Molly Murphy Sullivan, the wife of NYPD Captain Daniel Sullivan, is at it again. Prior to their marriage, Molly was a detective, and she just can't seem to let go of a good investigation. She meets a couple of beggar children on the streets of New York and is concerned about them. They don't appear to be the usual lot of beggars. Tig and his sister Emmy have impeccable manners and speak very proper English. Emmy has a beautiful voice, and it is her voice that draws Molly to them as Emmy is singing "Away in a Manger."

Molly soon learns that the children's mother brought them here from England and left them with a lady who runs a boarding house. The lady is very mean to them and sends them out to beg each day. It's been over six months since their mother left and never came back. Molly believes something is very wrong with this entire situation and begins an investigation to learn what has happened to Tig and Emmy's mom. What she learns turns out to be a tangled web of lies, deceit, and murder.

Set in New York City just before Christmas 1905, Rhys Bowen pens a delightful yet sad tale of early twentieth century America. AWAY IN A MANGER explores corruption as well as gang and mafia activity in New York City. It speaks of the issues that immigrants faced when they arrived in our country. Molly's character is strong and determined. She is surrounded by several diverse yet well-developed supporting characters. The plot takes some unexpected twists and turns, and you'll be rooting for Molly all the way as she strives to find the truth. Molly is also striving to balance being a good mother and wife while looking for acceptance from her mother-in-law. Ms. Bowen has written a number of Molly Murphy mysteries. This is my first case with Molly, but AWAY IN A MANGER can stand alone as a charming holiday cozy mystery read.