Death of Riley (Molly Murphy Mysteries)

Book Description

Molly Murphy has finally begun to forget the unpleasant murder of a would-be rapist back in Ireland, not to mention her investigation into the murder of a fellow recent Irish immigrant, and is finally free to begin her life in New York City. Given her experiences so far in the New World, Molly has decided that her first order of business is to become a private investigator, a people finder of sorts, working for families in Europe who've lost touch with relatives in America. Not only might this put some food on her table, but her second order of business is to hook the handsome NYPD police captain Daniel Sullivan, and she envisions lots of opportunities to "seek his counsel" in her new profession. Paddy Riley is a tough old Cockney P.I. who specializes in divorce work, and with a little persuasion he's ready to take on Molly as an apprentice. It's not exactly what she imagined, but she plans to make the most of it. That is, until she comes in to work one day to find her new world turned upside down and all expectations for her professional life suddenly up in the air.Before long, Molly has set off on a journey that will take her through the back alleys of Manhattan and into the bars and lounges of the literary scene, where she spends time with writers, actors, poets, and musicians. It's quite an eye-opening turn for innocent young Molly, but she's resolute in her decision to find out exactly what happened that day in the office of Paddy Riley. Armed with nothing more than her fiery will and matching wild red hair, Molly has no idea of the danger her pursuit may bring in this fascinating, well-researched, and suspenseful second novel in Rhys Bowen's Agatha-award winning series.

Customer Reviews:

death of riley.......2007-05-27

The second installment of the Molly Murphy mysteries adds a few more supporting characters. My favorites were Sid and Gus, a couple that ends up befriending Molly. They are intellectuals, which is the just the scene Molly wants to immerse herself in. As for Daniel Sullivan, Molly's love interest, he is not so prominent in this book. While it is apparent that she and Daniel are in love, Molly uncovers an unfortunate fact about Daniel's past.

I love Molly's spunky character and her determination to start a detective agency. She also does not comprimise her morals or dreams for anyone. I actually enjoyed the character of Paddy Riley, but he is murdered in the first few chapters of the book. I think Riley would have made an excellent mentor for Molly, and he was funny to boot. I hope Sid and Gus will stay around.

I love these books!.......2007-05-13

I have read all of these books and love them. I hope there will be a new one to read soon. The author Rhys Bowen has an excellent style of writing.

2nd entry in Molly Murphy series fun read, let down at the end.......2006-09-29

Death of Riley by Rhys Bowen is the second book in the Molly Murphy mystery series. Molly is an unusual detective: she has few detecting skills, she tends to get herself into deadly situations, and she rarely thinks before she acts. All of these characteristics of course make for interesting reading. Molly approaches private detective Paddy Riley and asks him for a job. Shortly after starting as his secretary, she finds Riley dead at his desk and determines to find his killer when the police won't. Her romance with Danny hits the skids, but she makes some new friends in Greenwich Village in her search for Riley's killer. I really enjoyed most of the book, but the involvement of real historical people and a presidential assassination strained the credibility of the book for me.

Excellent Work, Again!.......2004-03-18

Rhys has managed to put together another well-written, original mystery, featuring Molly Murphy, an immigrant from Ireland in New York. After helping the police find a murderer, Molly decides that investigation is the field for her. She badgers Paddy Riley into taking her on as his apprentice in his detective agency. Paddy insists that this was no job for a woman, but lets Molly clean and organize his office. Until she walks in on Paddy's murderer.

Molly, unsatisfied with the police investigation into her mentor's death, decides to find the man who killed Paddy and attacked her. The story unfolds with Molly's new experiences in New York, her new friends, and her tenacity to investigate. The beginning of the story seemed to take a while to come together, but once it did, I couldn't put it down.

Now on to: For the Love of Mike!

A fine new character.......2003-10-29

Rhys Bowen, author of the Evans series of cozies set in Wales, continues her Celtic course with an Irish protagonist. This time it is a woman and the setting is New York of a century ago. But the Celtic element remains strong - Molly Murphy is an individualist with a strong sense of self and the ability to cut through waffle, semi-truths and untruths so she can pick out the germane and the useful. Molly has the Celtic gift of insight and the ability to make leaps of the imagination, leaving logic far behind.

She is a fine character, this Molly, saddled also with imperfections, including that imagination which is at times TOO vivid. Strong characterization is this writer's greatest asset. The setting, especially the class system of New York a century ago, the dialogue, the pacing are all good but it is the true-to-themselves characters that lift this book out of the ordinary.

The plot is unusual and well-conceived and the truth remains hidden almost to the end. The historical period and geographic setting combine to strengthen the dramatic tension.

But read the book for the pleasure of Molly Murphy's uppity-ness in a time and place that did not sanction the uppity. Read it for a look at life in Greenwich Village a century ago, and enjoy Molly's proud new "parents", Sid and Gus.

Book Description

Throughout history divination has taken many forms ranging from the interpretation of flickering shapes in a fire to stonecasting tea leaf reading and astrology. In this readable and intriguing book folklorist and writer Rhea Loader explores a system of stonecasting which comes down from ancient peoples and is still practiced today in tribal cultures around the world. Drawing from this ancient esoterica she formulates a workable system for divination in today's world.

Customer Reviews:

Great enlightening approach to divination.......2000-02-10

The author's personal approach to a form of divination described in this book is both entertaining and knowledgable. Great use of stones, their symbolism and connections to various emotions and planets in a comprehensive setting to get anyone started on the road to this form of divination. It's unique and fresh methods for fortelling the future make this book a great addition any serious diviner's collection. I big 5 in my book.

Arafel's Saga-the Dreamstone, the Tree of Swords and Jewels.

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Arafel's Saga-the Dreamstone, the Tree of Swords and Jewels.
C. J. Cherryh
Manufacturer: Nelson Doubleday, Inc.
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
ASIN: B000KZPOEC

Average customer rating:

LOW ORBIT
The curse of Paul Leonard's non-endings strikes again!
The Doctor losses Sam
Outstanding book. shows a different side of the Dr.
Well-written, engrossing read

Dreamstone Moon (Doctor Who Series)
Paul Leonard
Manufacturer: BBC Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0563405856

Amazon.com

In Dreamstone Moon, Sam and the Doctor, via different routes because they are still apart, find themselves on a satellite called the Dreamstone Moon. It has come by this name because it is where dreamstone, a substance that allows the dreams of sleepers to be recorded and then played back (or something), is mined. But an artist named Anton finds that the dreamstones only give him nightmares and so determines to go to the moon to find out why.

Readers are unlikely to be impressed with any of the characters here. It is easy to mistakenly believe that the soldier Cleomides is an android since it is the only way to explain her wooden, stilted dialogue and strange actions. The only well-developed character besides Sam is an alien Krakenite named Aloisse (a totally inhuman, cephalopodic sort of creature).

An excellent subplot is the idea that some of the humans cannot see aliens as rational and dependable beings in their own right. This leads to Aloisse being systematically tortured, blinded, and seriously wounded, since the humans simply can't think of her as a sentient being. This, of course, echoes man's inhumanity to man--especially where race and color are concerned--and is nicely understated here. The Doctor is probably the only hope they have, but because he is an alien, those in charge cannot see how he can help them.

Sam spends her time moving from one disaster area to another and encountering a series of hostile environments: it's amazing that she survives at all. It's also slightly annoying that she and the Doctor never actually get to meet in the novel--they spend the whole time just missing each other and only actually see each other twice. (I think it was twice--I wasn't counting!)

The biggest problem with Dreamstone Moon, however, is that the action (and there is lots of it) is simply not very well handled. Whereas John Peel can write action so that you feel you are watching it on screen, Leonard's events seem diluted and distant, as if it's someone telling you about something that happened to a friend some years before. Dreamstone Moon is a little bland in parts. Or it could be that Leonard's writing simply doesn't appeal to this reviewer and that others will understand and enjoy the work more. --David J. Howe, Amazon.co.uk

Customer Reviews:

LOW ORBIT.......2001-06-07

DREAMSTONE MOON started very strong and presented some interesting asides that are lacking from a majority of the early DOCTOR WHO novels. Sam has been seperated from the TARDIS and she nows travels the Universe one day at a time, while the Doctor has been doing his level best to find her, wondering all the while if he should perhaps let Sam go and live her own life on her own terms. But, this being a Doctor Who novel, the Doctor needs someone to talk to (which is nicely pointed out early on in the book). The most original idea in the novel is found in the viewpoint of Sam as she actually watches and hears about how the Doctor operates. Being seperated and being lost, she's allowed to develop her own perspective and viewpoint and she finds the Doctor's actions a rather interesting mix, not one she is often pleased about. But while the book has some good writing and a few solid ideas, you can't help but notice that it is all rather rushed, and as this is the second part in a three book arc, you are left with, not so much a cliffhanger (which would have been nice), but simply a stop. The story itself is not fresh (in fact it reminds me of an early NEXT GENERATION story), but Leonard manages to punch up a few original lines and action, all of which get's lost towards the end as he has to wrap up the plot, the fates of all the players and spring the big surprise (which is no real surprise, but an interesting idea that I wish had been present from the get go than waiting for the last ten pages). What really dropped the book a few stars in my view is the overuse of torture and violence. Once again we are treated to the kind of brutality that reads more like a United Nations Human Rights Report than an actual adventure novel... unpleasent. But Leonard does his best, offers up a few choice ideas, and can't be faulted for being stuck in the middle of a three book story. Worth picking up to complete the series, and worth one read through.

The curse of Paul Leonard's non-endings strikes again!.......2001-05-31

Putting this book inside the Sam Is Missing arc was probably a very bad idea. While most of this story is rather enjoyable, the ending really suffers because of the lack of a resolution. Not only do the Doctor and Sam fail to meet up again, but the story itself just sputters out without a satisfactory conclusion. Both of these elements seem to highlight the other, making the ending of the book a huge disappointment. Obviously I realize that since this is the middle part of a multi-book series, there isn't going to be a ultimate conclusion to all of the threads, but to leave so many of them hanging (including pieces from the story itself) really leaves the reader feeling unsatisfied.

On the other hand, the parts leading up to the (lack of) ending are quite interesting. The story moves quickly enough so that we never grow bored with any of it and the revelations come quickly enough so that one doesn't have to time to think about them too much. The characters painted are quite interesting as we get to know them, though there are some annoying passages in which Sam gets teamed up with a substitute Doctor and the Doctor gets paired up with a replacement companion. Though the surrogates are interesting characters in their own rights, they share too many of the qualities of the missing half and it ends up feeling a bit contrived.

The plot centers on a substance called dreamstone, which is used by humans to record and play back dreams. This subject has been done a few times before in science fiction, yet Leonard manages to keep things fresh here. He never goes into a great amount of detail concerning the specifics of what dreamstone is, and this allows the plot to stay on track without getting bogged down with boring technobabble.

All in all this is an entertaining, if light, read. This book is quite a bit shorter than the BBC book average, so it won't take the reader very long to get through. While this may help the beginning and middle sections, it probably ends up accenting the unsatisfactory nature of the ending.

The Doctor losses Sam.......2001-05-28

This is the first time that the Dr. showes his real feelings when he losses his one of his time travelers (Sam). I feel that the change from the 7th Dr to the 8th Dr. has ment a change in the way he views the events in his life. The books takes you to a planet called Dreamstone moon where people use special rocks to inhance their lives. He spots Sam several times while he is on the planet. But is never able to rejoin her. This book is a real easy read and I have read it more then once. When you have read this one you need to read Seeing I. This is the story where the Dr. and Sam finally find each other and are reunited. I hope that you enjoy this book as much as I did and I suggest that you add this one to your Dr. Who collection.

Outstanding book. shows a different side of the Dr........1998-12-24

This book is a easy read. You get to know about Sam. To me the book is nonstop fom the moment that Sam finds herself on an alein ship to the time that you start to realize that the planet is an living entity. This is one of the first times that one of the companions (Sam) thinks that she is alone when she thinks that the Doctor has been killed. It is a very good book and one that I think every Dr. Who fan should read. It was the first time that I have seen these types of novels have a sequence. After Reading this you will want to read Seeing I. I hope that everyone enjoys reading this as much as I did. I love the New Doctors personality and style and Sam links it together.

Well-written, engrossing read.......1998-11-25

This was an enjoyable book; the characters were well-written and sympathetic. There was plenty of action, but everything flowed organically.

Average customer rating:

The Dreamstone (Ealdwood Duology)
C. J. Cherryh
Manufacturer: DAW
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Contemporary | General | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books

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The Tree of Swords and Jewels (Ealdwood Duology)

ASIN: 0886770130

Download Description

It was that transitional time of the world, when man first brought the clang of iron and the reek of smoke to the lands which before had echoed only with fairy voices. In that dawn of man and death of magic there yet remained one last untouched place -- the small forest of Ealdwood -- which kept the magic intact, and protected the old ways. And there was one who dwelt there, Arafel the Sidhe, who had more pride and love of the world as it used to be than any of her kind.
But fear of the world of Faery ran deep in the hearts of men, and when Ciaran Cuilean, Lord of Caer Wiell, a man with Elvish blood in his veins, found himself the object of increasing distrust and suspicion from his men, his king, and even his own family, he knew he must once again put his humanity aside and return to Ealdwood. For shadows of a newly awakened evil swarmed across both lands, and unless Ciaran reclaimed his haunted weapons from the Tree of Swords and joined Arafel, he would see this evil overtake not only the warm hearthstones of the mortal keeps but the silvery heart of Ealdwood itself!

Doorways to the Otherworld: Celtic Dreamstone Divination

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Doorways to the Otherworld: Celtic Dreamstone Divination
Catrin James
Manufacturer: Capall Bann Pub
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | New Age | Religion & Spirituality | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1861630891

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THE DREAMSTONE
C.J Cherryh
Manufacturer: Gollancz
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000K5S6Y2

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The Dreamstone

Manufacturer: Daw Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback
ASIN: B000HWHBAI

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Dreamstone
Liane Jones
Manufacturer: William Heinemann Ltd
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Dreamstone
Helene Smith
Manufacturer: Fremantle Arts Center Pr
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 1920731636

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RuneSword series
THE DREAMSTONE.......MAKES THIS BOOK A NIGHTMARE

The Dreamstone (Rune Sword, No 3)
J. F. Rivkin
Manufacturer: Ace Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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ASIN: 0441736963

Customer Reviews:

RuneSword series.......2002-09-17

RuneSword is a great series by several authors of sorcery and adventure about four outcast adventurers that must save the world from the Dark Lords. Elizebith the sorceress, Caltus Talienson the warrior outlaw, Hathor the barbarian ogre, and Endril the elvin archer who must put aside their differences to band together on several adventures through a continuing story in several books to save the world. A great adventure story of might,and magic, of triumphs and victories at unbeliviable odds. A must read for those who love adventures set in the time of the middle earth.

THE DREAMSTONE.......MAKES THIS BOOK A NIGHTMARE.......1999-08-23

SAVE YOUR MONEY AND DON'T BUY THIS BOOK. BUT IF YOU ALREADY FELL INTO THIS TRAP, DON'T GO FORWARD!

Book Description

COMPANION VOLUME TO THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER THE FAT FLUSH PLAN

The popular weight-loss program now has a companion cookbook

"(Ann Louise Gittleman's) rundown of the therapeutic and culinary benefits of her favorite 25 cooking herbs makes a perfect introduction to her popular nutritional philosophy."--Natural Health Magazine

The Fat Flush Cookbook contains more than 200 recipes using fat-flushing foods and featuring the thermogenic herbs and spices--including ginger, cayenne, mustard, anise, fennel, and cinnamon--introduced in the popular diet program The Fat Flush Plan. This indispensable cookbook can be used as either a standalone volume or a companion book.

This tasty, heart-smart volume includes:

Time-saving, one-dish dinners
Packable lunches
Vegetarian-friendly ideas
Recipes with delicious and unique fat burning herbs and spices
An extended list of name brands suitable for Fat Flushing

In addition, The Fat Flush Cookbook shares new research explaining why certain Fat Flush staples speed up fat loss and provide profound detoxifying benefits while protecting overall health. Key ingredients such as lean proteins, phytonutrient-dense vegetables and fruits, psyllium, lemons, flaxseed and flaxseed oil, thermogenic herbs and spices, high-protein whey, stevia, cooking broths, and more are prominently featured in these delicious recipes. Cranberries, for example, which are now ranked among the best health foods we can consume, are an essential component to the success of Fat Flushers everywhere, and The Fat Flush Cookbook provides creative ways to enjoy this delicacy--along with tips on simple ways to sneak all these staples into existing favorites without making any major adjustments.

With delicious recipes, Fat Flushing information, and meal choices to suit every lifestyle, The Fat Flush Cookbook is perfect for the millions of Fat Flushers around the country.

Customer Reviews:

Good to start, hard to sustain.......2007-10-01

I give this book kudos for pointing out how harmful many of the toxins we regularly eat and drink are, and for suggesting avoiding artificial sweeteners. Pointing out that it's best to eat low glycemic carbs is good, but overall, this diet is unsustainable for the long haul. Especially if you have a family. The book itself is worthwhile for the information on detoxing, but then the "typical" consumer is going to have to tailor, significantly, in order to make it work.

Great help for detox.......2007-04-01

Chock-full of delicious recipes, this book will be a great help if you want to detox or lose weight.

Cooking for flushers.........2007-03-29

Fat flush food isn't exactly what I would call 5 star food. The cookbook is a must if you plan to follow the plan for any period of time or plan to be feeding any non-fat flushers.

Awesome book .......2007-01-18

This book is chalked full of recipes that help to create and maintain a healthy lifestyle. It is the best companion book to the The Fat Flush Plan book. I highly recommend it. I haven't even had time to try all the delicious recipes yet--there are so many. I will be eating some thing new every day for a long time.

The Fat Flush Cookbook.......2007-01-11

Good ideas, but a lot of the ingredients are not available in my area.

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The Fat Flush Cookbook

Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Similar Items:

ASIN: 0965733041

Product Description

cookbook by the author of the NY Times Bestseller The Fat Flush Plan

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You'll love this book!

The Fat Flush Cookbook
M.S., C.N.S. Gittleman Ann Louise
Manufacturer: McGraw-Hill
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000OG5IWK

Customer Reviews:

You'll love this book!.......2007-07-13

This is one of the best cookbooks ever made. The recipes are very easy to make. She has them divided into sections such as: Vegetables, Poultry, Seafood, etc. If you're on the Fat Flush Plan, you'll be able to distinguish which of the recipes are suitable for your current phase of the plan. She uses a lot of herbs, lemons, and limes in her recipes, so be prepared to have these items in your refrigerator. These are mainstays in the recipes, as well as broths. These recipes are just an extension of the wonderful recipes in her Fat Flush Plan book. I have prepared quite a few of her recipes, and I get nothing but praise on how good each one is. Even if you aren't on the Fat Flush Plan but you are looking for recipes to fix for a healthy diet, then you will love this book.

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The Cookin' Cajun Cooking School Cookbook : Creole and Cajun Cuisine from the Heart of New Orleans
Susan; Verlander, Lisette Murphy
Manufacturer: Gibbs Smith Publisher
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: B000KPFSVG

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