From the creator of the much-loved Constable Evan Evans
mysteries comes a colorful new series set in
turn-of-the-century New York City. When spirited redhead
Molly Murphy was growing up a peasant on the coast of
Ireland she always imagined there was something more in
store for her. She couldn't have known how right she was
until the day she became a murderer, albeit in self-defense.
Under drastic circumstances, Molly is forced to strike out
into a new world. With the police right behind her, Molly's
only chance at escape is a false identity and a steamship
that will take her far, far away: to America.
When
her ship sails into New York Harbor, with the majestic
figure of the Statue of Liberty providing comfort and
inspiration, Molly is sure her whole life is in front of
her. But she's got one last hurdle to clear: Ellis Island.
She is just one among thousands of immigrants on the tiny
island, awaiting their fate with anxiety and hope.
Unfortunately for Molly, before she is able to leave the
island a man is brutally murdered, his throat cut from ear
to ear, and coincidence and fate make her a suspect in a
crime she didn't commit. Under a cloud of suspicion, and due
largely to a growing mutual attraction between Molly and the
handsome police captain in charge of the case, she is
allowed to leave Ellis Island for Manhattan. Unfortunately,
she's got a mission she couldn't have anticipated: clear her
own name of murder. Alone in a new country with no one to
lean on, Molly hits the vibrant streets of New York intent
on finding out what really happened. After all, if she
can't, she'll be sent back to Ireland, where the dreaded
gallows await.
With the sweeping skyline of 19th
century New York and the gritty, pulsating underworld of
recently arrived immigrants forming a vivid backdrop, Rhys
Bowen transports readers back in time to America's
not-so-distant past. The first entry in the Molly Murphy
series is a fascinating look at our immigrant history as
well as an intensely absorbing page-turner.