Tell Me, Pretty Maiden

December 1902 finds Molly back from her ill-fated trip to Ireland and trying to juggle multiple cases at once. First, there's the prospective husband she's been hired to tail to make sure he is above board. Then she is hired to protect aging actress Blanch Lovejoy from the ghost haunting the theater where her comeback Broadway play is supposed to debut. Next, she's hired to find out what happened to John Jacob Halsted, a rich Yale student who is accused of robbing friends right before he vanished. Finally, she and beau Daniel Sullivan find a woman unconscious in the snow in Central Park. The woman wasn't dressed for the outdoors, and when she awakes can't speak and doesn't seem to track with anyone. While Molly is pleased to have so much work to pay her bills, she also can't juggle it all. So she approaches Daniel, a wrongfully suspended police captain, about helping her. But that potential partnership seems to only cause more friction in their relationship. Can the two find a way to work together and successfully solve all these cases? When done right, this series is as much about the historical as it is about the mystery. Here, it is done well. Occasionally, the plot appears to wander, but every one of those details becomes an important part of the story. There is still plenty of coincidence here, but Molly is also able to make a few deductions herself. The cases are juggled well, and one plot or the other was always moving forward. What I found most interesting is the relationship between Molly and Daniel. I have never really liked him, but here I couldn't decide whose side I was on. One minute, I was mad at him, but a few pages later I couldn't believe that Molly could be so childish. I'm still not sure where I want their relationship to go, but I am more open to the possibilities then I used to be. This series uses mystery to entertain and give us a glimpse into life 100 years ago. And you'll enjoy every minute of this time machine.

This is a great addition to the series! I wasn't as fond of "In Dublin's Fair City" and was worried this installment would go in that direction. No worries. I enjoy how Ms. Bowen works actual events into her books. It's a great series that should be good for a while yet.

In 1902 in snowy Central Park Molly Murphy and her sweetheart suspended New York City police Captain Daniel Sullivan (see OH DANNY BOY) are walking together enjoying the moment. However their idyllic stroll abruptly ends when they see a scantily clad woman half buried in a snow drift. They rescue the near dead but obviously traumatized young lady. Molly is outraged that someone could do this to another human. She vows to learn the identity of the still in shock woman and uncover who coldly left her to die. At about the same time, actress Blanche Lovejoy hires Molly to investigate the spiritual mischief that is devastating her production of a play scheduled to open shortly but is in trouble due to the ghostly vandalism. Although her time is already tight, Molly agrees to make inquiries into the vanished nephew of a wealthy client, who wants to know if her relative disappeared to avoid a homicide prosecution or is the victim of foul play. Molly's business is booming so she hires an assistant, an out of work cop who is dating her. Fascinatingly, the cases tie together in the theater leading to Molly going on stage to solve the mysteries. Readers will appreciate the latest entry of the unsinkable Molly Murphy as she continues to prove that she can make it in Manhattan. Harriet Klausner

I have ready all of the Molly Murphy mysteries and this might just be the best yet. I couldn't put it down! My only disappointment is that I was finished with it so quickly! I look forward to the next installment...

The Molly Murphy series has been a most enjoyable experience. We have watched Molly develop into an independent and shrewd detective and business woman. She rarely allows whimsy to distract her, remains loyal to her principals and her friends and expands her horizons in sometimes risky way, but all the while, she remains steadfast and true to herself. In this book, Molly endeavors to take on multiple cases simultaneously. Her friend/lover, Daniel Sullivan, continues to be separated from the police department unjustly and demonstrates angst over the unfairness of it. But, slowly and admirably, he is shedding the cultural binds of the day, that women should be seen and not heard, by not only acknowledging Molly's marvelous accomplisments, but actually agreeing to be in her employ. A wonderful development in this relationship, as we, the reader, watch this relationship grow. Of course, her good friends Sid and Gus, eccentric and colorful women friends who wonderfully dress up the dialogue, make their frequent appearance. Ryan, her actor friend makes his usual contribution, as do all the other wonderful characters from previous Molly Murphy writings. The only regret the reader has for any of Rhys Bowen Molly Murphy series books, is that they end. Your mind tingles with imagination as to where Ms. Bowen will take the series next.