This was my second Molly Murphy mystery. It was ok---but I really think this author can do better. The ending wrapped up much too neatly and the "manger scene" was obviously contrived for titling purposes. I was also a little upset at how Molly broke some pretty important news to the children. It just didn't seem like a realistic story. ( )

I read this book with my book group in December, as we wanted to read a Christmas-time novel. This happens to be #15 in the series, and the first one for me, but it didn’t make a difference as it was easy to just jump in. Author Rhys Bowen filled me in on the past so I didn’t feel lost, or that I missed anything – though I might want to go back now and read the others.

This is a cozy mystery and historical fiction that takes place in 1905 New York. Molly Murphy Sullivan is the mother of a baby boy and Bridie, a 12-year-old ward who helps her take care of little Liam. Daniel Sullivan is Molly’s police captain husband, which can be helpful when Molly is solving mysteries, which she tends to do.

A couple of weeks before Christmas Molly discovers two waifs on the street who she can tell are more than beggars. The four-year-old girl and her eight-year-old brother have come from England, their mother has disappeared, and they’re living with an uncaring aunt in a rough neighborhood.

Molly is determined to find their mother, learn who they really are, and help them escape from the cold New York streets. I enjoyed following along as Molly uses her social connections and boldly investigates even when it puts her in danger. Bowen has done her research and draws a realistic portrait of 1905 New York in the winter – the stores, the customs, the food, transportation options, and the various strata of society.

This was a sweet story with a heartwarming ending. Perfect for a holiday read. ( )

When Molly, Liam, and Birdie go shopping, they see a very young girl and her brother begging. However, upon hearing the girl sing and the brother speak, they realize that these children are well spoken and seem to be out of place. Birdie wants to give the girl some of her warm cast off clothes and knit a scarf for her which she does. However, the next day, the girl is not wearing the scarf and clothes. Molly takes them a warm lunch and eventually follows them home where she discovers that Aunt Hettie rents rooms. When Tig is accused of pick pocketing by an older boy, Molly stands up for him and takes he and his sister home with her where she gets more information from the children and begins trying to locate their missing mother. ( )

Another great story about Molly and her escapades, this time regarding a little girl who sings like an angel. It's up to Molly to find the girls's missing mother. It's Christmas time and everyone is hustling and bustling, but Molly finds time to fit in searching for clues to find the little girl's mother. Will she find her in time? ( )

Molly Murphy is nothing if not persistent. Usually with altruistic motives, and always seeing things through to the end. The descriptions of turn-of-the-nineteenth-century New York City show a lot of research, and provide a pleasing backdrop to the latest edition in the Molly Murphy series,

Molly and all the regular players appear again, in their expected roles. This book felt a little rushed, and I often wanted to tell Molly to stop and think before making all the mistakes that she makes. Molly will be Molly, though, and you gotta love her for it!

A nice read, very like the others in the series.

**eARC netgalley** ( )