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Molly Murphy #0.5
The Amersham Rubies
A delightful short story featuring turn-of-the-century private investigator Molly Murphy
Before Molly Murphy crossed the Atlantic or even had an inkling that she might someday become a much sought after private investigator in New York City, young Molly lived in Ireland in a small cottage with her father, brothers and little else.
While keeping herself and her home together, Molly receives a request from Lady Hartley—the lady of the country estate where Molly lives, and the family that employs Molly's father and brothers. The Hartleys are hosting a ball at their manor house, and there will be so many fine gentlemen and ladies in attendance that Lady Hartley needs Molly to help some of her guests prepare for the ball.
Beautiful debutantes, dresses of the finest fabrics, and sparkling chandeliers are all on display, as are heirloom jewels like the Amersham rubies—a stunning and priceless ruby necklace that has been in the Amersham family for generations. When the rubies go inexplicably missing from Lady Amersham's neck in the middle of the party, the high-spirited Molly must rely on her wits to solve her first case.
Before Molly Murphy crossed the Atlantic or even had an inkling that she might someday become a much sought after private investigator in New York City, young Molly lived in Ireland in a small cottage with her father, brothers and little else.
While keeping herself and her home together, Molly receives a request from Lady Hartley—the lady of the country estate where Molly lives, and the family that employs Molly's father and brothers. The Hartleys are hosting a ball at their manor house, and there will be so many fine gentlemen and ladies in attendance that Lady Hartley needs Molly to help some of her guests prepare for the ball.
Beautiful debutantes, dresses of the finest fabrics, and sparkling chandeliers are all on display, as are heirloom jewels like the Amersham rubies—a stunning and priceless ruby necklace that has been in the Amersham family for generations. When the rubies go inexplicably missing from Lady Amersham's neck in the middle of the party, the high-spirited Molly must rely on her wits to solve her first case.
38 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 10, 2011
630 people are currently reading
2897 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Bowen
116 books9,723 followersI'm a New York Times bestselling mystery author, winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy mysteries, set in 1902 New York City.
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning 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 one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
I have recently published four internationally bestselling WWII novels, one of them a #1 Kindle bestseller, and the Tuscan Child selling almost a million copies to date. In Farleigh Field won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. My other stand-alone novels are The Victory Garden, about land girls in WWI and Above the Bay of Angels, featuring a young woman who becomes chef for Queen Victoria.
April 2021 will mark the publication of THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK--another sweeping historical novel of love, loss and intrigue.
My books are currently translated into 29 languages and I have fans worldwide.
I also write the Agatha-winning 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 one year.
I am also known for my Constable Evans books, set in North Wales, and for my award-winning short stories.
I was born and raised in England but currently divide my time between California and Arizona where I go to escape from the harsh California winters
When I am not writing I love to travel, sing, hike, play my Celtic harp.
Series:
* Constable Evan Mystery
* Molly Murphy Mysteries
* Her Royal Spyness Mysteries
Awards:
Agatha Award
◊ Best Novel (2001): Murphy's Law
Reviewer's Choice Award
◊ Historical Mystery (2001): Murphy's Law
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews
September 29, 2024
I became a Rhys Bowen fan when I could see that her Molly Murphy mysteries were interwoven with serious explorations of immigrant life; not plastic “cozy mysteries” like her Evan Evans series. I savoured the first edition in 2018, gobbled the next four star mystery in 2020, and awarded five stars to the third this February 2021. I saw “The Amersham Rubies” prequel but could not read it until my friend, Shirin, got me the PDF. Little of it comprised the story. An excerpt of “Bless The Bride” was longer than the feature.
I gave it three stars because it is as brisk as it is short but I liked learning new details. The début mystery mentioned having had a hard life with young brothers. This prequel depicts them there in Ireland. They all had jobs but kept their paycheques from their alcoholic Dad. Molly was hired at the neighbour’s manor to be a dressing assistant for the night. We see how quickly she works out puzzles when she observes and assesses odd incidents.
“Bless The Bride” claimed Molly knew only basic sewing because her Mom died when Molly was 10. As an absorber of details, I knew that was off and checked the publishing dates, to see what duration accounted for the authoress ’ memory slip. It came out in March 2011 and “The Amersham Rubies” immediately said in May 2011, that Molly lost her Mom at age 14. Come on, Rhys!
That inconsistency removes one star and another for being too short an e-book to sink into with emotion. It was a little sample of how intelligent Molly always was and why she was glad to leave her Irish family life, no matter how hard it was to start a career of any kind in New York City.
I gave it three stars because it is as brisk as it is short but I liked learning new details. The début mystery mentioned having had a hard life with young brothers. This prequel depicts them there in Ireland. They all had jobs but kept their paycheques from their alcoholic Dad. Molly was hired at the neighbour’s manor to be a dressing assistant for the night. We see how quickly she works out puzzles when she observes and assesses odd incidents.
“Bless The Bride” claimed Molly knew only basic sewing because her Mom died when Molly was 10. As an absorber of details, I knew that was off and checked the publishing dates, to see what duration accounted for the authoress ’ memory slip. It came out in March 2011 and “The Amersham Rubies” immediately said in May 2011, that Molly lost her Mom at age 14. Come on, Rhys!
That inconsistency removes one star and another for being too short an e-book to sink into with emotion. It was a little sample of how intelligent Molly always was and why she was glad to leave her Irish family life, no matter how hard it was to start a career of any kind in New York City.
August 18, 2016
3.5★
While on holiday I couldn't settle to anything "heavy" so I thought it was time I tried out something by Rhys Bowen.
& for a kindle freebie it was quite good. Bowen managed to give Molly some good character development (no doubt helped by this prequel being written after some of the Molly Murphy books) & I enjoyed Bowen's writing style. It is just that the (weak) ending was on you before you knew it, leaving me with a slightly unsatisfied feeling. But it was just good enough that I will try more of Bowen's work!
While on holiday I couldn't settle to anything "heavy" so I thought it was time I tried out something by Rhys Bowen.
& for a kindle freebie it was quite good. Bowen managed to give Molly some good character development (no doubt helped by this prequel being written after some of the Molly Murphy books) & I enjoyed Bowen's writing style. It is just that the (weak) ending was on you before you knew it, leaving me with a slightly unsatisfied feeling. But it was just good enough that I will try more of Bowen's work!
March 13, 2017
A nice little short story preceeding the Molly Murphy novels set in Ireland before Molly heads to the US.
May 23, 2011
The problem with this "prequel" is not that it is short (although it's much shorter than anticipated,) but that it is stupid. The young, poor, put-upon heroine figures out a deep and complicated mystery, from a mark, a bruise (that shouldn't be showing yet,) and a passing sentence. It was just a little too Encyclopedia Brown. Not only that, but on the sheer strength of her character (as a poor working class servant,) threatens and shames the wealthy upper class into admitting their crimes.
WOULD
NEVER
HAPPEN.
The other problem with this so-called prequel is that 65% of the Kindle book is taken up with a tease for another book. IMO, that's a blatant bait and switch, especially since there's no mention of the teaser.
I know that authors of series often put out little short stories and scenes, like easter eggs, for regular readers of the series novels. I like them. But at least make some attempt to make the stories coherent and complete within the short story format. The story itself should be the hook, not the extended surprise teaser. The story should be smart enough, or funny enough, or scary enough... according to the genre, to make me want to seek out those characters.
Instead, in this short, we have a young, female character with entitlement issues, who figures out a mystery with a few glances, from facts not in evidence to the reader, and totally wins the "make the rich men confess" game. Yeah, that makes me want more. *rolls eyes so hard they pop out*
WOULD
NEVER
HAPPEN.
The other problem with this so-called prequel is that 65% of the Kindle book is taken up with a tease for another book. IMO, that's a blatant bait and switch, especially since there's no mention of the teaser.
I know that authors of series often put out little short stories and scenes, like easter eggs, for regular readers of the series novels. I like them. But at least make some attempt to make the stories coherent and complete within the short story format. The story itself should be the hook, not the extended surprise teaser. The story should be smart enough, or funny enough, or scary enough... according to the genre, to make me want to seek out those characters.
Instead, in this short, we have a young, female character with entitlement issues, who figures out a mystery with a few glances, from facts not in evidence to the reader, and totally wins the "make the rich men confess" game. Yeah, that makes me want more. *rolls eyes so hard they pop out*
May 1, 2020
3,25 stars English Ebook 🍀🦋🌹
“from the big house,” Liam my brother said. “From the mistress herself.”
His short story is the opening of the Molly Murphy mysteries. It plays in 19th century County Mayo, Ierland. Molly is ask to assist dressing Lady’s for a ball and because she uses her brains solves a mysterie of the missing Ruby’s. Enjoyed this first book of the series. Would like to read the next book soon. 🌹🦋🍀
“from the big house,” Liam my brother said. “From the mistress herself.”
His short story is the opening of the Molly Murphy mysteries. It plays in 19th century County Mayo, Ierland. Molly is ask to assist dressing Lady’s for a ball and because she uses her brains solves a mysterie of the missing Ruby’s. Enjoyed this first book of the series. Would like to read the next book soon. 🌹🦋🍀
January 22, 2024
Entertaining Short Read
A thoroughly enjoyable short read that introduced me to the lovely and wily Molly Murphy. The perfect snippet to whet your appetite for more in the series. (Although I don't understand why it's Book 21?)
A thoroughly enjoyable short read that introduced me to the lovely and wily Molly Murphy. The perfect snippet to whet your appetite for more in the series. (Although I don't understand why it's Book 21?)
January 1, 2012
Just a sad excuse for a short teaser story and an introduction to the Molly Murphy series. The young girl makes these ridiculous jumps to conclusions that the reader can't even begin to understand due to the lack of evidence. How the character made her assumptions, that she believed to be right and to solve the "mystery" is not made very clear. And given the mediocre writing, I'm not sure had it been much longer of a story that the writer could have accomplished showing how the character made her leaps in the first place.
Although there was a teaser chapter included with the free download, I didn't bother. This was supposed to be set in the late 19th century but it does not read as such whether in the way the characters speak, nor in the attitude of the characters. It appears that aside from a pretty cover this story did little to encourage further reading. Thank goodness it was a freebie for the kindle!
Although there was a teaser chapter included with the free download, I didn't bother. This was supposed to be set in the late 19th century but it does not read as such whether in the way the characters speak, nor in the attitude of the characters. It appears that aside from a pretty cover this story did little to encourage further reading. Thank goodness it was a freebie for the kindle!
August 15, 2020
Molly's first mystery
A very short prequel to the Molly Murphy mystery series. A quick but good story which introduces the reader to the outstanding series.
A very short prequel to the Molly Murphy mystery series. A quick but good story which introduces the reader to the outstanding series.
March 5, 2015
The Amersham Rubies is a (very) short story prequel to the Molly Murphy series that gives readers just the tiniest glimpse into Molly's life prior to hopping on a ship and crossing the Atlantic.
Aside from it being "okay," there isn't really much else to say about it, since it was over before I even got into the story. A flash of action, the crime occurs and then Molly's figured it out and unmasked the criminal - all before readers have even been given the clues. Since we were given none of the details, none of Molly's "explanations" made much sense and it ended up being more of a showcase of Molly's intelligence than a truly satisfying mystery. I also question one loose end: What gives? And let's not even talk about how unrealistic it was that she could .
Molly's brief return to the Hartley's house and struggle with the realization that she's more of a servant than a friend of the family (as she'd happily believed) was intriguing, but that only served as lead-up and is put aside once the "mystery" begins, which is a shame. This short story is probably best for long-time Molly enthusiasts eager to snap up more Molly stories, rather than as an introduction for new readers.
Aside from it being "okay," there isn't really much else to say about it, since it was over before I even got into the story. A flash of action, the crime occurs and then Molly's figured it out and unmasked the criminal - all before readers have even been given the clues. Since we were given none of the details, none of Molly's "explanations" made much sense and it ended up being more of a showcase of Molly's intelligence than a truly satisfying mystery. I also question one loose end: What gives? And let's not even talk about how unrealistic it was that she could .
Molly's brief return to the Hartley's house and struggle with the realization that she's more of a servant than a friend of the family (as she'd happily believed) was intriguing, but that only served as lead-up and is put aside once the "mystery" begins, which is a shame. This short story is probably best for long-time Molly enthusiasts eager to snap up more Molly stories, rather than as an introduction for new readers.
December 28, 2015
Enjoyable short mystery story. This is a prequel to the Molly Murphy series and would probably be more fun for someone who is already familiar with the series. But it did leave me wanting to read more...
June 11, 2016
Good short anecdote about Molly before New York. However, it was much too short and it felt anticlimactic.
May 24, 2024
4.5/5 ⭐️
To me this was the perfect introduction to the Molly Murphy series. I loved getting to see the perspective of her as a young woman back home in Ireland. Although the “mystery” was very to the point, it definitely demonstrated just how intelligent Molly is and furthermore, how strong her intuition is. I’ve seen a lot of people say they don’t like how she always makes hasty decisions, but that is one of my favorite aspects of her. I love her boldness and determination and I think this story did such a good job of showing how from even a young age, her instincts and intellect were a force to be reckoned with.
The only thing I did not like was how short is was😭
To me this was the perfect introduction to the Molly Murphy series. I loved getting to see the perspective of her as a young woman back home in Ireland. Although the “mystery” was very to the point, it definitely demonstrated just how intelligent Molly is and furthermore, how strong her intuition is. I’ve seen a lot of people say they don’t like how she always makes hasty decisions, but that is one of my favorite aspects of her. I love her boldness and determination and I think this story did such a good job of showing how from even a young age, her instincts and intellect were a force to be reckoned with.
The only thing I did not like was how short is was😭
September 10, 2016
I honestly don't understand the need for this prequel "story." It doesn't add to the character or series, it's over in a flash as it only takes about five minutes to read, and is rather ridiculous. Plus, there's a character who apparently doesn't remember Molly at all when they meet in the fourth book, In Like Flynn, which was odd. While it was short (and free), The Amersham Rubies was just unnecessary and pointless.
September 5, 2014
Wow. If I had read this short story prior to reading the first book I would never have started the series. Molly tells the blackmailer he has to give the money back or she'll tell the women's husband? Molly doesn't really understand the whole concept of blackmail, which makes me think she is not as smart as she thinks she is. She also comes across as too self righteous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 28, 2012
I would have rated this higher but at 14 pages there is not enough room for me to decide how good it actually is. I liked the young heroine and I think this series has potential but I'll need to read more to decide.
Nook ebook
Nook ebook
September 1, 2015
An nice little prologue to the Molly Murphy mysteries. Not really enough to judge but I liked it.
September 11, 2015
This really didn't add anything worthwhile to the Molly Murphy series. It was too short to advance the story.
January 13, 2020
The Amersham Rubies is a short story prequel to Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy series. Set in Ireland at the end of the 19th c.. Molly is asked to help the guests at a party put on by the local lord. A ruby necklace is stolen and Molly is determined to find who is responsible.
This is a very short story and is a fine example of why I am not a big fan of short stories. The many leaps of logic and faith required in accepting how Molly solved the case stretched my willing suspension of disbelief way beyond its breaking point. Don’t get me wrong. I have read other historical mysteries by Bowen and enjoyed them but had I read this story first, it is unlikely I would have read another.
This is a very short story and is a fine example of why I am not a big fan of short stories. The many leaps of logic and faith required in accepting how Molly solved the case stretched my willing suspension of disbelief way beyond its breaking point. Don’t get me wrong. I have read other historical mysteries by Bowen and enjoyed them but had I read this story first, it is unlikely I would have read another.
February 16, 2020
I'm enjoying the first Molly Murphy mystery so couldn't resist this prequel, which was free on Amazon, but it is very short, only taking a few minutes to read, and didn't tell me much about Molly's life before the first full book.
June 8, 2023
I loved this introduction to the series! Will definitely be continuing!
April 20, 2021
Light reading that depicts upper class in such an exaggerated manner than it became comical although I’m sure it is not intended. Will give the next book in the series a try because this prequel was too short to properly evaluate the series’ potential. This was also way too cozy (mystery) for me.
December 20, 2021
Cute short story about which shows that Molly was brave and clever even in Ireland.
March 21, 2014
For a more in depth review, please visit my blog Chorley Chronicals
I was traveling and in the mood for something short and sweet, and that's exactly what I got with this gem! I previously read Murphy's Law, which is Book 1 of the Molly Murphy series, about a year ago, and have been meaning to continue on with the series for awhile now, but just haven't made time for it! This short story was just enough to rewet my tongue and remind me why I enjoyed this series so much the first time around.
I think that Rhys Bowen has a special talent to her writing. I am not typically a Historical Fiction reader, but I found a great deal of interest and entertainment in both this novella, and book 1 of the series!
There's not a whole lot one can say about a story that is only 38 pages long, but for as short as it was, I thought that it was written nicely with strong characters. The writing was solid and suspenseful enough for what you had to work with! I found enjoyment out of the story and wasn't bothered by its shortness! I thought that length fit the story at hand!
Overall, I have found that I enjoy Rhys Bowen's writing. I look forward to reading more by her and continuing on in the Molly Murphy series and even dabbling in the Her Royal Spyness Series, even though cozy's are just something that hasn't peaked my interest yet! Ya never know, Rhys Bowen could change that all for me!
I was traveling and in the mood for something short and sweet, and that's exactly what I got with this gem! I previously read Murphy's Law, which is Book 1 of the Molly Murphy series, about a year ago, and have been meaning to continue on with the series for awhile now, but just haven't made time for it! This short story was just enough to rewet my tongue and remind me why I enjoyed this series so much the first time around.
I think that Rhys Bowen has a special talent to her writing. I am not typically a Historical Fiction reader, but I found a great deal of interest and entertainment in both this novella, and book 1 of the series!
There's not a whole lot one can say about a story that is only 38 pages long, but for as short as it was, I thought that it was written nicely with strong characters. The writing was solid and suspenseful enough for what you had to work with! I found enjoyment out of the story and wasn't bothered by its shortness! I thought that length fit the story at hand!
Overall, I have found that I enjoy Rhys Bowen's writing. I look forward to reading more by her and continuing on in the Molly Murphy series and even dabbling in the Her Royal Spyness Series, even though cozy's are just something that hasn't peaked my interest yet! Ya never know, Rhys Bowen could change that all for me!
December 28, 2016
Very (surprisingly) quick "prequel" mystery to the Molly Murphy series (in fact only 34% is the short story, the rest is passages from Bless the Bride). But even with it's few pages, it seemed off. I read this after reading the first eight books. She seems a lot smarter and observant at 18 than she is at age twenty something after living in New York on her own for two years. As it said in one of the books, she solves her mysteries mostly on luck, not deducing actual evidence. Evidence can be screaming in Molly's face and she wouldn't get it, so how did she solve this mystery by a black mark on neck and a simple comment?
The dialogue between Molly and Lady Amersham also felt awkward and out of place. Even the great confident Molly Murphy couldn't get away with that tongue. Sadly there was just no connection between this short story with the novels in the series.
The dialogue between Molly and Lady Amersham also felt awkward and out of place. Even the great confident Molly Murphy couldn't get away with that tongue. Sadly there was just no connection between this short story with the novels in the series.
February 11, 2012
At first I thought this was a great idea: Write a short story and offer it as a free ebook, hooking people into an existing series of books. If I read a short story and loved it, I would totally look for other books by the author. Unfortunately, this story is way too simple, boring, and doesn't provide enough character detail to get you hooked and make you want more. If I wasn't already a fan of the Molly Murphy mysteries, I certainly wouldn't have started reading them after reading this story. Rhys Bowen wasted the 5 minutes that she probably spent writing this story. I wasted the 15 minutes that I spent reading it.
December 7, 2012
The Amersham Rubies started off pretty interesting. I was drawn in and my curiosity was piqued. Unfortunately, the conflict wasn't resolved in a realistic fashion and I found the resolution too abrupt. This is another one that is meant to draw the reader into the series and not necessarily this story. Does this technique work? I love historical fiction mysteries but this novella didn't draw me in. There was little character development but it was adequate for the short story mystery presented. I was into it until the solving of the mystery.
April 22, 2013
This was a very short story that leads up to the full length novels about Molly Murphy. This was so short that it actually should have been included in the first novel. There was not really anything to this story and the tone certainly didn't match the time frame of the book. The characters were undeveloped and the story pretty much went nowhere. So the buck stops here as this story doesn't encourage me to move any further into the series. Pretty much a waste of time. Thank goodness is was free!!
January 1, 2016
I was tickled pink to see this Molly Murphy prequel being offered for free with the Kindle Cloud Reader.
I knew it was a short story, but I wasn't prepared for just how short it would be. Pretty typical Molly, butting in where she doesn't belong and believing that she can do anything, regardless of tradition, class, or expectations. Kind of melodramatic and not up to Rhys Bowen's normal flair, but I can't really complain about a free Molly Murphy short story.
I knew it was a short story, but I wasn't prepared for just how short it would be. Pretty typical Molly, butting in where she doesn't belong and believing that she can do anything, regardless of tradition, class, or expectations. Kind of melodramatic and not up to Rhys Bowen's normal flair, but I can't really complain about a free Molly Murphy short story.
November 14, 2014
Poorly Written
This book - or rather, short story - has a fair premise, but the format felt too brief to be a satisfying read. I think it might have been better if it was fleshed out into a whole novel. Also, it could use more editing in the area of punctuation. I did not read the included excerpt from a subsequent book, so I can't comment on that.
This book - or rather, short story - has a fair premise, but the format felt too brief to be a satisfying read. I think it might have been better if it was fleshed out into a whole novel. Also, it could use more editing in the area of punctuation. I did not read the included excerpt from a subsequent book, so I can't comment on that.
February 8, 2015
This was my first read by this author and though I really wanted to be impressed I just wasn't. I think my teenager has written better developed short stories! The whole thing felt too rushed and assumed. Bleh
Displaying 1 - 30 of 190 reviews