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Molly Murphy #12
The Family Way
Molly Sullivan is a year into her marriage, expecting her first child, and confined to the life of a housewife. She's restless and irritable in the enforced idleness of pregnancy and the heat of a New York summer in 1905. So when a trip to the post office brings a letter addressed to her old detective agency asking her to locate a missing Irish serving maid, Molly figures it couldn't hurt to at least ask around, despite her promise to Daniel to give up her old career as a detective. On the same day, Molly learns that five babies have been kidnapped in the past month.
Refusing to let Molly help with the kidnapping investigation, Daniel sends her away to spend the summer with his mother. But even in the quiet, leafy suburbs, Molly's own pending motherhood makes her unable to ignore these missing children. What she uncovers will lead her on a terrifying journey through all levels of society, putting her life - and that of her baby - in danger.
296 pages, Hardcover
First published March 5, 2013
257 people are currently reading
2027 people want to read
About the author
Rhys Bowen
123 books9,554 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 319 reviews
April 6, 2013
I think I might be done with the Molly Murphy series. This series has not aged well, and this book was only slightly better than Bowen's previous offering of "Hush Now Don't You Cry."
The plot was good, the villain convincing, but the main characters were not enjoyable. Daniel has lost any charm he might have had. Her friends come off as jerks (when previously Sid and Gus were a great duo), and Molly...well, she was not nearly as endearing as she was at the start of the series. You know things are bad when Mother Sullivan morphs into a likeable character.
Once again, Bowen needs a better (or more ruthless) editor. Very repetitious, sometimes within the same paragraph.
The historical bits were nice this time around. But overall, I'm glad I got the library copy. I do wonder if Molly has been written into the corner: she can't be a detective anymore due to Daniel, but she still wants to be. This back-and-forth gets boring after awhile. I wonder if it might be better to work in a way for her to participate on the police force in some capacity. I don't know. Something to liven up the series and move it forward.
And POTENTIAL SPOILER:
Will she ever tell Daniel about the previous miscarriage? I've been waiting to see how that would play out for a long time.
The plot was good, the villain convincing, but the main characters were not enjoyable. Daniel has lost any charm he might have had. Her friends come off as jerks (when previously Sid and Gus were a great duo), and Molly...well, she was not nearly as endearing as she was at the start of the series. You know things are bad when Mother Sullivan morphs into a likeable character.
Once again, Bowen needs a better (or more ruthless) editor. Very repetitious, sometimes within the same paragraph.
The historical bits were nice this time around. But overall, I'm glad I got the library copy. I do wonder if Molly has been written into the corner: she can't be a detective anymore due to Daniel, but she still wants to be. This back-and-forth gets boring after awhile. I wonder if it might be better to work in a way for her to participate on the police force in some capacity. I don't know. Something to liven up the series and move it forward.
And POTENTIAL SPOILER:
Will she ever tell Daniel about the previous miscarriage? I've been waiting to see how that would play out for a long time.
April 15, 2013
I'm trying to figure out why the author wrote this book. I loved the previous books about Molly, the recent Irish immigrant who becomes a private detective. But now it is 1904 and Molly is married to Daniel and expecting their baby. Daniel wants her to stay home, even when she is asked to investigate a missing young woman. Interactions between the two of them for the rest of the book are Daniel telling her not to do stuff, and Molly doing it anyway.
What was the point of this? Is the author trying to say that women gave up everything in order to be married and have babies? Why would she imagine that that would be fun to read?
And Molly: Are you crazy? What were you thinking with some of the things you did in the name of finding this girl?
I used to like Molly and Daniel so much; why oh why did Rhys Bowen make them so unlikeable?
What was the point of this? Is the author trying to say that women gave up everything in order to be married and have babies? Why would she imagine that that would be fun to read?
And Molly: Are you crazy? What were you thinking with some of the things you did in the name of finding this girl?
I used to like Molly and Daniel so much; why oh why did Rhys Bowen make them so unlikeable?
September 16, 2019
This was an odd book. Molly heavily pregnant investigates a missing Irish immigrant called Maureen. The plot is good with an IRA plot, kidnapped babies, dodgy nuns and a bit of humour.
The locations were in sweltering New York in summer and Westchester County with a visit to Daniels mother to escape the heat of New York. In addition, finding clues to Maureen’s disappearance and as always getting herself into perilous situations.
The plot revolved around too many coincidences and Molly being in the right place. Overall not the best in the series.
The locations were in sweltering New York in summer and Westchester County with a visit to Daniels mother to escape the heat of New York. In addition, finding clues to Maureen’s disappearance and as always getting herself into perilous situations.
The plot revolved around too many coincidences and Molly being in the right place. Overall not the best in the series.
April 30, 2013
Ms. Bowen has GOT to find a way to reconcile Molly's intelligence and modernity with her married and maternal state. So sick of the arguing!! Why did she marry him? And then when Molly puts her baby in danger - which was entirely predictable- I wondered why Daniel married her! The more I think about it the less I like this book. Bridie should be in Molly's household. Sid and Gus don't need to be everywhere. Molly has plenty of ways to stay occupied and get involved in mysteries without constantly lying to her jerk if a husband. Now for the next one I suppose both husband and baby will have to be moved out of the way so Molly can sleuth. Getting silly.
April 11, 2013
Had significant issues with the dangers Molly puts herself in while pregnant. There were not needed risks - felt that she was foolhardy. Truthfully, it soured her on me a bit.
May 13, 2020
Molly Murphy is comfort reading for me. I love the strong, vivacious, down-to-earth, feminist heroine as well as the historical details of living in New York City at around 1900. As always, the title was very aptly named and the mystery easily guessed. Still its not about the outcome, but rather how the story unfolds and this time, I especially enjoyed the gothic atmosphere of an old convent – pretty spooky.
March 27, 2013
Much faster plot with more tension and adventure than bless the bride. Well told. Hard to understand why the author decided to have Molly get married as she has no real relationship with her husband. Perhaps they will eventually become a detective duo. Let's hope so. Having him be the disapproving after figure with Molly hiding her exploits from him is not entirely satisfactory.
June 21, 2015
A historical mystery featuring Molly Sullivan is full of suspense and surprises.Molly is expecting her first child. She finally agrees to spent the summer with her mother - in - law because she has decided to continue look for a missing Irish girl she knows about. I enjoyed this book although I find it rather predictable. I wonder why manages to get herself in so many problems. The ending was a surprise.
May 27, 2013
Poor Molly Murphy. She's obtained her hearts desire and is now married to Daniel Sullivan, NYC police detective, and expecting their first child. The bad news is that she's bored and restless - her independent nature isn't quite suited for domestic bliss.
Despite her promise to Daniel to set her investigating aside, Molly looks into a missing young woman from Ireland. While beginning a search for a maid, Molly also witnesses a kidnapping in the Lower Eastside, the fifth kidnapping in the area in the last month. With Daniel working this case and one of a new group of anarchists, Molly is sent to the country to stay with Mother Sullivan and escape the heat. Of course, Molly makes discoveries while in the country that tie the missing woman to the kidnappings and to the anarchists as well.
This is probably one of the weaker titles in the series; the mystery and Molly's investigation are a little too pat. Overall, it was a quick, mindless read - predictable, but amusing. If Molly is to continue her investigations, the author will need to find a way to balance Molly's independence with marriage and motherhood.
And can someone please vet the covers?? This is the second in a row that has clothing from the wrong period - a pet peeve.
Despite her promise to Daniel to set her investigating aside, Molly looks into a missing young woman from Ireland. While beginning a search for a maid, Molly also witnesses a kidnapping in the Lower Eastside, the fifth kidnapping in the area in the last month. With Daniel working this case and one of a new group of anarchists, Molly is sent to the country to stay with Mother Sullivan and escape the heat. Of course, Molly makes discoveries while in the country that tie the missing woman to the kidnappings and to the anarchists as well.
This is probably one of the weaker titles in the series; the mystery and Molly's investigation are a little too pat. Overall, it was a quick, mindless read - predictable, but amusing. If Molly is to continue her investigations, the author will need to find a way to balance Molly's independence with marriage and motherhood.
And can someone please vet the covers?? This is the second in a row that has clothing from the wrong period - a pet peeve.
May 31, 2013
If you're reading this, you've probably read the book or are at least familiar with the characters, so I'm not going to bore you with a synopsis. I've read all of the Molly Murphy novels and found this one, like most, to be a fun enough read; I think Bowen's weakest was "Bless the Bride." However, is every novel from now on going to be about Molly going behind Daniel's back to solve a case? And is he going to blow up at her because he hears a half-truth, without waiting for her side of the story? He needs to accept that she's not going to sit at home and knit; she needs to be honest with him so that he doesn't look like a jerk to his co-workers. I hope they work this out, and soon. And now that she's had her baby, I hope she grows up a little.
The mystery itself was moderately interesting, some of it predictable. I guess I'm just a sucker for books about this time and place; I love the descriptions of NYC, the buildings, and so on.
P.S. I found four typographical errors this time, which is not as many as some of her earlier books. But I wish the publishers would let me proofread! It's my job, and I'd do it for them for free. :)
The mystery itself was moderately interesting, some of it predictable. I guess I'm just a sucker for books about this time and place; I love the descriptions of NYC, the buildings, and so on.
P.S. I found four typographical errors this time, which is not as many as some of her earlier books. But I wish the publishers would let me proofread! It's my job, and I'd do it for them for free. :)
April 14, 2013
I do like Molly Murphy, but I do not recall a time where I wish a terrible misfortune to befall a beloved character.
If something were to happen to Daniel, I would not shed a tear.
I find it hard to believe that even in 1904, a man would love a woman with such an independent spirit and want to absolutely control her after being married, particularly in such a boorish manner.
I enjoyed the mystery, although I pieced it together before Molly did. It's not a common occurrence for me to do that, which means it's fairly obvious.
All in all, I'm glad this was a library book and I think I may be putting Molly on notice...
If something were to happen to Daniel, I would not shed a tear.
I find it hard to believe that even in 1904, a man would love a woman with such an independent spirit and want to absolutely control her after being married, particularly in such a boorish manner.
I enjoyed the mystery, although I pieced it together before Molly did. It's not a common occurrence for me to do that, which means it's fairly obvious.
All in all, I'm glad this was a library book and I think I may be putting Molly on notice...
August 27, 2022
Molly Murphy Sullivan is one of my secret joys as she continues to do detective work while being 7-8 months pregnant. She gets herself into lots of foolhardy situations, but manages to come through in the end. Enjoyable and fun. Recommended to Molly fans.
March 13, 2013
Another fantastic adventure with Molly. Rhys' books are always a relaxing read and I look forward to each one. This book was nice in that we saw a little more Sid, Gus, and Daniel development. The only thing unnerving was that there was something eerily familiar with Maureen's case, but perhaps that is because this is the 30th Rhys Bowen book I have read! Very predictable. Since Molly is with child I often was frustrated with her riding horses, drinking wine, and plain old putting her life in the hands of murderers and creating stress (not good for baby!). Also, why was everyone ok with telling Molly all their secrets?
Still, thoroughly enjoyed myself and Molly's latest mystery! Unlike Georgie, she actively tries to solve cases and likes to keep busy.
Still, thoroughly enjoyed myself and Molly's latest mystery! Unlike Georgie, she actively tries to solve cases and likes to keep busy.
March 14, 2013
I knew the plot from the moment I met the pertinent characters. It was then just a question of forcing myself to read the book to basically see to the end what I already knew. There were a few tiny surprises, but overall it was vastly predictable. Things could have been worse for Molly. I suspected there would be more drama than actually happened, but her "foolish girl" personality is getting tired and annoying. I was hoping this book would end her series, as she is set to have a child, but instead it left the door open for many more adventures. And I DON'T think I'll be reading them.
April 21, 2013
I enjoyed this book but I didn't "love" it. My major problem was that I just could not believe that a pregnant Molly would be doing the things she was - not in that place and time. I'm worried that future books are going to be some variation of this theme. She will have a baby but will put herself and the baby in risk because she MUST still be a detective! Don't see how that is going to work.
April 12, 2013
Molly's in "the family way" and this case revolves around babies. Her husband Daniel refuses to let her work as a detective anymore but Molly finds a way to work around him when she receives a letter from Ireland asking help in locating a young Irish girl who seemingly vanished after arriving in NYC at the turn of the century.
A pleasing addition to the Molly Murphy series.
A pleasing addition to the Molly Murphy series.
March 16, 2013
St Patrick's Day gift from a friend, how cool is that? I love Molly. I've said it before. Author is good all the time, can't go wrong with a Molly book. Read in one sitting. Hope Molly doesn't let a baby slow her down!
August 28, 2019
This Molly Murphy Mystery had the same lovable characters that previous ones have. Nevertheless, it lacked the humor that I enjoyed so immensely. It was still entertaining though and a quick read. I just re-read this book. It's always fun to read a Molly Murphy mystery.
January 6, 2019
Another Good Mystery
Very entertaining read. If never be able to pull off the kind of detective work she did in this story ..... All while being around 8 months pregnant.
Very entertaining read. If never be able to pull off the kind of detective work she did in this story ..... All while being around 8 months pregnant.
March 7, 2020
The series gets less interesting as it goes on because a married woman who has less freedom is just less interesting. Bowen has to come up with ways to have Molly travel away from her husband.
January 24, 2023
Oh, Molly, you never learn! I've been working my way through the Molly Murphy mysteries for over a year now, and I thoroughly enjoy every installment on the beloved (retired?) Irish detective. In The Family Way, Molly is pregnant with her and Daniel's first child and is supposed to be resting and taking it easy. Alas, Molly and trouble are fast friends, and when a letter from an Irish family looking for their daughter comes her way, she can't help but ask a few questions to see what happened to their daughter. At the same time, babies are being kidnapped and the Irish nationalists are rebelling. Daniel, Molly's husband, tells Molly to relax and sends her to the country with her mother, which she manages to use as an opportunity to further investigate the missing Irish immigrant girl, ultimately managing to find herself in grave danger in the most holy of places.
What I love about Molly's mysteries is the context. Bowen has created a great historical context where the characters feel real yet the context is fully fleshed out, the perfect balance of historical fiction. For me, the mystery is often second fiddle. I love Molly, Sid, Gus, and Bridie. Molly's struggles with the balance of wife, mother, woman, career, Irishwoman, sister, and so much more in this book are really beautiful. I didn't like Daniel, as usual, who manages to yell at his wife, berate her, and tell her to stay home and mind her unborn child. I also struggled with the coincidence of all of the mysteries somehow being related. That seems to happen a little too often to Molly's mysteries, and it tends to make the mysteries feel less plausible.
Overall, though, Molly's heart and fierceness are as enjoyable as ever in this 12th mystery. I hope the series continues to be enjoyable despite Molly being in "retirement." If you enjoy historical mysteries in NYC with a lot of historical context and an array of unique characters, this book may be for you!
3.5/4
What I love about Molly's mysteries is the context. Bowen has created a great historical context where the characters feel real yet the context is fully fleshed out, the perfect balance of historical fiction. For me, the mystery is often second fiddle. I love Molly, Sid, Gus, and Bridie. Molly's struggles with the balance of wife, mother, woman, career, Irishwoman, sister, and so much more in this book are really beautiful. I didn't like Daniel, as usual, who manages to yell at his wife, berate her, and tell her to stay home and mind her unborn child. I also struggled with the coincidence of all of the mysteries somehow being related. That seems to happen a little too often to Molly's mysteries, and it tends to make the mysteries feel less plausible.
Overall, though, Molly's heart and fierceness are as enjoyable as ever in this 12th mystery. I hope the series continues to be enjoyable despite Molly being in "retirement." If you enjoy historical mysteries in NYC with a lot of historical context and an array of unique characters, this book may be for you!
3.5/4
April 18, 2018
Another interesting mystery featuring Molly Murphy who is now married and has promised her husband that she is retiring from detective work now that she is expecting a baby soon. However, being who she is, she can't stay away when she receives a request for help from Ireland and then witnesses a baby being taken. These temptations added to the fact that her own brother is being sought by the police for actives involving the Irish Republican movement to declare Ireland independent of Great Britain, combine to tempt Molly back into her past work, even as she is supposed to be relaxing in Westchester,NY. A very good read!
January 5, 2020
Not as good as previous books
Molly does a remarkably stupid thing in this book, so bad it makes me want to call her TSTL, and I hate that acronym. The mysteries were interesting, but everything wrapped up far too neatly. Not one of the better ones of the series.
Molly does a remarkably stupid thing in this book, so bad it makes me want to call her TSTL, and I hate that acronym. The mysteries were interesting, but everything wrapped up far too neatly. Not one of the better ones of the series.
April 25, 2021
The nun thing was so creepy for some reason 🥲🥶
August 4, 2023
I thought I wrote up a review. From my recollection and reminders from other reviewers, I suspect I was not too impressed.
Molly has always been an impulsive young lady. Her repetitive behavior has gotten her in more trouble than ever necessary. Now finally married and pregnant, she is forced to become that housewife society expects. But Molly is still Molly Murphy a woman who wants to continue pursuing a career she promised to give up. Further, her actions endanger her unborn child. As if she did not learn her lesson the first time.
Despite, Daniel's irritating condescending and sexist attitude, he is the product of the Times. But, what bothers me is Molly's continual deception. Although, she tries to be safe while pregnant, she is still investigating. She is still not telling Daniel her secrets.
At about book 8, I was beginning to get irritated with Daniel and Molly's relationship. Just get married for goodness sake. Now, she is married and pregnant, I wish it never happened. She is now stuck in a role of wife and mother. Daniel is only the product of his upbringing and society's expectations.
What is concerning is Molly's continual dishonesty with Daniel. Daniel may be sexist and condescending, but at least he is honest.
I am a loyal reader to Rhys Bowen - adoring both her other series. I will continue reading until the end only because of that loyalty. Although, Thank goodness for the public library. If I had purchased this book, I have been mad.
Molly has always been an impulsive young lady. Her repetitive behavior has gotten her in more trouble than ever necessary. Now finally married and pregnant, she is forced to become that housewife society expects. But Molly is still Molly Murphy a woman who wants to continue pursuing a career she promised to give up. Further, her actions endanger her unborn child. As if she did not learn her lesson the first time.
Despite, Daniel's irritating condescending and sexist attitude, he is the product of the Times. But, what bothers me is Molly's continual deception. Although, she tries to be safe while pregnant, she is still investigating. She is still not telling Daniel her secrets.
At about book 8, I was beginning to get irritated with Daniel and Molly's relationship. Just get married for goodness sake. Now, she is married and pregnant, I wish it never happened. She is now stuck in a role of wife and mother. Daniel is only the product of his upbringing and society's expectations.
What is concerning is Molly's continual dishonesty with Daniel. Daniel may be sexist and condescending, but at least he is honest.
I am a loyal reader to Rhys Bowen - adoring both her other series. I will continue reading until the end only because of that loyalty. Although, Thank goodness for the public library. If I had purchased this book, I have been mad.
July 15, 2013
I love the Molly Murphy series. Molly and her now husband are two strong characters with a lot of interest. The location and time period are a wonderful choice, taking advantage of all the social change and conflict in the transition from Victorian to modern times.
But this book brings the series to a difficult turning point. Molly is pregnant, so not such an agile detective, and she and hubby are having the same arguments over and over. Perhaps this is true to the era, but some more substantial progress in the relationship would be useful in a work of fiction.
The plotting is also more contrived than usual, as Molly gets herself into some ridiculous situations. The author has her work cut out to get this series back on track. I hope she succeeds.
But this book brings the series to a difficult turning point. Molly is pregnant, so not such an agile detective, and she and hubby are having the same arguments over and over. Perhaps this is true to the era, but some more substantial progress in the relationship would be useful in a work of fiction.
The plotting is also more contrived than usual, as Molly gets herself into some ridiculous situations. The author has her work cut out to get this series back on track. I hope she succeeds.
July 12, 2017
Hmmm...I am debating continuing this series which is unfortunate because I am a big Rhys Bowen fan. I am anxiously awaiting Georgie's next adventure with Darcy and I love In Farleigh Field but Molly is just getting painful.
Her actions are just plain stupid. Especially for a woman who is 8 months pregnant. Walking around all over, getting yourself admitted to a sketch Convent, not telling anyone where you are going AND THEN SID AND GUS WAIT THAT LONG TO SAY ANYTHING?! A pregnant woman is missing for an entire day and you guys just wait it out??? And I hate how Daniel is such a side character because all he does is nag in the short scenes he is in.
I dunno, I might hold out on reading a City of Light and Darkness until I'm over how stupid I find Molly at the moment.
Her actions are just plain stupid. Especially for a woman who is 8 months pregnant. Walking around all over, getting yourself admitted to a sketch Convent, not telling anyone where you are going AND THEN SID AND GUS WAIT THAT LONG TO SAY ANYTHING?! A pregnant woman is missing for an entire day and you guys just wait it out??? And I hate how Daniel is such a side character because all he does is nag in the short scenes he is in.
I dunno, I might hold out on reading a City of Light and Darkness until I'm over how stupid I find Molly at the moment.
July 25, 2016
The Molly Murphy mystery series is a pleasant cosy mystery. I enjoy it more for the characters and the setting than for the actual murder. The Family Way finds Molly pregnant and bored having to stay at home. But as usual she has a mystery land in her lap and she pursues it to the end. This was a fun story that sent her fromNYC to upstate to her mother-in-law's and to a convent.
You will enjoy this.
You will enjoy this.
April 29, 2013
This series is really going downhill. I still enjoy reading the books. I like the time period and the mysteries are interesting. The problem is with the main characters. Daniel has become a really prideful, close-minded jerk. Molly has become deceitful and recklessly impulsive. Can these characters be saved?
March 25, 2013
Have I really read 12 of these? Molly took some weird risks in this one that were somewhat out of character. Yes, it was a bit predictable, but there were still some surprises. I know Daniel is worried, but his controlling behavior made it hard for me to sympathize with him. All the hints about him maybe going into politics doesn't look good for this marriage.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews