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kathydavie's review against another edition
4.0
Turn-of-the-century New York murder mystery with a stubborn woman detective. Very good. Has that "homey" quality I like.
ktaylor1164's review against another edition
4.0
This was the best in the series so far--a light mystery that also manages to explore the historical realities in this time and place, such as a plight of garment workers. A bit of a love triangle forms...though sadly, I don't like either of the men involved.
deidrelj's review
adventurous
challenging
funny
informative
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
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
sarahcoller's review against another edition
2.0
Ok for a quick, mindless read but much too coincidental and surface to be called "good reading". One thing that's super bugging me about this series is that Molly finds herself in jail multiple times in the expanse of just a week or two. I highly doubt this is historically accurate---especially for a woman who looks of a better-than-rabble sort of class. In every case, of course, she struggles with whether or not to get Sullivan involved. ...and when he shows up, he gives her the same stretched out speech about losing another of her cat lives. This, coupled with the extremely fickle "romantic" heart of an otherwise intelligent Molly, made this one quite the yawner.
saraelizabetha's review
adventurous
hopeful
informative
lighthearted
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
For the Love of Mike
3.5 Stars
Hired to investigate a case of industrial espionage, Molly Murphy soon finds herself ensconced in a sweatshop facing the tyranny of the overseers, the threats of street gangs and the workings of union organizers. When a friend is murdered, Molly must sort out who amongst her enemies and allies is the killer.
The mystery in this installment is relatively minor and takes a back seat to the focus on the plight of the garment workers in turn of the century New York. The historical details are interesting and Bowen's research is excellent, particularly the descriptions of the awful working conditions in the sweatshops as well as the inclusion of a fire, which is obviously based on factual events.
Molly is an endearing heroine and her detecting skills are improving. Nevertheless, she does not always think about the consequences of her actions, which often land her in serious trouble.
Molly's relationship with Daniel Sullivan had such potential at the start of this series, but has taken an awkward turn with the revelation of his. This does not reflect well on him at all as a love interest and it will take a great deal for him to redeem himself. That said, it is good to see Molly stand up for herself in this regard.
All in all, a good addition to the series and I look forward to more of Molly's cases.
3.5 Stars
Hired to investigate a case of industrial espionage, Molly Murphy soon finds herself ensconced in a sweatshop facing the tyranny of the overseers, the threats of street gangs and the workings of union organizers. When a friend is murdered, Molly must sort out who amongst her enemies and allies is the killer.
The mystery in this installment is relatively minor and takes a back seat to the focus on the plight of the garment workers in turn of the century New York. The historical details are interesting and Bowen's research is excellent, particularly the descriptions of the awful working conditions in the sweatshops as well as the inclusion of a fire, which is obviously based on factual events.
Molly is an endearing heroine and her detecting skills are improving. Nevertheless, she does not always think about the consequences of her actions, which often land her in serious trouble.
Molly's relationship with Daniel Sullivan had such potential at the start of this series, but has taken an awkward turn with the revelation of his
Spoiler
fiancee, whom he is reluctant to leaveAll in all, a good addition to the series and I look forward to more of Molly's cases.
leavingsealevel's review against another edition
2.0
I can't lie, I do enjoy a good mystery novel featuring an inept detective. Although slightly less inept in this one.
nataliewright1995's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
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? It's complicated
5.0