5 stars- Nita prose always has a beautiful way of writing, and this book is no different. A great read for book club, or just a solo weekend read a thon!

Another title I procrastinated on reading because I wasn't sure it would live up to my expectations. I did love it and it was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I didn't find it quite as remarkable as the first but the characters were familiar and it was nice to return to Molly's world. A few twists and red hearings so as to not give anything away too quickly, but paced well enough that you don't get bored.

Wow wow wow. After I read the first Molly the Maid book (The Maid) I really didn’t think I could fall in love with Molly anymore than I already had but this sequel definitely proved me wrong! I love how strange and quirky Molly is and how she inadvertently finds herself in these sticky situations.

This was the perfect sequel, I loved every second of it! It gave us more background on Molly while also keeping us on our toes with a lovely mystery. I highly recommend this book, and if you haven’t read the first one yet what are you waiting for!!

First I would like to thank Netgalley, Ballantine Books - Publisher and Nita Prose for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. My review is based on my personal opinion of “The Mystery Guest” novel. As an avid reader of mystery and thriller genres, I found this book to be exceptionally engaging and well-crafted.

The author has done a remarkable job in creating a suspenseful and intriguing plot that kept me hooked from the very first page. The characters are well-developed, each with their own unique traits and backstories that add depth to the narrative. The twists and turns in the story are masterfully executed, making it difficult to predict the outcome and keeping the reader on the edge of their seat.

One of the standout aspects of “The Mystery Guest” is the author’s ability to create a vivid and immersive setting. The detailed descriptions and atmospheric writing transport the reader into the world of the novel, making the experience all the more enjoyable.

“The Mystery Guest” is a captivating and thrilling read that I highly recommend to anyone who enjoys a good mystery. I genuinely believe that this novel is a standout in its genre.

I. LOVE. MOLLY.

This is the second ARC I’ve received for this author and it did jot disappoint.

The further character development was on point! And that ending!!!!

I love the intricacy of all the relationships and how it helps shape Molly’s character. Mixed in with the mystery of the murder… and the surprise at the end?! Loved it! Molly is such a BADASS NO EFFS GIVEN TYPE OF GAL. She was standing up for what’s right and protecting her loved ones before she even knew what that meant. Such a genuine soul. I wish we were all as blunt, loving, truthful and caring as Molly…. And best of all she is 1000% her authentic self while solving the most interesting of murders…!

A MUST READ.

Oh how I hope for book#3!!!

ARC received in exchange for an honest review.

The author takes a simple detective story and turns into a great human interest story of a young woman growing up in poverty but totally loved and nurtured by her Grandmother. It becomes obvious she is on the spectrum but it is presented in a touching funny way that truly winds it's way into your heart.

I loved this book, and think I might like it even better than the first one. It’s not often that my attention is captured in sequels to books, so I wasn’t sure what to expect. My expectations were exceeded in this fun mystery novel! Thank you for the opportunity to read such a wonderful and light hearted book!

This had a read, cozy mystery feel. I enjoyed Molly and all her quirks last time and she is still just as endearing.

I think I preferred book 1 but still had a great time.

I received an ARC copy of this book and my opinions were my own. The formatting of this book was a little distracting, but I got past it.

This is not usually my go-to genre and I did not read the first book, The Maid, but because it was so widely liked I thought I would give this book a try. There is no need to read the first. I did not feel I was missing out on any information.
Molly was an interesting character with her inability to read social cues but the repeating of phrases that Gran had taught Molly and then Molly had taught others was getting very tiresome. As did the spelling bee portion of the story.
There were two mysteries to solve in this story. I did not predict either of them but did think there was going to be something like the second (less main) mystery. I felt that was coming but predicted something a bit different.
The ending left some information dangling that makes me believe there will be a third book about Molly. I would recommend this book to those that like cosy mysteries but I am not sure I will read the third (if there is one).

Thanks to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read this book!

Prose's strength lies in her ability to create vivid, relatable characters. Molly is a wonderfully nuanced protagonist, balancing her entrepreneurial spirit with an endearing vulnerability. The supporting cast, from quirky villagers to enigmatic guests, adds depth and color to the narrative.

The plot is well-paced, with just the right amount of twists and turns to keep readers guessing without feeling contrived. Prose masterfully builds suspense, dropping clues and red herrings that lead to a satisfying and unexpected conclusion. The mystery element is cleverly interwoven with themes of friendship, trust, and the search for identity.


Overall, "The Mystery Guest" is a thoroughly enjoyable read that combines the best elements of cozy mysteries and character-driven dramas. Nina Prose has crafted a story that is both heartwarming and thrilling, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie and Louise Penny. Highly recommended.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose is the second instalment in the Molly the Maid series.

The storyline takes us back to The Regency Grand Hotel where Molly has been promoted to head maid. Molly, a character who finds it challenging to read social cues, is often misunderstood by others. She is fastidious, methodical, and takes great pride in her work. Her ability to spot differences (clues) often missed by others makes her adept at investigative work.

In the Mystery Guest, the plot centres around a murder mystery... but it is not the only mystery that will be uncovered during the novel.

Kind thanks to Penguin Random House Canada - Viking, NetGalley, and the author for an advanced reading copy of The Mystery Guest.

I absolutely loved this book!! I couldn’t put it down.
I just loved all the characters. I highly recommend this book.

I received an ARC of this book.

I enjoyed The Maid, but never thought that Nita Prose would be making it into a series. I didn’t feel any kind of way knowing that a book 2 was coming. I was a little interested to see how this established story would become a series so I was happy when I received the second book, The Mystery Guest as an ARC. But I just could not get into it when I received it. It took me months before I was able to start and find a groove. But when I did, I enjoyed the ride.

Molly is a neurodivergent maid at the Grand Regency Hotel. She is witness to a shocking murder and is quickly wrapped up in the case.

I like Molly. I think she is a very unique and talented character for a mystery series. She’s just the humble, hardworking maid at this hotel but has a knack for seeing details that others miss. It makes the read quite interesting to be reading from her perspective, especially as a neurotypical person.

I enjoyed getting to learn more about Molly’s backstory in this book and the twists and turns that came with it.

However, there were some things I didn’t really get. First of all, this may be intentional, but I could not for the life of me place where and when this story was meant to be taking place. It felt like we were in England, perhaps London in the 60s with how certain things would be described. But the next chapter would mention Olive Garden and Mac laptops: America in 2024.

It took me out of the story a few times which was unfortunate.

Over all, I enjoyed the book but it didn’t consume me. My jaw never dropped with shock and I won’t be thinking about this book after I close it.

3.5 stars.

We’re back at the Regency Grand, and yet another guest (this time a famed author) meets an untimely end.

Similar the first in the series, this book leans heavily on Molly’s neurodivergence, both for humour, plot, and crime busting.

Thankfully, there weren’t so many cringy Bad Decision Moments in this one, and there were Redemption Arcs for both Detective Stark and Cheryl.

Can’t wait for the next in the series.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC.

I LOVED Molly the Maid in this book. This was seriously so much more enjoyable than the first book, and I LOVED the first book.

I loved the story, I loved the mystery she became a part of, and I loved getting to learn so much about Molly, her Gran and her background in this book, even moreso than in the first. We learn so much about why Molly is the way that she is and I enjoyed every second of it. This one is definitely my favourite of the series so far and I can't wait to see where Molly goes in the next installment.

Molly the Maid is one of the best created characters ever! I simply can't get enough of her! She has the best personality and she's so memorable! I really enjoyed how this book took us back into Molly's past working alongside her grandma in the Grimthrope mansion. I loved that we got to be apart of Molly's self discovery journey along the way. Although I definitely think the murder mystery in this one lacked excitement compared to the first murder mystery of Mr. Black, it was still an enjoyable cozy mystery !

"The Mystery Guest" by Nita Prose marks the return to the illustrious Regency Grand Hotel in the second installment of the Molly the Maid series. As Molly Gray assumes her role as Head Maid amidst the aftermath of a scandalous murder, the hotel endeavors to restore its tarnished reputation by unveiling a new venture—the tearoom. The grand opening takes a sinister turn when esteemed mystery author J.D. Grimthorpe is about to make his congratulatory speech and falls dead, leaving Detective Stark to once again cast suspicion upon the hotel staff, especially Molly and the maids.

The narrative unfolds at a delightful pace with clever unexpected turns, and a plethora of plausible suspects. Yet, beyond the intricacies of the mystery, it's Molly's everyday struggles and the bonds she forms with her hotel family that truly captivate. As glimpses of her past surface and her familial ties deepen, alongside the timeless wisdom inherited from her grandmother, Molly's character becomes more charming.

In "The Mystery Guest," readers are treated not only to a masterfully crafted mystery, but the author also delights us with the rich tapestry of Molly's world—a world where camaraderie, resilience, and the pursuit of truth intersect in a most captivating manner.

While I would recommend reading “The Maid” which is the first installment of the series to gain a deeper understanding, the present book stands independently as a source of enjoyment, offering a complete narrative experience even to those who approach it without prior acquaintance with the series.

Heartfelt appreciation to NetGalley, Ballantine Books, and Nita Prose for the Advanced Reader Copy!

I loved the Maid so I was very enthusiastic to read the sequel, the Mystery Guest. I bought a paper copy after reading a few chapters of this ARC e book.

Absolutely loved it. Molly is a quirky, clever lovable character who is very misunderstood. This whodunnit will keep you guessing until the end A crime only Molly can solve

Loved this follow up to The Maid. What could be better than spending more time with loveable, quirky Molly? I so enjoyed reading this book.

Molly finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation of a famous author who has come to the Regency Grand Hotel to make an announcement. The tearoom crowd is shocked when the author falls dead during his speech! We then follow Molly as she tries to unravel what happened to the author.

In this story we find out more backstory about Molly's childhood and growing up with her Gran. There are some great surprises!

I devoured this story in a weekend.