I had read and enjoyed later books in this series, but decided to read this, the first, to catch up with Molly Murphy.

Molly flees to America after killing, accidentally and in self defense, the young man whose family hers works for. He tried to rape her, but that means little in turn-of-the-last-century, class conscious Ireland.

While on the boat to America, Molly gets embroiled, as both witness and suspect, in an onboard murder. And once she sets foot in America, she determines she must solve the murder to remove the cloud of suspicion both from herself and a young man she met in steerage.

If I had read this book first, I might have given it a higher rating. But I believe the later books in the series are much better. Still, it gives Molly's backstory -- something fans of the series will appreciate and find interesting. Murphy's Law won the Agatha Award for best novel the year it was published.

12/31/2009 ( )

This is a great beginning to a new mystery series, set in the early days of the twentieth century in New York. Molly Murphy is a young, head-strong Irish girl who is never afraid to speak what's on her mind. Her courage and wit got her noticed at a very early age in the small rural Irish village where she grew up and the landowner's wife decided that a girl with as much natural intelligence as Molly had should not grow up lacking in education so she was allowed to be taught by the same tutor as the daughters of the manor. But Molly's fiery temper than matched her red hair gets her in over her head very quickly in a situation that turns deadly in a heartbeat and before she knows it, she's running for her life. She heads to London, spending every penny she has to get there, and agrees to escort the two children of a dying woman to join their father in New York. Traveling under the name of the mother of the children, Molly finds herself embroiled in a murder on Ellis Island before she can ever set foot in New York City. And she realizes very quickly that if she is to save her neck from the hangman's rope a second time, she'll have to find the real murderer herself.

Molly has wit and common sense and very little fear, which makes her an interesting and engaging heroine. This book is well written, combining pathos and humor in a way that smacks of what life must have been like for those early immigrants in American cities. I'll be looking forward to reading more in this series. ( )

Fast-paced yet warm-hearted, plausible history, history not too heavy, yet gracefully included. I love this character and I am going back for more.

april '09 First in series. Molly, fleeing police in Ireland accompanies 2 children to America for dying mother. Bully is killed on Ellis Island and she is involved in discovering the killer. Attracted to Irish detective ( )

Molly Murphy, a red-headed Irish 23-year-old, is on the run and wanted for murder. Seeking refuge, she finds herself in the presence of a woman that needs her help - help in taking her children to America. Even with this perfect plan, Molly realizes that everything will not be perfect or easy, and she's right. A whole new host of problems occur when Molly arrives on Ellis Island. She and a new found friend from the ship happen to be in the wrong place at the wrong time and become suspects in a murder on the island. Molly is determined to prove their innocence. She is on a mission and nothing will stop her from seeking freedom.

Ahhhh. This was truly an enjoyable book from beginning to end, with one big exception - there were way too many manufactured scenes! I can handle one here and there, but they were just flying all over the place and that ruined it for me. Other than that, the book was very good. I enjoyed the timeframe, Ireland, the NYC setting along with Ellis Island, the murder mystery, Molly, etc. There was a very realistic gritty nature to it that I found intriguing. I received much more than I expected and look forward to even more.

Murphy's Law is the first in the Molly Murphy series with Death of Riley next in line. There will be a total of 8 in the series when Tell Me, Pretty Maiden is released in March, 2009. I better get movin'. (4.25/5)

Originally posted on: "Thoughts of Joy..." ( )

I enjoyed some of the Evans series, but when I picked up Molly Murphy I knew I'd have a reading companion for years to come. A character who could easily have been pegged as the stereotypical feisty Irish colleen, Molly does show a lot of spit and vinegar, but also a good deal of common sense and a quick mind. And somehow, the idea of a detective on the lam from justice herself is ironically amusing.

Weaving her story in with the American immigrant experience shows off a great story of turn-of-the-century NYC--how many mysteries do you know that take place on Ellis Island?--and the deep research that went into the details shows. The role of the Irish at that time is explored as it has its effects on Molly's character and situation, but it isn't laid on with the overly thick brush many authors employ, and the role of women also plays an effective part.

This book also introduces Captain Daniel Sullivan of the NYPD, a raffishly charming young man who, like Molly, you'll probably like in spite of your better judgment. A good historical mystery, and a good introduction to engaging characters. ( )

A very quick and enjoyable read. Molly has plenty of realistic Irish spunk and determination, and the supporting characters are drawn equally as well. The crime at the center of the book was not totally captivating, but nor was it easily solved by the reader in the first chapter. I'll certainly pick up the next in the series. ( )

The usual somewhat improbable scenario laying the groundwork for the series. To my inexpert eye, there is good historical research behind the picture of 19th century, Tammany Hall era, New York City. ( )

This is the beginning of a great series. I first noticed "Oh Danny Boy" on the new books shelf, but wanted to start at the beginning. Probably one of my favorites. ( )

Good series! I really like Bowen's writting style & characters. ( )