The Edge of Dreams continues the adventures of Molly Murphy Sullivan, star of 13 previous historical mysteries by Rhys Bowen. Molly's husband, Daniel, a captain in the New York City police force, has surprised her by rebuilding their home (which was destroyed in a bomb blast in City of Darkness and Light) while she was in Europe for the summer.
But Molly's domestic bliss is abruptly shattered when she and her baby son, Liam, are in a terrible train accident. Worse, a cryptic letter seems to imply that Molly and Liam were the targets of a serial murderer who has been making Daniel Sullivan's life miserable. Although Daniel wants Molly to stay out of trouble and focus on redecorating their house, the intrepid former private investigator can't stay out of such an intriguing case, despite her injuries. Why does the killer send notes bragging about his deeds to the police, when he could have gotten away with many of the murders undetected? His victims include a simple-minded spinster, a butcher, a banker and a judge. Do they have anything in common?
With the help of her neighbors, who are committed suffragettes and amateur "alienists" (psychologists), Molly delves deep into the mind of the killer. Bringing turn-of-the-century New York to life, and providing a fascinating glimpse into the work of early psychologists, Rhys Bowen has created a deliciously atmospheric tale that fans of Jacqueline Winspear and Charles Todd are sure to appreciate. The Edge of Dreams is a lovely historical mystery with a charming and redoubtable heroine. --Jessica Howard, blogger at Quirky Bookworm