For the Love of Mike by Rhys Bowen

This text is the manuscript for the historical mystery novel For the Love of Mike by Rhys Bowen, featuring the protagonist Molly Murphy. Set in early 20th-century New York, the narrative follows Molly as she navigates her burgeoning career as a private investigator while dealing with the harsh realities of immigrant life. The plot centers on two primary cases: a divorce investigation involving the wealthy Tomlinson family and a search for a missing woman named Katherine Faversham. To gather information, Molly goes undercover in the garment industry, experiencing the brutal conditions of sweatshops and participating in labor strikes. Throughout the story, she balances her professional ambitions with a complex romantic triangle involving a police captain and a social activist. Ultimately, the source highlights themes of women's independence, social justice, and the dangers of the tenement districts.