Murphy's Law (Molly Murphy Mysteries #1)

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Murphy's Law (Molly Murphy Mysteries #1)

by Rhys Bowen (Goodreads Author)

3.87 of 5 stars 3.87 · rating details · 2,594 ratings · 271 reviews

From the creator of the much-loved Constable Evan Evans mysteries comes a colorful new series set in turn-of-the-century New York City. When spirited redhead Molly Murphy was growing up a peasant on the coast of Ireland she always imagined there was something more in store for her. She couldn't have known how right she was until the day she became a murderer, albeit in sel...more From the creator of the much-loved Constable Evan Evans mysteries comes a colorful new series set in turn-of-the-century New York City. When spirited redhead Molly Murphy was growing up a peasant on the coast of Ireland she always imagined there was something more in store for her. She couldn't have known how right she was until the day she became a murderer, albeit in self-defense. Under drastic circumstances, Molly is forced to strike out into a new world. With the police right behind her, Molly's only chance at escape is a false identity and a steamship that will take her far, far away: to America.

When her ship sails into New York Harbor, with the majestic figure of the Statue of Liberty providing comfort and inspiration, Molly is sure her whole life is in front of her. But she's got one last hurdle to clear: Ellis Island. She is just one among thousands of immigrants on the tiny island, awaiting their fate with anxiety and hope. Unfortunately for Molly, before she is able to leave the island a man is brutally murdered, his throat cut from ear to ear, and coincidence and fate make her a suspect in a crime she didn't commit. Under a cloud of suspicion, and due largely to a growing mutual attraction between Molly and the handsome police captain in charge of the case, she is allowed to leave Ellis Island for Manhattan. Unfortunately, she's got a mission she couldn't have anticipated: clear her own name of murder. Alone in a new country with no one to lean on, Molly hits the vibrant streets of New York intent on finding out what really happened. After all, if she can't, she'll be sent back to Ireland, where the dreaded gallows await.

With the sweeping skyline of 19th century New York and the gritty, pulsating underworld of recently arrived immigrants forming a vivid backdrop, Rhys Bowen transports readers back in time to America's not-so-distant past. The first entry in the Molly Murphy series is a fascinating look at our immigrant history as well as an intensely absorbing page-turner.
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Hardcover, 226 pages

Published October 12th 2001 by Minotaur Books (first published 2001)

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Dec 07, 2010 Kirsty Darbyshire added it · review of another edition

[these comments are out of context from a mailing list discussion and contain spoilers]

[on historical novels in general]

I'm not a big reader of historical novels full stop, whether mysteries or otherwise. This is odd because many of my favourite books as a child were historical now I come to think of it and also because when I do read something historical I generally enjoy the change.

My expectations for a historical mystery are that they will be fact laden, boring and tediously correct and my w

...more [these comments are out of context from a mailing list discussion and contain spoilers]

[on historical novels in general]

My expectations for a historical mystery are that they will be fact laden, boring and tediously correct and my worries are that they will be anachronistic and miseducate me about the time period (and I know that's not consistent with the first bit of the sentence). Even knowing that neither my expectations or my worries are usually borne out and I enjoy my occassional trips through time doesn't really make me want to read much more historical stuff on a regular basis.

[on thehistorical setting]

I'm still in the middle of the book but everything seems pretty much chronistically feasible to me though I don't really know very much about the time or the place to judge. I did notice several things that I remembered reading at the museum at Ellis Island and was torn between "ooh yes, I remember reading about that" and "can I have some titbits that don't come straight out of the museum please".

I thought that idea (Molly thinking about getting a flat with Michael Larkin) was quite reasonable actually. As I read it she wasn't intending shacking up as a couple just sharing the rent in a place where extended families living together was the usual thing. Since she's alone with no family network to fall back on she had the idea of making one up.

[on coincidences]

Molly just so happened to walk into a house where she was welcomed in Liverpool and then the occupants just so happened to have a reason and a ticket to take her to America; After that I kind of decided that I'd have to flow with the lucky breaks/coincidences if I was going to enjoy this book. I haven't finished yet so I don't know what coincidences are looming in the later chapters but I'm not going to be surprised by them now and I think the author's set the rules up as "coincidences are allowed in this book" if that makes any sense.

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Mar 20, 2009 Bill rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first book in the Molly Murphy mystery series, and while the characters from Molly on down are somewhat stereotypical, and the plot twists a bit too coincidental, this is still a worthwhile story and a good beginning to what sounds like a promising series.

Molly is your typical flame-haired Irish lass at the turn of the last century who, having accidentally killed the son of her "landlord" while fighting off his none-too-subtle advances, has fled her homeland for the wilds of early t...more

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May 18, 2013 Gloria Feit rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Twelve years ago, this novel first appeared and was the beginning of a charming series featuring an Irish immigrant, Molly Murphy, to New York City at the turn of the 20th century. At long last, the first of the ten novels featuring Molly is available in paperback, and it is a welcome addition to one who has read the more recent entries in the series, and now gains additional insight into the beginnings of the relationship between Molly and the Police Captain detective, Dan Sullivan, whom she fi...more

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Jan 29, 2012 Hannah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cozy-mystery, historical-mystery

3.5 stars. I expected a lot from this series, as a huge fan of Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series as well as her Constable Evans books. I’m glad to say that I wasn’t disappointed. Murphy’s Law is set in a really interesting time period, and it’s obvious that considerable effort was put into research since the book is wonderfully rich in historical detail. Ms. Bowen has a talent for making the reader feel like they’re right there walking alongside the characters; the setting and characterization...more 3.5 stars. I expected a lot from this series, as a huge fan of Rhys Bowen’s Royal Spyness series as well as her Constable Evans books. I’m glad to say that I wasn’t disappointed. Murphy’s Law is set in a really interesting time period, and it’s obvious that considerable effort was put into research since the book is wonderfully rich in historical detail. Ms. Bowen has a talent for making the reader feel like they’re right there walking alongside the characters; the setting and characterization are that vivid. The best thing about this book, however, is the main character, Molly Murphy.

The minute I first “met” Molly, I knew that I’d like her already. She has a very quick and independent mind (perhaps unfortunate considering the time in which she lived), and her personality as well as difficult background has shaped her into someone who can defend herself with her wits alone. I absolutely love how tough she is; who wouldn’t like a female protagonist who can lie, fight and even swim her way out of trouble? From what little we’ve learnt of her romantic interest, Captain Daniel Sullivan, he seems interesting, but a hint that he might be hiding something promises that their developing relationship will be filled with its ups and downs. Mystery men aren’t really my thing, but I suppose it’s fair enough, considering how many secrets Molly herself has.

Since I’ve read the latest Royal Spyness books and this one so close together, comparisons are unavoidable, particularly since I’ve heard criticisms about certain similarities. I’ll address them here. I’ve heard about the similarities between Daniel Sullivan and Darcy O’Mara, and I must say that they’re mostly true. Clearly Ms. Bowen has a soft spot for men with unruly dark curls and alarming blue eyes, though I certainly don’t blame her. It seems both of them are mystery men too, from what little have been revealed of Daniel in this book, although Daniel’s more upfront about his feelings. I don’t see this as a big problem, however. The historical settings and their varying backgrounds mean that Darcy and Daniel will grow as characters in different directions.

Either way, I really enjoyed reading Murphy’s Law, and I’m looking forward to picking up the second book and joining Molly on her next adventure. Recommended!(less)

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Aug 08, 2011 Brendan rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011, adventure-thriller, fiction, mystery

My wife has been on a kick of late 19th century or early 20th century mysteries lately, often focusing on impetuous, clever, brave ladies solving mysteries in a world where women were supposed to be none of those things. Bowen's Molly Murphy series seems to be one of these. We read Murphy's Law together and it was an enjoyable romp.

Molly Murphy is on the run from Ireland when she stumbles into a way across the ocean, impersonating someone else on the boat trip to America. When they arrive in El...more My wife has been on a kick of late 19th century or early 20th century mysteries lately, often focusing on impetuous, clever, brave ladies solving mysteries in a world where women were supposed to be none of those things. Bowen's Molly Murphy series seems to be one of these. We read Murphy's Law together and it was an enjoyable romp.

Molly Murphy is on the run from Ireland when she stumbles into a way across the ocean, impersonating someone else on the boat trip to America. When they arrive in Ellis Island, a man she'd butted heads with turns up dead, and a murder inquiry nabs one of her friends. Alone and nearly friendless in New York, Molly must find a job, a place to live, and the murderer only she can identify. Some thoughts:

The single greatest problem amateur detectives face, from a narrative perspective, is the motivation to solve the crime. Molly seems driven by two equally strong motives: her allegiance to her friend Michael, arrested for the crime she's sure he didn't commit and her burning curiosity. The latter is a common trait among amateur detectives, and the one most likely to make me shout "Come on." Being a relatively even-handed person, I find it difficult to empathize with a character who continually puts themselves in harms way on the flimsiest of motivations.
Bowen does a fantastic job developing Tammany-era New York. We feel strongly for Molly's difficult situation, watching intensely as she navigates the rough-and-tumble streets of the vicious city. The only thing she missed were the mountains of horse poop which plagued the metropolis. And I mean mountains. (See Superfreakonomics for a discussion of the horseshit problem).
The budding romance between Murphy and the police detective on the case is satisfying and interesting, without being so Harlequin as to turn me off.
The mystery, too, is a solid and interesting one that leaves you guessing right until the end and doesn't feel too forced. As with most mysteries that eschew the manor house model (where the suspects are locked away and thus each given ample attention), Bowen introduces enough for us to understand the story but not enough to solve it without the final clues that emerge when Molly discovers them. And this is as it should be.
Murphy has a sure hand in developing minor characters. The grotesque couple whose apartment she stays in when she first arrives are both well-drawn and realistic, as are the agreeable characters (such as the photographer she meets partway through the story).

An enjoyable mystery, especially great if you like Victorian mysteries like the Fremont Jones or the Cyrus Barker series.(less)

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May 26, 2012 Babs rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: mystery, mystery-historical, mystery-romance

This series is not at all as light-hearted as the “Royal” series; or even the “Constable Evans” series. This series is about a young Irish woman who immigrates to America (the U.S.). If this book is in any way true (which I certainly don’t doubt); it was almost certainly no better than the circumstances you were trying to escape; or rise above from, to journey here, unless you knew someone or had family that would welcome you. You were most certainly on your own, with no support or help. How cou...more

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Jun 24, 2011 Bridget rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-reads

This book is the first in a series of mysteries featuring Molly Murphy, an Irish immigrant in nineteenth century New York. In this installment, we meet Molly, and learn how and why she left Ireland and ended up in America.

Molly is a young woman who has accidentally killed the son of the manor house where her family works and lives, when she resisted his advances, and pushed him back. He fell and hit his head on the stove, and was killed instantly. When the book opens, she is running away, hoping...more This book is the first in a series of mysteries featuring Molly Murphy, an Irish immigrant in nineteenth century New York. In this installment, we meet Molly, and learn how and why she left Ireland and ended up in America.

Molly is a young woman who has accidentally killed the son of the manor house where her family works and lives, when she resisted his advances, and pushed him back. He fell and hit his head on the stove, and was killed instantly. When the book opens, she is running away, hoping to go to London where she can hide out. Upon arrival in London, she fears that she is being followed by police, and is unexpectedly and fortunately taken in by Kathleen O'Connor, another Irish woman, staying in a boardinghouse with her two children prior to leaving for the United States to join her husband. Because Kathleen has been diagnosed with TB, she cannot leave Ireland, so she asks Molly to pose as her and get her children to their father.

While on the ocean crossing, Molly crosses paths with a rough guy named O'Malley, who is trying to make her admit that she is an impostor. Upon arrival at Ellis Island, she and the children have to stay for a few days before they can go through final processing. When they are finally released, she finds out that someone killed O'Malley, and they have arrested a young man who Molly befriended and knows is innocent.

Once arrived in New York, Molly delivers the children to their father, who has found work digging what will become the subway. She has no job and no family to turn to, and she is also determined to prove her young friend's innocence. She clashes with one of the detectives on the case, Daniel Sullivan, while also finding herself attracted to him.

The story continues as Molly tries to adjust to life in New York, find a job and place to live, and also track down a murderer. The descriptions of places are well-drawn, and evocative of the time and place, and though this is not an incredibly involved story, it is well-paced and Molly is an interesting heroine. I will definitely read more in this series, and think it is a perfect break from more serious types of stories. It is also entertaining for the time and place where it occurs, since New York at this time, and Tammany Hall politicians make for good stories.(less)

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Jul 08, 2012 Jeni rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2012

Molly Murphy is a strong female character who I believe is at least a little anachronistic. She stands up for herself, she goes places where no respectable woman of her time would go, she deceives and spies and infiltrates. And she's completely likeable. In fact, she comes across not as a conniver or instigator, but as an advocate and supporter. Set in the early 1900s Murphy's Law tells the story of Ms. Murphy after she flees her native Ireland to live in New York City. This books fits in the ge...more

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May 14, 2011 Dorie rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical-mysteries

The historical setting in the novel (early 20th century New York) was far more interesting than the murder mystery. The main character was Molly Murphy, an immigrant from Ireland who is forced to flee after accidentally killing a would-be rapist. In an admittedly convenient plot twist, Molly meets up with a woman who needs someone to accompany her two young children to New York, where their father is waiting. Molly agrees and takes the woman's ticket along with her identity as married young moth...more

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Apr 13, 2013 Charlotte rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A mystery series set in immigrant rich NYC at the beginning of the twentieth century with a feisty female straight off the boat heroine. Who wouldn't want to read this??? I think that the only bad thing I have to say about the book is that it was predictable and the writing a tad bit juvenile (in other words, not great "literature.") However, that said, it was a fun read, and I intend to read the rest of the series. Obviously from my "read" list, I like anything Irish;I love reading about the Ir...more

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Mar 09, 2011 Sally rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: audiobooks

I liked this book and I like Rhys Bowen's style of writing. She knows how to put in a touch of romance along with a mystery that carries you through to the end. This was a pretty fast read for me, because it's relatively short and it held my interest.

I did think, however, that there were a few things that seemed a bit unrealistic, and perhaps some of the story elements were a little too sketchy. Since you find out right away that the title character, Molly Murphy, escapes from Ireland in 1901 af...more

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Apr 05, 2013 M.E. rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I got interested in Molly Murphy through a short story (The Amersham Rubies) and a snippet from a later book. She seemed a fun character, so I had to go back to the beginning of the series. And then I met Ms. Bowen at Bouchercon last fall, so I really had to start!

MURPHY'S LAW is the first in the Molly Murphy series - and it does not disappoint. Forced to flee Ireland after (accidentally) killing the English landowner's son, Molly takes an assumed name to accompany two children across the Atlant...more

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Apr 30, 2012 Phroyo rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book was too exact... too simplistic and yes, even though it is a fictional story, it was inconceivably written. I do appreciate the historical references and broad descriptions of the neighborhoods, social context, and attitudes of the culture of characters. I was turned off by the unreal nature of Molly's way of just being accepted here and there as she searched for the truth. A single woman floating from place to place asking probing questions AND getting answers just didn't feel right....more

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Apr 20, 2011 Tina rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011

Rhys Bowen can write some pretty prose. It's been a long time since I breezed through a novel in one day, I didn't even realize I had done so until I came to the end. From the moment Molly Murphy burst forth from the pages into my minds eye, I was enamored with the character, the setting, the story; everything was just right.

Taking place at the turn of the century New York City, Molly is fresh off the boat and running from the law. While still on Ellis Island waiting to be processed into Americ...more

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May 01, 2011 Diemmi147 rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My, another series from my beloved mystery writer, Rhys Bowen. Molly Murphy is its name as well as our heroine sleuth, a girl with long red hair as striking as flame, an adorable little mouth, a very pretty face, a sophisticated head and and a slim waist, who was practically classified as a spinster at the age of 23, and likewise, on a shelf (dear me, I'm 23 also, gotta go and get myself a seat on a shelf then. In this century, shelves must be very crowded and in high demands.) Molly accidentall...more My, another series from my beloved mystery writer, Rhys Bowen. Molly Murphy is its name as well as our heroine sleuth, a girl with long red hair as striking as flame, an adorable little mouth, a very pretty face, a sophisticated head and and a slim waist, who was practically classified as a spinster at the age of 23, and likewise, on a shelf (dear me, I'm 23 also, gotta go and get myself a seat on a shelf then. In this century, shelves must be very crowded and in high demands.) Molly accidentally killed her to-be raper when he barged into her house and demanded her to give in. As a landowner's son, he seemed to harbour a very funny understanding about the definition of possessions, thus he claimed to Molly that everything on his father's land belonged to him, including her. In the process of trying to subduing Molly, he got kicked, tripped, hit his head and died. That's the whole consequence of the event that got Molly back quickly on her feet and run.

Apparently, she expected to be apprehended by the police force then be hanged no matter the reasons of her crime as no peasants should be allowed to live after killing a gentry. Yet, fate seemed to have other ideas and schemes for Molly. The very moment she was about to be apprehended, miracles happened (it's not like these things grow on trees, so you must agree with me it's fate that helped her escape the nook.) She was rescued by an ailing woman with consumption, the mother of two young children. That's was the beginning of her journey crossing over the Atlantic to the land of fortunes, opportunities and liberty, America.

Obviously, fate never likes to give its pawn a smooth road to anything. It likes to put us through all sorts of troubles and it was exactly what Molly was experiencing. Not only did she have to suffer through the hardship of crossing seas with two children to take care of, she also got blackmailed, suspected as the mastermind behind a ruthless murder and so on. Life is never easy and yet it never forgets to give us a taste of sweetness, a bitter sweetness, to be precise, so as we could not forget it and crave for it and go on with life hoping to once again taste it. The bitter sweetness for Molly was Captain Daniel Sullivan. The two of them were obviously drawn towards each other. But the irony was that Daniel was the one suspected Molly and refused to make life easy for her. There's a long road of trouble ahead of her. Molly must be strong to brave through all of them before she could really make a start in her new life in America, the land where the Lady of Liberty reigns.

The plot was quite complex, more intricate and sophisticated than in Lady Georgiana's series. It also adopted a more sober tone; less funny, less sexy and more realistic. But that's also what made it a great read. I gobbled up the whole book so quickly that I thought I could have been choked to dead. Thankfully, fate inclines to keep me on living and reading. So here I am, healthy as a bull (but with fits of coughs. Truthfully, I have been the victim of a very bad flu that makes me coughing like crazy.) and ready to embark onto book 2. See you on book 2's review then.
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Apr 19, 2013 Andrea Corley rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2013-c2c-challenge, 2013-wom-road-to-500-books, e-book, march-2013-reads, women-of-mystery-book-club-reads, april-2013-reads

I didn't think I would care for this book before I started, but oh how that changed as I began reading it. It seemed that I became easily hooked and desperate to continue reading just to find out what was going to happen next. It was so good that I will not hesitate to continue on with the series.

I found that the story moved along quite nicely and kept the reader hanging in all the right spots in order to necessitate the desire to never put the book down until it's finished. However, it was a ve...more

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Mar 17, 2011 Deb rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2011-books-read, kindled-ebook

I was disappointed -- I was hoping for sly silliness as in her Royal Spyness series, but this was just silly.

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Jul 04, 2010 Carolyn rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Not as well written, tho somewhat in the same vein, as 'Maisie Dobbs'. Still, entertaining enough that I will read another in the series. I expect the character development to improve. And, I will read one of Rhys Bowen other detective series (featuring a Welshman, Constable Evans) as well sometime.

Molly Murphy is a young Irishwoman of quick mind and open mouth. She flees her home village after accidently killing the young Lord of the Estate, defending herself from his proposed rape. She lands o...more

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Jan 16, 2012 Lucy rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Rhys Bowen does a much better than average job with the standard historical fiction with a spunky heroine. Ms. Bowen doesn't try too hard and manages to avoid the all-too-common trap of constantly describing and praising her heroine. Her writing style is an interesting mix of realism delivered in genteel language. Her Molly Murphy actually made me laugh out loud a couple of times, but not because of an overly ridiculous situation. This book's humor comes from every-day situations, like Molly duc...more

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Jun 16, 2012 Russ rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This book came highly recommended - there's even a quote from one of my favorite authors (Anne Perry) on the cover. Sadly I was disappointed. While I found Molly believable, the mystery was unsatisfying and the conclusion unsatisfying. The story revolves around the murder of a man at Ellis Island. The plot line was as convoluted and I felt the author struggling to force Molly into the action. Especially the sequence where she becomes a maid in the house of a crooked politician peripherally invol...more

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Sep 19, 2011 Felicia rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: vaginal-mystery, mystery

Another entry into my historical mystery jag, this one was VERY similar to the other series I read, but for some reason I enjoyed it a bit less, which surprised me because I like this author's other historical series set in the 20's a lot.

Basically it started out really well, the heroine's journey to America, but for some reason after that she was a BIT too perfect and spunky for my tastes. And the love interest was really thinly drawn, which is probably my biggest criticism.

There's some intere...more

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Feb 06, 2012 Angela Lynn Holland rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: cozies-i-own-keeping

I have read Rhys' Royal Spyness series which I enjoyed and thought I would give this series a chance too. I fell in love with this series from page one. I will be continuing on with this series. Molly started out in a bad situation and then ended up helping a family by seeing the children to America to live with their father and then unfortunately Molly ends up in another bad situation.

Rhys gives you a few clues to try and guess who the murder was but you are really unable to figure it out until...more

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Mar 03, 2013 Eed99 rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a pretty enjoyable book.

I really liked the character of Molly-I thought it was nice to see a spunky young woman who still in many ways tried to do the right thing, but often ended up finding trouble.

This book had a lot of secondary characters-some more developed and more interesting than others and I thought the mystery itself was good although in some ways not the part that entertained me the most. I think I found myself far more interested in how Molly escaped from Ireland and found h...more

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Mar 19, 2013 Beth rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: partially-finished

I picked up this book because it's by the same author who writes the Royal Spyness series which I really enjoy. This series is set in New York around the turn of the century. Molly Murphy needs to leave Ireland to avoid being arrested for murdering a man. She is helped by a woman who plans to travel to America but can't pass the health test, so gets Molly to take her place and escort her two young children. Traveling in steerage, Molly tries to keep to herself. When an obnoxious man from the boa...more

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Jan 20, 2013 Gail rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries, mysteries-historical

Rhys Bowen writes exceptionally good series, with excellent plots, great characters, and enjoyable stories. This one is no different. Molly Murphy is on the run from the English law. Through a series of fortunate events, she is able to escape to America and Ellis Island. There is another murder and it looks like Molly or another Irishman is going to be hanged for the crime. To save her friend and herself, Molly starts to find the killer, at the expense of her own safety and maybe her life.

Molly...more

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Jan 12, 2012 Melissa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mysteries

This entire series is amazing! I never considered myself to be a fan of mysteries until I randomly picked this book up off of the library's shelf of recommended books. Rhys Bowen is now one of my favorite authors, and this review is for pretty much every book of hers that I've read. I love how she's able to intertwine historical events and famous figures into her writing in a way that seems completely natural. Her characters are genuine and distinct throughout each series, which is sometimes dif...more

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Sep 18, 2012 Maureen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery

I really enjoyed this book. Rhys Bowen is an engaging personality in person. Molly is an engaging character in this book. Rhys' best advise to new authors is to research and verify your facts accurately, particularly when writing historical fiction. Shakespeare may not have been Shakespeare had he adhered to this advice. He clearly altered historical stories and rewrote them as his own ignoring historical fact when it suited his needs. Shakespeare aside, it is gratifying to read a historical mys...more

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Jan 13, 2010 Kimberly rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Molly Murphy escapes to the United States after killing a man. She witnesses a murder onboard and tries to save one of her shipmates from being charged with it. During the police investigation, she meets a dashing police officer with a nice romance beginning. The story is predictable in many ways. However, it is quick, descriptive and predictable with a lively writing style that holds the reader's attention throughout. Molly is her own woman who will not be beaten down by her circumstances; this...more

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Sep 09, 2010 Shannon rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This is a similar story line as Victoria Thompson's Gaslight series but set in New York just a little bit later (1900). The main character Molly is interesting - young but smart and quick thinking. In this story she's running from killing a man so alot of her decisions are based on fear that law enforcement will find out and send her back. I'm not one for 'love' or 'romance' stories but I like the relationship she begins and am looking forward to that developing more quickly than Sarah and Mallo...more

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Apr 12, 2012 Jane rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The historical setting--turn of the century New York--is the best part about this book. (As a genealogist, I enjoyed the Ellis Island portion of the book and found it to match other things that I've read about that experience.) I think that the characters, while somewhat stereotypical, will probably get more interesting as the series continues. One big peeve, for me, is that the language was wrong in many places. The characters used words that wouldn't have been used in 1903. There were other li...more

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About Rhys Bowen

"I'm a mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.

I also write the bestselling Royal Spyness series, about the British royal family in the 1930s. It's lighter, sexier, funnier, wicked satire. It was voted by readers as best mystery series this year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my aw...more

More about Rhys Bowen...

Books by Rhys Bowen

Her Royal Spyness (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #1)

A Royal Pain (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #2)

Royal Blood (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #4)

Royal Flush (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #3)

Naughty in Nice (Her Royal Spyness Mysteries, #5)

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avg rating	preview: Murphy's Law Goodreads rating: 3.87 (2594 ratings)
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BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/866718.Murphy_s_Law?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1312032242l/866718.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/866718.Murphy_s_Law?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Murphy's Law by Rhys Bowen[/url]

Murphy's Law (Molly Murphy Mysteries #1)

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