Customer Reviews

In a Gilded Cage (Molly Murphy Mysteries)

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Another turn 'round old New York with Molly Murphy in this eighth entry in the series finds the intrepid immigrant PI looking into a case involving the suspicious death of a young lady involved in a women's suffrage march during the Easter Parade. A tragic death, the official story reads, from a sudden bout of influenza--not too uncommon in those days, especially not during an epidemic of it striking the city. But then more members of the womens' circle soon fall victim, and Miss Murphy smells a rat...

Of course, murder and mayhem aren't the only troubles on her plate. Having patched things up with her on-again off-again beau, Daniel Sullivan, who's been reinstated to his former status as Captain in the NYPD, the two settle into a less sharp relationship. The question of "Will they or won't they?" has apparently been resolved, but tension still exists as the happy couple experience their share of conflict. A grand romance still doesn't mean that two people can't clash over various aspects of their two lives coming together, and Molly and Daniel continue to stubbornly disagree over aspects of their mutual future. It's a nice touch to see that the removal of their former external romantic obstacles doesn't mean settling into a cloyingly perfect state of things between them.

I do like the aspect that since they met in "Murphy's Law", the first book of the series, Molly typically doesn't happen to be involved in Daniel's police cases like we see with many couples in mysteries, conveniently forcing the two of them to interact and work together. They both maintain separate investigations and careers, but particularly now in "In a Gilded Cage", the two seem to discover some common ground in their mutual solving of cases, which may raise the possibility of lending ideas and fresh perspective to each other in the future.

Daniel himself has held some definite interest in the last few books. Initially a cocky, glib young detective--a bit of a raffish Gilded Age bad boy--recent losses and experiences have taken their toll, though he hasn't entirely turned his ways. Although we unfortunately don't get his point of view, glimpses of a young man taking stock of his life, and perhaps settling into a greater maturity, are there. As he rather seriously tells Molly in this volume, after all the bad times they've been through recently, he wants to look forward to a life with her. His concern for her frequent daredevil antics still retains some of the chauvinistic condescension native to the men of the era that we've seen previously when the two have discussed the issue, but perhaps due to his own recent experiences, it also seems to ring with a note of genuine concern that after losing so much, he might lose the person he loves most. The issue remains unresolved at the end, but I'm interested to see what happens, and whether or not with a new depth of honesty developing between them, Molly admits the truth about certain events from the period of Daniel's professional disgrace that she's been concealing from him.

Molly is an engaging character in that despite her amateur status and lack of credentials, she persists in forging her own path, carving out her own little piece of the American dream. She's got a sharp mind and a lot of common sense, but even that doesn't guarantee success when, as a young woman loitering around the streets on a stakeout during an investigation, she's likely to be mistaken for a prostitute and hauled off to jail! And as a recent immigrant and a non-professional, we see a New York of bygone days, and the crimes and ways of the era in fresh perspective right along with her, the sights and sounds and people new to both Molly and the reader.

The story is extremely rich in history, weaving several threads of issues and events contemporary to the times into the tale. Missionaries and the Boxer Rebellion feature in one of Molly's cases, for example. But a large aspect is the largely unregulated medicine and remedy industry of the times (it would still be several years before Upton Sinclair's "The Jungle" nauseated the public enough to inspire regulatory measures in the food and drug industry via formation of the FDA). Lead, arsenic, and other lethal compounds were regularly featured as ingredients in "cures" of the era, and laudanum was a way of life for many. And even more so than with previous entries in the series, the role of women approaching a crossroads in history and forging new roles in the world is explored and integrated nicely into the plot, having a keen resonance with Molly now contemplating the paths she might take in her own future. The solution to the mystery was satisfying, and the details of it were intriguing and well-drawn. As ever, I genuinely enjoyed taking another trip to the Gilded Age with Molly.

This book, In A Gilded Cage, is the eighth entry into the Molly Murphy series.

Set in the early 1900's, Molly owns her own private detective agency, of which she is the sole employee. This in itself is rare for that time period, as most women were raised to marry well and have a lot of children, and encouraged to stay at home to raise them.

Molly is very independent, curious and maddening to her police detective fiance, Daniel Sullivan. She puts herself in harm's way more than once in order to solve her cases. He can't resist her, though, as she makes friends easily and has a heart of gold.

I just adore Molly, and count myself blessed by the women that have gone before us, as Molly and her friends do not even have the right to vote yet. An education is considered frivolous, and a woman alone is considered suspicious.

This series is one that just keeps getting better and better, and is a quick, delightful read. Get ready for some surprising twists, and some good news for Molly. I can't wait for the next one!

Molly has just recovered from a strain of the influenza epidemic that is sweeping New York City in the spring of 1903. But she doesn't let that stop her from joining Sid, Gus, and some of their Vassar friends in marching for women's suffrage. While that effort ends with them in jail, it also provides Molly with two new clients.

First is Emily, a young woman left to fend for herself after her miserly uncle kicked her out. Emily wants to know more about her dead parents. Then Fanny hires Molly to prove her husband is cheating on her. Things are progressing on both cases when someone dies. Was it a bad case of the flu or was it murder?

As always, this book was a great trip back in time. The set up is steeped in history. When the cases start, the book picks up. I actually found both of them quite interesting and puzzling.

Molly has really grown as a detective, and that is evident here as she actually pulls off solving both cases. Her growing ability is actually quite fun to watch. And she continues to be an interesting character I love to spend time around.

The cases her also provide Molly a good chance to think about her future as the potential wife of Captain Daniel Sullivan. As always, I was both hot and cold to him, but I seem to soften with every book.

These books aren't typical mysteries but as much about life a century ago as the case at hand. And I love them for it. If you want a glimpse of another time and place, pick up this series today.

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In this eighth Molly Murphy mystery, Molly becomes involved in the movement for women's rights, holds off her swain, and solves two mysteries.

Women of the early 20th century were required to endure being kept by men. Many were in frequent childbirth and working long hours at home caring for house and family. Wealthy women had their activities and opinions dictated by their fathers or husbands.

In one of Molly's cases she is commissioned to investigate the husband of Fanny, a wealthy heiress. Fanny, a Vassar honors graduate, is forced to obey her husband and is treated like an illiterate mindless child . Fanny was handled like she was in a gilded cage, and Molly decides she will never succumb to such maltreatment.

Molly investigates two cases in this novel: first she works to uncover the parents and inheritance of Emily, a fellow suffragette. Emily was raised by distant relatives until she graduates Vassar, then is put out on her own.

Second, Molly attempts to discover whether Fanny's husband is having an affair. Fanny feels that her husband does not love her and continues the marriage so he can control her estate. If charges can be proven, Fanny can free herself from her plight.
Meanwhile Molly's beau, Captain Sullivan, works to uncover the source of Opium being smuggled into New York, while at the same time trying to protect the city from Chinese gangs whose influence is growing. Eventually he decides he wants to "settle down" and marry Molly. Will he ever build the courage to ask her?

As usual, in the Molly Murphy series, the characters are fascinating and the scenes vivid. This author presents a accurate picture of New York City in the early 1900s.

In a Gilded Cage is an amusing story. I recommend this novel.

While attending a women's suffrage parade with her unconventional friends Sid and Gus and their former Vassar classmates, Molly Murphy is arrested, but rescued by her police office fiance Daniel Sullivan; via her parade attendance, however, private detective Molly gains two clients: one old classmate asks her to find out the truth about her birth, and some time later Molly is contacted by another classmate who wishes to know if her husband is cheating on her. But when the latter woman abruptly dies, Molly wonders if there is more to the case than adultery.

I guessed "who" early on, but the "why" of the tale is a convoluted mystery that should keep most "gaslight era mystery" fans entertained. More interesting in this volume is Bowen's portrayal of an era when women were almost literally property of their men, unable to do anything without male approval, and the husband held sway; women who showed intelligence were scorned as "bluestockings" and were persuaded to bury their education to become pampered creatures who were basically baby breeders. Molly is having her own struggle with accepting a marriage proposal; she likes being an independent woman as much as she loves Sullivan. It is a thoughtful portrayal for what intelligent women know was an infuriating era.

My one quibble: at least twice Bowen uses modern nomenclature which propels me abruptly out of the story. (For instance, a woman refers to a suspected homosexual person as "AC/DC." Say what?) Why carefully paint Molly's turn-of-the-last-century world and then use vocabulary that destroys the brushstrokes?

This is the eighth book in the delightful Molly Murphy series of historical mysteries that take place in the turn of the twentieth century New York City. This time our feisty heroine finds herself in the company of suffragettes who are Vassar graduates. In a moment of solidarity, Molly finds herself agreeing to march with them only to find herself in the clink. Her beau, Daniel Sullivan, a handsome police captain with the New York City Police Department manages to get her sprung.

A couple of these new, well-educated associates of Molly, however, need Molly's services as a private detective, as one believes that her husband is cheating on her, while the other believes that her Uncle is cheating her of an inheritance. So, Molly is, once again, up to her eyeballs in adventure and danger. When one of her clients dies, perhaps from influenza, but perhaps not, Molly goes all out to right what may have gone wrong.

As always, the author skillfully captures the feel of a bygone era, and the story is rife with period detail and highly atmospheric. This is a well-written book with an intriguing plot and characters that will fully engage the reader. As with all cozy mysteries, it is not so much the mystery that is of import but the characters that revolve around the mystery. While the mystery is intriguing, it is the framework around which the characters evolve. Those who enjoy the historical cozy mystery genre will definitely enjoy this entertaining series.

Molly Murphy, Irish émigré to New York City, has her own detective agency, and definitely doesn't want to be any man's servant. Given that this is 1903, this may be a problem. But she gets enough jobs to survive, and her `young man', Daniel Sullivan, who is a NYPD detective, is mostly understanding of this.

When her neighbors- the lesbian couple Sid and Gus- introduce her to some fellow Vassar alums, she gets a couple of new cases. One woman, an orphan, wants to find the truth about her birth; another wants to know if her husband is cheating on her. Molly soon finds herself in a tangle of sudden deaths and assaults on her own life. Are the deaths murder or natural? Is the murderer trying to kill Molly to keep her from the truth? Who stands to gain the most from these deaths?

The novel is an interesting historical mystery that doesn't bend the mind set of the day too much. The Vassarettes are marching for the vote, so it's not inconceivable that they would hire a female detective. Molly's boyfriend still expects (or at least hopes) that she'll cook dinner for him and obey him when her own safety is involved- things that even today's men do. I enjoyed the details of the food, clothing, the medicine (one of Molly's clients works at a pharmacy), the cosmetics and rooms- Bowen has done her research well and obviously loves this era. A fun, intriguing read.

I have recommended this wonderful series to friends and family alike.
Each and every Molly mystery is filled with historical information, which is fed ever so lightly and creates a realistic flavor. The characters are well developed, the stories well plotted and each a treasure in its own right. I read these 9 books in just 3 weeks. Once started, I couldn't stop! I am happy I read them in order, and you may want to consider this as well. Since many of them have been awarded mysteries top writing awards, I have created a list for you to read which book received which award, and placed them in order according to publication date in case you too would like to read them in order:
Murphy's Law (2001)
2001 Agatha Award for Best Novel
Finalist 2002 Mary Higgins Clark Award

Death of Riley (2002)
Finalist 2002 Agatha Award for Best Novel

For the Love of Mike (2003)
2004 Anthony Award for Best Historical Novel
Finalist 2004 Macavity Award for Best Novel

In Like Flynn (2005)
Finalist 2006 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel

Oh Danny Boy (2006)
2007 Macavity Award for Best Historical Novel
Finalist 2007 Barry Award for Best Novel

In Dublin's Fair City (2007)

Tell Me, Pretty Maiden (2008)
Finalist 2009 Bruce Alexander Award

In a Gilded Cage (2009)
Finalist 2010 Bruce Alexander Award

The Last Illusion (2010)

I hope you will enjoy them as much as I did!!

In the early 1900's, New York City continues its struggle as the melting pot of the world in Bowen's 8th mystery featuring Irish immigrant Molly Murphy, a female private investigator. We have followed Molly's struggles to stay on her feet as she landed on Ellis Island and into the arms of Capt. Daniel Sullivan as murder suspect number one, running from her past in Ireland like many of her shipmates. But now Molly is settled into her house and running her own business, her life her own. And since Daniel was back in the good graces of the police department she hardly saw him anymore since crime rates were astronomical lately - the epidemic of influenza that even Molly had succumbed to was driving the populace to drastic measures. But with her lungs barely recovered from her recent bout with the flu, Molly finds herself in a cell again after a parade march for women's suffrage -not the best way to catch Daniel's attention!

Luckily word passes to Daniel quickly about the incident and all of the Vassar women from the march are released - but Molly's networking has been accomplished. Despite her slight flu relapse, she does pick up the case of Emily Boswell, a pharmacist's assistant (handy for dispensing prescription aspirin!), who asks Molly to investigate the death of her Protestant missionary parents and find out the truth about Emily's past. Emily suspects that her uncle hasn't been forthright with her and maybe withholding her inheritance, but simply wants to know the facts.

In the true spirit of networking, Molly picks up another case while working with Emily - she meets Emily's former roommate from college, Fanny Poindexter, who secretly hires Molly to find out who her husband is philandering with behind her back so that she may divorce him and leave him without her family money. Despite Molly's distaste for such cases she agrees, but before she is able to report back to Fanny in person, Fanny dies and it is attributed to the epidemic! When another Vassar girlfriend dies, police are convinced it is the illness spreading, but Molly and Emily are convinced that foul play is at hand, if only they can separate fiction from fact before its too late - before they, too, become a statistic.

Much better!!! I am much happier with Molly and Daniel this time around - Bowen's mysteries are always well-written and set, with great character development, but I couldn't stand Daniel and couldn't understand why Molly was still in love with him. Now, they are communicating!!! I can't give it all away, but I am much more impressed with their relationship in this book, and I look forward to seeing where they are headed from here. There will never be a smooth path, but then there wouldn't be much of a story to tell, would there?

I have enjoyed each new chapter of the Molly Murphy series and "In a Gilded Cage" is no exception. Ms. Bowen has written another novel about this female private detective in New York City and the turn of the last century. Since I enjoy historical fiction, I really take pleasure in the painstaking detail that Ms. Bowen describes the city in these books. Having lived in New York City, I can get the sense of what it was like 100 years ago. Molly is hired by not one but two female acquaintances that lead her throughout the city, while she still tries to maintain a relationship with her policeman fiancé. These Molly Murphy mysteries are pure historical joy.