I didn't realise there was a series of books starring Molly Murphy and I don't think I was disadvantaged reading "In a Gilded Cage" first. It was a fun read and Molly was delightful. I liked that she was an independent, forward-thinking woman who ran her own detective agency despite society's views on women.

On the other hand, I wasn't keen on Daniel, Molly's boyfriend. I didn't feel any chemistry between them and I felt that he was arrogant and belittled Molly and her job because of her gender. In my opinion, Molly was too good for him.

Overall, "In a Gilded Cage" was a light, entertaining read with twists and turns along the way and a cold-blooded killer. I will be looking for more novels in this series. ( )

Molly Murphy has agreed to participate in a suffragette march on Easter in 1918. As a result, she meets some Vassar graduates and spends a night in jail. Police Captain Daniel Sullivan isn’t happy to learn his betrothed has gotten into this spot.

After learning Molly is an investigator, tow of her Vassar acquaintances ask for Molly’s help. One suspects her husband is cheating on her and the other wants to know the real story of her parents.

Emily Boswell had been raised by her Aunt Lydia and Uncle Horace Lynch. Her parents were missionaries in China and had died during a cholera epidemic when Emily was still a baby. Her aunt died when Emily was five, so it was primarily the uncle who raised her. He was a skinflint of a guardian. He did obey the wishes of her parents and sent her to Vassar, but as soon as she finished she was to move out on her own. When she asked for more details on her parents, the uncle refused to talk about them. This has made Emily believe that he was covering up something important.

Fanny Poindexter feels that her husband must have a mistress. If so, she plans to divorce him. Her family has the money, so there is no fear of her being out in the cold. Molly is to get the evidence for the divorce.

Meanwhile, Emily’s beau works at the drugstore where Emily is a clerk. He is apprenticing with the druggist. On his own, he has created a face cream that a number of the Vassar girls swear by. His goal is to have his own cosmetic company.

When one of the Vassar girls unexpectedly dies it is thought to be a deadly influenza that is going around. When another girls turns up ill and soon dies of the same symptoms, Molly beings to wonder and looks back on an earlier death of a clerk that worked at the druggist’— something men find unacceptable. The other ladies find themselves in gilded cages. They may have all the luxuries bet they also have all the restrictions.

Molly is a bold character and she wonders if a married life will work. Her work is important to her and who she is. ( )

In this installment, Molly Murphy attempts to find the identity of Emily Boswell's parents. Emily is an alumnae of Vassar who was raised by her aunt and uncle and turned out as soon as she was educated and of age by her uncle. The second investigation is trying to discover a husband's dalliances which turns into multiple murders. Daniel and Molly continue their association, but both are extremely busy. Look like Molly may be getting married. ( )

I actually tossed this book on the floor once I forced myself to finish it. I really like Bowen's mystery-lite novels; I just really, really don't like Daniel and Molly. Gah! So frustrating. ENGAGED?!? I was hoping she'd come to her senses. ( )

This was a pretty good book. I had trouble keeping track of all the women who died, but that's just me. I'm so glad Molly got engaged and also told Daniel they wouldn't go to far again until after they're married. ( )