read this month / year.
kittykornerlibrarian's review against another edition
4.0
This was a quick read that I really enjoyed. The historical details were good, and I especially enjoyed the tough Irish heroine who came over on the ship from England. Set in New York in the era of Tammany politics. I liked the characters and the historical details better than the actual mystery. I will read more of these.
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
3.0
Yay, I have found another mediocre mystery series to binge-read!
author_d_r_oestreicher's review against another edition
5.0
Murphy’s Law by Rhys Bowen is the first of at least 17 Molly Murphy historical cozy mysteries. What would you like to know about Molly Murphy? First, she can take care of herself. When an English landowner’s son threatened her honor, he ended up dead and Molly went on the run. Second, Molly has the luck of the Irish, so with barely enough money for the train to Belfast and a boat on to Liverpool, she ends up in New York City. When she arrives on Ellis Island, O’Malley is murdered (throat slit) and Molly and her friend Michael Larkin are the prime suspects.
A delightful romp through 1900 New York City, as fearless, brazen Molly Murphy solves murders and learns about life in the big city.
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2020/12/murphys-law-by-rhys-bowen-117.html
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075 for book recommendations.
A delightful romp through 1900 New York City, as fearless, brazen Molly Murphy solves murders and learns about life in the big city.
For my expanded notes: https://1book42day.blogspot.com/2020/12/murphys-law-by-rhys-bowen-117.html
“As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Check out https://amazon.com/shop/influencer-20171115075 for book recommendations.
rebzreads100's review against another edition
4.0
A nice introduction to the series, and an enjoyable character. Having read the 13th book already, it was nice to clarify some of the events that are mentioned in that book.