The Last Illusion (Molly Murphy Series #9)

A great mystery

In 1903 in New York City Molly Murphy and her fiancé police captain Daniel Sullivan attend a magic show at the Miner's Theatre on the Bowery headlined by the great Harry Houdini. However, their night out on the town turns ugly when the stunt of sawing-a-lady-in-half by magician Signor Scarpelli goes awry even before Houdini was to perform.

Someone obviously tampered with Scarpelli's equipment before the performance. Even further shocking is the corpse of the magician's assistant disappears. Worried that the intended target was her spouse, Houdini's wife Bess hires Molly to investigate while Daniel directs his fiancée to stay out of the way of the official inquiry. When Houdini's act almost also ends fatalyl, Molly agrees with Bess that her husband is the prey for a maniacal predator.

Proving once again she is not a coddled women In a Gilded Cage, Molly investigates while Daniel, who also is on the case, pleading with her to stay out of it as it is dangerous. Their inquiries make for a superb historical whodunit that brings to life Manhattan at the turn of the previous century while also cleverly refreshed by having Houdini appear to be the victim.

Harriet Klausner

1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.

The last for me.

This is where, sadly, I have to part company with the series. As with most cozy mysteries, the author relies heavily on formula, but this author more than most, in both this as well as the "Royal Spyness" series. While I enjoyed the series initially, I soon felt that I was reading the same book over and over creating a case of "the law of diminishing returns", and I finally had to put this one down mid-read. The series also suffers from the dropping of very broad clues early on so that the reader can pretty much figure out whodunnit long before the main character doe, which isn't much fun. The author's "Evan Evans" series is by far the best .. I heartily recommend that series over the other two.

Fun Read - very entertaining

Well written, feel good read.

A Good Read

I enjoy reading of Molly's adventures. I enjoyed this book, but, to be honest, I was a little disappointed with the ending. I expected one or two false identities, but they didn't materialize. Oh, there were false identities, but it could have been much more interesting with one or two more.

It's Magic!

Rhys Bowen has given us another exciting glimpse into turn of the century New York in her newest Molly Murphy mystery. That the book also brings us Harry and Bess Houdini is icing on the cake! Bowen's research into the time period and the Houdini's themselves is evident. The story rings true to what we know about the great Houdini as well as to the great love story between Harry and Bess. Bowen's attention to the details of the period are a delight.

Another Page-Turner

Molly Murphy is back again in another page-turner. The supporting cast of characters, especially Daniel, Gus and Sid, blend in perfectly, the story keeps you guessing until the end and history comes alive in 1903 New York City. The Molly Murphy series just keeps getting better.

The Last Illusion

Molly Murphy is back in Rhys Bowen's latest novel THE LAST ILLUSION. She brings back life in New York City at the turn of the last century. This time Molly is hired by Harry Houdini's wife to find out if someone is trying to kill her husband. This novel has magic, the theater and even the hint of possible spies. Ms. Bowen does it again with her detailed historical imagery, her colorful characters and an enjoyable plot. I simply adore these mysteries.

Loved it!

Rhys Bowen has done it again! This could well be the best of her Molly Murphy series!

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