The Amersham Rubies (Molly Murphy #0.5) by Rhys Bowen
My Rating:  4 of 5 Stars

Title:  The Amersham Rubies
Author:  Rhys Bowen
Series:  Molly Murphy #0.5
Length:  38 pages
Publisher:  Minotaur Books (MacMillan)
Published:  May 10, 2011
Source:  Purchased (Amazon)
Format:  Kindle
Genres:  Fiction; Mystery
Subjects:  Women Sleuths; Detective Stories

Synopsis:

       Before Molly Murphy crossed the Atlantic or even had an inkling that she might someday become a much sought after private investigator in New York City, young Molly lived in Ireland in a small cottage with her father, brothers and little else.                                                                                                                                                                                                                    While keeping herself and her home together, Molly receives a request from Lady Hartley—the lady of the country estate where Molly lives, and the family that employs Molly’s father and brothers. The Hartleys are hosting a ball at their manor house, and there will be so many fine gentlemen and ladies in attendance that Lady Hartley needs Molly to help some of her guests prepare for the ball.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     Beautiful debutantes, dresses of the finest fabrics, and sparkling chandeliers are all on display, as are heirloom jewels like the Amersham rubies—a stunning and priceless ruby necklace that has been in the Amersham family for generations. When the rubies go inexplicably missing from Lady Amersham’s neck in the middle of the party, the high-spirited Molly must rely on her wits to solve her first case in Rhys Bowen’s charming prequel to her beloved Anthony and Agatha Award–winning historical mystery series.

My Review:
I was traveling and in the mood for something short and sweet, and that's exactly what I got with this gem!  I previously read Murphy's Law, which is Book 1 of the Molly Murphy series, about a year ago, and have been meaning to continue on with the series for awhile now, but just haven't made time for it!  This short story was just enough to rewet my tongue and remind me why I enjoyed this series so much the first time around.

I think that Rhys Bowen has a special talent to her writing.  I am not typically a Historical Fiction reader, but I found a great deal of interest and entertainment in both this novella, and book 1 of the series!

There's not a whole lot one can say about a story that is only 38 pages long, but for as short as it was, I thought that it was written nicely with strong characters.  The writing was solid and suspenseful enough for what you had to work with!  I found enjoyment out of the story and wasn't bothered by its shortness!  I thought that length fit the story at hand!

Overall, I have found that I enjoy Rhys Bowen's writing.  I look forward to reading more by her and continuing on in the Molly Murphy series and even dabbling in the Her Royal Spyness Series, even though cozy's are just something that hasn't peaked my interest yet!  Ya never know, Rhys Bowen could change that all for me!