In this one Molly Sullivan is pregnant with her second child and visiting her mother-in-law for the summer with Liam and her adopted daughter, Birdie, due to typhoid in New York City. While in Westchester, she visits Sid and Gus who have also left the city to stay the summer at a women's camp in the Catskills. Molly goes to visit which brings her to the Friedman's farm and cabins, a small Jewish camp, also in the Catskill's just over the hill from the women's camp. Sid's parents have asked her to visit her grandfather because he was not well. This is actually a lie because they wanted her there to present her with her betrothed, Professor David Rosen, along with the betrothed of her cousin Mira, Mr. Levin. This was a surprise to both women, neither of which wished to marry. Mr. Levin is murdered. Molly attempts to solve the crime. Captain Sullivan turns up to help since the local police were very anti-Jewish and threatening to arrest Mira who found the body. ( )

In Sunshine or in Shadow is the twentieth book of the long-running historical mystery series Molly Murphy by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles.

Growing up in the Catskills I can definitely say that Bowen and Broyles described the area and life there in the very early part of the 20th century perfectly. I remember my Grandmother telling me about the resorts built for Jewish families escaping the New York City during the summer heat as air conditioning had not been invented yet. There was a lot of animosity towards Jews and the women’s suffrage movement at that time, and Bowen and Broyles addressed these issues with the finesse that they deserved. The main and secondary characters were all fleshed out with very distinct personalities and voices making this story an even more enjoyable experience.

This is my first time reading a Rhys Bowen book, and I am excited to say it will not be my last. The mystery totally engrossed me, and I read enthusiastically through to the end trying to figure out who the killer was. I am sure to get the most out of this series it would be beneficial to read them in order. However, not having read any of the previous books in this series, I had no problems whatsoever as it read as a standalone.

Thank you Minotaur Books for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy of this wonderful book via NetGalley. I was under no obligation whatsoever to write a favorable review and all opinions are my own. ( )

Excellent, as always!

In Sunshine or in Shadow by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles sends Molly out of Manhattan and up north to visit her mother-in-law in Westchester County. It is highly recommended for fans of the series.

In 1908 typhoid is back in the city and retired detective Molly Murphy Sullivan is expecting so Daniel wants her, along with their toddler son and teenage ward, to go stay with his mother for the summer. Much to her relief, her mother-in-law is a surprisingly welcoming host. When Molly's friends, Sid and Gus, invite her to come stay with them for a visit, she jumps at the chance. She joins them in a visit to Sid's family in a Jewish bungalow in the Catskills where tensions are running high and soon there is a murder to solve.

Mother and daughter Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles team up on this 20th installment of the mystery series. This is a typical Molly Murphy mystery. At this point, the characters are fully realized and developed across the whole series. The story arc is expected, a murder will be solved, although this time it is slow to happen, which marks the start of the investigation portion of the novel. It is a predictable, but comfortable, plot.

The quality of the writing is excellent, as expected. Where it really shines is in the descriptions of life during that time period, 1908, and all the historical information on the early Catskill resorts. Fans will welcome this latest addition and those new to the series can enjoy it as a standalone novel. This novel was reviewed in partnership with my mother who is an avid reader and big fan of the author. Thanks to Minotaur Books for providing an advance reader's copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary and expresses my honest opinion.
http://www.shetreadssoftly.com/2024/02/in-sunshine-or-in-shadow.html ( )

This was a clever and delightful addition to the Molly Murphy historical mystery series. I, being new to this series, suspected that this was going to a good read as this twentieth installment is the latest in a long-standing series by the much admired Rhys Bowen. Yet, it was even more enjoyable than I had anticipated.

It's the summer of 1908. Molly Murphy, now Mrs. Sullivan, is a plucky and clever retired private detective. Given that she is expecting her second child, she is committed to being a good mother as well as a dutiful wife to Daniel, head of the homicide branch of the New York Police. Typhoid is again running rampant in the city - the source of which is not quite known. In response, Molly removes her children and herself out to Westchester County to summer with her mother-in-law. With the children actively engaged with their friends and nanny, and the encouragement of her mother-in-law, Molly accepts an invitation to visit with her friends at a women's artist retreat in the Catskills. One of those friends, Sid, is expected to visit her family's nearby Jewish summer compound. There's safety in numbers - so off they all go for the family celebration. It isn't long before a body is found dead. With no local constabulary nearby, Molly is soon doing a bit of her own sleuthing until the police can assume responsibility. But will they be sufficiently competent? Only time will tell. Oh, if only Daniel could be up here to head up the investigation.

This particular installment was penned by both Clare Broyles and Rhys Bowen (pen name of Janet Quin-Harkin). Their collaboration was seamless. The writing was excellent and flowed well. There were a number of suspects, each with their own reason for the killing. The mise en scène was absolute perfection and beautifully described such that one could smell the lovely scent of evergreens and hear their branches whisper in the gentle summer breeze. The character development was rich and the period clothing well-described. For the most part, I adored each of the characters and really enjoyed reading about the well-educated and in some ways eccentric women at the artists retreat. Molly certainly kept interesting company. I look forward to catching up on the earlier installments of this fun and clever series.

I am grateful to Minotaur Books for having provided a complimentary copy of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publication Date: 03/12/2024
Publisher: Minotaur Books
ISBN: 978-1250890788
No. of pages: 304 ( )