A Delightful Return to Molly’s World: “The Mystery Guest” by Nita Prose – Book Review #TheMysteryGuest @NitaProse @PenguinRandomCA @PenguinCanada

The Mystery Guest invites readers into a captivating world where past and present converge, weaving a compelling murder mystery around the resilient and endearing character, Molly Gray.

Acknowledgments:

Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Netgalley, Penguin Canada and Libro.fm for the ARC and ALC of the ebook and audiobook respectively. The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

From The Publisher:

When an acclaimed author dies at the Regency Grand Hotel, it’s up to a fastidious maid to uncover the truth, no matter how dirty—in a standalone novel featuring Molly Gray, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid, a Good Morning AmericaBook Club Pick.

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 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…

My Thoughts:

In “The Mystery Guest” we are reintroduced to the remarkable Molly Gray, now the esteemed Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. The narrative takes an unexpected turn when world-renowned mystery author J.D. Grimthorpe is found dead, and Molly finds herself entwined in solving the murder.

Prose skillfully weaves dual timelines, unraveling Molly’s past connection with Grimthorpe while keeping the present mystery engaging. The strong character development shines through, portraying Molly as a unique, intelligent, and resilient woman who has overcome past traumas.

The book, a sequel in the “Molly The Maid” series, works seamlessly as a standalone, allowing readers to dive into Molly’s world even if they haven’t read the first installment. The author successfully captures Molly’s growth, both professionally as the Head Maid and personally in her relationships with others.

The special bond between Molly and her late grandmother adds a heartwarming layer to the story, creating a rich emotional depth. The use of dual timelines enhances the narrative, providing insight into Molly’s past and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion.

The resolution of the mystery is satisfying, and the reveal at the ending of the book hints at the possibility of a third book in the series. I would certainly add it to my reading list. Prose excels not only in crafting a compelling mystery but also in showcasing Molly as a character that holds the reader’s interest.

The audiobook format, narrated by Lauren Ambrose, adds another dimension to Molly’s character. Ambrose’s excellent performance enhances the uniqueness of Molly, making the audiobook an equally enjoyable experience.

In “The Mystery Guest,” Nita Prose delivers a captivating mystery with a strong, relatable protagonist. The combination of engaging storytelling, well-developed characters, and a touch of nostalgia for readers familiar with Molly’s journey makes this book a delightful addition to the series.

Another Book I’ve Reviewed In This Series:

The Maid