Lovely to listen to at Christmas time!

This is a book in Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy series, which takes place around the end of the 1900’s in New York. Molly has been an Irish immigrant, turned detective, now married and living with her husband Daniel (a policeman), son Liam and their ward Bridie.

In this touching story, Molly and the kids are out on a cold and snowy day before Christmas, and notice a tiny child, freezing in a doorstep, and later her brother. They become intrigued about why they don’t seem to have a place to go each day, so the old detective urges in Molly kick in, and they (and their neighbors) all work together to find what has happened to their family. Daniel finds himself unable to assist, so this time it is mostly Molly doing the work, with the help of the kids and her friends, and even her mother-in-law.

This story has a Dickensian tone about it, and it might be that I’d find it less interesting at other times of the year, but it was lovely just here at Christmas time. The narration is not the best, but it is definitely “listenable.” Just one thing—if you plan to hear others in the series that preceded this book, you better do that first, because the author does that frustrating thing of referring to events from previous stories. I’m starting to mark down a star for that, because readers don’t always get books in order. And knowing what happens in advance is surely a spoiler. Recommend.

8 people found this helpful

PERFECT!

Exactly what I wanted and expected: yet another fun, interesting, intriguing, and enjoyable adventure with Molly. If you are a fan of this series I am sure you will love it.

If you are new to Molly's escapades, my advice is stop right now and start with Book 1 - it's totally worth it.

Can't wait for book 16 in March!

4 people found this helpful

Rhys Bowen never dissapoints!

If you only have time to read one holiday mystery this year, let it be this one! I was so let down by my previous audiobook, so this was a real treat! This I my first Molly Murphy mystery and it won’t be my last. Set in turn-of-the-century New York, Molly—a feisty red-headed Irish lassie—and her detective husband are preparing for a cozy Christmas at home with their two little kiddos. But, alas, their holiday plans go awry when the big-hearted Molly finds two orphaned kids on the street in need of their missing mother. Though homeless kids are often ignored on the harsh streets of New York, she can’t bring herself to leave them in the lurch and go about her business. This is a fabulous little Christmas mystery with all the sentiments of the season. I’m excited to pick up the first book of the series so I can watch the love story unfold between Molly and her husband.

2 people found this helpful

Disappointing

I had such a hard time with this story because Nicola Barber's performance of Molly is this breathy, nasally little-girl voice that makes this strong character sound, well, childish. (She is the reason I got away from this series.)

But I could look past that (or listen past it) if this particular story hadn't depended too much on coincidence. I don't want to give any spoilers, but I will say that the only way this story resolves to a happy ending (and it IS a Christmas story so that can't be a spoiler) is if Molly is the beneficiary of some extremely good luck, fortunate timing and neat coincidences.

It's OK. I won't listen to it again.

1 person found this helpful

Okay

Wish I hadn’t bought this series ahead of time. I love Bowens other books, and am disappointed with this series. I will listen to the ones I bought then remove from my library, because I won’t ever want to reread them. I had hoped Molly would grow up. I had hoped the books would not continue to have so many unrealistic rescues of the dangerous situations Molly puts herself in over and over again.

Favorite book in the series so far!

I really liked the Christmas season setting and how they celebrated it in the olden days of 1905 +\- it was a charming story! Molly Murphy always makes me laugh she’s a little saucy Irish gal ☘️ good job!

Enjoyable, but not as fast paced as previous books

The book is well written and is enjoyable, with plenty of details about late 19th century NY, and a few details about that era that you can learn along the way. While still worth getting it has more space devoted to common life than other previous books in the series, so is a bit slow to start. But once it gets going it's full steam ahead.

Sigh

So sweet at Christmas with Molly and her family. When Molly hears a the beautiful voice of a little girl singing on the street, it sets her on a path.. mystery, murder and a villain all come into the picture.

Of course nobody is safe when Molly is on the case!

Loved it

Enjoyed all 17 in the series!!

I have enjoyed the Molly Murphy mystery series ever since the first book. I was hooked and not a single one has disappointed.
Nicola Barber is an amazing narrator and has done the stories well. I am sad to be finished but it was certainly an enjoyable ride.

A sweet story from my favorite author.

A short story from Rhys. This was a sweet story with a bit of a Christmas there.