The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose is a heartwarming novella that follows Molly the Maid as she tackles a new mystery during the festive season. Molly, who cherishes Christmas traditions instilled by her late gran, is determined to make this holiday special with her boyfriend, Juan Manuel. However, a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel leads to trust issues and an intriguing puzzle for Molly to solve. The author blends holiday cheer with suspense, creating a story that's both magical and engaging. Molly's journey is not just about uncovering secrets but also about understanding the true spirit of the season. This novella is the perfect holiday treat!

I have read the first two books in this series and really loved them and Molly. Sadly this novel didn't give me that same feeling. I was happy with the final bit of the book but it was a long time coming. I don't think you could enjoy this book without reading at least one of Molly's other adventures. I am happy I got to read this novel because it adds a little story to Molly but I hope that a future book will take on more of the characters and adventures of Molly like the other two books.
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

Like a Christmas dessert....small and too sweet. Not a very worthy addition to the Molly the Maid series.

I have always done the audiobooks for Molly and it’s so perfect that I read the whole book in her voice. And I loved it. It was so sweet and so happy and I am so happy that they are all so happy

Ugh! This predictable, repetitive book is clearly trying to draft-off the success of the previous books. Too predictable and not well thought out. For example: why would multiple characters use the same phrases.

Mistletoe Mystery follows is the 1st novella in Prose's Maid series. It picks up after the second book, Mystery Guest and at the center of the story is the romance between Molly and Juan.
Christmas time is hard for Molly after the loss of her grandmother but Juan does everything he can to make her happy.
Her sister insinuates that Juan is not the great match that he seems to be, causing her to wonder about him.

This is a lovely little Christmas time love story. While there is a mystery based around a Santa grab-bag at the hotel, it does not deride the larger theme.

A must read for the winter holidays.

I thoroughly enjoyed the first two Molly the Maid books, and this novella was so good. Set at Christmastime and after the events of The Mystery Guest, The Mistletoe Mystery gave me all the feels and made me want to grab a cup of hot chocolate as I finished it. Molly and Juan’s relationship is the central focus and Nita Prose continues her use of amusing puns to make us giggle. And although she is gone, we still benefit from Gran’s wisdom as Molly remembers all of her advice. Be sure to read the first two books before this one. Loved it!

A romantic quick read for fans of the first two books in the series. The end is predictable, but I think that was part of the charm of the book. We know early on the Juan Manuel will propose, but Molly is not picking up on the hints. Something about the way their love was presented did seem one sided, with Molly being dependent on the giving nature of Juan Manuel. However, this is quick, festive read.

This is a short novella set at Christmas that continues the story of Molly, the maid from previous books THE MAID and THE MYSTERY GUEST. Molly lives with and loves Juan but she still doubts that he really loves her. When he begins to act suspiciously, she thinks the worst. I figured it out before the ending and was quite happy. Charming! Thanks to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, Ballantine, and Ballantine Books for providing an ARC.

Although I love Molly's character and the side characters that we engage with in the previous books, this fell a little flat and a bit predictable to me. Not sure it needed to be it's own standalone novella. I could easily see elements of the story being put into a full book as a side plot running along the main mystery. Still an enjoyable comfort read for sure.

I really enjoy a short novella, and am so excited to have one from Nita Prose! 5 stars, great read for the holidays.

Feliz Navidad!

It’s Christmastime! Join Molly and Juan Manual as they get festive and keep traditions alive. Since her gran’s passing, Molly has had a difficult time during this merry season. However, Juan Manuel is determined to make this Christmas Molly’s most joyful yet. He fills Gran’s card catalog advent calendar with thoughtful gifts each day and sings Christmas songs while cooking delicious meals. Has Molly found her Prince Charming? When lazy Cheryl insinuates that Juan Manuel might not have good intentions, Molly begins to have doubts. Can she really trust Juan Manuel?

I was super excited to see that Nita Prose wrote a Maid novella. This short cozy vignette is filled with misunderstandings and mischief as well as heartwarming romance. I really enjoyed getting a glimpse into Molly and Juan’s relationship. This is such a fun series filled with terrific characters. I highly recommend reading books one and two prior to this installment for best understanding. Is another full length Maid novel is on the way? I sure hope so!

5/5 stars

Expected publication date: 10/1/24

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine books for the ARC of The Mistletoe Mystery in exchange for an honest review.

I was so excited to see something new by the wonderful author, Nita Prose, that I put everything aside to read The Mistletoe Mystery right away. The dear, sometimes confused, main character from The Maid is back and has a Christmas surprise waiting for her. This novella of love put a smile on my face.

This didn't hit the right note for me, which is too bad because I generally find Molly and company somewhere between refreshing and charming.

I don’t consider this a novella, it’s too short. It’s basically a short story., and I imagine the volume will be very slim. It’s fun to visit the world and thoughts of Molly but this is basically a feel good Holiday story, when I want another full length mystery. Looking forward to that.