Death of Riley

By: Rhys Bowen

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Molly Murphy has finally begun to forget the unpleasant murder of a would-be rapist back in Ireland, not to mention her investigation into the murder of a fellow recent Irish immigrant, and is finally free to begin her life in New York City. Given her experiences so far in the New World, Molly has decided that her first order of business is to become a private investigator, a people finder of sorts, working for families in Europe who've lost touch with relatives in America. Not only might this put some food on her table, but her second order of business is to hook the handsome NYPD police captain Daniel Sullivan, and she envisions lots of opportunities to "seek his counsel" in her new profession. Paddy Riley is a tough old Cockney P.I. who specializes in divorce work, and with a little persuasion he's ready to take on Molly as an apprentice. It's not exactly what she imagined, but she plans to make the most of it. That is, until she comes in to work one day to find her new world turned upside down and all expectations for her professional life suddenly up in the air.

Before long, Molly has set off on a journey that will take her through the back alleys of Manhattan and into the bars and lounges of the literary scene, where she spends time with writers, actors, poets, and musicians. It's quite an eye-opening turn for innocent young Molly, but she's resolute in her decision to find out exactly what happened that day in the office of Paddy Riley. Armed with nothing more than her fiery will and matching wild red hair, Molly has no idea of the danger her pursuit may bring in this fascinating, well-researched, and suspenseful second novel in Rhys Bowen's Agatha-award winning series.

©2002 Rhys Bowen (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Go Molly

Molly proves that she can be a great detective despite the ups and downs.

The writer does a great job in pulling you through the story.

Entertaining

Amusing, suspenseful, and clever! Our would investigator is persistent and far less than perfect. Enjoyably light!

Very Entertaining

Loved book 2 in the series. Good mystery and kept my interest to the end. Can't wait for book #3!

All values of the time are well integrated through.

I enjoy historical novels. This one feels well set into the 1900s. Small details give a feeling of the time. Molly is a well rounded character and show intelligence, courage and determination.

Nicely Done

This is a wonderful series!! I just love these books and the narrator is awesome! Molly really strikes out on her own in this book. Her education is cut rather short and she has to go to the "school of hard knocks."

Enjoyed!

Great narrator! Entertaining story! Will continue with this series and will also start the other series as well.

Silly but nice

I thought this was a good listen if you want some thing that isn't too heavy. I thought the accent wasn't very good. I will probably listen to a couple more to give them a chance.

Mystery resolved but big loose end left hanging

Would you listen to Death of Riley again? Why?

No. I love Molly but the mystery wasn't a very good one, although following her as she tried to solve the murder was very interesting. Leaving the big personal issue unresolved left me very unhappy. It was just lucky for Audible I had bought books 2 & 3 of the series at the same time so could go right on. The last book that tricked me like this - Joanne Fluke's Blackberry Pie Murder - made me so mad that I wouldn't buy the sequel even when it was on sale cheap (even tho Blackbeerry Pie left the plot hanging with Hannah about to be tried for homicide); I washed my hands of the whole series, which had been going downhill for a while--the in-medias-res ending was the last straw.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

Dissatisfaction because the personal issue was left unresolved.

Which scene was your favorite?

Daniel's timely arrival in the carriage is a candidate. Loved when Sid & Gus joined the fray to help save Molly from the intruder.
Also happy when they invited Molly to move in & her subsequent habitation with them Molly's visit to Emma Goldman was interesting.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No, I like saving these books as a treat for the evening before bed. They're relaxing and I love the narrator's voice with her lovely Irish lilt. They're to be savored over several days, a treat.

death of riley

narration very good. voice changes with different characters. Molly continues to chase after bad guys and have great experiences. I enjoyed myself once again, getting lost in the words while I accomplish mundane chores.

A light and refreshing read

If you could sum up Death of Riley in three words, what would they be?

Immigrant settles in

What did you like best about this story?

The main character, Molly Murphy, is a hoot. I love the accent and the flow of the story keeps me interested. This is my 2nd Rhys Bowen book (I read Murphy's Law as well) and I will be ordering the 3rd in the series from Audible.

Which scene was your favorite?

There were several parts that made me stop and think about how Irish immigrants felt in the new land. I can imagine my grandparents going thru some of the same struggles and learning curves.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

Immigrants learn their way in turn-of-the-century New York City.