Nita Prose’s The Mystery Guest is a charming and engaging sequel that brings readers back into the world of Molly Gray, now Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. Molly remains as lovable as ever, with her unique way of seeing the world, and the dual timeline adds depth by exploring her past with her Gran. The writing is warm and witty, making for an enjoyable read, and the new characters, like Molly’s trainee Lily, bring fresh dynamics to the story. Fans of the first book will appreciate the cozy mystery vibe and Molly’s continued growth.

One critique is that the mystery follows a similar pattern to *The Maid*, with familiar twists and character relationships. While the story offers new layers to Molly’s past, some readers may find the plot a bit predictable. That said, the heart of the book—Molly’s journey and her charming narration—keeps it engaging. If you loved the first book, this one delivers more of what made it special, even if it doesn’t stray too far from the original formula.

This was a great sequel to the maid. Molly is such a great protagonist to read from. It had the same charm as the last book and I’m looking forward to reading more of Molly soon!

After loving the first molly book I could not wait for the second once I heard about it
This made me love molly even more

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read and review this book

Nita Prose has created a wonderful sequel that was just as enjoyable as our first turn about the hotel with Molly. In The Mystery Guest, we see Molly thriving as Head Maid, with increased confidence and the same passion for her work.

It was a treat to travel back in time with Molly and get to see her as a child. Childhood Molly was exactly who I would have imagined her to be, and while there were clearly things that were a challenge in her life, her ability to find joy in doing what she loved was evident.

The double mystery was a great touch, and enjoyable to read as it unfolded.

Molly is perhaps one of my favourite book characters in recent years. I hope we see more of her!

As someone who loved The Maid, I was excited to dive into The Mystery Guest. Once again, Nita Prose delivers a quirky, charming mystery with Molly at the center. Her unique perspective and lovable personality add a fresh take to the story, and the hotel setting feels as cozy and chaotic as ever.

That said, this one didn’t quite capture the magic of the first book for me. The pacing felt a little uneven—some parts dragged, while others wrapped up too quickly. The mystery itself was intriguing but lacked the same punch, and I missed some of the warm character development we got in the first book.

Still, it’s a solid, entertaining read with Molly’s voice anchoring the story in that trademark quirky way. If you enjoyed The Maid, you’ll probably appreciate catching up with her again, even if it doesn’t entirely live up to the original. A fun, light mystery that’s worth a read, but not quite as unforgettable as I hoped.

Great story and a great character to return to! Highly recommended. Skip the Christmas novella, it's not a mystery but a boring romance. .

This was a quick read for me, as I couldn't put the book down! I loved how we get to learn more about Molly's gran as the novel jumps back and forth between the past, when Molly was a child accompanying her gran on a job, and the present, where yet another hotel guest has been murdered. There are some twists and turns that I was not expecting, which made the book even more engaging.
This is one of few times where I thoroughly enjoyed a sequel more than the original.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

I just love reading Nita prose! Her books are fast paced and intriguing. Molly's character was my favorite like in the last novel. Really enjoyed the book.

Genre: Mystery & Thrillers
Actual Rating: 3.5 stars
Spicy Meter: N/A
Content Warnings: Centered around the topics of death and murder. Touches on tough topics like alcoholism and sexual assault.

Returning to the opulent yet shadowy Regency Grand Hotel, “The Mystery Guest” takes us on another delightful journey with Molly Gray, the lovable but complex maid introduced in the hit book “The Maid”, first book in this series. This sequel builds on the charm of its predecessor, weaving a clever mystery with an unexpected touch of poignancy. Nita Prose dives deeper into Molly’s character, exposing vulnerabilities and quirks that make her an unforgettable protagonist.

The novel’s plot centers on a murder at a reunion for literary greats, and Molly, with her unique perspective and penchant for order, is drawn into the heart of the investigation. The setup feels like classic cozy mystery territory, but Prose’s writing elevates it with wit and emotional depth. The story’s pacing is deliberate but engaging, allowing readers to savor the unfolding clues while enjoying the hotel’s vibrant atmosphere.

One of the book’s standout elements is its exploration of Molly’s personal growth. While her endearing literal-mindedness remains a highlight, we see her navigating new relationships and tackling lingering insecurities with remarkable resilience. And although “The Mystery Guest” seems like it can be read as a standalone, the emotional weight is richer for those familiar with the first book and Molly’s personality. With clever twists and a satisfying resolution, this sequel honors its predecessor while standing confidently on its own.

This book is a must-read for cozy mystery enthusiasts and anyone who fell for Molly in “The Maid”. I’m not sure if I would read any subsequent books, but that’s a me problem, as cozy mysteries aren’t much of my thing right now. But who knows what the future might hold.

ARC provided by NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: November 28, 2023

MOLLY IS BACK! I've read the first book The Maid so I am happy to see that our girl Molly is back in action. Here we have Molly who is promoted to the Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel. I still love the fact that Molly's personality still shines through the book, quirkyness. We have a great mystery murder story on our hands again which has me hooked, I thought the entire plot unfolded very well. I was able to follow through, and I also did enjoy the flashbacks of Molly's events that happened in the first book. If you're fan in general with whodunnit books, this book is just the perfect pick up.

My apologies for the delay but I thought I already did the review. I love these books and always am watching for the next one. Looking forward to The Maid’s secret that will be coming out and I loved the little novella that was recently published.

The mystery guest had me guessing right up to the end and I love the character development that happens with each book. Nita has a great series and I look forward to more!!

I really was hoping to get into this book since she's a really popular author but I really couldn't put myself to finish the book.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada | Viking and Nita Prose for free e-ARC of The Mystery Guest in return of my honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed "The Mystery Guest" a delightful blend of cozy mystery and character-driven storytelling. The novel introduces us to Molly Gray, a unique and endearing protagonist whose passion for cleaning and unwavering commitment to etiquette make her stand out in the bustling environment of the Regency Grand Hotel. Molly's character is refreshingly different, and her quirks and charm draw you in from the very first page.

The plot kicks off with a shocking twist when J.D. Grimthorpe, a famous mystery author, dies unexpectedly in the hotel's tea room. As Detective Stark, Molly's former rival, begins to investigate, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary death—it’s a murder wrapped in layers of intrigue. The list of suspects is diverse and engaging, including Lily, the new Maid-in-Training, and Serena, Grimthorpe’s secretary, each with their own motives and secrets that keep readers guessing.

What truly elevates this novel is Molly’s journey as she grapples with her past and her connection to Grimthorpe. The exploration of her childhood memories and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion adds depth to the story, making it more than just a whodunit. As Molly pieces together clues, her determination to clear her name and solve the mystery showcases her growth and resilience.

The author does an excellent job of balancing the mystery elements with character development, and the supporting cast is well-crafted, each adding their own flavor to the story. The tension builds effectively as Molly races against time to uncover the truth and protect the hotel’s reputation, all while navigating her relationships with her colleagues.

Overall, "The Mystery Guest" is a captivating read that combines a thrilling mystery with a charming protagonist. I was thoroughly entertained and found myself rooting for Molly every step of the way. I’m looking forward to more adventures with her character and hope to see her tackle even more mysteries in the future. If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong lead and engaging plot twists, this book is definitely worth picking up!

Interestingly I loved this book better than the first book. Great page-turner!! Looking forward to next instalment

I don't really know what to say... It was ok but I nothing really to get me gasping. I must admit I liked this one better than the first one.

I was so thrilled to see Molly the Maid make a comeback in a second book! This had a very cozy mystery vibe, which I was totally here for. I feel like we got a lot more background into Molly's life, which made me love her even more as a character. This was a very entertaining and easy read, and a great follow-up to The Maid. I highly recommend grabbing it!

This series is fun and a perfect clear your mind entertainment read. The main character's neurodivergence drives a lot of the circumstances, and works really well, especially with how others are depicted. The mysteries are also solid fun.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC of <i>The Mystery Guest</i> in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

<u>The Gist</u>

Nita Prose’s <i>The Mystery Guest</i> promised an intriguing return to the quirky, engaging world of <i>The Maid</i>, but unfortunately, this sequel falls flat in several key areas. It struggles to maintain the freshness, depth, and emotional resonance that readers might have expected after <i>The Maid</i>’s success.

<u>The Details</u>

The novel follows Molly, the lovable hotel maid from the first book, who now faces a new challenge: solving another mystery within the familiar confines of the hotel. However, what initially felt unique and refreshing in Molly’s character—the naivety, her literal-minded approach to life, and her oddball charm—begins to wear thin here. Instead of showing growth or new dimensions, Molly feels stagnant, as though her character hasn’t evolved beyond the traits that defined her in the first book. This lack of development can make it difficult for readers to remain invested in her journey. Honestly, she came across as kind of snooty.

The plot, too, leaves much to be desired. What could have been a tightly wound, engaging mystery often feels sluggish and predictable. The pacing lags, with too much time spent on mundane details that fail to drive the story forward. The stakes never feel particularly high, and the "whodunit" element lacks the tension or clever twists that mystery lovers crave. The final reveal, rather than being a satisfying payoff, comes off as underwhelming and contrived, leaving readers more frustrated than thrilled.

Additionally, the secondary characters, who were so vibrant and distinct in <i>The Maid</i>, feel more like caricatures in <i>The Mystery Guest</i>. Their personalities and motives lack nuance. That makes it hard to care about their involvement in the mystery or their relationships with Molly. As a result, much of the novel’s emotional depth is lost, and the interactions between characters feel flat or forced.

<i>The Maid</i> had its heartwarming moments and an endearing protagonist that carried the narrative. But <i>The Mystery Guest</i> feels like a missed opportunity to explore Molly’s world with the same level of care and originality. For readers who enjoyed the first book, this sequel may still offer some comfort in returning to familiar territory. Sadly for others, it might feel like a rehash of old ideas without enough innovation to make it truly stand out.

<u>The Verdict</u>

Overall, <i>The Mystery Guest</i> suffers from a lack of character growth, a slow-moving plot, and a disappointing conclusion. It’s a sequel that struggles to capture the charm and spark of its predecessor. It leaves fans hoping for more but receiving much less.

I listened to the audiobook and loved it just as much as the first one. Kept wanting to pick it up and continue listening.

Murder at the Regency Hotel

In The Mystery Guest, Nita Prose returns to the world of Molly the Maid, following up on her successful debut, The Maid. The story is set at the luxurious Regency Grand Hotel, where Molly now serves as the Head Maid. The plot kicks off with the sudden death of J.D. Grimthorpe, a renowned mystery author, who collapses just as he's about to reveal a major secret in the hotel’s tearoom. Molly, with her keen eye for detail, becomes embroiled in the investigation to uncover the truth behind Grimthorpe’s demise, navigating a labyrinth of secrets and suspicions.

The Mystery Guest stands out for its unique protagonist and engaging narrative. Molly's character is both endearing and relatable, making readers root for her as she navigates the complexities of her world. The book’s strengths lie in its character development and the seamless blend of humour and suspense. However, some readers might find the plot less compelling than The Maid. Overall, it’s a worthy sequel that fans of the first book will appreciate.

For those looking for a light, entertaining mystery with a heartwarming touch, The Mystery Guest is a solid choice. It can be read as a standalone but benefits from the background provided in The Maid