





Molly Murphy Mysteries
19 books
Here are 19 books from the Molly Murphy Mysteries series by Rhys Bowen. Start with Murphy's Law (2001), then read the rest in the order below.
Books in order
Murphy's Law
Rhys Bowen
Fleeing a troubled past in Ireland, Molly Murphy arrives in late nineteenth-century America seeking a new beginning. However, her hopes for anonymity are shattered when she becomes entangled in a murder on Ellis Island, making her the prime suspect. With the gallows looming if she cannot prove her innocence, Molly must rely on her quick wit and Irish charm to escape and unmask the real killer. This thrilling debut plunges readers into a historical mystery where survival hinges on uncovering the truth before time runs out.

Death of Riley
Rhys Bowen
In the bustling streets of 1901 New York, Molly Murphy, a spirited young Irish immigrant, finds her apprenticeship with a private investigator taking a perilous turn. When a mysterious incident rocks the office, Molly is drawn into a dangerous investigation that plunges her deep into the city's underbelly. As she navigates treacherous social circles and uncovers hidden secrets, Molly must rely on her sharp wit and courage to survive. This thrilling installment in the Molly Murphy Mysteries series explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and the fight for survival in a new world.

For the Love of Mike
Rhys Bowen
In early 20th-century New York, Molly, a determined Irish immigrant, navigates the challenges of establishing herself as a private investigator in a male-dominated world. When an aristocratic Dublin family hires her for a delicate task, Molly must venture into the bustling city to locate their runaway daughter and her disreputable fiancé. This pursuit will test Molly's resourcefulness and courage as she uncovers secrets and confronts the complexities of love and societal expectations. Rhys Bowen crafts a compelling narrative that blends historical detail with a captivating mystery, drawing readers into Molly's quest for justice and independence.

In Like Flynn
Rhys Bowen
In 1902 New York, aspiring private investigator Molly Murphy finds herself entangled in a dangerous case involving spiritualist sisters and a sensational kidnapping. Tasked by Captain Daniel Sullivan, a man from her past, Molly must go undercover at a senator's mansion to expose the sisters as con artists. However, as an eerie séance unfolds, Molly begins to suspect the sisters might be more than they seem, and that the police may have mishandled the investigation. Her probing questions quickly lead her into peril, with her own intuition warning her that murder is imminent.

Oh Danny Boy
Rhys Bowen
In the bustling, often dangerous streets of early 20th-century New York, Molly Murphy finds herself entangled in a case that threatens to unravel the life of the man she cares for. When Captain Daniel Sullivan is framed for corruption, Molly must navigate a treacherous landscape of prize fights, illicit dealings, and a suspicious death to clear his name. As she delves deeper, she uncovers a conspiracy far more sinister than a simple frame-up, forcing her to confront the city's darkest secrets and the very real danger that lurks in the shadows. Rhys Bowen masterfully blends historical detail with thrilling suspense, drawing readers into a world where loyalty is tested and justice is a hard-won prize.

In Dublin's Fair City
Rhys Bowen
In 1903, spirited Irish immigrant and private investigator Molly Murphy sails from New York to her homeland on a crucial mission: to locate the sister of a wealthy Irish American impresario. Her journey takes an unexpected and dangerous turn when a murder occurs aboard the ship, drawing Molly into a complex web of intrigue. As she navigates the turbulent waters between her new life and her roots, Molly must confront the simmering passions and profound struggles of the Irish people at the dawn of a new century, all while seeking justice for the victim and uncovering the truth behind her own case.

Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
Rhys Bowen
In the heart of a snowy December 1902 New York City, Molly Murphy finds herself juggling more than just the winter chill. Fresh from a challenging trip to Ireland, she's immersed in her detective agency, taking on a case to vet a young man for his anxious fiancée's family. However, two more complex and demanding cases soon land on her doorstep, testing her resourcefulness and determination. As the city is blanketed in white, Molly must navigate treacherous personal and professional challenges, proving her mettle as a burgeoning detective in a rapidly changing world.

In a Gilded Cage
Rhys Bowen
In the heart of a city gripped by a deadly influenza epidemic and the fervent fight for women's suffrage, Molly Murphy finds herself entangled in a complex case. Two Vassar alumnae seek her expertise as a private investigator, one convinced her uncle is swindling her inheritance, the other harboring suspicions about her fiancé. As Molly navigates the treacherous currents of societal change and personal betrayal, she must uncover the truth before the epidemic or deceit claims another victim.

The Last Illusion
Rhys Bowen
In the bustling streets of early 20th-century New York, Irish immigrant and private investigator Molly Murphy finds herself entangled in a perplexing case. Hired to unravel a series of suspicious incidents, Molly's investigation leads her into the dazzling and dangerous world of illusionists. When the line between trickery and reality blurs, and a famous magician's greatest illusion becomes terrifyingly real, Molly must race against time to uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim.
Bless the Bride
Rhys Bowen
Molly Murphy finds herself embroidering her wedding trousseau while staying with her future mother-in-law when a peculiar case lands on her doorstep. A wealthy Chinese immigrant implores Molly to locate his missing bride, a woman he fears has absconded. As Molly delves into the investigation, she must navigate the unfamiliar landscape of New York's early Chinese community to uncover the truth behind the disappearance. This latest installment in the beloved series blends historical intrigue with a touch of romance as Molly balances her impending nuptials with her sharp detective instincts.

Hush Now, Don't You Cry
Rhys Bowen
In the autumn of 1903, newlyweds Molly and Daniel Sullivan embark on a belated honeymoon, accepting an invitation to a cottage on the opulent Hannan estate in Newport. What begins as a romantic escape soon takes a turn when they become entangled in the affairs of a wealthy New York City alderman and his family. As Molly navigates the stark contrasts between her own immigrant background and the privileged lives of the Hannans, she uncovers secrets that threaten to unravel the seemingly perfect facade. Rhys Bowen masterfully brings to life the era of Irish immigration at the turn of the century, exploring themes of class, ambition, and the hidden complexities beneath glittering surfaces.

The Family Way
Rhys Bowen
A year into her marriage and expecting her first child, Molly Sullivan finds herself restless and confined to the traditional role of a housewife. The vibrant, independent woman she once was feels stifled by domesticity and the limitations placed upon her during pregnancy. As she navigates the challenges of impending motherhood and the expectations of 1900s society, Molly grapples with her identity and her desire for more than just the "family way."
Away in a Manger
Rhys Bowen
It's Christmas 1905 in New York City, and Molly Murphy Sullivan is finally looking forward to the holidays with her own family. Her festive mood is interrupted when she and her ward, Bridie, discover a well-spoken, English beggar child singing carols in a doorway. As Molly's detective instincts kick in, she must balance her investigation into the child's plight with her own recovery from injuries and a growing fascination with dream analysis. This heartwarming holiday mystery, penned by award-winning author Rhys Bowen, blends the cozy comforts of the season with an intriguing puzzle that will keep readers guessing.

City of Darkness and Light
Rhys Bowen
In 1905, former private investigator Molly Murphy finds her burgeoning domestic life with husband Daniel Sullivan and their infant son shattered by a bombing aimed at her police captain husband. To ensure their safety, Daniel sends Molly and their son to Paris, where she hopes for a peaceful respite among expatriate friends. However, her quiet stay is interrupted by the murder of a painter she was meant to meet, drawing her into a dangerous investigation that spans the artistic circles of the city. Molly must navigate the vibrant yet perilous Parisian underworld, relying on her sharp wit and unwavering determination to uncover the truth behind the escalating violence and protect her family.

The Edge of Dreams
Rhys Bowen
In the fourteenth installment of the beloved Molly Murphy series, Molly finds herself entangled in a perplexing case when her husband, Captain Daniel Sullivan, is stumped by a series of murders. The killer's victims seem to be connected by a series of unsettling dreams, leading Molly and her allies to seek help from a professional dream interpreter. As they delve deeper into the subconscious, they must unravel the cryptic messages within the dreams to identify the murderer and prevent further tragedy. This thrilling mystery explores the power of the mind and the dark secrets that can lie hidden within our deepest fears.

The Ghost of Christmas Past
Rhys Bowen
Molly and her husband Daniel seek a peaceful respite from a trying year, hoping for a quiet Christmas celebration at a lavish Westchester mansion. However, their festive getaway quickly takes a turn when a mysterious death disrupts the holiday cheer. As Molly delves into the secrets of the grand estate, she uncovers a web of deception and long-buried resentments, proving that even the most idyllic settings can hide dark truths. Can she unravel the mystery before the holiday spirit is irrevocably shattered?
Time of Fog and Fire
Rhys Bowen
In a time of great upheaval, a young woman embarks on a perilous journey with her son, seeking a new life and answers to a devastating mystery. Arriving in San Francisco, she is met not with reunion, but with the shocking news of her husband's death, thrusting her into a dangerous quest for truth. As she navigates the chaos of the Great Earthquake and fire, she must uncover the secrets surrounding his demise while fiercely protecting her child. This gripping narrative explores themes of resilience, maternal strength, and the search for justice amidst disaster.

Wild Irish Rose
Rhys Bowen
Molly, now married to Daniel and navigating the challenges of motherhood with a toddler, finds her life complicated by the arrival of her sharp-tongued mother-in-law for the winter. When an opportunity arises to help distribute clothing to those in need at Ellis Island, Molly embarks on a journey that unexpectedly plunges her into a new mystery. Amidst family tensions and her own efforts to avoid trouble, Molly must unravel a puzzling case while balancing her new domestic life.

All That Is Hidden
Rhys Bowen
In the glittering world of early 1900s New York City, Molly Murphy finds herself unexpectedly drawn into a dangerous political intrigue. When she and her husband Daniel are provided a luxurious Fifth Avenue residence as part of Daniel's new role, they are quickly immersed in the complex and often treacherous dealings of high society. As secrets begin to surface, Molly must navigate a web of hidden agendas and powerful figures to uncover the truth, even as she grapples with her own past and the life she left behind.