The author gives us a look into the world of the wealthy, as we visit a Hudson NY mansion for the Christmas Holidays.
We are with the main character Molly, a young mother and amateur detective, also an immigrant from Ireland, her husband, young son, and her ward, and also her Mother-In-Law, who is the reason we gain entrance into the world of the elite.
We enjoy the life of luxury, for a while at least until, we find out that a young child, and only child of the hosting couple, went missing ten years ago. Then odd things begin to happen, and of course our amateur is feeling the need to solve the mystery, and drags her police detective husband into helping her.
We are in for several surprises and find out some upsetting things about these wealthy people. A neat read for something different Holiday entertainment.
I received this book through Net Galley and Minotaur Books, and was not required to give a positive review.

The Ghost of Christmas Past is the 17th book in Rhys Bowen’s Molly Murphy mystery series. I am a big fan of Rhys Bowen, and I have read many (although not all) of the Molly Murphy books. I was definitely excited about the opportunity to read this book.

Molly Murphy is trying to recover from some sad news that she received at the end of the last book. She and her husband Daniel think that spending Christmas at a swanky Westchester mansion is just the thing they need to lift their spirits. Upon arrival, they learn that the family suffered a tragic loss when their daughter disappeared ten years ago. There was never any ransom note, nor was any trace of the girl ever discovered. Naturally, Molly wants to investigate, but there are strange things afoot, and strange occurrences too.

I must admit that I was a tad skeptical about this book because we just had a Molly Christmas story recently, and we have also had a Molly book involving a child kidnapped from a mansion. However, Bowen takes these themes to new places. Even when I thought I knew where the story was going, there was a plot twist, and then two more new twists on top of that. I was definitely surprised several times, and I had trouble stopping at the end of a chapter because I wanted to find out what was going to happen next.

Fans of the series will appreciate appearances from beloved secondary characters. I was very nervous because the beginning of the book seems to indicate that a great deal of change is in the air, and this had me worried for the whole book, but I was pleased with the way things ended.

I would recommend The Ghost of Christmas Past to fans of historical mystery. I do think readers would benefit from reading at least a couple other Molly Murphy mysteries before reading this one; it helps to have some familiarity with the characters and their backgrounds. This was a fairly somber mystery, although the Molly Murphy books to tend to be a little more serious that Bowen’s Royal Spyness books. That said, the Christmas theme works well here, and I like how it was incorporated throughout the book. I am already looking forward to the next book in the series, and I will have to catch up on the books I have missed in the meantime!

I received a digital copy of this book from Netgalley/the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

I have enjoyed Rhys Bowen's stories since discovering Her Royal Spyness series this summer so when I say she had a Christmas book coming out I had to request it.

After reading Mr. Dickens and His Carol by Samantha Silva all I wanted to was to dive into more Christmas books, but I felt I should try to get in another review book or two before I lost myself in holiday reading. So imagine my delight when I remembered I had requested The Ghost of Christmas Past from Netgalley.

In all my excitement though I failed to notice that this book is part of Bowen's Molly Murphy Mystery series (a trend that has haunted me this year). There are 16 previous books in this series so I'm sure there is much to learn about the characters in those books. There is mention of previous events, but not much detail is given.

While all the characters are likable, I had trouble connecting with any of them. I found Molly to be a bit bland and was constantly mixing her up with another character in my head. I'm assuming it is a result of not reading the rest of the series.

While this is billed as a Christmas story, Christmas is merely a backdrop and has little bearing on the story itself - it could almost have been set anytime during the winter.

All that being said, I did enjoy the mystery. Like Molly, I suspected the truth but couldn't really confirm it so it was satisfying when all the pieces came together. There are enough twist and turns to misdirect the reader while teasing them with the truth they suspect.

The Ghost of Christmas Past will provide the enjoyable escape one needs from the chaotic holiday season.

Last week in my 5 things I’m loving right now post, I mentioned Rhys Bowen. While she’s new-to-me as a reader, when I was a bookseller we’d see her books by the truckload! The Molly Murphy series alone has 17 books! She always seemed the an author I would enjoy…and I’m so thrilled to say I was right. Not only did I tear through The Ghost of Christmas Past, but I’m already itching to dive into the first novel and do a serious binge read!

After suffering a miscarriage, Molly Murphy is just now beginning to slip from her depression. When she and her husband Daniel are invited to a friend’s grand mansion for Christmas, they readily accept, eager to spend the holidays among their friends. At first, everything is pleasant: Molly’s toddler Liam and her mother-in-law’s companion Bridie and new maid Ivy are all thoroughly overwhelmed (and positively enchanted) by the house’s vast size – both Bridie and Ivy were raised in an orphanage and have certainly never seen anything so luxurious and massive before – yet quickly take to exploring the mansion’s many rooms and Molly discovers her two good friends happen to be staying at the hotel that’s practically next door.

It’s one of these rooms that leads to the reveal of a terrible tragedy. A nursery, untouched for years, full of any and every toy a little girl could ever want. Molly learns their hosts for Christmas, the Van Aikens, once had a daughter named Charlotte. On Christmas ten years ago, the 3-year-old simply wandered out into the snow and, despite an intense police investigation and search, she was never seen again. …until now. Exactly ten years to the day, there’s a knock at the door revealing a young girl claiming to be the Van Aikens’ daughter.

While a returned child long thought dead would be a cause for celebration (and Mrs. Van Aiken, Winnie, certainly is wasting no time lavishing her daughter with attention and love), Molly isn’t as readily accepting of the girl’s story. Where she was, how she escaped and came home, something doesn’t add up – particularly after Molly learns an elderly aunt’s recent passing most definitely was not due to natural causes. With the help of her police officer husband, Molly is determined to uncover the girl’s true identity – and finally learn what became of Charlotte the night she wandered out into the snow.

The Ghost of Christmas Past was such a great read – short and quick, absolutely perfect for a newcomer to the series and I’m sure would be a great read for longtime fans as well. Because I hadn’t read the previous novels, the circumstances behind Molly’s miscarriage were unknown to me, as was Bridie’s history as an orphan turned maid turned beloved companion, but I was easily brought up to speed and before I knew it, I was completely attached to these characters!

The mystery itself was so intriguing: a little girl seemingly vanished into thin air and now a decade later a young girl turns up and claims to be that same missing child. Um, sign me up! Because this is a cozy, there’s next to no gore at all (I can see other mystery authors writing a MUCH darker story – and I would read each and every one of them), but I was still captivated. Because I hadn’t read the other novels, I wasn’t familiar with which characters were new and which ones already had established histories, but there was one scene where I immediately knew what the Big Reveal would be. In no way did my correct guess take away from the story. In fact, I think I enjoyed it even more, I wanted to see how Molly would work it all out!

I’m ashamed it’s taken me this long to finally read a Rhys Bowen novel – the first Molly Murphy book came out in 2001, her debut was released in 1997! – but it’s safe to say I’m absolutely hooked! The Ghost of Christmas Past was a highly entertaining read that completely sucked me in and had me turning pages as a rapid-fire pace. I was instantly drawn to Molly and her family and couldn’t be happier this series is so long – I can’t wait to have more Molly Murphy in my life!

Well I do believe I've discovered a new favorite genre. I've always enjoyed historical fiction but this is historical mystery and it was wonderful! I need to look into this genre more!
This is also a new to me author an I will admit the gorgeous cover drew me to this book then the summary was the deciding point. It was even better than I thought it would be. Lucky me as this is book 17 in the series now I have a bunch more books to read when I have the chance.
Molly Murphy Sullivan suffers from depression after a miscarriage following her adventure in San Francisco during the earthquake of 1906. Molly is a semi-retired private detective and he husband,Daniel a police captain. Upon getting an invitation to rest at a mansion on the Hudson for the Christmas season they jump at the chance. Rest and relaxation makes us forget our troubles and this couple needs the healing it will provide. Upon arriving at the mansion they see the opulence and rich lifestyle the couple live in. Riches don't make us all happy though if we have other problems and something strange is going on. 10 years ago the couples only child, a 3 year old girl wandered out into the snow in the middle of the night and was never seen again. The wife has not come to terms with it and her husband is tired of her moodiness and shows no compassion. Molly being the detective she is and with a mother's heart wants to figure out what happened to the poor child and unwillingly drags her husband into this mystery solving with her. Strange things happen as the cold case is investigated. I kind of figured out what happened but there were surprising twists and turns and I really didn't see what happened coming. Very good and I loved the fact that the mystery was historical.
Pub Date 14 Nov 2017
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for a review copy in exchange for my honest review.

This was the first book I have read in this long running series. It was enjoyable. A good story line, engaging characters. I will look for others by this author.

A mystery that takes place during the San Francisco Earthquake of 1906. Rhys Bowen writes historical stories better than anyone. You get a true feel for time and place. I will read anything she writes!

Thanks St. Martin's Press and netgalley for this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Molly and her family find themselves in a bizarre situation. Secrets, murder, and holiday cheer!

thank you so much to Net Galley and the publisher for an ARC copy of this book! I love historical fiction and have long been a fan of the Molly Murphy series and always anxiously await the newest installment. This book was a great addition to the series. The characters are well developed although I will admit that Molly's husband Daniel is not a favorite of mine even though his attitude is nearly reflective of that generation. I would recommend this book!!

Private detective Molly Murphy Sullivan is suffering from depression after a miscarriage. She has stepped away from being a private detective to recover and accepts an invitation for her and her husband, Daniel, to attend a holiday gathering at a mansion in Scarborough, New York. Daniel wants his wife to relax, but Molly can't turn her back on a cold case of a three-year old girl who disappeared from the house ten years ago. The case seems to be resolved when a young woman shows up at the door claiming to be that girl, but things are really just beginning.

I have read a few of this author's "Royal Spyness" mysteries which are fun and lighthearted, but this is the first I've read in this series. I was surprised at the difference in tone. The case is interesting and I enjoy the historical aspect of the novel, since it takes place in New York in the early 1900s. However, because of the miscarriage and other tragedies that are hinted at in Molly's past, the book is somewhat depressing, especially for a Christmas-themed mystery. I like Molly and her willingness to stand up for what she believes in and do what she thinks is right, even when her husband doesn't agree. His behavior is probably typical of the times, but Daniel doesn't make a good first impression. He seems controlling and judgmental, but as the book progresses, it's clear he loves Molly in spite of disapproving of her friends and some of her causes.

The best part of the novel is when Molly and Daniel, a New York Police Detective are working on the case. Molly isn't afraid to ask hard questions to get to the truth and starts getting some answers. I was able to figure out some of the things that were revealed during the investigation, but I love that there were surprising twists I'd never dreamed of. After the sad beginning to the book, I'm glad the ending was lighter and very touching and perfect for the holidays. 3.5 stars

This book was provided to me by NetGalley, by the courtesy of Minotaur Books. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.

This was the first Rhys Bowen book that I have ever read, and I loved every bit of it. So much, that I am now checking out Murphy's Law from the library. From the start, I felt like I have known these characters my entire life. The mystery in the book kept pulling me along, and once I thought I had it figured out, I was completely wrong. This is a fun holiday read.

It is December of 1906 and the Sullivans, Molly, Daniel, their two-year-old son Liam, and Bridie, their young charge, were planning to spend the holiday with Daniel’s mother. But when she receives an invitation to spend Christmas with an old friend at the home of the Van Aikens, they join her there. Molly was not entirely happy about this until she learns of an old mystery – a decade ago, the three-year-old daughter of the Van Aikens vanished without a clue. It was assumed that she had been kidnapped but no ransom has ever been demanded. Molly, who has a penchant for solving mysteries decides that she and, of course, Daniel, who is the captain of the NYPD, should investigate.

The Ghost of Christmas Past by Rhys Bowen is, for the most part, an entertaining historical mystery. However, the number of coincidences and plot contrivances needed to reach the solution would rival Dickens but without the added humour and eccentric characters. All of this stretched my willing suspension of disbelief almost to the breaking point. The only thing that saved it was the fact that Bowen writes very sympathetic characters, especially women, and, if I found it hard to accept the outcome, I did enjoy reading the book. And besides, if I’m honest, when it comes to Christmas tales, I expect, even want, a happy ending even one that beggars belief.

Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review

This was my first time to read an entry from this long running series and found it to be a pleasant, light historical cozy. The heroine begins the book away from her New York City home and from familiar faces at Christmas time; moreover, she is mourning a miscarriage. Molly is caring for her convalescing mother-in-law and missing her husband Daniel who has been working for the Secret Service. In addition to the loss of her unborn child, she is facing losing her goddaughter Bridie when Bridie's errant father makes his fortune in Panama and is determined to retrieve his daughter despite not having seen or communicated with her in years.

Molly and family find themselves invited to Greenbriars, the estate of the prominent Van Aiken family to celebrate the holiday. As often is the case, wealth does not equal happiness for this family, and Winnie Van Aiken is still suffering the loss of her daughter Charlotte during the holiday season ten years prior. Unsolved murders from the past add to the mystery of the missing child, and Molly can't resist investigating despite Daniel's misgivings.

As the book progresses, all of the plot points come together, almost too easily, with characters reaping their just desserts, for good or for ill, in satisfying fashion. In fact, the tying up of the story lines is almost too facile. Not having read the rest of the series, I don't know if this is because it is a holiday book or characteristic of the entire series.

Molly, Daniel, their son Liam, and supporting characters are a likable lot, and I enjoyed spending time with them.

Full Disclosure--Net Gallery and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.

The Ghost of Christmas Past: A Molly Murphy Mystery is the seventeenth Molly Murphy mystery by Rhys Bowen. I love love love this series that takes place at the turn of the twentieth century. While Molly is based in New York, most of this story is set outside of the city new Scarborough and White Plains.

Molly is still recovering from her San Francisco adventure. She lost the baby she was carrying and has been suffering from depression. When they have the opportunity to spend Christmas outside of the city at a lovely home in the country with her husband Daniel's mother.

All seems a little quiet at the country house. There are no other children there and it turns out that 10 years ago, the daughter of the house disappeared. She was only 3 years old. There is a knock at the door on Christmas Eve and the young lady claims to be the missing child. The twists and revelations keep coming.

I really loved this book. What a great Christmas mystery. I highly recommend The Ghost of Christmas Past.

This is the first Molly Murphy mystery that I've read and it won't be the last! It was easy enough to pick up the story without reading earlier ones because the author did a good job weaving in bits and pieces of earlier mysteries..

Molly Murphy Sullivan is feeling sad and depressed this holiday season; it has been a tough year. She suffered a miscarriage months ago and she also went through the San Francisco earthquake and fire. She is counting on spending time with her close friends but they have plans away from town. Her mother in law invites them to come out to the country with her and they accept. The house and the family there are under a strange tension and Molly finds herself involved in solving their holiday mystery. The mystery does get solved but it is a rather complicated family drama.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.

”The Ghost of Christmas Past “by Rhys Bowen is book seventeen in the Molly Murphy series. New readers can catch up with events in the past books through references in the narrative, but it is not necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.
The book is set in early 1900s New York. Molly Murphy Sullivan is recovering from depression (details in previous books) and is spending Christmas with friends at a mansion on the Hudson. Of course, since she is a private detective, she finds that the trip is far from relaxing. In fact, there is an unsolved mystery; a young child wandered out into the snow ten years previously and was never seen again. Then, on Christmas Eve, a young girl knocks on the door. It is Charlotte, and she has come home. Both Molly and her police detective husband Daniel are compelled to find out what really happened. In the process, they uncover a past filled with hidden secrets and treachery.
Bowen mixes in some politics and adds a few more dead bodies to make this little Christmas book both an intriguing mystery and an interesting look at Christmas at the turn of the twentieth Century.
I received a copy of “The Ghost of Christmas Past” from Rhys Bowen, St, Martin’s Press, and NetGalley. It is different “holiday” book, but still fits one with the holiday spirit. It is quick to read and definitely enjoyable.

I simply loved this book! It is now my favorite in the Molly Murphy series. The plot involves a missing child and the mystery around her fate. Rhys Bowen does a wonderful job of weaving multiple storylines into one overall plot. She does what many authors fail to do with complex plots -- she neatly ties up all of the loose ends. Well done! Highly recommended.

I enjoy good Christmas books and Ghost of Christmas Past was no exception. The book is well written with a great plot. I have not read other books in this series but anticipate reading them now.

Another intriguing historical mystery; whether you've read the others in the series or not (I haven't read all of the previous 16), you're sure to enjoy your time spent with Molly. Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review!

I received this ARC copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. So thank you netgalley and publishers.
This story is about Molly, it starts out with her being depressed because she had a miscarriage and the then there was trauma from an enormous earthquake in San franscisco.Her husband Daniel is away in Washington D.C., and Molly decides to go back to Patchin Place. Molly is depressed about having to spend Christmas all alone until a last minute invitation from a friend of the lady she was taking care of. They go to an old house and walk right into a tense atmosphere, complete with an old, unsolved missing child mystery. This is my first read from this author.
It was a nice little read that deals with everyday life. Miscarriages happen so often and can leave an aching hole in your heart. Depression is also very common and can mess up your life as well as those around you. While these are terrible things, I'm glad the author wrote about them, it's not too often you see books about health and mental health issues. So even though it is sad, it was refreshing to read something different. I give this book a 4.5 star rating :)