A cute and cozy mystery. I don’t think I liked The Maid as much as everyone else did, but enjoyed this one a little more than The Maid. I loved how much more confident Molly was. I liked learning about her backstory and find the way she talks about her Gran to be so endearing.

The mystery aspect was great too. I didn’t guess who the killer was and thought that the motive made sense and was something different.

I wouldn’t call this a page-turned, but overall i would recommend it. I would definitely continue reading this series, although I’m not sure I like the change that was hinted at in this book. I also think that it works better as a sequel and not a standalone book.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

I loved the first book and was excited to hear that Molly’s adventure was continuing. This one goes back in time and introduces us to little Molly. What a delight. I can’t wait to read more in the series.

The second Molly the Maid is related in no-nonsense clarity with details before and after the untimely death of a famous reclusive mystery writer. I fell in love with Molly and she instantly became a favorite character when I read Ms. Prose’s debut. Molly’s perceptions and reaction to people and events around her are processed differently in her brain. She can be blunt and direct while her attention to detail is unsurpassed. Now her position at the elegant Regency Grand has been promoted to Head Maid. She has a shy new trainee under her wing who will prove her worth in uncovering the murderer. Her friend, the doorman, has news that could unsettle her norm, her boyfriend is away visiting family, but she’s surprisingly adept at dealing with all this chaos around her.
The famed mystery writer has a devoted fan base, including a pack of ‘unofficial’ elderly extreme, zealous, crazy ladies. The author is hosting an exclusive rare event at the hotel with an unknown announcement and he drops dead. Molly has a flicker of a long ago memory of her now deceased Gran at a mansion where Gran was the maid. The events, the mansion and it’s occupants will continue to reappear in Molly’s memory as the author’s murder is investigated. Is there a connection to the past? With guests and employees everywhere the suspect list is huge. Molly’s nemesis, Detective Stark, is on the scene and immediately down to the business of solving crime. Molly doesn’t have fond memories of their previous encounter. Could she again be accused of this crime or will Molly’s eye for the small things and her logic be essential to solving the case? Could her social skillset be an advantage?
Molly’s character is fun and serious and wonderful. She’s a reminder that differences can make us better, stronger, unique and irreplaceable. Life would be so very boring if we were all the same! I hope Molly will continue to star in more mysteries. It was a treat to receive a digital advance reader copy of “The Mystery Guest” (a Maid Novel #2). Thanks to NetGalley, Nita Prose and to Random House Ballantine. These honest thoughts and opinions are all mine given voluntarily without compensation.

I was happily surprised with how much I enjoyed The Mystery Guest. Molly the Maid is back and the setting remains the same, The Regency Grand Hotel. And we have yet another murder in the hotel, a famous and reclusive mystery book author. I didn't think the first book needed a sequel, but I actually preferred this sequel to the first one. We have the same cast of characters with some new additions, although Gram is only written about in flashbacks. I missed the sweet interactions between Molly and Gram. And while Juan is still Molly's love interest, he is only briefly written about in this sequel. I missed the dialogue between Molly and Juan. It is a very fast paced read and it's easy to keep up with the flashbacks vs the present day murder mystery. I could figure out where the story was going for the most part, but there are a few twists and turns tossed in. In the first book and in this sequel, I still think that Molly's "quirkiness" is hyper focused on for no reason, yet the author chooses not to label her challenges. And these books should be read in order, so you definitely need to read The Maid before reading The Mystery Guest. Many thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this advanced copy before the November 2023 publication date.

𝚁𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚗𝚐: 4.25⭐️
𝙶𝚎𝚗𝚛𝚎: mystery📚

𝙼𝚢 𝚃𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚐𝚑𝚝𝚜:
Molly the maid is back at it again! If you enjoyed The Maid then chances are you’ll enjoy this one too! It’s another cozy mystery. I love Molly’s quirkiness and attention to detail. I had a lot of fun following along as she worked to uncover the mystery. With dual timelines we got to learn more about her past. It’s the quick and fun read. I liked that Molly was in the lead and not as timid as before. The only cons were that Grans says were a little repetitive at times after the first book and the mystery was a little predictable.

I loved reading Nita Prose's The Maid last year and was excited to see Molly appear again in The Mystery Guest, this time as Head Maid! Molly is a quirky woman attuned to things others might not be mindful of. Thus, she can be a super-sleuth when she needs to be. In The Mystery Guest, a famous mystery writer falls dead, suddenly, at Molly's hotel, and Molly and her staff immediately become suspects. This book moves back and forth in history and we learn more about Molly's grandmother, and her previous employment as a maid, and all that Molly learned from her in her formative years.

This is a fun read - just the right number of characters, each quite well defined. The story is compelling and the resolution to the mystery is satisfying, and then there's a fun bonus at the very end. Highly recommend to readers of light mystery!

Thanks to NetGalley for allowing me to read and review The Mystery Guest.

Thank you to Penguin Random House/Ballantine for the ARC and to PRH Audio for the complimentary audiobook!

This is the sequel I didn't know I needed, but I was so delighted to be back in The Regency Hotel with Molly. She had me smiling right off the bat! Molly is such a unique and memorable character. One thing I love about her is her little quips and sayings such as "polished to perfection" and "dust we must"; her inner voice is so authentic and genuine and I think that's why she's so well-loved.

I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that this book starts out with a murder. When a famous author drops dead in the hotel just before his big announcement, all eyes are on the hotel staff and the suspect list is long. Flashbacks to Molly's childhood reveal connections and secrets that have been hidden for many years and when the truth comes to light, you'll be shocked!

This book is filled with humor, murder mysteries, cleaning tips, but most of all HEART. I really appreciated all the heart-warming moments, especially near the end of the book. This truly is a feel good story!

I didn't expect it, but I loved it even more than the first book and that RARELY happens for me.

As Molly would say "deep cleaning gives life meaning!", so pre-order the audiobook and "grab your duster, buster" and listen while you clean your house like I did for the full effect! Or just sit on the couch and read, I won't judge!

This book and audiobook will be available for purchase on November 28th!

4.5 stars rounded up for GR

Nita Pose reprises her quirky heroine Molly in this follow-up to her debut novel The Maid. The same cast of characters is reunited in this cozy little who-done-it tale. Molly, now head maid at the Regency Grand, must solve the mystery of who is responsible for the dramatic demise of renowned mystery writer J.D. Grimthorpe. Turns out Molly has a personal connection to the famous author, and she is not alone in that distinction. Will the murderer turn out to be the long suffering assistant? Could the new maid in training be culpable? and what does Mr. Preston want to talk to Molly about? Could Molly be the guilty party?
Detective Stark returns as Molly's nemesis, poking and prying until answers are revealed!
Prose leaves the door more than ajar for this to become a series! Is there a career change in Molly's future? This is a satisfying and entertaining read.

Nita Prose has done it again! A quirky "who done it" mystery is a jewel. Molly the maid, tells the story in a dual time line. She lives with her Gram as a child and learns her maid skills as well as life with her. An expert speller with a detailed memory she lives by rules and routine. A well know mystery writer dies at the Regency Grand Hotel where Molly is the head maid. She is off to solve the mystery with a great cast of characters. In doing so we get to know Molly, her inner questions of who she is and who is her family. A well written book and one that you don't want to end.

1.5

The Mystery Guest once again follows Molly the maid who works at the Regency Grand Hotel. She has just become the new head maid. Molly is just getting over the events that happened to her before when another person drops dead. Detective Stark is back to solve this murder and once again questions Molly. Molly is determined to find who the killer is and get Detective Stark off her back. 

This is one of those books where you are going to have to read the first one before reading this. If you don't you will be missing a lot of key details. I did not like The Maid that much. I thought that was better than this book though. I did not think that the book needed a sequel. Nothing about this book gave me any thriller vibes. It seemed like a lazy mystery story. This book had a very similar plot to the first one. I do not know why I read this one I had a feeling going into it I was not going to like it. I do not think this author is for me.

honestly, same critiques as the first book. i thought that molly would get a bit more development and she did—she's not as "innocent" or "quirky" as the first book, but i feel like if it's set in a modern-day setting, would it really be so bad to give it a name? i don't know that this is the neurodivergent representation i'd want to see, but it's better than just…taking the symptoms of autism and making your character "quirky." i don't know. even with the backstory, molly still felt a bit two-dimensional to me. also, the whole thing with mr. preston was just so unnecessary and out of character?? there's no way that molly would've accused him of stealing just out of the blue when she's known him for so long—it's SO out of character.

overall, a fairly enjoyable read. i finished it in one sitting. it's a cozy mystery, and i just had some bones to pick with the characterization is all.

Nora prose does it again. Molly is impeccable and The Mystery Guest is even better than The Maid! I can’t get enough of Molly

THE MYSTERY GUEST (MOLLY THE MAID #2)
BY: NITA PROSE

3.5 Stars!

Molly Gray is back only she proudly pins a name tag over hear heart every day that reads Head Maid. That's right she has been promoted and is a lot more clever. For those looking for the charm of the excellent first book in this series called, "The Maid," by Nita Prose you won't find it in this second book in this series. I loved the first book so much better, also. This was still a great mystery, just not as excellent--in my humble opinion.

What you do get is to know Molly's wonderful Gran and see the two interact in alternating chapters. This is more of a cozy type mystery who features an author who gets murdered before he can make an announcement in the Tearoom of the boutique five star hotel where Molly is still employed.

Molly and her Gran actually are employed (back when Molly was a child) by this famous writer's mansion. The writer's wife is mean to both of them and the writer is a scoundrel, also. There is a murder that does take place in Molly's Grand Hotel in the very beginning. I don't want to say too much more in order not to spoil it for those looking forward to reading this. It's still a decent mystery, just go into knowing ahead that I didn't feel the joy and as much love for this as I did for "The Maid," the original was definitely a Five Plus reading experience.

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

Thank you to Net Galley, Nita Prose and Random House Publishing Group-Ballantine for generously providing me with my eARC in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

#TheMysteryGuest #NitaProse #RandomHousePublishingGroupBallantine #NetGalley

Nita Prose's The Mystery Guest reintroduces us to the endearing Molly Gray, now the Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. While this standalone novel leans more towards cozy mystery, it maintains its unique charm and witty humor. Molly's character has grown since the first book, and she is now a mentor to her introverted maid-in-training, Lily. The story unfolds with the mysterious death of renowned author J.D. Grimthorpe at the hotel's tea room, leading to a murder investigation by Detective Stark, who has a history with Molly. Molly's detective skills, her past connection to Grimthorpe, and her distinctive wisdom and sayings all contribute to a charming and engaging mystery. The Mystery Guest is a delightful return to Molly's world, offering both character growth and captivating storytelling.

This book had me hooked from the first page to the last! I loved how the main character referred to her grandma because she taught her so much and they had an incredible bond. The author did such a great job with the pace of the book and I'm looking forward to reading more books by her.

What a fun follow up to The Maid. Molly is back and once again her keen observation, commitment to detail, and charming wit serve her well as she solves a mystery in the hotel, and her private life. I love that this book focused a lot on her growing up and how Molly and Gran came to be. Highly recommend!

I just love Molly the Maid!! It was so fun to revisit this cast of characters and learn more about Molly and her gran’s life before working at the Regency Grand.

Just like in the first book, not everything is quite as it seems with the death and Molly’s unique way of seeing things helps Detective Stark put the pieces together. This is a cozy mystery that will often put a smile on your face while keeping you guessing.

I can’t wait to see where this series goes and what’s in store for Molly next.

I loved this one!! Such a good cozy mystery and I loved seeing Molly again. I thought the mystery was juicy and I thought the flashbacks where written well! Also loved seeing Molly really own more of who she was compared to the first story . I really hope we get to see Molly again!

🔎 The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose AVAILABLE 11/28 🔎

Thank you Ballentine Books and NetGally for the advanced copy!

Molly the maid is back! For those that enjoyed “The Maid” last year, a new sequel will be released. The quirky Molly the Maid is again the main character, but a new crime has taken place. Even though this book is a sequel, it could be read alone.

Molly is a quirky, very literal, young maid who takes her job very seriously. Last year she was suspected of murder and now it has happened again. A famous author has dropped dead in the hotel she works, and Molly has now become involved to help solve the case (and not be suspected of murder again!)

This book is very light hearted and cute! It’s an easy read with funny interactions and sayings. Fans of the tv show “Psych” would really enjoy it since this is what it reminded me of! 4 out 5 stars ✨ make sure you look for it on bookshelves 11/28

Nita Prose does it again. Thank you for giving us more background and insight into Molly's life and upbringing. This book was a quick and easy cozy mystery read! Molly is such a lovable character and I love that she is neuro divergent. Similar to the The Maid, we are back at the Regency Grand Hotel where yes, you guessed it.. Someone has died. It is up to Molly to solve the murder and save the hotel's reputation. We see the same familiar characters that we love and solve a murder as well as find out a big surprise ending!