Irish immigrant and PI Molly Murphy is thrilled to have a ticket to the theater to see...
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reviews
Jul 23, 2011
Kathy
rated it: 
Ninth in the Molly Murphy mystery series set in turn-of-the-century New York. Molly is a recent Irish immigrant who fell into the private detective business.
The Story
An illusion, cutting a woman in half, goes wrong during a magical performance, but fortunately, Daniel and Molly are in attendance and both leap up to the stage. Although ordered home by Daniel, Molly scrapes up an acquaintance with Harry Houdini's wife, Bess who hires her the next day to protect Harry.
A job More...
The Story
An illusion, cutting a woman in half, goes wrong during a magical performance, but fortunately, Daniel and Molly are in attendance and both leap up to the stage. Although ordered home by Daniel, Molly scrapes up an acquaintance with Harry Houdini's wife, Bess who hires her the next day to protect Harry.
A job More...
Jun 21, 2010
Joan
rated it: 
Part of the fault might be mine for not enjoying this as much as I should have. Had I known at the time that this was part of a series, my expectations might have been different.
As far as the mystery was concerned, it started benignly enough with Molly being hired by Mrs. Houdini to look after her husband. It then takes a left turn as you discover that it was never about the illusions in the first place. The secondary mystery was, for me, where the whole book fell apart; the pol More...
As far as the mystery was concerned, it started benignly enough with Molly being hired by Mrs. Houdini to look after her husband. It then takes a left turn as you discover that it was never about the illusions in the first place. The secondary mystery was, for me, where the whole book fell apart; the pol More...
Mar 13, 2011
Echo
rated it: 
I wanted to give this 3.5 stars, but since I can't, I just rounded up. I really like Rhys Bowen, so I give her the benefit of the doubt.
I didn't like this book quite as well as some of the earlier ones in the series. As others have pointed out, Daniel, much as I have loved his character in the past, DOES get a little annoying at times. Still, I enjoyed the story and it kept me interested. (I think I read these books more for the history element than the mystery. Bowen is fabulous at br More...
I didn't like this book quite as well as some of the earlier ones in the series. As others have pointed out, Daniel, much as I have loved his character in the past, DOES get a little annoying at times. Still, I enjoyed the story and it kept me interested. (I think I read these books more for the history element than the mystery. Bowen is fabulous at br More...
May 17, 2011
Tana
rated it:
This is the 9th book in the Molly Murphy Mystery series and I believe it was my favorite one so far. The story opens with Molly and Daniel enjoying an evening out - they have gone to see the new illusionist, Harry Houdini. Unfortunately, something goes terribly wrong with the warm-up act and a young woman is killed on stage. Daniel, as a police captain, jumps into the investigation right away, with Molly in tow. Molly, much to Daniel's displeasure, also gets involved in the investigation whe
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Mar 12, 2011
Carolyn
rated it: 
The book has a geat sense of the time (early 1900s), setting (New York City), and the communication limitations of a world where the telephone was a new invention. It was also fun to encounter Houdini and his family. Molly Murphy is an enterprising character, but I found her fiance annoying. I know he's a creature of that time and his views are those of men of that era, but he seemed to want things both ways, demanding that Molly be obedient to his wishes, but making the most of what she discove
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May 12, 2011
Gail
rated it:
Set in turn-of-the-century New York, this mystery continues the exploits of a young Irish woman who pursues a job as a private investigator despite being engaged to a city policeman who disapproves of her daring ventures. Molly Murphy becomes involved with illusionists whose onstage tricks are being sabotaged by an unknown person. Harry Houdini is a central character; his wife entreats Molly to find the identity of the treacherous assailant before Houdini is killed onstage. The author's writi
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Jun 10, 2011
Brett
rated it:
Intrepid private detective Molly Murphy returns yet again to the theater to solve another mystery - this time involving the famous master illusionist Harry Houdini, whose wife fears his life is in danger, possibly from a rival magician. Molly has to figure out what is going on, protect Houdini, & attempt not to get in too deep herself, all the while dealing, as usual, with her fiancee Captain Daniel Sullivan's urgent desire for her to stop this dangerous nonsense, marry him, & settle down to a s
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Jul 06, 2010
Sally
rated it:
This is thte ninth book in the Molly Murphy detective series. It's only an "okay" series, but apparently good enough that I continue to read the books. Molly is an Irish-immigrant sleuth in NYC in the early 1900s. I think I enjoy the series more for the historical feel of that time and place than for the actual stories. If you really need somethng to read, i.e. for the beach, a trip, etc., and you have nothing else that strikes your fancy, this series is worth checking out. (Hmm, I gue
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Nov 01, 2010
Bookworm1858
rated it:
Summary: The ninth book in the Molly Murphy, Lady Detective series. Molly is an Irish immigrant in NYC circa 1903. She is engaged to policeman Daniel Sullivan and in this installment is investigating mysterious happenings surrounding the magician Harry Houdini.
Why I Read: I've read many of the previous Molly books and I had not even realized there was a new book so I was very excited.
My Thoughts: While it was mostly enjoyable, I had a few problems. First I'm very angry at More...
Why I Read: I've read many of the previous Molly books and I had not even realized there was a new book so I was very excited.
My Thoughts: While it was mostly enjoyable, I had a few problems. First I'm very angry at More...
Jun 16, 2010
Roberta
rated it:
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Mar 10, 2010
Hikerdee
rated it:
This book will not disappoint the fans of Molly Murphy. Bowen does an excellent job of making the setting of early 20th century New York City believable, populating it with interesting characters, and writing a fast-paced narrative.
Sid and Gus are still in this book. Molly has problems many of us 21st century women have: how can we make time for our friends when our jobs put demands on our availability and will our friends be less of a priority when the man in our life is uncomfortable More...
Sid and Gus are still in this book. Molly has problems many of us 21st century women have: how can we make time for our friends when our jobs put demands on our availability and will our friends be less of a priority when the man in our life is uncomfortable More...
Oct 18, 2010
Greg
rated it:
I really love how Rhys Bowen tells a story. I have read all of her Evan Evans series (some of my favorites) and have now read a couple of her Molly Murphy stories.
I like the way that she has taken a historical character (Houdini) and built a fictional mystery with intrigue and danger thrown in. In another case of detective outsmarting the police (the cop who happens to be Molly's boyfriend) this story is delightful and entertaining.
I like the way that she has taken a historical character (Houdini) and built a fictional mystery with intrigue and danger thrown in. In another case of detective outsmarting the police (the cop who happens to be Molly's boyfriend) this story is delightful and entertaining.
Nov 11, 2010
Lani
rated it:
Very well done. I have always loved magic tricks and was thrilled to learn how some of them are done. I liked the lessening of tension between the two main characters and their ideas...they are starting to come to a level ground, which is good considering they are to wed. This was also exciting for me to read as I recently had read a bit about Houdini randomly, so I felt like I knew the character a bit already.
May 24, 2010
Jocelyn
rated it:
It looks as if Molly is going to choose diamonds over her detective agency. Too bad, because Daniel gets a bit tiresome in this installment. Practically all his lines command Molly to give up the PI business or forbid her to take risks. I would rather marry Lord Peter Wimsey, who tells his lady love, "If you have put anything in hand, disagreeableness and danger will not turn you back, and God forbid they should."
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May 12, 2011
Ericka
rated it:
Although I've come late to the party (this is the first book I've read in the series), I have to say I'm charmed by the spunky and witty Molly Murphy. I will be looking for both sequel and the previous books.
My only complaint was that some of the secondary characters (Molly's friends) were painted with a stereotypical brush and a bit two-dimensional, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless.
Brava Ms. Bowen.
My only complaint was that some of the secondary characters (Molly's friends) were painted with a stereotypical brush and a bit two-dimensional, but I enjoyed the book nonetheless.
Brava Ms. Bowen.
Apr 19, 2010
Elisabeth
rated it:
Liked the mystery half of the plot of this mystery. However, I felt like the struggle between being an independent woman and settling down and getting married debate was a little too intrusive to the rest of the plot in this one--in fact, that plot line throughout the entire series is starting to become an annoying re-run that wears on me.
Sep 26, 2010
Corinne
rated it:
Yet another joyful ride with my favorite P.I. Molly Murphy... and Houdini? A perfect match! The book had me hooked, and so I turned early on to the the 'Historical Notes' but there was a stern order not to read it until the end. I was constantly wondering what was based off of actual research and what was created. Unfortunately it was very loosely based off of actual events, but Bowen did her research to portray real characters well.
The plot is a bit loose, with a vague 'myster More...
The plot is a bit loose, with a vague 'myster More...
Aug 24, 2010
Nori
rated it:
I guess I am into mysteries. It was a quick read and surprizingly good. I have not heard of this author before but I saw that she got an Agatha Christie award for her books and since I love Agatha Christie's books I thought I should try Rhys Bowen's mysteries as well and let me tell ya, I wasn't disappointed.
Feb 28, 2011
Sarah
rated it:
This was a random library grab, and although the magic bits about houdini were fun, it was not a good mystery overall. And in the end, if I read it right, the sassy female detective quits her job to get married even after spending the whole book saying she didn't want to do that. Odd.
Jul 09, 2010
Donna
rated it:
I really enjoyed this easy read... It was fun and a little different mystery. If you want a quick book to read by the pool.. pick this one up .. It is another Molly Murphy mystery that keeps your interest ...
Oct 13, 2010
Emilie
rated it:
I really like her style plus the 1902 era New York City made it come alive for me. a light read but eminently enjoyable. I'll definitely go back & read the first 8 of the Molly Murphy series.
Jan 12, 2011
Leilani
rated it:
Booooooring. I don't like historical fiction that's built around an actual historical figure, Houdini in this case. Daniel's irritating. Molly's irritating. I skimmed through most of this because actually reading it was going to kill me.
Dec 27, 2011
Barbara
rated it:
It was a good read, and I liked it quite a bit.
If I were more interested in Houdini, I probably would have loved it more. I do love Molly Murphy and Sullivan, and just thought they took a back seat in this one.
Still, on to the next one. :)
If I were more interested in Houdini, I probably would have loved it more. I do love Molly Murphy and Sullivan, and just thought they took a back seat in this one.
Still, on to the next one. :)
Mar 24, 2010
Linda
rated it:
I like Rhys Bowen's historical fiction/suspense mix. She uses real historical characters with her fictional heroine, in this case it was Harry Houdini.
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Jan 18, 2011
I love the Moly Murphy series. The author does a great job of recreating early twentieth century New York. And I love the characters!
Jul 10, 2011
Caylene
rated it:
Quick summer read and a good mystery novel - probably won't read any other books in the series. I usually prefer darker mysteries with a few more twists and turns.
Mar 17, 2010
Sarah
rated it:
What a fabulous, fun read! I think this book is my favorite of the Molly Murphy series so far. The plot was really fascinating as it deals a little with pre-World War Germany and with Harry Houdini whom I knew next to nothing about. Bowen has another book in this series coming which I am really looking forward to.
I did have one question about the ending of this book and also the title is a little puzzling (the "Last" part not the "Illusion" part), but other than that t More...
I did have one question about the ending of this book and also the title is a little puzzling (the "Last" part not the "Illusion" part), but other than that t More...
Oct 21, 2010
Cornelia
rated it:
This is a great mystery. Houdini and his wife Bess are secondary characters and it's set in the 1920's. I loved it.
Mar 28, 2010
Maren
rated it:
Best Molly Murphy book in awhile. Probably because there wasn't a ton of Molly/Daniel drama. I'm sick of their love.
