Silent as the Grave

Molly Murphy Mysteries, Book 21

By: Rhys Bowen, Clare Broyles

Narrated by: Nicola Barber

Retired Detective Molly Murphy Sullivan goes undercover in the next book in the New York Times best-selling series from Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles.

With a newborn and two children, Molly Murphy Sullivan is tackling motherhood. Her husband, Daniel, is off to work in Washington as Easter break begins in New York. Her dear friend and writer, Ryan O’Hara, is shooting a movie, one of the first to involve a real plot and actors. He invites Molly and the children to visit the set and watch the excitement. When one of the actresses is fired, Molly’s adopted daughter, Bridie, is called to replace her in the scene. Turns out she’s a natural and is asked to star in the rest of the film. Molly is skeptical about leaving Bridie alone on set, but her great friends, Sid and Gus, offer to chaperone her.

The movie industry is still experimenting with ways to get the best shot, like pretending to tie Bridie to real train tracks. But soon, their special effects start to malfunction. After a few mishaps where no one is hurt, the special effects turn deadly. With rumors of a feud between studios, Molly believes these malfunctions are sabotage. She is invited to go undercover on set to investigate the burgeoning film war. Once again, Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles deliver an engaging mystery full of vibrant historical details and thrilling escapades featuring one of mystery's most beloved sleuths.

©2025 Janet Quin-Harkin (writing as Rhys Bowen) and Clare Broyles (P)2024 Audible Inc.

Irish accent. I’m not Irish but it sounded good. Number and presentation of characters were well spaced and believable.

I liked the tying together of all the characters and the final plot details well explained. .

I love Mary Murphy!

I enjoy the way actual history facts and historical figures are woven into the story.

Independence

I love that Molly is an independent thinker and person in 1909. And, kudos to Daniel for learning to embrace this independence.

Another great Molly Murphy Mystery

Loved the intro which took the listener a while to get the “answer”! Way to go writers!

Early 1900s movies are dangerous

The family business in early film is set in the middle of inventors developing the equipment and artists developing the stories. Thomas Edison, Mary Pickford and others are part of the story that brings a murder mystery in the motion picture studio.

love the historical references

Well done mystery !
I have listened to this entire se
ries!
although sometimes Molly frustrates me to no end, the stories are well written and the narration gets better with every book 👍

Another fantastic Molly Murphy mystery.

I have enjoyed all of the Molly Murphy mysteries. This one was exceptional because it had a lot of historical facts. the narrator is amazing as she changes accents and and characters. I hope that this is not going to be the last of the series. I will be looking forward to the next book.

Silent is the Grave, by Martha Grimes

Sensational! I never tire of Molly‘s adventures as a determined, intelligent, witty, compassionate, and loving woman of the early 20th century! Martha Grimes is an exceptional author and writer! Following the epilogue, I am always so impressed if she explains the origins of her stories and the historical impact!. Thank you Martha Grimes for your gift ! Deborah

Another fun adventure

All of the Molly Murphy mysteries are fun with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing, and this one is no exception. I love the historical context and the real life characters and events the stories are based on.

This has been the best series I’ve listened to in a long time.

I liked that it is wholesome, no smut! The characters become your friends almost. The history is intriguing and a big part of what I love about the series. I am a red headed Irish lass too so it’s just grand.