Thank you to Net Galley for providing an early copy of The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

"Most people underestimate me"

This quote from Molly Gray pretty much explains the depth, the surprises and the joy that readers have come to experience in Nita Prose's The Maid and now The Mystery Guest.

Molly is the ranking maid at the Regency Hotel. When a famous mystery writer holds a conference at the hotel and falls over dead at the podium, it will be Molly's keen eye for the details other miss that will solve the case. Detective Stark is once again the thorn in Molly's side with surprising results when the murderer is caught.

Along with the murder mystery, Molly will reveal her past that includes the life she lived with her grandmother, also a maid, who taught Molly everything about the career and her acquaintance with the mystery writer himself when she was just a small girl.

Prose again portrays Molly Gray in terms of her strengths, even when Molly does not see them. This is one of the many strong appeals in Prose's writing.

Looking forward to another installment of this engaging character's life.

Molly the Maid is back in this delightful sequel to Nita Prose's original book 'The Maid'! This time, another mysterious death has occured on Molly's watch at the Royal Grand hotel. I really liked this book a lot better than her first. It's really exciting to see a writer mature and hone her craft over the course of her career. For one, there are more characters in this book. Yes, all our favorites are back-Mr. Snow, Mr. Preston, detective Stark, and Juan Manuel! There's also a secret that is revealed at the end, that most of you probably guessed from the first book, but still a very endearing moment. Molly also ends up having a past relationship with the victim which gives her some unique insight into what happened and why.

She's now Head Maid at the hotel and has definitely matured beyond book one. She has more confidence and is now managing all the maids, good eggs and bad.

When a famous author dies right before a 'big announcement', after drinking tea served by the maids, Molly is thrown into the midst. The victim has many enemies, some with more of a motive than others, but the reveal was surprising and not quite believable, after the ruling out of many other suspects.

Molly also has a renewed relationship with Detective Stark which was interesting, and her unique perspective is more appreciated this time around.

A more complex plot this time, more mature character development, and new respect for Molly makes this a great sequel that could turn into a series for fans of Molly the Maid.

Another dead guest and another murder to solve. The Mystery Guest is a followup to The Maid, by Nita Prose. Molly the Maid has been promoted and takes her job as Head Maid seriously. She is understandably distraught when a visiting author dies and a member of her staff is suspected of murder. This book lacks some of the charm of The Maid. In the first book, Molly exhibited a lot of characteristics of someone on the autism spectrum. Less so in this book. She seems to have no trouble understanding and using idioms, for example. The plot is fairly predictable and although there is one major surprise at the end, it doesn't quite track with events from the previous book. This was an entertaining read, but a bit of a disappointment.

This book is like a warm hug or how one would feel about a cozy mystery. The characters are easy to understand and follow. No shocking twists but writing that keeps you on your toes - because you want to know what happens to the characters. The first book was perhaps a better read because it was my first introduction to the characters but this is a worth while sequel.

A truly enjoyable second installment of the Molly the Maid series. This is the relatively rare instance of the second book in the series being even better than the first. The character development is excellent and the story line engaging. This is a very well-written series thus far, elevating it from the more typical cozy mystery novels that are part of the genre. I appreciate the neurodiversity of Molly and the ways in which that both serves her and presents as a challenge as she solves the mystery. Highly recommended for mystery lovers!

So first I want to say I loved the first book it was fun and thrilling and I couldn’t wait to figure out every detail. This book felt the same I loved how in depth the characters were and learning all the secrets of the hotel. It was a lot of fun and kept my attention I can’t wait to read more from this author.

Molly is such an endearing and well written character that she Carrie’s the other poorly developed characters through. This book is very cheesy and not exactly well written…and yet I love it!

Summary
Following up on her bestseller The Maid, Nita Prose returns to Molly Grey (now Head Maid) and her found family at the Regency Grand Hotel.
The Regency Grand is abustle, preparing for the opening of their Tea Room and an author's visit by the notorious recluse J.D. Grimthorpe. Molly is determined to make everything run like clockwork, but she certainly couldn't account for the infamous author dropping dead just moments before his big announcement.
Now Molly has to protect the hotel's reputation (again), while also juggling the unclear motives of friends, coworkers, and strangers alike. All the while, Molly is protecting her own secret history with the author. With all these dirty secrets floating around, has Molly finally met a mess she couldn't clean?

Review
This series has been characterized by many as a 'cozy mystery', which is fitting because the first book left me with all sorts of warm fuzzy feelings. I adored Molly the Maid from the moment I met her, and it was a privilege to spend more time looking at the world through her eyes. This new title has brought back many of the beloved traits of this character - the Molly-isms, the sharp eye for detail, the kindness and willingness to give second chances, the quiet aptitude for her job and contentedness with her place in life. The returning characters also bring familiarity from the first book, even if they play much smaller roles in the second.

Interludes into Molly's childhood help shape not only Molly and Gran's character, but also provide context for the modern-day mystery. It is easy to see why someone would want to kill misanthropic Grimthorpe! Additionally, the strong details helps the reader visualize the spaces and people that Molly encounters. The mystery unravels itself by inches - a slow disentangling of the various plot threads, people, and motives that led to the climactic death of the author.

On the other hand, there is something missing from The Mystery Guest that made The Maid so special. It's difficult to put my finger precisely on it - maybe it's a combination of several smaller things that undermines the plot. First, it's hard to believe that the same detective would return to a second crime scene and immediately fall back on the same old standby of 'blame the staff'. It was especially hard to reconcile with Detective Stark's complete 180 in attitude at the end of the book. Second, the book has lost much of a spark of kindness and friendship that characterized its predecessor (perhaps because, as mentioned before, the returning characters play much smaller roles). Third, the crime and the perpetrator lack the sophistication and complexity of the first book, which had many layers to peel back before all could be understood.

I truly enjoyed the read, and would recommend it for anyone who enjoyed The Maid. It is always worthwhile to spend a few hours with Molly Grey and company.

Appeal factors: intricately plotted, compelling, character-driven, quirky, well-rounded character(s), neurodivergent

Miss Molly the Maid strikes again.

I was so excited to receive an arc on this book! I found Molly to be such a likable and relatable character that I needed a little more in my life.

Started reading The Mystery Guest and was starting to question whether or not a sequel was actually needed. A lot was repetitive but I had just finished reading The Maid about a month ago so it was just fresh in my mind. Even if you never read The Maid, this book makes it super easy to follow along.

Halfway through, I was addicted and didn’t want to put it down. Even though there is murder in this book, Molly’s character makes it less heavy and more lighthearted. It’s a very refreshing break while reading some serious suspense books.

The way this book ended has me wondering if a third book will be written one day. And honestly, I would look forward to it just because I adore Molly and Mr. Preston.

If you liked The Maid, definitely add this your TBR. Thank you Netgalley for this ARC!

Oddly enough, I enjoyed this sequel more than "The Maid." Molly is back and facing another murder mystery adventure. When an author decides to make a big announcement at the Regency Grand Hotel, the staff are shocked when he drops dead right before the announcement. Through a series of strange circumstances, you learn more about this mysterious author and Molly's connection to him. There are several twists that keep it interesting, but nothing that's too surprising. I enjoyed reading how the investigation into the author's death unfolded and it was nice to have some new characters. I could also tell that Molly has had some personal growth, especially in her confidence level and being able to speak up for herself. Anyone who enjoyed "The Maid" will love this follow-up. This book will be released on November 28! Thank you to #netgalley and Random House Publishing Group for allowing me to read a copy early!

God, I just love Molly. I'm really hoping this series continues! I felt like it could based on the ending. I love the characters and I love Molly's perspectives and insights. We can learn a lot from her. Beautiful book!

Oh, it feels so good to be back at the Regency Grand Hotel with Molly the Maid!

I loved every second of this book. There were two timelines to this story, “then” and “now”, and I couldn’t tell you which I enjoyed more. Molly’s recollection of her past was heartwarming and relatable, while the current storyline was cozy and mysterious.

Read this book if you like:
Lovable characters
🧽 A clean space
🫖 Tea
🔍 Murder mysteries

This book can be enjoyed as a standalone, but to get the best experience out of it, I would recommend reading The Maid first.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House for allowing me to read this ARC!
We are back with our favorite hotel maid, Molly, in the The Mystery Guest, sequel to The Maid. In this book, Molly must help solve yet another crime in her hotel, but this time, Molly has a more personal connection to the case.
My favorite thing about this book is how clearly Nita Prose writes Molly’s voice. She is a distinct character, consistent throughout the whole book, lovable and unlike many other characters in books. It truly feels like you are seeing the world through Molly’s eyes. I appreciated how Prose connected the crime and Molly’s past; it added a new layer to the series to keep it interesting.
I missed Juan Manuel in this book and wonder why he was so deliberately left out of this book when his character is one of the best in the book.
Overall, I enjoyed reading this book as a nice cozy mystery quick read, but it won’t stick with me as a favorite.

I listened to The Maid audiobook and the reader did such an amazing job that I read this entire book in her voice. She is Molly to me. I loved this sequel. I want nothing but good things for Molly, forever.

The character of Molly is everything! Fear never stops her. In fact, nothing stops her. I really enjoyed every other chapter describing the relationship with her and her "Gran." At the end, Molly felt her presence, she knew she was with her and she is the key to everything. An author dies after drinking tea with honey. Molly is there is assist with the investigation. She takes her job as "Head Maid" seriously. I loved the first book and this one is equally as entertaining. Molly is strong, loving, and kind. She makes this story one that keeps you turning the pages. Fun, Heartfelt and Suspense. 4.5 stars! Thank you so much for the advanced copy!

Thank you to Netgalley, and the publisher for an ARC copy to read, and review.

I loved the first book from Nita Prose, after reading that I was hoping she'd write more, and oh boy did she deliver. I heard 'The Mystery Guest' was coming, and knew I had to read it right away. I love the Molly character. She is absolutely perfect. The Mystery Guest involves another murder. I love my books filled with murder, and twists too. This kept me guessing so much. I also love how there are two time lines in this book. I love hearing some of Molly's backstory.
This is a must read if you are a fan of 'The Maid', or mysteries in general. You don't need to of read 'The Maid' to enjoy 'The Mystery Guest' but I am suggesting you do, so you get to know Molly a little bit more. She is so much fun,an quirky ( I mean that in a good way.). Nita, if you're reading this i'm begging you please, PLEASE keep 'The Maid' series going. The world needs more Molly Gray in it.

Molly the maid has the most magical way of making everyone feel seen. Or maybe it's just me. I don't know, but I'm going with it because for an author to have a name like Prose, well, she doesn't disappoint.

Molly remains as effortlessly charming as the first time we met her in this follow up to Nita Prose's breakout hit The Maid. This time a guest, a famous and beloved mystery author, drops dead in the middle of an announcement that would have totally shaken up the literary world. Surrounded by fans, employees, and hotel workers as he expired, it seems there are plenty of motives and opportunities to go around. Molly herself might even have a motive, as she met the man when she was a child. Molly, with the help of her friends at the hotel and her frenemy on the police force, come together to solve the case. It's Molly's unique perception of the world around her that provides the vital clues leading to the killer. We learn more about Molly's childhood and her family, topics I hope are both explored in further installments. I look forward to meeting Molly again.

I’m so thankful to have received an ARC for Anita Prose’s follow up book to The Maid. The Mystery Guest took all the lovable and fun aspects from book one but still was a fresh and unique story that didn’t feel like a repeat of the first.
There’s still the opulent hotel, Molly is still a maid, and the book starts off with a murder, but the mystery is fun and fresh, and the cast of characters is a little more rounded out.
Molly is still autistic (I’m not sure if that’s her actual diagnosis come to think of it…) but with the help of her boyfriend and trusted friends and coworkers she is much more secure in her sense of self in this book, and is also better at communicating with strangers. It was lovely to see her growth, while still showing the struggles she sometimes has. This book also did an amazing job of showing how the traits that alienate her from society are also ones that can help her- she’s incredibly observant, has an excellent memory, has a strong moral compass, and is still a diligent worker who takes pride in doing a good job.
The Mystery Guest takes place in two timelines, which I was not the biggest fan of at first, but came to appreciate once the story all came together. We got to see a lot more of Molly’s gran via the flashbacks, which really rounded out Molly’s character as well- why she is the way she is.
This was a great read. If you liked The Maid, you will definitely enjoy this too. Can’t wait for the third!

It was fun to be back with Molly and especially to get her backstory but I only thought this novel was average. I liked "The Maid" better. Molly's narrative voice was more consistent in the first book and so was her perspective. I saw the murderer coming a mile away. Okay, and with a feminist angle about how "the help" can be mistreated by the rich, but only mediocre as a mystery novel.