IN DUBLIN’S FAIR CITY
by Rhys Bowen
“May you die in Ireland” may be more than just a toast.
Detective Molly Murphy (Oh Danny Boy, 2006, etc.) jumps at a chance to go to Ireland despite the fact she may still be wanted for assault. Theatrical impresario Tommy Burke has recently learned that he had a sister who was left behind when his family fled the Old Sod. Since he’s already rescued his ne’er-do-well nephew several times, he plans to leave his sister his fortune if she’s still alive. So Molly sails for Queenstown on the Majestic, where famous actress Oona Sheehan persuades her to change cabins so that she can escape her admirers. Molly enjoys the luxury of first class until Oona’s maid is murdered. The police put Molly on the suspect list when they learn that Oona never embarked. In her Dublin hotel, Molly discovers that Oona’s trunks are packed with rifles. As she travels the Irish countryside searching for the missing Mary Ann Burke, she becomes involved with groups working to free Ireland from the British yoke. Learning that two of her brothers are committed to the Republican cause, she becomes the linchpin of a handsome Irishman’s scheme to free her brother and others from prison, a plan that is nearly the death of her.
The feisty Molly rarely disappoints in this rousing yarn seasoned with a dash of Irish history.