Thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for my advanced electronic copy. My opinions are my own.

Molly Gray is back! The lovable, lovely, neurodiverse voice from Prose's The Maid is back to solve yet another murder in the posh Regency Grand Hotel. When the world-renowned mystery author, J.D. Grimthorpe, drops dead in a press conference at which he was to deliver an important announcement, Detective Stark is back to--yet again--accuse Molly or someone else at the hotel of the crime of murder. What Molly isn't telling anyone is that she knew Grimthorpe--she used to help her beloved Gran clean his house. So who wanted Grimthorpe dead? And who followed through on it? It's up to Molly and her motley assortment of friends to find the murderer before Stark arrests the wrong person.

Molly's lot in life has improved since the last time we saw her, but so much still seems to be against her. It's actually quite painful to read just how much is stacked against her, and has been her whole life. Blow after blow tries to knock her and her Gran (and then her and her friends) down, but she is so often victorious despite them. It was a treat to read more of her backstory and see just how amazing her Gran was, and to see the pieces of the murder falling together. I had a harder time this time around with the tragedies of Molly's life, but persevering was worth it, just to see how it all came together for her.

Trigger warnings: bullying, academic discrimination, sudden death, substance abuse, verbal abuse, death of a loved one (referenced), sexual assault

Another fun time spent with Molly the maid. If you liked the first book you will probably like this one too. She is as sweet and charming as she was in the first book. This time she stumbles into a literary themed mystery at the Regal Grand. Old friends return and she makes a few new ones too. I like her so much that I am hoping there will be another chapter in Molly’s story soon.

4.5/5 stars

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing - Ballantine for the eARC of this book.

I loved The Maid. It was a five star read for me. Obviously, I was beyond thrilled to hear there would be another book about Molly and the hotel. Thanks the NetGalley for the advanced readers copy!!!
It can be difficult not to judge a second book harshly. There were a few times I thought “Molly wouldn’t so/say that” but this book shows her growth in addition to more of the same charming foibles. A real joy in this book is that it shows us a lot of the backstory of Molly and Gran. We also get to meet some new characters and Prose continues to do an exceptional job fleshing their quirks out, as well. There’s also a new mystery at the hotel that ties all of the pieces together.
I highly recommend this sequel! I hope there are more to come. The conclusions to all of the storylines are rolled out with perfect timing and left me smiling, wanting more.

Molly Gray returns in Nita Prose’s The Mystery Guest, the follow-up to her sprightly debut, The Maid. Molly, now head maid at New York’s Regency Grand Hotel, finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation when a famous author keels over in the middle of the hotel’s tearoom in front of an audience of mystery fans. Things are predicably chaotic and Molly longs to return everything to its usual state of perfection. Unfortunately for Molly, her keen observational skills turn out to be the key to figuring out who had it in for the author.

On the day author J.D. Grimthorpe dies, Molly is much more excited by the fact that the hotel’s renovated tea room is being used again. She enjoys a properly laid-out tea. To make sure that everything goes well, Molly accompanies her mostly silent trainee maid as the young woman wheels in a special tea service for Grimthorpe—and to fend off questions from the very assertive members of Grimsthorpe’s fan following. And everything is going well…until Grimthorpe drops dead and chaos erupts in the tea room. Things get worse when Detective Stark—the detective who hounded Molly during The Maid—turns up to find out what happened.

Molly does her best to stay out of the way for much of the book. She might have managed it, too, if it hadn’t been for her meddling friend Angela, her old nemesis Cheryl, and the credulous members of Grimthorpe’s fan group constantly drawing her into the mystery. There’s also the fact that Molly knows a lot more about Grimthorpe than she’s willing to admit. Molly’s childhood memories reveal even more reasons why someone would want to kill the author—and also help Molly unlock some of the secrets in her own family history.

The first chapters of The Mystery Guest are a little uneven but the book improves as the mystery evolves. I loved seeing all the returning characters from The Maid (even short-tempered Detective Stark, to be honest), too. Molly’s neurodivergence makes her a very interesting amateur detective. I really enjoy the fact that she’s so reluctant to get involved while, at the same time, is so good at spotting important details and working out how things fit together. I appreciate the change from so many other amateur detectives who only bludgeon their way into murder investigations because they have to keep a friend or relative from being unjustly accused or because they are irrepressibly nosy.

We’re back with Molly the Maid and this book is as delightful as the first.

Unlike the first book, this one has dual timelines which I really enjoyed. I loved getting to know Molly as a child and seeing her relationship with her Gran.

It’s a charming cozy mystery that is fast paced and easy to read. The story was interesting and there were no dull moments. Overall a great read.

4.25 🌟

After falling in love with Molly in The Maid, I was so excited to see her story continue on in The Mystery Guest - and this book did not disappoint.

The Mystery Guest gave you more insight into Molly and what her life was like growing up. I love hearing Molly's neurodivergent POV.

If you are looking for a fun, cozy mystery - I would suggest picking up The Mystery Guest.

Note: You don't have to read The Maid to enjoy this book but I would recommend picking it up first.

I've been in anticipation of this book for months and It was PHENOMENAL. I adore Molly, she's such an awesome heroine and newly minted "semi detective" besides being Head Maid and clever, and funny character. I also enjoy reading a neurodivergent MC.
Great timelines, loved learning so much about Gran, I love the whole book! I want more Molly and it seems that may happen. Nita Prose is brilliant & I will read anything she writes.

Missing some of its Shine

3.65 stars

Molly the Maid is back! When she finds herself involved in the investigation of a famous mystery writer murdered at the Roosevelt Hotel, her life gets turned around in more ways than one.

Molly has more secrets than one, and as details of the murder emerge, Molly finds herself once again a murder suspect.

The narrative alternates between Molly’s childhood and the present moment. Both relate to the central mystery. As much as I enjoyed Molly's character in book one, I found in this book that Molly lost some of her appeal. Her character in book one felt fresh, but this time around, she felt a little contrived. She is still very likable and lovely.

The mystery has the makings of a cosy, but Molly’s life, especially her childhood, was anything but.

Many characters featured in the first book make an appearance in this one. They range from hateful to kooky to lovable.

The plot is a bit over the top, and suspension of belief is required, especially in the murder investigation.

Molly’s work with Detective Stark seemed a little absurd at first, especially since the police are portrayed as beyond blind idiots who can't figure out clues, don’t seem to know how to lockdown a crime scene, which witnesses to question, etc., but the more she worked with the Detective, the more I warmed to it.

I loved The Maid , but this book fell short for me. I had a hard time connecting, and I was a little bored with the Grimthorpe mystery. The ending wraps up nicely. I don’t know if the first book needed a sequel. However, I am willing to give another Molly book a shot.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group in exchange for an honest review.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. Loved it! Molly the maid is at it again, in the middle of everything. Her attention to detail and her quirky ways make the story enjoyable. The second book definitely lived up to the first. A whodunit with loveable Molly at the helm. Definitely recommend!

I absolutely ADORED The Maid so when I saw that Nita Prose was releasing another installment in this universe with a return to the Grand and Molly's sleuthing antics, it was an immediate read. Prose definitely lived up to the reputation she set in her debut and I will definitely read anything she writes. Cozy mystery is such an enjoyable genre and Molly is the perfect character.

I specifically loved the look back into Molly's past and getting to experience her childhood as well as seeing how things are going five years after the events in The Maid. The side characters are all back as well and Molly's living her best life with Juan Manuel and working as the Head Maid at the Grand. We even get a peak at a potential new career path for Molly!

The end was a little lack-luster and felt a bit rushed but that's really my only critic; though I see why the author made the choices she did. We even get some answers about Molly's relationship with Mr. Preston. Now the question is... will Molly be back in the future? Time will tell!

I had the privaledge of Reading the maid and Netgalley gave me the opportunity to read the second for a honest review. This was a great book. The more I read these books the more adventures I look forward to. This Follows Molly the maid in a very fancy hotel. She is awkward but friendly and everyone underestimates how smart she is. She proves she has brains in this book. The antics of this crew in the hotel had me smiling. The Author Anita Prose has done a great job on both books. I hope there is more to come.

I really enjoyed the first in this series, The Maid, and this one did not disappoint as the next adventure for Molly. I’m loving her more and more as I get to know her better and that goes for her co-stars as well.

This one involves a famous reclusive mystery author who plans to make a big announcement at the Regency Grand Hotel only to drop dead before the information is shared. Molly, who happens to have a prior connection with the author, is pushed into the investigation by a co-worker, not only unearthing the surprise disclosure but also resurrecting her past shared with her beloved Gran. As Detective Stark, formerly a disgruntled, suspicious foe of Molly’s, begins to notice Molly’s special insightful talents, a respect is forged.

Again, very well done, and Molly is a true heroine to cheer for and cherish.

Recommended.

My sincere thanks to the author, NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing the free early ARC of The Mystery Guest for review. The opinions are strictly my own.

I really love Nita Prose's first book, The Maid. I didn't realize it would become a series and I am very glad it did. I enjoyed this one just as much as the first one. Our MC shows a lot of growth in various ways, but particularly in confidence and it serves the character well, particularly with the ending which should take her on quite an interesting journey. I also like that our MC is neurodivergent and still clever and capable, even if she gets there on a different path. I recommend this to mystery lovers and definitely fans of the first book. Thank you to Netgalley and Ballantine Books for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

3.5 stars

This book is the sequel to The Maid, the 2022 Goodreads Choice Award for Mystery & Thriller.

Molly Gray, who's mildly autistic, is proud to be the Head Maid at the opulent five-star Regency Grand hotel, which prides itself on sophisticated elegance and proper decorum for the modern age.

Molly learned housekeeping skills from her Gran, who raised Molly and taught her life lessons with adages like: Embrace the possibilities. You never know what might happen; Don't jump to conclusions, lest you trip and fall; One foot in front of the other. It's the only way to get anywhere in this life; and many more. Sadly, Gran died several years ago and Molly now lives with her romantic partner, Juan Manuel, who also works at the Regency Grand Hotel.

Juan Manuel is currently visiting his family in Mexico, but Molly is unable to be with him because the hotel is opening its magnificent new Art Deco 'Grand Tearoom' with a VIP event for the famous mystery writer, J.D. Grimthorpe, who plans to make a very important announcement.

Grimthorpe's appearance is scheduled for 10 A.M. today, and fifty-five guests are expected, including a cadre of LAMBS - Ladies Auxiliary Mystery Book Society members - who claim to be Grimthorpe's biggest fans. Molly arrives early for her shift, to check that the Grand Tearoom's round café tables are lain with crisp white linens, the napkins are pleated into rosebud folds, and each table has a centerpiece of pink lotus blossoms. Molly also makes sure her new Maid-in-Training, Lily, prepares Grimthorpe's personal tea cart correctly, with honey, not sugar.

All the guests, as well as reporters and literary pundits, wonder what Grimthorpe's big announcement will be. No one finds out, however, because the writer ascends to the podium, takes a long sip of tea and honey from his cart, and topples over.....dead.

Detective Stark arrives to investigate Grimthorpe's death, and Molly bristles because Stark suspected Molly when a former hotel guest was killed. This time, Stark has her eye on Molly's new Maid-in-Training, Lily, who served Grimthorpe tea just before he died.

Molly is determined to prove Lily is innocent, and Molly and her friend Angela - a hotel bartender who's obsessed with true crime podcasts - set out to investigate. Angela thinks the LAMBS, the number one fans who follow Grimthorpe everywhere, might know something, and she makes a plan to find out.

Angela tells the LAMBS that Molly is a police detective working undercover as a maid, and arranges for Molly to speak with the ladies. Molly, who has no ability to prevaricate, keeps insisting she's just a maid. Even so, the LAMBS, who've seen Molly assiduously clean their rooms, wink wink and marvel at her undercover disguise.

The fact is, Molly has a secret of her own. Many years ago, Molly's Gran was a maid for Mr. and Mrs. Grimthorpe in their elegant mansion. Thus young Molly met the writer when she accompanied her Gran to work.

The book alternates back and forth between the present, which follows the investigation into Grimthorpe's death, and the past, when Molly became acquainted with the writer and his wife in their home - an experience she'll never forget.

Molly's sharp observations help solve the case, which results in an offer Molly might not be able to refuse.

An assortment of characters add interest to the story, including Mr. Preston - the long-time hotel doorman, who's a good friend to Molly; Mr. Snow - the hotel manager, who's worried about the hotel's reputation; Ms. Serena Sharpe - Mr. Grimthorpe's personal secretary, who catches Mr. Snow's eye; Beulah Barnes - a LAMBS member who claims to be Grimthorpe's biographer; Cheryl - a manipulative lazy maid who steals her colleagues' tips; and more.

I enjoyed this fun cozy mystery and look forward to more of Molly's adventures.

Thanks to Netgalley, Nita Prose, and Ballantine Books for a copy of the book.

4+ stars
It was so lovely to spend time with Molly the Maid again!
There is another death at the Regency Grand Hotel.. a renowned author of mystery books is giving a speech in the tearoom of the hotel, takes a couple sips of his tea off the teacart and collapses.. DEAD
There are many suspects including Molly.. again in this book) and other staff and members.
This is a mystery so …🤐
This was a delight…
I love this series and hope there is more to come!

Thank you to Netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for the ARC!

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose, follow up to The Maid is a delightful addition to the series. While this might not quite reach the five-star magic of its predecessor, it still manages to captivate with its charming protagonist and intriguing storyline.

Molly, the endearing character we first met in The Maid continues to shine in this book. Her wit, humor, and unique perspective make her an absolute joy to follow throughout the story.

The central mystery in the book adds an exciting layer to the narrative. As readers dive into the story, they’ll find themselves engaged and eager to uncover the secrets hidden within the pages. Molly’s personal journey, which delves into her childhood, adds depth to her character and connects her in a more profound way with readers.

One element that some readers might miss compared to the first book is the strong sense of found family among the hotel employees. This aspect added a unique layer of warmth and camaraderie to The Maid, which, while still present, doesn’t shine as brightly in this book.

The Mystery Guest seems to set the stage for another installment in this series, and it’s clear there are more adventures in store for Molly. I am eagerly looking forward to the direction the series will take in future books if Nina continues to write them.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing for a digital ARC of The Mystery Guest.

Ever since reading The Maid, I've been waiting for the film adaptation. I'm an avid reader and Molly is the only character I will likely remember forever. So unique and fun and really stands out. When I found out Nita Prose was releasing a sequel, I knew I would immediately buy. But when I was accepted to read it on NetGalley, I dropped everything to read it.

I was worried the book wouldn't be as good, because how can you have two murders in the same hotel, but different? But I was wrong. I loved Molly and the story, and I loved that it was two timelines.

An easy five stars and I'm hoping there was an Easter Egg leading to a third novel, fingers crossed!

I actually liked this book better than the first one. You get more of the background story of Molly and her grandmother and how she raised her. How Molly went with her to work as a child and learned to polish silver at the posh home of JD Grimthorpe, famous writer.

It was was painful to read about how they wanted to hold Molly back in school because of her lack of social skills. She was academically above average and excelling in all her classes. Grandmother's love and how she encouraged Molly was so beautifully written and expressed. Molly is my favorite person in this book and loved her. She notices things that others don't. That makes her a great detective to help solve this case.

Now, JD Grimthorpe is holding big event at the hotel where he is going to make a big announcement but before he can he drops dead on the tea room floor.

This was a fun who dun it mystery.

First I would like to thank Net Galley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read this book before it released.

The Mystery Guest is the second book to Molly The Maid however it can absolutely be read as a standalone. I personally have never read the first book. Molly is the Head Maid at the five star Regency Grand Hotel where an author shows up dead on one of the floors. Suddenly the hotel is under investigation 🔎

If you like entertaining, page turning, mystery solving type books then The Mystery Guest is for you. You can get your copy on Tuesday November 28.

Molly is back at it again!

There is another murder in the hotel. But not just any murder…the murder of a famous author that Molly has a past with.

This goes back and forth from past to present. We get more glimpses of Gran and of Molly as a child. I wish we could have gotten more of Juan Manuel in this book and his relationship with Molly but he is out of town when all the action happens…boo!

The first book in this series was a total five star which set the bar really high…this one ended up being just an ok cozy mystery for me. Still fun but I think I wanted more from Molly and herself outside of work.

Thank you to the author and NetGalley for this ARC!