Review: In Sunshine and in Shadow

Molly Murphy Sullivan is at loose ends. Her police capitan husband, Daniel, has hustled her, daughter Bridie, and son Liam out of New York City to escape an advancing typhoid epidemic. Molly and the children are staying with Daniel’s mother, but Molly just can’t sit and make baby clothes for the impending new Baby Sullivan. When an offer arrives to visit friends Sid and Gus at a women’s retreat nearby, Molly jumps at the opportunity…and right into a mysterious death at Sid’s grandparents resort when the trio decides to visit. While there, Molly reconnects with an old friend and makes new ones, but the circumstances of the death make nearly everyone a suspect. 

I love that Molly still has her spunk, but continues to develop as a character. In this book, she ponders women’s roles and where she fits into those expectations. On the one hand she longs for a more traditional role as wife and mother, but on the other she wants something (like a good mystery) that provides intellectual stimulation. As she interacts with people at the retreat and resort, Molly expands her circle of women friends who lead very interesting lives. 

This book is a must read for fans of Molly Murphy and those who enjoy a Turn of the Century era mystery.

 

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Minotaur Books, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.