Title: Oh Danny Boy
Author: Rhys Bowen
First published March 6, 2006
352 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9780312997014 (ISBN10: 0312997019)
Rating: 4.06
Overview
In Rhys Bowen’s compelling novel, “Oh Danny Boy,” we follow the adventures of Molly Murphy, a plucky Irish immigrant and private detective. When NYPD Captain Daniel Sullivan is arrested on charges of bribery, Molly springs into action to prove his innocence.
But as she delves into the case, she soon realizes that there’s more at play than meets the eye. A serial killer is on the loose, and Molly finds herself drawn into the investigation.
With the clock ticking and lives on the line, Molly must race to uncover the truth and bring the real culprit to justice in early 1900s New York.
About the Author
As a mystery author, I’ve had the honor of being a New York Times bestseller and a winner of both Agatha and Anthony awards for my Molly Murphy series, which takes place in 1902 New York City. My WWII novels have also been well-received, with one of them even reaching the top spot on Kindle’s bestseller list.
The Tuscan Child has sold almost a million copies to date, and In Farleigh Field has won three major awards and was nominated for an Edgar. Other standalone novels include The Victory Garden, which follows land girls during WWI, and Above the Bay of Angels, which features a young woman who becomes a chef for Queen Victoria.
Coming up in April 2021 is my latest novel, THE VENICE SKETCHBOOK, a sweeping historical novel full of love, loss, and intrigue.
My books have been translated into 29 languages, and I have fans all over the world. One of my other series, the Royal Spyness series, has won an Agatha award and is a fun, satirical take on the British royal family in the 1930s.
When I’m not writing, I split my time between California and Arizona, where I escape from the harsh California winters. I love to travel, sing, hike, and play my Celtic harp.
I was born and raised in England and am well-known for my Constable Evans books, which are set in North Wales, as well as my award-winning short stories. In 2001, I received both the Best Novel and Historical Mystery awards for my book, Murphy’s Law.
Editoral Review
Bless the Bride, penned by Rhys Bowen, takes readers back in time to the 1930s where glamorous weddings, flowing champagnes and peppy music prevail. Bowen is an accomplished author and has written numerous New York Times bestselling novels such as In Farleigh Field, The Tuscan Child and Her Royal Spyness, to name a few.
The novel is a classic whodunit that will keep readers engrossed until the very last page. The book is a part of the Molly Murphy Mystery Series, which follows the life of a female detective in early 20th century New York.
Set in New York City, Bless the Bride unfolds at the lavish wedding of Elizabeth and Henry in the summer of 1933. Minutes before the wedding party is about to leave the church, the bride’s mother, Mrs.
Boyle, mysteriously disappears. Mrs.
Boyle is one of New York’s most affluent socialites and her vanishing act is bound to cause a scandal. As a result, she has to be found, and it falls upon the shoulders of Molly Murphy, the renowned private investigator, to crack the case.
While searching for the missing mother of the bride, Molly finds herself navigating through the elaborate maze of high society, where the mannerisms and customs of the aristocracy form a security barrier. She has to employ all of her skills to gain access to information, all while keeping up appearances and trying to act like one of the guests.
As the investigation unfolds, skeletons start tumbling out of the closet, and it becomes clear that many guests at the wedding have secrets that they intend to keep buried. The plot thickens as Molly uncovers the truth about Mrs.
Boyle’s whereabouts and the reason behind her disappearance. Bowen’s Bless the Bride is an impeccable book, with razor-sharp attention to detail, particularly in the descriptions of the lavish wedding ceremony and the opulent lifestyles of the elite.
Bowen also brings to life the social constructs of the early 20th century, and one can’t help but feel transported back in time. Furthermore, Bowen succeeds in presenting a mystery that challenges the reader’s intellect and keeps them on the edge of their seat throughout the story.
However, the book’s main weak point is its predictability. Experienced mystery readers may figure out the plot’s twists and turns relatively early in the story, which somewhat dampens the suspense factor.
Despite this limitation, Bowen’s elegant writing style and vivid descriptions more than make-up for the predictability of the plot. In conclusion, Bless the Bride by Rhys Bowen is an excellent read for mystery lovers who enjoy historical fiction.
The book’s detailed descriptions bring to life the glamourous world of 1930s New York high society, and the gripping plot keeps readers engaged until the very end. While it may not be the most innovative or groundbreaking mystery novel, it is sure to delight readers who appreciate well-crafted writing and intricate world-building.
This book receives a solid four stars out of five.
