Away in a Manger

Set around Christmas in 1905 New York City, Bowen’s so-so 15th Molly Murphy mystery (after The Edge of Dreams) finds Molly, no longer a PI, preoccupied with being a good wife to NYPD Capt. Daniel Sullivan and mother to their baby, Liam. When Liam’s nanny, Bridie, is moved by the sight of a young girl, Emmy, singing for alms on the cold streets of Manhattan, Molly and Bridie decide to donate some clothes to her. After further encounters with Emmy and her older brother, Molly learns that their mother delivered them to an aunt, who sends them onto the streets to earn their keep. Molly determines to help the siblings by learning the truth about their mother’s fate. A subplot related to Daniel’s professional difficulties stemming from his unwillingness to play ball with the Tammany crowd is basically window-dressing. Some series fans may feel Molly’s sleuthing skills aren’t up to her usual standard. [em]Agent: Meg Ruley, Jane Rotrosen Agency. (Nov.) [/em]