Customer Reviews

Tell Me, Pretty Maiden (Molly Murphy Mysteries)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

***SPOILERS***

I did not enjoy "Tell Me, Pretty Maiden" as much as I have enjoyed the other books in the Molly Murphy series. I feel like Molly & Daniel's relationship needs to make some headway; there is no tension now that Arabella is out of the picture, & Daniel persists in his archaic views on a woman's role in marriage. The entire scenario is running thin with me. Another reason I did not find this book up to par is the 3 different plot lines that made the book feel scattered. Molly & Daniel ran back & forth between investigations, but, in the end, all 3 cases were linked, which was a little too unbelievable even for me. Even so, I will definitely continue to read this series.

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.

(Seventh in Molly Murphy series)

Police in New York have their eye on an Italian gang from Sicily calling themselves the Cosa Nostra. Molly Murphy listens to the rumors about the new gang but feels that it is nothing to her - or is it?

Molly's detective agency is booming and she finds herself going off in a dozen different directions. Daniel Sullivan, Molly's boyfriend, is still on leave from the police department so Molly hires him to help her in her investigations. Molly sometimes fears that this was not a good decision. She is a very independent person and does not appreciate it when Daniel tries to take charge.

Molly has several interesting cases going on in this seventh addition to the Molly Murphy series, and maybe the best yet.

Molly has been hired to check out the background of Leon Roth, who is to be married soon. His future in-laws want to be sure he is the right person for their daughter. Molly is also hired by a famous actress to find the ghost that is haunting her new production. Molly finds herself on stage and in costume and suffers a brief bout of stage fright. She also becomes very familiar with "stage-door johnnies." Yet another case takes her to New Haven and the Yale campus.

What touches Molly's heart is not one of the cases that she is being paid to investigate, but the matter of the beautiful young girl she finds in the snow in Central Park. The girl cannot or will not speak. Molly is determined to solve the mystery of how this girl wound up in a snow bank wearing only a flimsy dress and delicate shoes. Molly's determination to find the answer puts Molly in grave danger.

Molly's old friends Sid and Gus are still around and make for very interesting characters. I would highly recommend this intriguing story and a peek at life in New York City in the early 1900's.

Armchair Interview says: A high-quality addition to this series.

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

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.

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Tell Me Pretty Maiden is a delightful story of Molly Murphy, an Irish immigrant who becomes a successful private investigator in New York City. This story is set during the winter of 1902.

In Tell Me Pretty Maiden, Molly Murphy allows herself to work four cases at once. She is hired by a wealthy couple to investigate their prospective son-in-law. Not only does she need to determine his financial prospects, but also assess his moral character, so Molly needs to follow him during cold winter nights. Given the Victorian societal norms of the time, she must observe his actions and try to stay warm, while avoiding being arrested for soliciting.

Next the famous actress who she encountered in "Dublin's Fair City" refers her to a friend who is producing a play in a haunted theater. Molly is hired to protect the leading actress and find and deal with the ghost. Her ghost hunting leads to several humourous scenes. Once she even appears as a member of the chorus without realizing her part, much to the dismay of the rest of the chorus. .

Third, her old acquaintance, Miss Van Woekem, commissions Molly to discover what happened with her nephew who disappeared and is accused of robbing a neighbors mansion and killing their butler. The nephews new car is found wrecked with some of the loot in the car. The evidence of the nephews crimes appears overwhelming, but Molly is determined to prove him innocent.

Finally, while walking in Central Park Molly finds and rescues a young woman lying unconscious in the snow. The girl was obviously the victim of an attack and is unable to speak. Molly decides to care for the girl and recover her past.

I recommend Tell Me Pretty Maiden. As a historical novel the description of New York in the early 1900s is detailed and picturesque. This novel is full of intrigue and action.

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!!

I really do like the Molly Murphy series and enjoyed reading this one. There are some historical facts that are in error, and for someone who knows, it is annoying. First, the cover shows a woman dressed in a historical costume, but for about 1910 or lster when the hobble skirt was in fashion. The story mentions Molly being restricted in her movements. 35 miles per hour for a 1902-03 Cadillac might be a stretch also but young drivers can be hopeful.Please have Molly's romance with Daniel have some closure. Don't re-hash the same conflicts over and over.

We once again join Irish immigrant Molly Murphy in her New York adventures as a private investigator in the early 1900's. Work seems to be pouring in enough that Molly is able to hire her beau Daniel, a police Captain who has been suspended but whose charges have been dismissed. Pending approval from the superintendant, Daniel will be reinstated, but until then he is doing nothing but getting under Molly's feet, so she decides to put his skills to good use by giving him work to do by finding the missing nephew of a wealthy society matron with whom Molly is friends. But could this young man be on the lam with the loot from the latest job of burglaries?

Molly is busy trying to unearth the supernatural pranks that threaten the well-being of a well known actress who is friends with a former client of Molly's. As Molly begins to suspect that no ghost is responsible for the mischief, she winds up with a role in the performance and less time to work on her other cases. Her biggest concern is the young woman she found in the snow in Central Park, almost dead. Mute, Molly calls her Mary and visits her in the hospital to see if there is any improvement in her health. Upon finding out that she will be shipped off to the mental institution upon discharge, Molly kidnaps her and takes Mary home to rehabilitate herself. Daniel, frustrated beyond measure, tries to take the upper hand in the relationship, but Molly will have none of it. The two continue working their cases as best they can with the little time they can spare.

In between the drama of the private investigations that Molly is running we get to peek inside her social life and update on her multitude of friends from the variety of stations in life. Like many Americans in the coming years, Molly's friends come from all walks of life - the caste systems are not nearly as strict in the Melting Pot as they were in many of the Home Lands. Bowen's portrayal of the early twentieth century can almost make you feel as though you are shivering in the slushy streets with dripping petticoats along with Molly.

I have enjoyed every one of Bowen's books. I love Molly's ferocity and loyalty and independence, not to mention intelligence and heart. But I do not like Daniel. I haven't liked him since after Murphy's Law, although I cannot say why in particular. I understand the gender assignments, especially for the era, but for someone who supposedly loves Molly so much, he simply does not understand her. So I guess I have to say that is my beef with this series. I don't want them together. I don't think Molly should have a `yes man' but definitely not someone who expects her to stay home and be taken care of, and to do the cooking, etc. If Daniel hasn't picked up on that by now, which it doesn't seem to appear so, then he isn't going to. Keep looking Molly!!!!