Daniel’s rising star seems to have been sidelined!

One of the more interesting plots in the Molly Murphy series. Daniel comes home and has Molly look at a house on 78 Avenue that they’re moving into this Friday. Molly is incensed at Daniel’s high handedness, particularly as it seems he’ll be a candidate for Sheriff in the County of New York, which included five boroughs. He would be running on the Tammany ticket. How did that happen? Molly’s puzzled? Daniel had always maintained that that ticket came with bribes and kickbacks. Everything Daniel hated. Now Daniel has asked her to trust him. She does of course…but!
We go from that domestic bombshell, to a fire on a boat, to Molly trying to cope with having maids and a cook, and the expectations on Molly as lady of the house. There’s the cook’s meals of gluggy pasta to try to overcome, and the startling situation of being escorted by some heavy dock workers wherever she goes.
But when Big Bill, Daniel’s sponsor, is murdered during his young daughter’s birthday party Molly’s sleuthing abilities are honed and ready.
Bridie has more to cope with. With the change of address she’s registered at a posh school nearby where she subjected to the usual treatment by girls from wealthy families with little tolerance of someone who’s different. I heartily disliked them.
Not as exciting as earlier Molly mysteries. Somewhat of a trip down memory lane for Molly, and not the pleasant paths, but the uncomfortable ones.

A St. Martin’s Press ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

If you have ever met up with an old friend whom you have not seen in a long while, but once you start talking all the years drop away and you look up at the clock and the whole day has passed. Well, that is precisely how I feel about getting to read the 19th book in the Molly Murphy series. The book is so well written you will be caught up in the story as soon as you start even if this is the first in the series you have read. If like me you have read a few in this series (12 so far). You will see how wonderful the characters have developed and blended together over the different books. In this book, we see Molly has settled into being a wife and mother and has figured out how to use her great detective talents at the same time. Daniel has also developed in his role as husband and father and allowed Molly to be Molly. I think this might be my favorite book so far. I was not familiar with Tammany Hall politics and was halfway through the book when I Googled it. It was real and the little research I did was just as Clare Broyles and Rhys Bowen had written about. I love the author's detail of history. I want to thank Netgalley, Clare Broyles and Rhys Bowen, and St. Martin Press for the chance to read and review this book. This review is all mine.

ALL THAT IS HIDDEN by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles
A reunion with Molly (nee Murphy) and Daniel Sullivan is such a delight that I read on joyfully, oblivious to the world, until the “parting is such sweet sorrow” end. Sigh . . .
This was a wild and twisty ride, beginning with a move to a 5th Avenue brownstone as Daniel enters the world of Tammany Hall politics, “trust me, I am on the right side here.” It’s not quite clear where the right side is or whom can be trusted, and it’s even more worrisome as Bridie’s school friendship puts her in the middle of the dangers. Disappearances, fires, murder, and the lesser woes of dealing with snobbish servants, together make Molly long for her sweet house on Patchin Place, and I couldn’t blame her. There are many surprises, but you know I won’t spoil them. Do block out a free day and discover for yourself.

I'm still glad that we are getting more Molly Murphy stories, but this one did not work as well as the last one. I wouldn't be opposed to the authors retiring Molly and doing a flash forward to Bridie as an investigator in the future, since she is becoming a much more interesting character in recent books.

On the positive side, I love getting to see glimpses of early 1900's New York and the little historical details that are interwoven. The descriptions of the mansions, restaurants and theaters really make the world come to life. The political machinations of Tammany Hall are also central to this story, expanding on some of the details that were in prior books.

My primary issue was that Molly's character felt jarringly different here for large portions of the story. She spends the first quarter of the book constantly sniping at Daniel and complaining about everything. This is not to say that Daniel doesn't deserve to be put in his place (at least once a book, I hope he's going to be bumped off, but that's another issue) or that she should have quietly accepted the life-changing decisions he made without consulting her, but historically she has found a way to assert her independence and work around him rather than just sound like a stereotype of a nagging wife. Knowing Daniel's history, she should have seen through his cover story and figured out that there was more going on with his sudden support of Tammany Hall. As the murder mystery unfolds, she is completely oblivious to clues that are painfully obvious to the reader and does little to move the investigation forward aside from her sudden realization at the end. The scope of the mystery is also fairly limited, as most of the action takes place in either Molly's/Daniel's temporary new house or in the murder victim's UES mansion. Molly's harsh treatment of her newfound servants also felt a bit off, including how quickly she jumped on board with Sid and Gus's suggestion to make over the top demands to "put them in their place."

I hope that going forward Molly gets to shine as a detective more, since that's what drew me to the series initially. Despite all that has changed in her life -- and the new developments that are revealed rather clumsily at the end of this book -- her initial beginnings as a private investigator have always been at the core of her character, and I hope that is reflected more in the next story.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and Netgalley for providing an ARC for review!

Molly Murphy historical mystery series is new to me, and I enjoyed getting to know Molly and her husband Dan, whose lives in the 1900s are changed dramatically when Dan decides to run for sheriff. He’s keeping secrets from Molly, which she needs to find answers to. She sees the political corruption, and the flawed investigations by the police department, and begins putting the pieces together when Dan reveals his undercover assignment. I enjoyed the descriptive writing, bringing the characters (especially Molly’s friends) to life, and transporting the reader to New York City, to experience the styles, history and social status of the time. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys an intriguing mystery.
Thank you NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for sending this book for review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Molly Sullivan is perfectly satisfied with her life, caring for her family in her dear little house in Patchin Place. Her husband’s career as a New York City police captain is going well, their small son Liam is thriving, and their ward Bridie is getting a fine education. In the space of a few hours, everything she knows and loves is turned upside down.
Daniel, who abhors the corruption in the New York political scene, stuns Molly when he informs her that he is running for Sheriff of New York County on the Tammany Hall ticket, and that they will be moving to a mansion on 5th Avenue in a matter of days. He assures her that he knows what he’s doing, and that all will be well, but she finds that hard to believe.
Molly is ill-prepared for the life of a society lady. The servants intimidate her, she fears Liam is beginning to prefer his nanny’s company to hers, she finds her husband’s new cronies abhorrent and their wives shallow and unsufferable. Add to that the bodyguards who follow her everywhere are a nuisance. She soon finds out they are a necessary nuisance, as the world of New York City politics are fraught with danger.
Once again, Ms. Bowen has written another gem in this historical mystery series. Molly is a strong, intelligent, and likable protagonist, and the other characters are three dimensional. The historical setting is well researched and interesting. Highly recommended.

All That is Hidden is a Molly Murphy mystery by Rhys Bowen and Clare Broyles, the first book I have ever read by either of the authors. The story opens in 1906 and takes place over the next year in the household of a police captain for the New York Police department, Daniel. In this mystery, we find that Daniel has taken leave after a recommendation to run for sheriff on the Tammany ticket, a party he disapproved of. It is known to be corrupt, especially Big Bill, a current alderman who plans to run for mayor alongside Daniel. Because of the situation, Big Bill supports the family's new residence on Fifth Avenue. While Molly has many questions for her husband, at this time, he's not sharing any in depth information about why, specifically, he has chosen to switch his career path, especially in choosing to run for office. Daniel is not the type of man to join the corrupt as he fights against it with all his might. And, Daniel does tell Molly he cannot tell her everything, when he breaks the news that he is changing their lives so drastically, but shares that he does think he can make a difference running for sheriff. However, Molly is suspicious, with reason to be but trusts her husband’s word.

Regardless of the enormous house and many servants they are provided with from Big Bill, Molly and Daniel’s life is riddled with more mystery than ever before. For instance, why would a cook who cannot manage a cup of tea be hired, after her husband dies on the docks? Why was there a fire on a boat trip that puts Molly, her ward (and daughter) Millie, and even Big Bill’s daughter's life at risk?

On the night Molly and Daniel are presented with the knowledge that Willian Randolph Hearst’s (a man known in history for developing the nation’s largest newspaper chain) reporters have gone missing, (and, they find out, others too), when Big Bill is found dead that evening while trying to revise his will, no one knows yet what his death is related to, as there are so many problems, one has many avenues to investigate. The problem is, with Daniel running for office, staying even after Big Bill’s death, he can’t investigate. And, the bumbling officer assigned to the case does not believe in even the simplest methods, like how helpful fingerprints can be even when not yet accepted as evidence in court. Will the right killer be found without Daniel on the case? Does Molly need to do some sleuthing herself as she has been successful, in the past, solving mysteries just like this?

It comes as little surprise when Molly learns Daniel hasn’t left the police department, his job there, but only gone undercover for the New York police department. After all, someone has to find out what has happened to several of Hearst’s reporters and others who are somehow, some way, linked to the Tammany political party? Furthermore, Hearst wants justice for those who might have made his reporters disappear as he sees this act having been done to suppress other reporters from writing the truth for the public to see. And there is nothing Hearst wants more than his newspaper, all public news, to be able to report the truth without fear of retaliation for telling it.

But, with Big Bill’s death, when Daniel pushes to investigate his murder, all the disappearances, to be back in his position as chief of police, he is told that he must stay undercover and see what shakes out of the Tammany tree. After all, with Big Bill dead, someone else must run for mayor. Who will the party choose? Will there be replacements? Is there an unknown puppet that has been, in actuality, making the decisions that Big Bill was thought to have made? What will happen to the political party when the head of it is chopped off? Will it grow back? Will it kill the rest of the party? Or, will the party somehow be stronger?

All readers are going to want to put this new mystery on their shelf as Molly is one of my new, favorite sleuths. The characters were all ones who created an exciting, dramatic, enlightening tale full of intrigue and, in the end, the idea that the truth should never be able to be wiped away, with any external means. That we should be able to search for it, find it, and shout it to the world (if we want) without fear of reprisal or repercussion from anything or anyone. No one should be above the truth and all should be allowed to tell it. Furthermore, the most important factor, for me, here, is that, in telling the truth, all should be able to hear it, all should have access. William Hearst, in real life shared this hope with others and his newspapers along with sharing it in this book as he is one of the characters running against Big Bill for mayor. And while Hearst was not a perfect man, he valued the truth above anything else as he found it, at the time, most important for the American citizen. Thus, the newspapers and all those who wrote for it,

All That Is Hidden shares a story based on a time that was ever changing, each moment in time, important for the future of mankind. Because what happens in the past sets precedent for the present, tells people in the here and now, what can and can't be done. It was a time where individuals sought to repress certain things, usually, criminal or nefarious activities, keeping individuals from being able to share important knowledge of what had been done with the world. The U.S., at the time, was still in its infancy (and still, maybe), the judicial system, the people, only finding their footing in what was right and wrong, criminally. Newspapers, really, the only form of media at the time (other than word of mouth) was the only way to bring people the knowledge of immoral activities so, as a whole, people could begin to decide what was right and wrong, legally, and criminally.

Loving the mixture of a few real characters (the Tamany party), the fictitious, events that happened, or could have happened, I love writers who take creative liberties because, even in reality, the truth is never as black and white, cut and dry, as we see it. All that is Hidden was a great introduction to the Molly Murphy Mystery series and a great find and an author, when publishing a new book, that I don’t want to miss. Sorry for leaving some of the questions here without answers but, as I found the book so lively and good, I wanted others to have to read it to answer them themselves. And, hopefully, you will get some of the feel that I got, from the book, of what American history was like, as it was being made. Because, in America, there was a time like this, situations that happened like this and people, just like Daniel and Molly, who fought against the injustices of the world.

Happy Reading!

I enjoyed this story from Rhys Bowen and plan to read more of her work. This was a solid mystery with some political history thrown in and was intricate enough that I didn't figure out the ending until I read it. Always a plus with a mystery! Molly, the main character, was authentic for her time and place in her views and speech which I have to have in good historical fiction. I enjoyed the interaction with her husband Daniel and her adopted daughter Bridie and felt her involvement in solving the crime was realistic. My only complaint would be that sometimes there was too much restating of the facts or ideas again and again which I find is common these days in fiction. More "show not tell" and letting the reader assume certain things makes for more depth in a story. The constant explaining of things makes the book feel sometimes a bit YA which is fine but it isn't marketed as such. Other than this, I enjoyed the story very much.

Thank you so much for lending it to me. I am a fairly new book blogger and appreciate the opportunity to review new titles! Please read my full review at ShellieLovesBooks.com

This is usually one of my favorite series. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this installment as much. The characters felt forced, and even though Molly has been investigating for years, her husband still judges her and makes her feel useless. It just didn't really work for me.

All That Is Hidden is my first Molly Sullivan story, which is surprising since I've always enjoyed reading Rhys Bowen's historical novels. Despite jumping into the series in the 19th installment, I enjoyed the story. The authors referred to Molly's back story throughout the novel, which was helpful for readers new to the series.

The book is set in early 20th Century New York City, but the storyline echoes issues in today's news: political corruption, treatment of people with disabilities, bullying and even touches on LGBTQ issues. All That Is Hidden presents a multi-faceted mystery. I enjoyed being introduced to Molly Sullivan and may go back to meet her in earlier episodes.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me an ARC copy and introducing me to the series.

I was thrilled when the last Molly Murphy book came out so I’m happy to see the series is continuing.

Molly’s husband Daniel is leaving the police department to enter politics, running for sheriff. Molly is understandably confused by this, considering it completely goes against Daniel’s character. To add to the building mystery, there’s a murder when Molly and Daniel are at a party thrown by his benefactor. So we not only get a murder mystery, we also get a story of political corruption and backstabbing.

Even with adding Clare Broyles as an author to this series, I enjoy that Molly stays true to who we’ve seen over the past dozen and a half books. I continue to like the historical details we get, immersing the reader into early 1900s New York. The mysteries are satisfying. Overall, the series doesn’t have the same sparkle as the early books did, but it’s still a fantastic series and I recommend this book.

Thank you to Netgalley for an advance copy.

I love Rhys Bowen! I would rate this as 3.5 stars, not as good as earlier Molly books but still worth reading to follow her life with Daniel. The glimpse into Gilded Age society was fun in this book, but the mystery itself was a bit slow getting started.

I was impressed with the way the last Molly Murphy book reinvigorated the series, so I was eager to read this next installment. (Please, let there be some improvement in Daniel’s attitude toward Molly and her talents)

Daniel leaves his job as a police captain to run for sherif on the Tammany Hall ticket and moves his family to 5th Ave—without telling Molly. His reasons were clear to me, and I was disappointed Molly didn’t put it together.

Slow start with a lot of repetition throughout, and a rushed ending with few consequences for the guilty. The murder doesn’t happen until about halfway and that’s when Molly starts to shine. If you’re not familiar with Molly Murphy, this is a rough one to dive in with. But if you’ve read the series, you may as well read this one too.

Tammany Hall, 1907, politics, politicians, political-intrigue, political-corruption, NYC, relationship-issues, family-dynamics, famous-persons, law-enforcement, locked-room-mystery, corruption, friction, friendship, gangsters, class-consciousness, fire, attitude-of-entitlement, undercover, mistrust*****

"Oysters is poor people food." Say what?
I wasn't enamored of the only other book in series that I've read, but this one is a real winner. I had no trouble following the personal histories and the current activities were exceptionally well done. The real history behind the fiction is well researched. The characters are clearly established and very interesting, as are their interactions (thanks be that the classic trite mother-in-law is only referred to, not present.).
I requested and received an EARC from St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Former private detective Molly Murphy is shocked when her husband quits his job as a captain with the New York City Police so that he can run for sheriff on the Tammany Hall ticket. Tammany Hall is known for corruption and kickbacks—two things that Daniel abhors. Relying on her trust in Daniel—and her suspicions that there is something else at play—Molly moves her family into a Fifth Avenue brownstone and concentrates on being a dutiful politician's wife. After Tammany Hall bigwig Big Bill McCormick is murdered at his daughter's birthday party, Daniel finally reveals to Molly that he is working undercover to expose crimes committed by Tammany Hall. Molly and her adopted daughter then join Daniel in his undercover investigation into Tammany Hall crimes as well as his search for Bill Bill's murder.



While I did enjoy ALL THAT IS HIDDEN, it did take me a while to get into the story. It isn't until about the halfway point that the murder takes place and Molly finds out that Daniel is working undercover. The first half of the novel revolves around Molly questioning Daniel's motives, moving to Fifth Avenue, and meeting the major players. I can understand why Daniel wouldn't fill Molly in on what he was doing, but I feel that the first half of the novel would have been more engaging if Molly had been aware of what was going on and been more involved. The ending also felt rushed, and some questions were left unanswered.



As always, the Molly Murphy novels are full of historical tidbits that really bring that time period to life. And it's always good to catch up with some of the reoccurring characters. I just wish Molly was a bit more like her old, spunky self from the earlier novels.

Thank you to the Publisher St. Martin Press and NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to review this wonderful novel.

Rating: 5 stars

Again, there is a conflict of opinions between Molly and the Captain, then all becomes clear eventually. Interesting to see how the sequence of events happen that leads Molly to jump to the wrong conclusions.

Lots of red herrings.

There are several mysteries, including WHY Molly and her family are moving to a fancy address.

When a dead body is discovered, Molly and Captain Sullivan work to solve the murder despite the refusal of the detective in charge's attempts to hinder their work.

Wonderful characters.

Rhys and Clare are a great writing team.

Molly Murphy Sullivan is back for her 19th installment in “All That is Hidden.” The story opens in 1907 when Daniel, her police captain husband, takes Molly to a posh Fifth Avenue home and announces they will live there while Daniel runs for sheriff on the Tammany Hall ticket. Naturally, Molly is stunned. Though she struggles with Daniel’s apparent turn to the Dark Side, she throws her support behind her husband and soon finds herself embroiled in Tammany politics.

I discovered Molly during the Pandemic and have devoured each story. Molly is a reflective character who knows that she has been shaped by the circumstances of her life. By this point, she espouses what we would consider solid traditional middle-class values, but Molly’s beliefs are challenged by her friends and acquaintances (the cast of characters is colorful) so she is constantly evolving. In this installment, Molly considers the treatment of those with disabilities and the consequences of political corruption at the turn of the 20th century.

As always, this peek into Molly’s life paints a vivid picture of early 20th century New York City. Molly Murphy fans will find the story familiar, yet intriguing. If you haven’t read a Molly Murphy story before, you could easily start here, then go back and read earlier episodes to more deeply understand the characters. I highly recommend this story!

Thank you #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks for providing an advanced reader’s copy of “All That is Hidden” for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

3.5 stars. A new historical, cozy mystery/ detective. This is #19 book in the series, but can be read as a stand alone. The series organized such way that each book is a new investigation, and the author shortly explains what happened to the main characters before, so their lives progressing from book to book. In this story Molly is married, she is a wife and has a child, so her character is very adjusted to that. Before she was more crazy taking the risk, but now more like a good wife behaviour. I accept that, but don’t like it, was bored many times during reading the story. Also the beginning was very slow, only from the 2nd part of the book something started to happen.
As always, I really liked the author’s writing style. So cozy, approachable, perfectly suited for 19th century atmosphere.
The ending somehow was predictable, and I did not like a cliche used with one of the characters ( don’t want to say who and what, so no spoilers here, but if you read it already, you understands).

I’ve been following the Molly Murphy series for years. This is the 19th book in the series. Molly and her police captain husband get drawn into early 20th century New York politics, when her husband quits the police force and decides to run for sheriff.
The political benefactor is murdered and Molly and her husband Daniel investigate as a team.
Enjoyable read, a bit predictable, I guessed the culprit very early on.

I am a big Rhys Bowen fan yet had never read the Molly Murphy series. When I received an ARC from the publisher and Netgalley, I found I had book #1 on audible, so I listened to it, then was able to get 3 and 4 from my library, so I had some background before reading this, book # 19.
Molly Murphy is an immigration from Ireland, arriving in New York in 1902 and helping solve a murder on Ellis Island, where she meets police captain Daniel Sullivan.
Well by book #19, they are married and have a son, but Molly continues to investigate murders. The historical aspects of Bowens novels are what keep me intrigued, and in this book we learn about Tammany Hall and William Randolph Hearst makes an appearance.
The murder investigation is interesting and will keep you guessing.
Thank you to St Martin's Press and Netgalley for the ARC.