Author: Nita Prose
Published: November 28, 2023 by Ballantine Books
Format: 293 pages, Hardcover
Genre: Amatuer Sleuth
Source: My thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.
Series: Molly the Maid #2
First Sentence: Prologue: My gran once told me a story about a maid, a rat, and a spoon.
Blurb: Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J.D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead—very dead—on the hotel’s tea room floor.
When Detective Stark, Molly's old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know who killed J.D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems?
As the case threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer's identity. But that key is buried deep in her past—because long ago, she knew J.D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery post-haste. If there's one thing Molly knows for sure, it's that dirty secrets don't stay buried forever. (GoodReads)
My Opinion: A delightful read that earns a solid rating for its charming blend of innocence and intrigue. Set in the grandeur of the Regency Grand Hotel, the city and year remain a mystery, much like the plot itself, which cleverly unfolds through a mix of past and present narratives. Prose’s protagonist, Molly, is refreshingly naive, her quirks endearing as they are portrayed through her unique interpretation, spelling, and rich vocabulary.
The story references old television shows reminiscent of reruns Molly once shared with her grandmother, adding a touch of nostalgia.
As a sequel, “The Mystery Guest” stands strong, providing enough backstory to welcome new readers without confusion. The significant time gap between this and the previous book suggests a new chapter in Molly’s life, inviting readers to unravel the ongoings at this 5-star hotel anew.
Prose’s narrative is a testament to her skillful storytelling, making “The Mystery Guest” a compelling continuation of a beloved series.
Blurb: Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J.D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead—very dead—on the hotel’s tea room floor.
When Detective Stark, Molly's old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know who killed J.D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems?
As the case threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer's identity. But that key is buried deep in her past—because long ago, she knew J.D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery post-haste. If there's one thing Molly knows for sure, it's that dirty secrets don't stay buried forever. (GoodReads)
My Opinion: A delightful read that earns a solid rating for its charming blend of innocence and intrigue. Set in the grandeur of the Regency Grand Hotel, the city and year remain a mystery, much like the plot itself, which cleverly unfolds through a mix of past and present narratives. Prose’s protagonist, Molly, is refreshingly naive, her quirks endearing as they are portrayed through her unique interpretation, spelling, and rich vocabulary.
The story references old television shows reminiscent of reruns Molly once shared with her grandmother, adding a touch of nostalgia.
As a sequel, “The Mystery Guest” stands strong, providing enough backstory to welcome new readers without confusion. The significant time gap between this and the previous book suggests a new chapter in Molly’s life, inviting readers to unravel the ongoings at this 5-star hotel anew.
Prose’s narrative is a testament to her skillful storytelling, making “The Mystery Guest” a compelling continuation of a beloved series.
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