For The Love of Mike (Molly Murphy Mysteries 3)

 

For the Love of Mike

(Rhys Bowen) 

:Teaser:

Having taken over Paddy Riley's private investigation business, Molly has finally begun her life as a real private investigator.  She lands her first big undercover job when the owner of a large garment factory hires her to find out which one of his workers is spying for the competition. Not long after she enters the factory posing as a new hire, she receives a job locating a young society woman who ran away to America to marry her beau.  Business is going well for Molly until these two jobs collide, and she finds herself in serious danger once again.

:Short Thought:

For the Love of Mike shows the living and working conditions for factory women of this time period from a unique and interesting perspective and weaves it brilliantly into a wonderfully paced mysterious plot with interesting characters.

:Expanded Thoughts:

(Minor Spoilers)

Each book in this series goes into a specific aspect of New York culture. In For the Love of Mike, the female factory worker's life is explored.  The reader is shown firsthand what the working environment was like--the smell, appearance, and people.  The books also shows the desperate life these women live while trying to surivive on ridiculously low wages and long hours.

This novel also touched on the early formations of female labor unions. Jacob Singer, new aquaintance of Molly, works with an organization that aids in initiating strikes, negotiating with unsavory bosses, and forming labor unions.  Two such situations are shown in the book, and it was fascinating.  Though, I must say that I find it hard to believe that matters could be resolved as quickly as in the book.  (I don't know about this period of history so I may be completely off.)  Modern day strikes and labor negotiations take months and months.  Reading about it was still enjoyable if not too believable.

As told in the last book in this series, Molly's love life is less than ideal.  She has been left waiting for Daniel to break off his engagement to the beautiful and wealthy Arabella for quite awhile.  Daniel seems content to move at a dead snail's pace to remedy the situation and truly takes Molly's feelings for granted.  That is, until the introduction of another suitor for Ms. Murphy--Jacob Singer.  Jacob Singer is a Jewish photographer that works with an organization to get better working conditions for women in the city.  Instead of using his photography to make lots of money, he uses it to expose the wrongs in the city.  He would rather help others than get caught up in ambition, and Molly finds him a very refreshing departure from Daniel.  Daniel finally starts to fear that he may be losing Molly if he doesn't get his situation straightened out.

As I've just finished the 3rd book in this series, I think I can finally say that this is one of my favorite mystery series!  It really has the perfectly balanced "recipe."  I say this because this is the first mystery series that I have read that has the story drive the characters and not the other way around.  For example, there is a great love story in here, but it doesn't overpower the story nor is the story dull without it.  I just find it refreshing when so many mystery books are filled with raunchy sex scenes and shoddy mystery plots.  Molly Murphy Mysteries is a great series, and everything is done tastefully and brilliantly.  I can't wait to read the next one!

:Additional Notes:

For the Love of Mike is the third book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the books available in this series, in order starting from the beginning, are:

• Murphy's Law
• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion

Death Of Riley (Molly Murphy Mysteries 2)

  
Death of Riley
 (Rhys Bowen)


:Teaser:

Despite having a string of sensational job failures, Molly is still determined to be self-reliant.  She has no shortage of motivations--her once wonderful living arrangement has become unbearable, the object of her affection has been less than truthful, and no one is taking her seriously.  Molly finally catches a break when she convinces a seasoned private investigator, Paddy Riley, to hire her as his housekeeper.  A few days later when she arrives at the office to tidy up, Molly walks into find Mr. Riley dead at his desk.  What's even worse is that the killer is still there when she arrives and sees her face.  She knows the situation is dangerous, but feels that she owes it to Mr. Riley to find his killer.

:Short Thought:

Though I thoroughly enjoyed the first novel in this series, it pales in comparison to this one.  The characters are even more interesting, the mystery is even more shocking and elaborate, and Molly shines even brighter.

:Expanded Thoughts:

(No Spoilers)

The focus of the setting in Death of Riley is on Greenwich Village and the delightful, unique characters that live there.  It is a far departure from the slum-like parts of the city on which the first novel focused. Greenwich village is full of delightful pubs and coffee houses that act as centers of great dialogues about art and social progression.  This unpretentious and forgiving place allows people to be expressive without fear of being offensive.  It is the first place that Molly feels like she belongs.

Molly is a stubborn, unconventional force of nature, but she met her match in her new friends from Greenwich Village. She meets the unforgettable Sid and Gus in a pub during her investigation.  They are two women that truly care what no one thinks of their quirky and unconventional ways.  Most importantly, they are the first people that really accept Molly for who she is and encourage her to achieve her goals.  Frequently with them is another notable character--the handsome Ryan O'Hare.  He is a flamboyant Irish playwright and the most charming person Molly has ever seen. She is instantly drawn to him and is all too happy to investigate when he becomes a person of interest in her investigation.

I loved the first novel (Murphy's Law), but I have to say Sid, Gus, and Ryan really take it to a whole new level of enjoyment. 

:Additional Notes:

Death of Riley is the second book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the books available in this series, in order starting from the beginning, are:

• Murphy's Law
• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion

Murphy's Law (Molly Murphy Mysteries 1)

Murphy's Law

(Rhys Bowen)

:Teaser:

Molly is on the run from authorities in Ireland for a murder she committed in self-defense. Just when she thought that her luck was running out, she finds a way onto a ship that is traveling across the ocean to New York City. Unfortunately when she arrives she is greeted by more trouble.  A man that Molly was seen fighting with on the ship is brutally murdered and all the evidence points to her as being involved.  To clear her name, she must find the real murderer or risk being sent back to Ireland.

:Short Thought:

Gives the reader a window into early 1900s New York City through the eyes of the ever-witty Molly Murphy.  Great mystery with wonderful characters.  I loved it!

:Expanded Thoughts:

(No Spoilers)

Let me first say that I know next to nothing about this period of American history (early 1900s), the city of New York, (other than what I've seen on Law & Order), or Irish History. So, I can't really say much about the historical elements or the portrayal of the city in the novel or the historical accuracy or anything of the like. All I can say is, despite my blaring ignorance, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and was excited to learn more about these things while immersing myself in a great storyline.

Murphy's Law has a great cast of characters. The star at the center is Miss Molly Murphy. She is a true force of nature and is decades ahead of her time. She is truly delightful and makes makes each scene pop with very refreshing energy as she faces the issues of this period head-on. Molly adds dimension to the setting of the novel. Using her, New York City is shown through the eyes of a true newcomer. It is a huge contrast from Molly's country Irish home. She shares her experience as she stands in awe of the sights that come with this fast-developing place and struggles to make her way.  It is a city that never sleeps and a place full of new opportunities and dangers.

If, like me, you don't really know anything about this period or city, you don't need to worry because Molly and the people she meets makes this a wonderful, engaging mystery.

:Additional Notes:

Murphy's Law is the first book in Rhys Bowen's Molly Murphy Mysteries series. As of this post, the other books available in this series, in order, are:

• Death of Riley
• For The Love of Mike
• In Like Flynn
• Oh Danny Boy
• In Dublin's Fair City
• Tell Me, Pretty Maiden
• In a Gilded Cage
• The Last Illusion

Amazon Associate Integrated With Blogger?

Since I have resumed work on this site, I must admit that I have fallen head over heels in love--with a new development at blogger.

Who ever put this together (blogger and Amazon Associates) should win a medal.  I am sending you a karma klondike bar today person.  May all your food always be tasty, your pets always tame, May your environment always be Febreze fresh, and you always win the game. :)

This makes posting 500 million times easier and wonderful.

Jenn :)

Clockwork Heart

Clockwork Heart

(Dru Pagliassotti)

:Teaser:

    Taya serves as an Icarus, a metal winged courier, in Yeovil. Yeovil is split into sectors that have their own unique castes and cultures. On the day of her sister's wedding, she hurries to deliver her last package of the day. On her way, she prevents a major accident from claiming the lives of two very important people--the wife and child of a very high profile official. This changes her life as she gets swept up in the dangerous and peculiar affairs of the high-class.

:Short Thought:

Great unique setting. Perfectly paced adventure mystery. Wonderful, well-developed characters. Definitely one of my favorites!

:Expanded Thoughts:

(No Spoilers)

In Clockwork Heart, the author creates a unique setting that on the surface is nothing like our own. Through it, the author gives us a unique way in which to explore several social topics, and one cannot help but draw inward and environmental comparisons.  In Yeovil, the country where it takes place, there are strict social castes and peculiar customs that are brought to life by a cast of very enjoyable characters to whom it is easy to relate.

Taya's, the main character, country is split into very segregate and socially immobile sectors.  Each sector has its own unique characteristics that have been shaped by its residents.  The skilled laborers of the low class mainly reside in Tertius whose air is filled smoke and whose building tops are covered with soot and other debris.  For the Exalted of the high class, there is the beautiful capital sector, Onidinium, which is a stark contrast to the dirty streets of Tertius.  Other than their place of residence, customs are in place that further distinguish the members of the classes, such as, clothing, manner of speech, and color of hair and skin.

Very rarely do people pass between the sectors, but there are a couple exceptions.  The Lictors (police) and the Icarii (winged couriers) have the privilege of being outside of this strict structure.  (Though, they still have to treat the Exalted with extra care and respect.) Their occupations require them to perform duties for all citizens within the different sectors without prejudice. 

The setting was undeniably one of the things I loved about the story, but the main reason I keep reading this over and over is the characters and their interactions.  The author does a great job at developing the characters throughout and having each to have unique inner dilemmas. No character ends up the same as they started. Or, in more dramatic fashion: nothing is ever as is seems.

Taya is in an interesting position as the main character.  She was born of low class parents and worked hard to become an Icarus, thus moving up a level on the social ladder.  Even after she gets her new position, she still has the rules of her upbringing engraved into her mind.  She is very conscious of  social appearances and still uses strict manners in front of the exalted.  This slowly begins to change after the Exalted woman she saves invites her to a formal dance and gives her an opening into the lives of this exclusive class.  This begins to change her view as what she sees isn't a group of divine beings above reproach, but people that are painfully human.  Through this she gives the reader a unique perspective into this society that few in the story could.

This is further explored through the interactions between Taya and the Forlore brothers--Alister and Cristof.  Alister is the exalted younger brother who took a position as an official in the government.  He is very charming and revels in his high status.  Cristof has left the exalted life and all of its perks behind and opened a clock maker's shop in one of the seedier parts of town.   His sour attitude and lack of manners reflects his disheveled outward appearance.  Through them, Taya begins to learn that there is much more to people than their appearance and social status.  There is always something lurking beneath the surface, and sometimes it turns out to be very dangerous.