Easy to follow. A light mystery with romance, humor and cuteness. If you just need something easy to read or listen to this is perfect. Main character is a perfectionist and that makes the book fun.

A good follow-up from The Maid, but it lacked the uniqueness of the first book. While entertaining, I did think this one was quite as memorable.

I enjoyed this sequel. It was nice to see Molly grow as a person and her have real people in her corner. It felt like this book focused more on Molly than on the mystery but it was a pleasant read. It felt more like a cozy mystery rather than a hardcover mystery.

It took me too long to read this sequel, but I’m so glad I did. While I didn’t love it quite as much as THE MAID, it was fun to be back in this world. Molly is such a quirky character that you can’t help to love.

This storyline isn’t novel by any means but I love that Molly is able to see things that other people can’t. She is so endearing and made this a cozy mystery. I loved finding out more about her past and connection with Grimthorpe to solve the case.

I will definitely recommend this series to anyone looking for a light, cozy read. I gave it 3.5 🌟 and enjoyed it a lot!

“It underscored just how hazardous a maid’s work can be. It’s not the backbreaking labor, the demanding guests, or the cleaning chemicals that present the greatest danger. It’s the assumption that maids are delinquents, murderers, and thieves: the maid is always to blame.”


When I first read The Maid by Nita Prose I was underwhelmed because the hype created expectations that weren’t necessarily met. I think I enjoyed this book better because I went into it knowing what it would be like.

It was still a mystery I didn’t have completely solved, though parts of it were predictable. This series is not one to read for hard-hitting thrills and chills. Its brand is ‘endearing and mysterious.’ Molly Gray is a person you just love. Her attention to obscure or random details makes her an excellent help while solving a crime in the middle of her domain.

The Mystery Guest is a continuation of Molly’s story, a few years after the first book. She has advanced to Head Maid and takes her job very seriously.

The Regency Grand Hotel unfortunately finds itself the center of another crime. If this series continues this hotel may not make it because they won’t have any guests due to its killer reputation. (Although Prose hints at a possible solution to that by the end of the book which is fun to think about happening.)

“World-renowned, bestselling, and award-winning author J.D. Grimthorpe… was set to make a big important announcement in our recently restored Grand Tearoom.”

But as he stood to make his announcement he only got a few words out “I’ve been keeping a secret, one that will no doubt surprise you” before he dropped dead.

When the cause of death is discovered, the maids are again at the top of the suspect list. The same detective from the first book is back on the scene. She begins antagonistic towards Molly but soon they work together to figure out who Grimthorpe’s killer was.


What adds another layer to this story is that Grimthorpe is no stranger to Molly.

So we flip back and forth between present day and the past when Molly’s grandmother worked at Grimthorpe’s mansion, eventually bringing Molly there to work with her.

These flashbacks flesh out the character of Grimthorpe and who may want him dead, after all, he was “a bit of a troll, with a temperament that ranges from melancholic to diabolic.”

Molly’s gran had to be part of the story, so even though she has passed, this helps keep her as a prominent character, informing the reader on a variety of things as we learn more about her. It also brings more context to the character of Molly and her upbringing.

The end wraps up nicely with a delightful surprise and a new potential avenue of exploration for the character of Molly Gray.



The connection point of this book to another book I recently read is the infamous Fabrege egg. If you want to read another book with such an item, check out Colleen Coble’s book Fragile Designs where a real Fabrege egg entangles characters with the Russian mob.



Recommendation

I would recommend this book and this series. They are cozy and feel-good mysteries that create interesting plots with likeable characters and a bit of humor sprinkled in.

This book has significantly less reviews than the first book which is too bad. Sometimes books that get really popular inevitably come with inflated expectations and leave people let down, giving up without giving the author another chance with less pressure. But both books are worth reading. Just come into it with the right mindset and you’ll enjoy it!



[Content Advisory: 0 f-words; 5 s-words; no sexual content]


**Received an ARC via NetGalley**

The Mystery Guest is the sequel to Nita Prose’s acclaimed debut, The Maid, and continues the story of Molly, the hotel maid.

Set four years after the first novel, Molly has become the Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. She’s responsible for managing a special event in the newly renovated Grand Tearoom, where the renowned author J. D. Grimthorpe is set to reveal a secret to an eager crowd. However, moments after stepping onto the stage and taking a sip of his tea, Grimthorpe collapses and is pronounced dead.

Once again, Molly finds herself embroiled in a mystery when it’s revealed that Grimthorpe was murdered, with poison discovered in the honey he used. Detective Stark seems determined to pin the crime on Molly—or, if not her, then her protégé, Lily. Molly takes it upon herself to track down the real culprit to protect both of them.

Reconnecting with familiar characters from The Maid is a pleasure; Molly, now more seasoned yet still optimistic, navigates her new role. She lives with Juan Manuel, who, while absent from this story, is still a part of her life. Her relationships with her colleagues, except for the contentious Cheryl, have evolved into friendships. The narrative explores more of Molly’s background, and the murder investigation uncovers unexpected connections among the characters.

Though The Mystery Guest is an enjoyable read with a well-crafted plot, it doesn’t quite capture the same surprising edge that made The Maid so memorable.

This book was a quick, quirky read. Molly the Maid is endearingly sweet and funny, and I enjoy her adventures. I’m glad this is an ongoing series and am excited about seeing what gets into next.

I adored The Maid and was happy to read the sequel. For me, the bar was set very high after the first book, but I still enjoyed this one.

I love Molly Gray! Her awkwardness is so endearing and she is such a likable character. I feel bad for her a lot of the time, but she has a way of landing in her feet. She is a huge help to the police with her observant ways and the little things she picks up on. I can’t wait for more Molly the Maid mysteries!

I'm a huge fan of Molly the maid! She's quirky, misunderstood, and incredibly relatable. This second installment in her story delivered the same heart and humor I loved from the first book, with the added intrigue of a renowned mystery author dropping dead. The plot was fast-paced and character-driven, and I especially enjoyed watching Molly continue to grow and evolve as a character in this book!

The triumphant return of Molly the Maid! I loved this novel almost as much as the first one. Molly is such a delight and I look forward to more adventures with her! Thankful for the ARC!

I love Molly from The Maid and was so excited this series was going to continue. The Mystery Guest did not disappoint! We got more of Molly in charge and a ton of twists to this cozy mystery.

Nita Prose writes some of the best cozy mysteries you will ever read. They keep you guessing without any gore or language. Prose's Molly is such an interesting character and you just cannot help but keep turning the pages as she tries to figure out what is going on in her favorite place at the hotel. This specific mystery added a personal spin to Molly's life and it was so nice seeing flashbacks in her young childhood and with her grandmother. I feel like this added so much to our building relationship with Molly the Maid and how she became the woman she is. This was a great add on to this already fantastic story.

I do not have a single complaint about this story. From the first page to the very last you are left guessing on what happened and who was involved. The way Molly's thoughts play out in the book is incredibly interesting to read because of her unique mind. I also really enjoyed watching her grow as a leader and really take charge and stand up for herself in many ways. I cannot wait to read the next one and see what Molly does next!

LOVED THIS BOOK! I loved Nita Prose's first Maid book, and this second did not disappoint. A great story line, the same wonderful characters plus some new ones, and just a fun quick read!

3.5⭐️

Big thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the ARC copy of the second book of this series!

This was another cute mystery and I just love Molly's character. I appreicate her whit & the cander. I did like this one a bit more than the first in the series, and loved the ending and the little suprise info we got from this second book!

Cute, quick read for sure!

Thank you to netgalley for providing an e-galley for review. The Mystery Guest follows Molly Gray's delightfully dark story, solving another untimely death in the hotel where she is a maid. Due to her quirky nature, she is able to notice things that other people do not. In this book, she also has takes someone under her wing to show them the cleaning ropes. We also get a little bit more of Molly's history. A fun cozy mystery.

Loved this. I really enjoyed everything about this. I loved the story completely. It will stay with me for a long time. I appreciate that the author has very strong voice - one I really enjoy. Looking forward to the holiday one coming out soon.

The Mystery Guest brings back Molly Gray, now promoted to Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, who gets caught in another murder mystery when famous author J.D. Grimthorpe dies during an event. Molly’s quirks, especially her difficulty with social cues, make her both a suspect and an unlikely detective as she unravels secrets connected to her past.

While Molly’s character remains charming and engaging, the story sometimes feels slow due to long flashbacks. However, fans of The Maid will enjoy this return to Molly’s world, with its blend of mystery and heart.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this eARC.

Heartwarming, cozy, and sweet. Mark my words, Molly the Maid will become one of this generation's beloved investigators. The Mystery Guest felt just like watching an early episode of Monk, where he is still coming into his own and not everyone appreciates his skills of observation but he saves the day and proves his genius. I can't wait for the next installment and hope that there will be many cozy mysteries in Molly's future.

Book Review: The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose – A Working Mom's Take

As a working mom juggling countless tasks, I love a quick, engaging read, and The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose didn’t disappoint. This charming sequel brings back Molly Gray, the endearing hotel maid with a knack for getting involved in mysteries. When a famous author is found dead at the Regency Grand Hotel just before an event, Molly’s curiosity and keen eye for detail pull her into the investigation.

I appreciated Molly’s quirky, relatable nature—balancing the demands of her job while solving the mystery reminded me of how we moms handle everything at once. Prose’s light, witty writing kept me hooked, and the twists were just enough to keep the pages turning.

Final Thoughts: The Mystery Guest is a delightful, fast-paced read perfect for moms who want a cozy mystery with a lovable heroine. It’s engaging without being overwhelming—a great pick for a well-deserved break!

I’m so glad we got a sequel! Molly the maid’s character has grown and developed really well. I would love to see Molly further grow in future books. This is a quick, hilarious, easy to read and very enjoyable story. The ending wrapped up really well. Highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.