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Molly Murphy #20
In Sunshine or in Shadow
Retired Detective Molly Murphy Sullivan is back with In Sunshine or in Shadow, the latest book in this beloved series by New York Times bestselling author Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles.
New York, 1908: The days are getting longer—and warmer—in Manhattan. Molly Murphy Sullivan doesn’t want to leave her home in the city, but typhoid is back, and she’s expecting. So she heads north with the children to summer with her mother-in-law in Westchester County. Molly tells herself it won’t be so bad, after all the countryside is pretty, and she’s determined to make the best of it. Even if she’s leaving her husband, Daniel, behind. And at least she’s not the only one heading north. Her great friends, Sid and Gus, are headed to the Catskills to visit Sid’s family.
Though her mother-in-law is a surprisingly excellent host, Molly quickly grows bored. And when Sid and Gus invite her to visit, Molly jumps at the chance to stay with them at an artist’s community. What a pleasant time they’ll have, so far from the city, although Sid isn’t so enthusiastic about having to visit her family in the nearby Jewish bungalow community. But deep in the Catskills, tensions are running high, and it’s not long before a body delays Molly’s return to Westchester.
New York, 1908: The days are getting longer—and warmer—in Manhattan. Molly Murphy Sullivan doesn’t want to leave her home in the city, but typhoid is back, and she’s expecting. So she heads north with the children to summer with her mother-in-law in Westchester County. Molly tells herself it won’t be so bad, after all the countryside is pretty, and she’s determined to make the best of it. Even if she’s leaving her husband, Daniel, behind. And at least she’s not the only one heading north. Her great friends, Sid and Gus, are headed to the Catskills to visit Sid’s family.
Though her mother-in-law is a surprisingly excellent host, Molly quickly grows bored. And when Sid and Gus invite her to visit, Molly jumps at the chance to stay with them at an artist’s community. What a pleasant time they’ll have, so far from the city, although Sid isn’t so enthusiastic about having to visit her family in the nearby Jewish bungalow community. But deep in the Catskills, tensions are running high, and it’s not long before a body delays Molly’s return to Westchester.
279 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 12, 2024
About the author
Rhys Bowen
106 books9,056 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
March 30, 2024
In Sunshine or in Shadow (Molly Murphy Mystery #20) by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles was another historical fiction mystery co-authored by this talented mother/daughter duo. It took place during the beginning of the summer months of 1908 in New York City where there was an outbreak of typhoid. Since Daniel, Molly’s police detective husband, was concerned about the cases of typhoid that were being reported in the city, Daniel suggested that Molly and the children spend the summer with his mother at her home in Westchester County. After all, Molly was now carrying their second child and there was concern for their young son, Liam, and their charge, Bridie. Molly loved being in the city and the thought of leaving it for the entire summer was not something that she wanted to do. When Molly found out that her dear friends, Sid and Gus, were planning to also escape the city to the Catskills, Molly’s decision became a bit easier. Molly made Daniel promise her that he would try and visit her at his mother’s home often. Daniel wasn’t sure how often he would be able to leave his detective work behind but he promised he would do his best to come see Molly and the children as often as his job allowed.
Molly, Liam and Bridie traveled to Westchester County by train and soon arrived at Daniel’s mother’s home. The children settled in nicely but Molly soon discovered how bored she was. Luckily, Sid and Gus checked in with Molly and invited her to come stay with them at the all women artist community, Amicitia, that they were staying at for the summer. Among the women at Amicitia were a journalist for Ladie’s Home Journal, some women that were very active in the women’s suffragette movement, a New York City actress, a psychologist, an architect and several artists. One of the reasons that Sid and Gus had chosen to stay at Amicitia was because Sid had been asked to visit her grandparent’s farm and the artist community was not too far away. Sid had been told that her grandfather’s health was getting worse and that Sid should make an effort to see him. Sid’s family was Jewish. Her grandparents had come to the United States from Poland and had bought land in the Catskills and started their farm. When Sid, Gus and Molly arrived at the farm they were greeted warmly, especially by Sid’s younger seventeen year old cousin Mira, her Bubbe and Zayde ( Yiddish for grandma and grandpa) and the rest of Sid’s family. There were several bungalows on the property and several guests that had been invited to stay in them over the summer. Sid soon learned that her mother had conceived her in order to get her to visit. Zayde’s health seemed to be just fine. Among the guests that Sid’s grandparents had invited to stay with them that summer were three men from New York City. Sid and her cousin Mira were soon to hear the last thing they ever expected to hear. A matchmaker, Mrs. Ella Birmbaum, had been consulted and invited to join the family for an elaborate luncheon celebration. She was about to announce the “perfect matches” for both young Mira and Sid, their grandparent’s only two granddaughters. Unfortunately, that would only be the start to the problems that the family would have to face. A few days later, a murder occurred on the farm. Young Mira became the main suspect. Could Molly use her detective skills to clear Mira’s name and discover who the real murderer was?
I enjoyed reading In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles. Some of the plot and actions throughout the book were somewhat predictable but I was intrigued enough to keep reading. I loved that many of the characters from the past books were present in this one as well as some colorful new ones. The setting in the Catskills brought back fond memories of my childhood years when I spent several summers at a bungalow colony with my family. The description of the traditional Jewish foods that were served and the lush landscape were very well described. I enjoyed that several historical references from that time period were present in the plot. Women’s Suffrage was incorporated into the story as well as the typhoid outbreak in New York City. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series and recommend In Sunshine or in Shadow highly.
Thank you to Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
Molly, Liam and Bridie traveled to Westchester County by train and soon arrived at Daniel’s mother’s home. The children settled in nicely but Molly soon discovered how bored she was. Luckily, Sid and Gus checked in with Molly and invited her to come stay with them at the all women artist community, Amicitia, that they were staying at for the summer. Among the women at Amicitia were a journalist for Ladie’s Home Journal, some women that were very active in the women’s suffragette movement, a New York City actress, a psychologist, an architect and several artists. One of the reasons that Sid and Gus had chosen to stay at Amicitia was because Sid had been asked to visit her grandparent’s farm and the artist community was not too far away. Sid had been told that her grandfather’s health was getting worse and that Sid should make an effort to see him. Sid’s family was Jewish. Her grandparents had come to the United States from Poland and had bought land in the Catskills and started their farm. When Sid, Gus and Molly arrived at the farm they were greeted warmly, especially by Sid’s younger seventeen year old cousin Mira, her Bubbe and Zayde ( Yiddish for grandma and grandpa) and the rest of Sid’s family. There were several bungalows on the property and several guests that had been invited to stay in them over the summer. Sid soon learned that her mother had conceived her in order to get her to visit. Zayde’s health seemed to be just fine. Among the guests that Sid’s grandparents had invited to stay with them that summer were three men from New York City. Sid and her cousin Mira were soon to hear the last thing they ever expected to hear. A matchmaker, Mrs. Ella Birmbaum, had been consulted and invited to join the family for an elaborate luncheon celebration. She was about to announce the “perfect matches” for both young Mira and Sid, their grandparent’s only two granddaughters. Unfortunately, that would only be the start to the problems that the family would have to face. A few days later, a murder occurred on the farm. Young Mira became the main suspect. Could Molly use her detective skills to clear Mira’s name and discover who the real murderer was?
I enjoyed reading In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles. Some of the plot and actions throughout the book were somewhat predictable but I was intrigued enough to keep reading. I loved that many of the characters from the past books were present in this one as well as some colorful new ones. The setting in the Catskills brought back fond memories of my childhood years when I spent several summers at a bungalow colony with my family. The description of the traditional Jewish foods that were served and the lush landscape were very well described. I enjoyed that several historical references from that time period were present in the plot. Women’s Suffrage was incorporated into the story as well as the typhoid outbreak in New York City. I look forward to reading the next installment in this series and recommend In Sunshine or in Shadow highly.
Thank you to Minotaur Books/St. Martin’s Press for allowing me to read In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles through Netgalley in exchange for a honest review.
December 22, 2023
This took a long time to set up and finally get a body, especially since it was obvious who it would be the moment they were introduced. I always hope Molly finds her way back to investigating more openly or even reopening her detective agency. With Daniel not being quite as dismissive of her as he used to be, maybe the series can shift in a new direction. I didn’t love the pacing but fans of the series will like this one.
March 30, 2024
Review coming soon.
November 25, 2023
-Engaging writing style.
-Fun and interesting plot.
-Good pacing.
-This series would be great to see brought to film or tv.
I could really visualize it.
-Couldn’t tell it was written by two authors.
-Based on this book, the first I’ve read by this/these authors, I will read more of this mystery series.
Thankyou to Author’s Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, Netgalley and Minotaur Books for tte opportunity to read this book in advance of tte publish date.
Charlene 📚🌸🤗 @lastnownext
-Fun and interesting plot.
-Good pacing.
-This series would be great to see brought to film or tv.
I could really visualize it.
-Couldn’t tell it was written by two authors.
-Based on this book, the first I’ve read by this/these authors, I will read more of this mystery series.
Thankyou to Author’s Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, Netgalley and Minotaur Books for tte opportunity to read this book in advance of tte publish date.
Charlene 📚🌸🤗 @lastnownext
March 17, 2024
I don't understand the high ratings except there is a loyal fan group for Molly (of which I'm one). This book should have started at Chapter 15.
March 11, 2024
This is book 20 in the Molly Murphy series. I have enjoyed this series since book 1 when Molly was still in Ireland. Now she’s married to a NYC police captain and has a family. She’s been through many adventures. The series touches on various historic events such as women’s suffrage, and in this book, a typhoid epidemic.
I love the cast of characters in this series. Many are repeat characters, such as Molly’s friends Sid and Gus, and Molly’s children and mother in law. Molly is a strong female MC. She believes in the traditional role of women but sees no reason for that to limit her. In 1908, that was radical thinking.
As with the other books in this series, this was well written with a mystery that made sense. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes historical novels. The author does play with details a bit to fit the story, as most novelists do, but the basic historical facts are accurate. She does explain anything that was altered at the end of the book. In this case, the year of the epidemic was changed by 1 year.
I was blessed to receive this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love the cast of characters in this series. Many are repeat characters, such as Molly’s friends Sid and Gus, and Molly’s children and mother in law. Molly is a strong female MC. She believes in the traditional role of women but sees no reason for that to limit her. In 1908, that was radical thinking.
As with the other books in this series, this was well written with a mystery that made sense. I highly recommend this series to anyone who likes historical novels. The author does play with details a bit to fit the story, as most novelists do, but the basic historical facts are accurate. She does explain anything that was altered at the end of the book. In this case, the year of the epidemic was changed by 1 year.
I was blessed to receive this book as a free ARC and am leaving this review voluntarily.
August 11, 2023
Molly is expecting and not looking forward to having her friends gone for the summer, or the warmer days. Going to her mother in law for a few days and not wanting the whole summer and missing her friends. Gus and Sid invite her to come, and finding.tension among people in the Catskill.
As a retired detective will she be curious to know what is going on
A heartwarming story of friends, and family that I enjoyed reading
Given arc by Net Galley and. Minotaur for my voluntary review and my honest opinion. March 12, 2024
As a retired detective will she be curious to know what is going on
A heartwarming story of friends, and family that I enjoyed reading
Given arc by Net Galley and. Minotaur for my voluntary review and my honest opinion. March 12, 2024
April 13, 2024
It is New York, 1908 and Molly and her husband and young son have been invited to the Catskills to meet the family of one of Molly's friends' parents.
While there a murder takes place. Technically Molly no longer works as a Detective; however, one of Molly's friends is a suspect in this murder. So Molly starts to investigate.
This is the 20th of the "Molly Murphy Mysteries."
Through Ms. Bowen's creative writing the readers will be able to get a feel of the surroundings of the Catskills.
While there a murder takes place. Technically Molly no longer works as a Detective; however, one of Molly's friends is a suspect in this murder. So Molly starts to investigate.
This is the 20th of the "Molly Murphy Mysteries."
Through Ms. Bowen's creative writing the readers will be able to get a feel of the surroundings of the Catskills.
December 18, 2024
Well written & paced… one of the best of this series!
March 25, 2024
Always interesting to learn about past eras.
March 9, 2024
In Sunshine or Shadow by mother/daughter duo Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles is the next in the charming Molly Murphy Mystery series. In 1908 the suffragette movement may be ridiculed by men and some women but in New York groups of women hold true to their convictions. We see protests and a push for female intellectual stimulation. Many are happy to be traditional mothers and others become intrepid scientists and explorers. A fascinating awakening in a man's world!
Typhoid encroaches upon Molly's neighbourhood in New York City. For several reasons, her police detective husband Daniel encourages pregnant Molly and their children to go to the country for the summer. They head north while Daniel remains in the city. Their adopted teenage daughter is less than thrilled to be in the countryside and misses her friends. Their wee toddler is busy and energetic. Though her hands are full, as a retired detective Molly craves puzzles. Well, she gets one!
Molly's family stays with her accommodating mother in law but Molly soon grows restless. Her dear friends Sid and Gus have a solution...promises of adventure and a stay at a peaceful Jewish resort in the Catskills. But murder isn't all that calming.
This is a fun series. Though parts are predictable, there is more than mystery to enjoy. There are also interesting family dynamics, women realizing their importance and seeking change and navigating this new world.
As always, the writing is bright, witty and smashing, an excellent light read.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this comfy novel.
Typhoid encroaches upon Molly's neighbourhood in New York City. For several reasons, her police detective husband Daniel encourages pregnant Molly and their children to go to the country for the summer. They head north while Daniel remains in the city. Their adopted teenage daughter is less than thrilled to be in the countryside and misses her friends. Their wee toddler is busy and energetic. Though her hands are full, as a retired detective Molly craves puzzles. Well, she gets one!
Molly's family stays with her accommodating mother in law but Molly soon grows restless. Her dear friends Sid and Gus have a solution...promises of adventure and a stay at a peaceful Jewish resort in the Catskills. But murder isn't all that calming.
This is a fun series. Though parts are predictable, there is more than mystery to enjoy. There are also interesting family dynamics, women realizing their importance and seeking change and navigating this new world.
As always, the writing is bright, witty and smashing, an excellent light read.
My sincere thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for providing me with a digital copy of this comfy novel.
December 6, 2023
In Sunshine or in Shadow is the 20th installment in the Molly Murphy series, originally created by Rhys Bowen, and now written in partnership with Bowen’s daughter, Clare Broyles. I have enjoyed every single one, as we see Molly’s upward mobility from a penniless Irish immigrant at the turn of the last century, to having her own detective business, and finally being the wife of a New York City police captain. However, you do not need to read the previous installments to enjoy this one. And, as a disappointed reader of other authors’ series now written with partners,, I am happy to report that the mother/daughter authoring partnership here works extremely well. The quality of this series remains constant.
The novel takes place in 1908, and pregnant Molly, along with her toddler son and teenage ward, are encouraged to get out of the city because of a typhoid epidemic. She stays with her mother-in-law in Westchester County, but is happy to find her Bohemian friends, Sid and Gus are staying nearby. When she visits them, and Sid’s family in the Catskills, she gets caught up in solving a murder and helping protect a young girl from a lazy detective who would arrest her.
The mystery is completely engaging, and I read eagerly to find the culprit. Descriptions of the area and life in the very early part of the 20th century were very interesting. This was the dawn of resorts built for Jewish families escaping the city’s summer heat. We see the bias against Jews and women at that time and cheer the resourcefulness and resilience of these groups.
In my opinion, this is a 5 star read!
The novel takes place in 1908, and pregnant Molly, along with her toddler son and teenage ward, are encouraged to get out of the city because of a typhoid epidemic. She stays with her mother-in-law in Westchester County, but is happy to find her Bohemian friends, Sid and Gus are staying nearby. When she visits them, and Sid’s family in the Catskills, she gets caught up in solving a murder and helping protect a young girl from a lazy detective who would arrest her.
The mystery is completely engaging, and I read eagerly to find the culprit. Descriptions of the area and life in the very early part of the 20th century were very interesting. This was the dawn of resorts built for Jewish families escaping the city’s summer heat. We see the bias against Jews and women at that time and cheer the resourcefulness and resilience of these groups.
In my opinion, this is a 5 star read!
April 2, 2024
I had forgotten why I stopped reading this series, but this brought it back in a hurry. Every single passage that involves horses is seriously wrong. It is NOT easier to trot a horse than to gallop. You don't continually drive horses at a fast run, especially in a trap, they have two wheels and turn over easily.
The only likable characters in this are Syd and Gus. Even Molly acts stupid in this one, and Daniel has always been a dolt.
The only likable characters in this are Syd and Gus. Even Molly acts stupid in this one, and Daniel has always been a dolt.
January 31, 2024
This most recent addition to the Molly Murphy series is wonderful! The mystery and intrigue was very well written. The setting was so inviting and the cast of characters was amazing as always! A must read for cozy mystery and historical fiction fans!
January 1, 2024
A great addition to the Molly Sullivan series! The familiar characters are always a pleasure to see and the characters that are new in each novel keep things interesting.
March 11, 2024
In Sunshine or in Shadow is the 20th book of the fan-favorite historical mystery series Molly Murphy by Rhys Bowen and her daughter Clare Broyles. If you wrote this one off because you haven't read any of the others in the series, don't give it another thought; there's no problem here. I started with book 18, and I haven't had any trouble at all following along. So dive right in, because each mystery stands alone.
The days are getting longer and warmer in 1908 Manhattan, but typhoid is back. Molly Murphy Sullivan doesn't want to leave her home, but since she's expecting, she really must. Her husband Daniel, a New York police captain, must stay to work, but he sends Molly, their toddler son Liam and teenage ward Bridie to stay with his mother in Westchester County to keep them safe. Molly is determined to make the best of it. Also, Molly's great friends and neighbors, Sid and Gus, are also heading north to the Catskills to visit Sid's family. Liam and Bridie are having the time of their lives, but Molly quickly becomes bored. So when Sid and Gus invite Molly to stay with them at an artist's colony for women, she jumps at the chance. They plan on having a great visit, though Sid isn't thrilled having to visit her family in the nearby Jewish bungalow community. Tensions are high in the area, however, and soon there's a dead body. Not surprising...this is Molly we're talking about!
I loved all three books that I've read in this series, but this one is my favorite so far. The Manhattan location is always interesting, but it was fun seeing Molly in Westchester County (briefly), the women's artist colony and the Jewish enclave in the Catskills. Molly's mother-in-law was quite gracious and happy to have Daniel's family come stay with her. Molly was fine for about a week, but when Sid and Gus invited her to stay with them, it didn't take long for her to come to a decision! The visit to the artist's colony - all women - was a lot of fun. This was the time of the suffragette movement, so the women there were quite independent thinkers. (No "little ladies" here!) Time spent with Sid and Gus (both are women, if this is your first foray into this series) is always entertaining. I loved the practice for the play the colony was going to perform. My favorite location, however, was the time spent in Sid's family's Jewish bungalow community. Sid's family members were charming and loving, except they invited a matchmaker who chose men for both Sid and her young cousin. Neither was thrilled; Sid's love is Gus, and cousin Mira's chosen partner was an odious man. There was conflict between the artist's colony and bungalow community against a mining company who was ruining the beautiful landscape - with dynamite - for the blue rock used in paving streets. When someone is murdered at the bungalow community, it's no shock who it turns out to be, as he was a hateful braggart. But his death really got the story rolling along. Molly is such a wonderful character! She loves being a mother and wife, but she does miss the time she spent as a private investigator. A dead body always seems to turn up when Molly is around! She can't seem to remain uninvolved, even though she's carrying a child. Not only did Molly investigate a murder, but she also had the opportunity to protest the mining enterprise. The members of the artist's colony were a hoot - when they discovered Molly was trying to solve a murder, they wanted to be her Baker Street Irregulars! As always, Molly and Daniel's children are always entertaining. Daniel I sometimes have trouble with; he greatly loves Molly, but her investigation of murders always makes him exasperated, especially now that she's pregnant. In the last book and this one, however, he seems to be more accepting that Molly is going to be...well, Molly. And it's obvious he adores her. Though Molly is my favorite character, I absolutely adore Sid and Gus! Molly has the best friends ever, and they are adoring "aunties" to Liam and Bridie. They shine in every scene in which they appear. I enjoyed all of Sid's family, especially Mira and Bubbe. It was sad to see the anti-Semitism these kind people experienced, but they were a loving and lively lot. There were no great surprises in the mysteries here, but that didn't matter. I still loved every bit of it! I can't wait for book 21!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
The days are getting longer and warmer in 1908 Manhattan, but typhoid is back. Molly Murphy Sullivan doesn't want to leave her home, but since she's expecting, she really must. Her husband Daniel, a New York police captain, must stay to work, but he sends Molly, their toddler son Liam and teenage ward Bridie to stay with his mother in Westchester County to keep them safe. Molly is determined to make the best of it. Also, Molly's great friends and neighbors, Sid and Gus, are also heading north to the Catskills to visit Sid's family. Liam and Bridie are having the time of their lives, but Molly quickly becomes bored. So when Sid and Gus invite Molly to stay with them at an artist's colony for women, she jumps at the chance. They plan on having a great visit, though Sid isn't thrilled having to visit her family in the nearby Jewish bungalow community. Tensions are high in the area, however, and soon there's a dead body. Not surprising...this is Molly we're talking about!
I loved all three books that I've read in this series, but this one is my favorite so far. The Manhattan location is always interesting, but it was fun seeing Molly in Westchester County (briefly), the women's artist colony and the Jewish enclave in the Catskills. Molly's mother-in-law was quite gracious and happy to have Daniel's family come stay with her. Molly was fine for about a week, but when Sid and Gus invited her to stay with them, it didn't take long for her to come to a decision! The visit to the artist's colony - all women - was a lot of fun. This was the time of the suffragette movement, so the women there were quite independent thinkers. (No "little ladies" here!) Time spent with Sid and Gus (both are women, if this is your first foray into this series) is always entertaining. I loved the practice for the play the colony was going to perform. My favorite location, however, was the time spent in Sid's family's Jewish bungalow community. Sid's family members were charming and loving, except they invited a matchmaker who chose men for both Sid and her young cousin. Neither was thrilled; Sid's love is Gus, and cousin Mira's chosen partner was an odious man. There was conflict between the artist's colony and bungalow community against a mining company who was ruining the beautiful landscape - with dynamite - for the blue rock used in paving streets. When someone is murdered at the bungalow community, it's no shock who it turns out to be, as he was a hateful braggart. But his death really got the story rolling along. Molly is such a wonderful character! She loves being a mother and wife, but she does miss the time she spent as a private investigator. A dead body always seems to turn up when Molly is around! She can't seem to remain uninvolved, even though she's carrying a child. Not only did Molly investigate a murder, but she also had the opportunity to protest the mining enterprise. The members of the artist's colony were a hoot - when they discovered Molly was trying to solve a murder, they wanted to be her Baker Street Irregulars! As always, Molly and Daniel's children are always entertaining. Daniel I sometimes have trouble with; he greatly loves Molly, but her investigation of murders always makes him exasperated, especially now that she's pregnant. In the last book and this one, however, he seems to be more accepting that Molly is going to be...well, Molly. And it's obvious he adores her. Though Molly is my favorite character, I absolutely adore Sid and Gus! Molly has the best friends ever, and they are adoring "aunties" to Liam and Bridie. They shine in every scene in which they appear. I enjoyed all of Sid's family, especially Mira and Bubbe. It was sad to see the anti-Semitism these kind people experienced, but they were a loving and lively lot. There were no great surprises in the mysteries here, but that didn't matter. I still loved every bit of it! I can't wait for book 21!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
September 27, 2024
A relaxing summer getaway gone wrong
Molly and her children are off to Westchester as there is an outbreak of Typhoid in the city. While Molly is happy for a break from the city’s heat she’s at loose ends at her mother in law’s house. Bridie has made a friend and Liam is being spoiled and watched by his nursemaid. It seems everyone has something to do but her. When Sid and Gus write she goes off to visit them in the Catskills for what is supposed to be a short trip. It turns into a murder investigation and Molly is desperately trying to save Sid’s cousin Mira from a prejudiced police detective and a murder charge. On house arrest and out of her element will she be able to find the clues to help or will the killer escape into the wild?
A most enjoyable read in the Molly Murphy series. She tries her best but she’s just not the old fashioned kind of wife that is expected. What seems like a dream break to visit Sid and Gus turns awful. Molly wishes fiercely for her family and home. She still manages to get into trouble and find herself a killer much to the consternation of Daniel. I really enjoyed meeting Sid’s family. I was completely unaware of the origins of the Catskills and loved learning about that too. History and fiction blend well into another lovely story with Molly and her brood.
Molly and her children are off to Westchester as there is an outbreak of Typhoid in the city. While Molly is happy for a break from the city’s heat she’s at loose ends at her mother in law’s house. Bridie has made a friend and Liam is being spoiled and watched by his nursemaid. It seems everyone has something to do but her. When Sid and Gus write she goes off to visit them in the Catskills for what is supposed to be a short trip. It turns into a murder investigation and Molly is desperately trying to save Sid’s cousin Mira from a prejudiced police detective and a murder charge. On house arrest and out of her element will she be able to find the clues to help or will the killer escape into the wild?
A most enjoyable read in the Molly Murphy series. She tries her best but she’s just not the old fashioned kind of wife that is expected. What seems like a dream break to visit Sid and Gus turns awful. Molly wishes fiercely for her family and home. She still manages to get into trouble and find herself a killer much to the consternation of Daniel. I really enjoyed meeting Sid’s family. I was completely unaware of the origins of the Catskills and loved learning about that too. History and fiction blend well into another lovely story with Molly and her brood.
July 20, 2024
Molly is off with Sis, and Gus during this adventure. Into a murder. They are trying to help a now very pregnant Molly safe as well as help her hunt down a the killer. People continue to die, and Molly’s husband, a New York homicide detective steps in first to check on his wife, and second to take over urging Molly to rest. I felt this book rambled a bit. Molly who is never one to give up gets in the crosshairs of the killer, making for a thrilling ending. She still has the drive, and grit , as noted when she hangs in the roof out side a room she was searching. I enjoyed it, but Molly is now pregnant and about to be a mother again, and perhaps needs to let her husband take the lead. I gave it 4 stars, as I have followed her since book one, but it read a bit slow this time, and I found it easy to step away. Typhoid fever had become a problem in NY city, and she had agreed to take the children, and go off to stay with her mother in law . The lack of excitement, and freedom turned her toward Sid, and Gus as they traveled to see family. Honestly she seemed caught in motherhood, and still missing her detective days.
March 30, 2024
Molly returns and is headed to the countryside as typhoid has hit the city in the oddest places. It's no longer a poor person's disease, shock horror! So she hauls herself Bridie and little Liam to her mother in laws house. At first it's okay. True her mother in law unravels all her homemade potholders and she can crochet a doily to save her life but her mother in law is good to her. But given Molly is pregnant she is not allowed to do anything really and she soon grows bored and heads to the Catskills with Sid and Gus in a female art colony and finds herself embroiled in protests and family politics while visiting Sid's Jewish family. After telling Sid her beloved grandfather or Zayde as he's called is sick she brings along Gus and Molly to see him only to find he's quite well. The family hired a matchmaker for Sid and her seventeen year old cousin Mira. Neither is happy about it. Before anyone has time to really do anything about it one of the potential matches is dead and one of the cousins is a top suspect and given Molly's past not to mention her husband people expect her to solve it. Molly has a lot to handle in this one. From blackmail, to a mine that might be doing illegal things, an arrogant real estate developer and even a former love interest from the very early days of the series. Although the series slipped a bit when Bowen joined up with her daughter to write them it has gotten back on track to being the gripping and fun series it was. I liked the nod to previous book throughout. The ending was reminiscent of Murdoch Mysteries with Molly helping to solve a major real life case. This was enjoyable and fun. Bridie is getting spoiled and annoying but I haven't been around teenagers probably since I was one years ago so maybe they are like this. Can't wait for the next book when Molly's new baby arrives.
June 4, 2024
Another very good mystery in the Molly Murphy series, this story tells of what happens when Molly leaves the city because of an outbreak of typhoid in the city. When there is a murder near where she is staying, Molly is called upon to help find the real criminal.
April 1, 2024
I like the Molly Murphy mysteries.
October 3, 2024
Ugh. Not good at all.
April 23, 2024
DNF. I will preface this review with the disclaimer that my issues with the story are very subjective, and that others may be able to overlook them and fully enjoy the book.
This is another long-running series that I used to love, but sadly I think I have reached the end on. The transition from Rhys Bowen to her daughter writing the revival of the series at first felt organic--likely due to Bowen's continued hand in shaping the story and characterizations for at least the first new book--but starting with the prior book it became clear that Clare Broyles' version of the characters missed the mark for me. Here, the book starts off with the confounding decision to reverse course on the big reveal of the prior book--Molly announcing her long awaited pregnancy with her second child--and dismissively saying that it was just a "false alarm," but miraculously Molly was pregnant again in a timeline that allowed the author to set the story in the summer instead. The inclusion of another miscarriage and treating it as an afterthought felt incredibly insensitive and unnecessary, especially as the pregnancy was built up so much in the prior story (in rather obvious hints throughout, even if only confirmed at the end). Molly has suffered pregnancy losses before in the series, but Bowen at least handled them with more sensitivity and reflected the emotional impact on Molly's character instead of brushing it aside. Asking the reader to forget that other pregnancy because it was inconvenient to the timeline the author herself created does not sit well with me.
Putting aside that issue that overshadowed much of the story me, I could not get invested in the plotline here. Molly's distrust and jealousy of Gus and Sid regarding Bridie's education and upbringing still feels inconsistent with the characters in the original series, and Molly herself is a shadow of her former self. I know it sometimes takes a while for the actual mystery to kick into gear, but I lost patience with the story before I could even get that far.
Thank you to St. Martin's/Minotaur and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
This is another long-running series that I used to love, but sadly I think I have reached the end on. The transition from Rhys Bowen to her daughter writing the revival of the series at first felt organic--likely due to Bowen's continued hand in shaping the story and characterizations for at least the first new book--but starting with the prior book it became clear that Clare Broyles' version of the characters missed the mark for me. Here, the book starts off with the confounding decision to reverse course on the big reveal of the prior book--Molly announcing her long awaited pregnancy with her second child--and dismissively saying that it was just a "false alarm," but miraculously Molly was pregnant again in a timeline that allowed the author to set the story in the summer instead. The inclusion of another miscarriage and treating it as an afterthought felt incredibly insensitive and unnecessary, especially as the pregnancy was built up so much in the prior story (in rather obvious hints throughout, even if only confirmed at the end). Molly has suffered pregnancy losses before in the series, but Bowen at least handled them with more sensitivity and reflected the emotional impact on Molly's character instead of brushing it aside. Asking the reader to forget that other pregnancy because it was inconvenient to the timeline the author herself created does not sit well with me.
Putting aside that issue that overshadowed much of the story me, I could not get invested in the plotline here. Molly's distrust and jealousy of Gus and Sid regarding Bridie's education and upbringing still feels inconsistent with the characters in the original series, and Molly herself is a shadow of her former self. I know it sometimes takes a while for the actual mystery to kick into gear, but I lost patience with the story before I could even get that far.
Thank you to St. Martin's/Minotaur and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!
May 4, 2024
Part of series. Interesting plot. Setting was unique. Familiar characters. Clean mystery set in early 1900s.
March 26, 2024
Rhys Bowen is one of my must-read authors. One of the reasons I love both of her series, Molly Murphy and Lady Georgiana, is that they are based on historical happenings, and real people appear in the books.
In this, the 20th Molly Murphy, we go to the Catskills and see the beginnings of the Jewish resorts that were popular throughout the 20th century.
Summer In 1908 and typhoid fever is sweeping New York. Molly is pregnant with her 2nd child, so her husband Daniel convinces her to take their children and stay with is mother in White Plains. I loved the train ride to these far reaches at the time.
Molly ends up in the Catskills with her Jewish friend Sid and we meet Sid's family who rent out bungalows.
It takes a while for a murder to happen, but Molly is there to immediately start investigating.
This was a quick fun read, and the historical characters always add to my enjoyment.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review, and I highly recommend this series.
In this, the 20th Molly Murphy, we go to the Catskills and see the beginnings of the Jewish resorts that were popular throughout the 20th century.
Summer In 1908 and typhoid fever is sweeping New York. Molly is pregnant with her 2nd child, so her husband Daniel convinces her to take their children and stay with is mother in White Plains. I loved the train ride to these far reaches at the time.
Molly ends up in the Catskills with her Jewish friend Sid and we meet Sid's family who rent out bungalows.
It takes a while for a murder to happen, but Molly is there to immediately start investigating.
This was a quick fun read, and the historical characters always add to my enjoyment.
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the EARC. This is my honest review, and I highly recommend this series.
June 29, 2024
Good mystery, liked the characters and of course Molly.
September 10, 2023
4.5 / 5.0 stars
This was a clever and delightful addition to the Molly Murphy historical mystery series. I, being new to this series, suspected that this was going to a good read as this twentieth installment is the latest in a long-standing series by the much admired Rhys Bowen. Yet, it was even more enjoyable than I had anticipated.
It's the summer of 1908. Molly Murphy, now Mrs. Sullivan, is a plucky and clever retired private detective. Given that she is expecting her second child, she is committed to being a good mother as well as a dutiful wife to Daniel, head of the homicide branch of the New York Police. Typhoid is again running rampant in the city - the source of which is not quite known. In response, Molly removes her children and herself out to Westchester County to summer with her mother-in-law. With the children actively engaged with their friends and nanny, and the encouragement of her mother-in-law, Molly accepts an invitation to visit with her friends at a women's artist retreat in the Catskills. One of those friends, Sid, is expected to visit her family's nearby Jewish summer compound. There's safety in numbers - so off they all go for the family celebration. It isn't long before a body is found dead. With no local constabulary nearby, Molly is soon doing a bit of her own sleuthing until the police can assume responsibility. But will they be sufficiently competent? Only time will tell. Oh, if only Daniel could be up here to head up the investigation.
This particular installment was penned by both Clare Broyles and Rhys Bowen (pen name of Janet Quin-Harkin). Their collaboration was seamless. The writing was excellent and flowed well. There were a number of suspects, each with their own reason for the killing. The mise en scène was absolute perfection and beautifully described such that one could smell the lovely scent of evergreens and hear their branches whisper in the gentle summer breeze. The character development was rich and the period clothing well-described. For the most part, I adored each of the characters and really enjoyed reading about the well-educated and in some ways eccentric women at the artists retreat. Molly certainly kept interesting company. I look forward to catching up on the earlier installments of this fun and clever series.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publication Date: 03/12/2024
Publisher: Minotaur Books
ISBN: 978-1250890788
No. of pages: 304
This was a clever and delightful addition to the Molly Murphy historical mystery series. I, being new to this series, suspected that this was going to a good read as this twentieth installment is the latest in a long-standing series by the much admired Rhys Bowen. Yet, it was even more enjoyable than I had anticipated.
It's the summer of 1908. Molly Murphy, now Mrs. Sullivan, is a plucky and clever retired private detective. Given that she is expecting her second child, she is committed to being a good mother as well as a dutiful wife to Daniel, head of the homicide branch of the New York Police. Typhoid is again running rampant in the city - the source of which is not quite known. In response, Molly removes her children and herself out to Westchester County to summer with her mother-in-law. With the children actively engaged with their friends and nanny, and the encouragement of her mother-in-law, Molly accepts an invitation to visit with her friends at a women's artist retreat in the Catskills. One of those friends, Sid, is expected to visit her family's nearby Jewish summer compound. There's safety in numbers - so off they all go for the family celebration. It isn't long before a body is found dead. With no local constabulary nearby, Molly is soon doing a bit of her own sleuthing until the police can assume responsibility. But will they be sufficiently competent? Only time will tell. Oh, if only Daniel could be up here to head up the investigation.
This particular installment was penned by both Clare Broyles and Rhys Bowen (pen name of Janet Quin-Harkin). Their collaboration was seamless. The writing was excellent and flowed well. There were a number of suspects, each with their own reason for the killing. The mise en scène was absolute perfection and beautifully described such that one could smell the lovely scent of evergreens and hear their branches whisper in the gentle summer breeze. The character development was rich and the period clothing well-described. For the most part, I adored each of the characters and really enjoyed reading about the well-educated and in some ways eccentric women at the artists retreat. Molly certainly kept interesting company. I look forward to catching up on the earlier installments of this fun and clever series.
I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.
Publication Date: 03/12/2024
Publisher: Minotaur Books
ISBN: 978-1250890788
No. of pages: 304
March 2, 2024
Molly Murphy Sullivan is at loose ends. Her police capitan husband, Daniel, has hustled her, daughter Bridie, and son Liam out of New York City to escape an advancing typhoid epidemic. Molly and the children are staying with Daniel’s mother, but Molly just can’t sit and make baby clothes for the impending new Baby Sullivan. When an offer arrives to visit friends Sid and Gus at a women’s retreat nearby, Molly jumps at the opportunity…and right into a mysterious death at Sid’s grandparents resort when the trio decides to visit. While there, Molly reconnects with an old friend and makes new ones, but the circumstances of the death make nearly everyone a suspect.
I love that Molly still has her spunk, but continues to develop as a character. In this book, she ponders women’s roles and where she fits into those expectations. On the one hand she longs for a more traditional role as wife and mother, but on the other she wants something (like a good mystery) that provides intellectual stimulation. As she interacts with people at the retreat and resort, Molly expands her circle of women friends who lead very interesting lives.
This book is a must read for fans of Molly Murphy and those who enjoy a Turn of the Century era mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Minotaur Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I love that Molly still has her spunk, but continues to develop as a character. In this book, she ponders women’s roles and where she fits into those expectations. On the one hand she longs for a more traditional role as wife and mother, but on the other she wants something (like a good mystery) that provides intellectual stimulation. As she interacts with people at the retreat and resort, Molly expands her circle of women friends who lead very interesting lives.
This book is a must read for fans of Molly Murphy and those who enjoy a Turn of the Century era mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Minotaur Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 8, 2023
In Sunshine or In Shadow is the 20th installment in this series about Molly Murphy, a woman detective in 1908 New York. I was surprised to learn that this mystery series by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles had already reached book #20. I had read one of the earlier novels in this series but had missed far more novels than I realized. At number 20, Bowen and Boyles have established a well-developed formula for success. In Sunshine or in Shadow is a well-developed and better character study than in the first novel that I read so many years ago. But it does have one serious problem--antisemitic tropes associated with Jews.
Although the plot flows along quite well, In Sunshine or In Shadow is really a careful character study of rural life in 1908. Molly is spending time in the Catskills with friends from New York. Typhoid is making life in the city dangerous, but as happens In Sunshine or in Shadow, life in rural NY can also be dangerous. In addition to murder, there is antisemitism and traditional biases concerning women's societal roles. Molly and friends Gus and Sid are expected to embrace traditional roles as wives and mothers, and any rejection of those roles creates disarray. Bowen and Boyles create situations that allow women to step outside cultural norms, which even in rural life are not welcomed by all the men in the Catskills.
In Sunshine or In Shadow creates a careful study of the culture clash when NY city lives meet NY country life. The dead man is predictable, given that many of the other characters totally dislike him. He perfectly captures many of the cliches associated with Jewish men, which are one area that proves problematic in this novel. Did a greedy man, who wants more money, who blackmails, who deceives, who plots to marry money, really need to be Jewish, thus fitting so many of the antisemitic tropes associated with Jewish money greed? This is a problem that detracts from the plot and the murder mystery. and that will make an otherwise interesting novel offensive to so many readers. Does a murderer also need to be Jewish, as seems likely (no spoilers) given that the murder is not committed by an outsider? These issues seriously counter the wonderful depictions of Jewish family life.
Thank you to the authors and to the publishers, Macmillan, and to NetGalley for providing this ARC to read and review.
Although the plot flows along quite well, In Sunshine or In Shadow is really a careful character study of rural life in 1908. Molly is spending time in the Catskills with friends from New York. Typhoid is making life in the city dangerous, but as happens In Sunshine or in Shadow, life in rural NY can also be dangerous. In addition to murder, there is antisemitism and traditional biases concerning women's societal roles. Molly and friends Gus and Sid are expected to embrace traditional roles as wives and mothers, and any rejection of those roles creates disarray. Bowen and Boyles create situations that allow women to step outside cultural norms, which even in rural life are not welcomed by all the men in the Catskills.
In Sunshine or In Shadow creates a careful study of the culture clash when NY city lives meet NY country life. The dead man is predictable, given that many of the other characters totally dislike him. He perfectly captures many of the cliches associated with Jewish men, which are one area that proves problematic in this novel. Did a greedy man, who wants more money, who blackmails, who deceives, who plots to marry money, really need to be Jewish, thus fitting so many of the antisemitic tropes associated with Jewish money greed? This is a problem that detracts from the plot and the murder mystery. and that will make an otherwise interesting novel offensive to so many readers. Does a murderer also need to be Jewish, as seems likely (no spoilers) given that the murder is not committed by an outsider? These issues seriously counter the wonderful depictions of Jewish family life.
Thank you to the authors and to the publishers, Macmillan, and to NetGalley for providing this ARC to read and review.
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