I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own. The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4.5 of 5 stars Genre: Mystery Series: Book 2 of...
I received a review copy from the publisher. This does not affect the contents of my review and all opinions are my own.
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose
Mogsy’s Rating (Overall): 4.5 of 5 stars
Genre: Mystery
Series: Book 2 of Molly the Maid
Publisher: Random House Audio (November 28, 2023)
Length: 8 hrs and 23 mins
Author Information: Website
Narrator: Lauren Ambrose
Nita Prose’s debut The Maid was a surprise hit and one of my favorite gems of 2022. I was very excited when I learned that a sequel was in the works, but does the second Molly Gray mystery live up to the first? Yes!
The Mystery Guest takes readers back into the refined world of our charming but unconventional protagonist. Growing up, Molly always knew she was different. She doesn’t communicate well, struggling to read social cues and seemingly saying the wrong things all the time. Her only confidant and the one person in the world who understood her was her grandmother, but after Gran died, Molly was on her own. Fortunately, her job as a maid at the esteemed Regency Grand Hotel allowed her to put her fastidious ways to good use, making sure every wealthy guest is treated to a room in a state of perfection. She might not be the best conversationalist, but she’s damn good at her job, which has helped her rise through the ranks to become Head Maid.
However, Molly’s life takes a dramatic turn when one of the Regency Grand’s guests, a famous mystery author by the name of J.D. Grimthorpe, quite literally keels over dead in the hotel tearoom, apparently poisoned. The ensuing investigation is led by Detective Stark, an old adversary of Molly’s who once suspected her of murder, and who again believes our protagonist might have something to do with the author’s untimely death. To clear her name as well as to save her beloved hotel’s reputation, Molly decides to take matters into her own hands by pursuing leads, interviewing suspects, and digging back into her own past. It appears she has a link to the deceased, as her grandmother used to work as a cleaner for Grimthorpe. It’s a longshot, but Molly’s own memories of her childhood accompanying Gran to the novelist’s mansion may ultimately hold the key to solving his murder.
Oh how I love Molly! Her character resonates with a combination of charm and resilience, but what truly endears her to me is her unique personality. The author paints a genuine picture of Molly, as our protagonist emerges as a compelling and believable individual made up of distinctive behaviors, mannerisms, and expressions that set her apart.
The luxurious backdrop of a high-end hotel also proves to be an ideal setting for this sort-of cozy mystery. The lavishness of the situation provides the perfect stage, with the characters seamlessly sliding into the various archetypal roles that wouldn’t feel out of place in a classic murder mystery. And yet, despite calling to mind the timeless genre archetypes I’ve come to know and love, every side character also brings a fresh new perspective. The result is a narrative that feels contemporarily quirky but also infused with a nostalgic, old timey charm.
This sequel also delves further into the relationship between Molly and Gran, exploring through flashbacks their time working together in Grimthorpe’s home. These sections looking back into the past are a major side plot in their own right, adding a poignant layer to the story. These glimpses into Molly’s childhood not only provide insight into her character but also an emotionally charged element about love and family.
In sum, if you enjoyed The Maid, then there’s a good chance you’ll love its follow-up The Mystery Guest as well. Once more, readers are treated to a scintillating mystery, but in my opinion, this novel also includes greater emotional depth than its predecessor with its touching exploration of Molly’s childhood growing up with a loving and protective guardian like Gran. Nita Prose skillfully combines the modern and the classic, resulting in this sequel that was a joy to read and listen to, with Lauren Ambrose reprising her role as audiobook narrator and giving the perfect voice to the characters.
More on The BiblioSanctum:
Review of The Maid (Book 1)
