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ktaylor1164's review against another edition
4.0
Love Bowen's attention to detail--this is a believable early 20th century New York, and we explore it along with our wide-eyed heroine Molly. Molly does run the risk of becoming a bit too perfect to be true, but otherwise I enjoyed this light mystery. A fun read.
fowlermillbabe's review against another edition
4.0
Always good to read about Molly! Reading from the beginning of the series gives me more insight to some of the characters.
wolfsonarchitect's review against another edition
3.0
I enjoyed this mystery set in 1900s Manhattan as the story is told from the perspective of a recent Irish immigrant woman who wants to be a private investigator at a time when such a thing was unheard of. The novel depicts various parts of Manhattan, dwelling on Greenwich Village. It integrates US history into the story line in a clever way.
sarahcoller's review against another edition
2.0
I wasn't super impressed with this installment of the Molly Murphy series. There were many coincidences and several pretty hokey parts: the mysterious "language" that was really just backward writing (not much sleuthing required there...). Also I thought Molly did several out of character things like falling for Ryan so quickly and becoming weirdly jealous---even after she found out he wasn't interested in women. This story was kind of dull and didn't really capture my interest. Hoping for a better one in book three.
deidrelj's review
adventurous
funny
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-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
informative
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? Yes
4.0
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.