Scan barcode
maria_nanci's review against another edition
4.0
I won a copy of this book via a FirstReads giveaway.
Molly Murphy's husband, Daniel, is investigating a string of murders that have occurred in New York City over several months. There appear to be no common threads between the differing victims and methods of killing. The only clue Daniel has to go on is that notes are sent specifically to him before and after the murders. Molly is trying to settle back into their refurbished home after a devastating house fire. But she is soon involved in a train crash that the note-writing killer takes credit for and Daniel wonders if somehow she is the target.
While recuperating at home, Molly has plenty of time to visit with her neighboring friends, Sid and Gus. They learn of a friend's niece, Mabel, who recently lost her parents in a house fire, but managed to escape unscathed. A young police office seems determined to pin the killings on Mabel when everyone else is convinced of her innocence. After studying with Professor Freud on the meaning of dreams, Sid and Gus decide to visit Mabel and see if they can be of assistance with easing her nightmares and hopefully finding some clues as to what happened the night of the fire.
These two different storylines intersect and Molly is able to solve the case.
Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars, but am increasing it to 4. I've read the author's other series, Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, and find those books much more charming and engaging than this one. Still, a good recommendation for fans of historical mysteries.
Molly Murphy's husband, Daniel, is investigating a string of murders that have occurred in New York City over several months. There appear to be no common threads between the differing victims and methods of killing. The only clue Daniel has to go on is that notes are sent specifically to him before and after the murders. Molly is trying to settle back into their refurbished home after a devastating house fire. But she is soon involved in a train crash that the note-writing killer takes credit for and Daniel wonders if somehow she is the target.
While recuperating at home, Molly has plenty of time to visit with her neighboring friends, Sid and Gus. They learn of a friend's niece, Mabel, who recently lost her parents in a house fire, but managed to escape unscathed. A young police office seems determined to pin the killings on Mabel when everyone else is convinced of her innocence. After studying with Professor Freud on the meaning of dreams, Sid and Gus decide to visit Mabel and see if they can be of assistance with easing her nightmares and hopefully finding some clues as to what happened the night of the fire.
These two different storylines intersect and Molly is able to solve the case.
Overall, I'd give this book 3.5 stars, but am increasing it to 4. I've read the author's other series, Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, and find those books much more charming and engaging than this one. Still, a good recommendation for fans of historical mysteries.
howjessicareads's review against another edition
2.0
This is my first Rhys Bowen book, and it's the 14th in the series, so that's always a bit tricky. I really liked the main character Molly Murphy Sullivan. She's a spunky former detective, now married to a police captain. The early 20th century NYC setting was also a lot of fun.
But, the ending was SUPER OBVIOUS. Like I knew why-dunnit about 1/4 into the book, and I figured out who-dunnit before I was halfway. And that's always annoying. And then I kept getting annoyed with Molly for missing very blatant clues. Oh well, in her defense she'd just had a blow to the head in a train accident. Maybe it hindered her detecting powers.
**** spoiler alert ****
*hello Birnbaum and Catskills references, I'm looking at you. And could Dolly's sister have made it ANY MORE OBVIOUS that she worked for a wealthy banking family? 2.5 out of 5
But, the ending was SUPER OBVIOUS. Like I knew why-dunnit about 1/4 into the book, and I figured out who-dunnit before I was halfway. And that's always annoying. And then I kept getting annoyed with Molly for missing very blatant clues. Oh well, in her defense she'd just had a blow to the head in a train accident. Maybe it hindered her detecting powers.
**** spoiler alert ****
*hello Birnbaum and Catskills references, I'm looking at you. And could Dolly's sister have made it ANY MORE OBVIOUS that she worked for a wealthy banking family? 2.5 out of 5
leighannsherwin's review against another edition
5.0
When March rolls around again that means another adventure with Molly Murphy Sullivan. I must say Molly has gone through several of her nine lives in these past few books alone. A house fire in the last book and a train crash in this one. If I were Molly I'd be afraid to go out. But fearless Molly has lots to do. Her home has been rebuilt and needs decorating, friends Sid and Gus have a new interest, interpreting dreams and Daniel is involved in a baffling horrific murder case. Molly excited about moving back into her beloved old home boards the El train ready to get to work, when she is involved in a terrible crash. While baby Liam survives without a scratch, Molly is injured and told to get plenty of rest. Since fans of the series know Molly doesn't know the meaning of the word rest, she doesn't. Instead Sid and Gus tell her of a case they are involved in which include arson, murder and the nightmares of the one survivor. Molly begins to dig deeper into this case and soon discovers that there may be a connection between this case and Daniel's. As always Molly provides an enjoyable read. The book makes you feel you are in turn of the century New York, you can see horse drawn carriages, see the El trains zipping by above the street. Molly hasn't changed, still stubborn, to the point where I can fully understand why Daniel gets so angry with her. Speaking of Daniel he seems to have had a change of heart and is at last realizing that Molly is a good detective with valuable advice and skills to help him with his job. A quick, easy and relaxing read, Rhys Bowen has yet to disappoint me with any of her books and I eagerly look forward to her next one.
santhiyar's review
2.0
Conflicted about the rating.
The writing and historical details are pretty good. I even like some of the characters portrayed. But the mystery plot is weak.
The writing and historical details are pretty good. I even like some of the characters portrayed. But the mystery plot is weak.
More...