Rhys Bowen
Murphy's Law (2001)
Author: Rhys Bowen
Genre: Mystery (Amateur Detective/Cozy)
Plot Summary:
In an act of self defense, Molly Murphy killed a man who attempted to rape her in her home in Ireland. Knowing that she would be imprisoned or hanged for her "crime," she flees to America under an assumed name. While being detained on Ellis Island, a man with whom Molly was seen arguing is murdered in his sleep. Suspicion surrounds Molly and she sets out on the streets of New York to prove her innocence. SPOILER: Each time she discovers a clue, she reports her findings back to Police Detective Daniel Sullivan. Along the way, Detective Sullivan becomes convinced of Molly's innocence and together they track down the true killer.
Geographical Setting: New York City
Time Period: 1900
Series: A Molly Murphy Mystery (Book 1)
Appeal Characteristics:
This is a simple story without complex twists and turns, but contains delightful and well developed characters. Molly Murphy is a head-strong, independent and witty young woman who is not afraid to speak her mind or brave the streets of New York City on her own. There is an obvious chemistry between the amateur detective, Molly Murphy, and the police detective, Daniel Sullivan. This relationship develops over the further installments of the Molly Murphy Mystery series. This book also provides a historical glimpse of New York City in 1900, including Hell's Kitchen, the segregation of cultural communities and the differences in living conditions between the classes.
Read-alikes: Molly Murphy also appears in Bowen's second installment of the Molly Murphy Mysteries, Death of Riley. Also, try Crocodile on the Sandbank by Elizabeth Peters or Dead Man's Island by Carolyn G. Hart for books with amateur female detectives. Sharyn McCrumb's Sick of Shadows and M.C. Beaton's Agatha Raisin and the Quiche of Deathmay be appealing read-alikes because of their subtle hint of romance. When in doubt, one can always fall back on the queen of cozy mysteries, Agatha Christie. Try Christie's Murder at the Vicarage.
Red Flags: none
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