Member Reviews
This was a cute way to finish off my back to back reading of The Maid series, but I can’t help but think I would be disappointed if I had spent actual money to read this novella. It was a classic Christmas-time add on to the series and Molly and Juan Manuel are in the holiday spirit. While it was nice to get I know them and their relationship a little bit more, overall it was cheesy and nothing happened - technically there was one major event, but anyone with more social cue reading abilities than Molly would figure it out by the second page. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC and bit of Christmas in July!
A big thanks for the advanced readmvia NetGalley and the publisher!
First, this is a lightband fun novella, not a full-length novel, perfect for festive gatherings where a reader may be regularly interrupted. The reader catches up with Molly and Juan Manuel during the holidays after Book 2. Except Juan Manuel is acting funny! Molly must get to the bottom of this!
<spoiler>No bodies, but a mystery nonetheless! I think a neurotypical will quickly spot what's going on, but I love Molly's neurospiciness and the explanation of everything.
Overall, a simple and quick read. I am happy the author did this as its own standalone bit so we will (hopefully) get back to full murder-mysteries and can simply reference this instead of overcomplicating future plots!</spoiler>
I enjoyed reading the first two books in this mystery series, and this latest installment is no exception. Molly, the endearing protagonist, continues to charm with her quirky misunderstandings and cautious approach to trust, shaped by a past filled with disappointments. Her relationship with Juan, her kind and sweet boyfriend, is central to the plot. The story delves into whether Juan is truly the blessing Molly hopes for or if he has ulterior motives. Molly's struggle to trust, rooted in her reliance on her precious Gran, adds depth and emotional resonance to this engaging mystery.
Prose has written a cute holiday story around Molly and Juan Manuel with a mystery a little lighter than the norm at the Regency Grand Hotel. I enjoyed this super fast read for the holiday that lets us experience all of our favorites while we wait to find out where Molly goes next. Thank you to Random House Publishing, Ballantine, and NetGalley for the early access in exchange for my honest opinion.
I have been a huge fan of the Molly the Maid series by Nita Prose, plus a huge fan of the Christmas season and The Mistletoe Mystery novella scratches both itches in such an amazing way. The novella is a wonderful dive into the lives of Molly and Juan in a unique Christmas love story.
Molly Gray has always loved the holidays. When Molly was a child, her gran went to great lengths to make the season merry and bright, full of cherished traditions. The first few Christmases without Gran were hard on Molly, but this year, her beloved boyfriend and fellow festive spirit, Juan Manuel, is intent on making the season Molly’s mofinst joyful yet.
But when a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel raises questions about who Molly can and cannot trust, she dives headfirst into solving her most consequential—and personal—mystery yet. Molly has a bad feeling about things, and she starts to wonder: has she yet again mistaken a frog for a prince?
The Mistletoe Mystery delightfully blends the Molly the Maid series with the holiday season with misunderstandings and heartfelt romance. Getting a glimpse into the dynamic between Molly and Juan is endearing and adds depth to the series as they navigate their relationship. Nita Prose weaves elements of suspense and warmth in a novella that doesn't have to take away from any future installment of the book series. Prose gives us fans a little extra in such an endearing way.
While some might view this novella as a departure from the original series, but The Mistletoe Mystery offers a refreshing break from any higher stakes mystery we might see in The Maid or The Mystery Guest. It serves as a perfect seasonal short story that captures the essence of Christmas magic and reminds us of the power of love during the special time of year.
The Mistletoe Mystery captivated us by its enchanting storyline filled with red herrings and the usual wonderful characters created by Prose. The heartwarming moments, surprises and mystery leaves a lasting impression on any fan of this series.
The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose is a great additional story that serves as a side-quest of sorts to the main series. While The Maid and The Mystery Guest had much bigger mysteries to solve, The Mistletoe Mystery gives us a heartwarming story based around two of our favorite characters that serves as a great Christmastime read. Any fan of Molly the Maid should give this novella a read this coming holiday season.
Another day, another holiday themed cash grab with beloved characters in an abbreviated Yuletide romp, this time it’s the world’s favorite maid….Alice from The Brady Bunch!
Oh, wait. Guess I’m showing my age there. The world’s NEW favorite maid is, of course, Molly Gray, from the two astoundingly popular cozy mystery books.
It’s Christmas time at the Regency Grand Hotel and if you can’t see how this is all going to turn out by about page three, well, let’s just say The Brady Bunch might have been too much for you.
I like, but am not in love with this series, and this installment is so silly you can call me a humbug but I find it hard to suggest that anyone should shell out the suggested print price of $22 ($9.99 for ebook) just to read it. You can catch up on what happens at the beginning of the next book or buy a used copy or something. But you do you. If you are a big fan it’s a perfect stocking stuffer!
Molly the maid is back in this sweet Christmas story. She loves her boyfriend Juan, but why is he acting so strange right before the staff Christmas party? It was a treat to see Molly and the hotel gang again, even briefly. Thanks to Netgalley for the free copy in exchange for an honest review.
Who does t love a visit with Molly and the gang? The story is sweet and sentimental- perfect as a Christmas treat. My only criticism,is that I’m jonsing for the next novel! In all seriousness, this makes a lovely stocking stuffer, and will enlist new fans to the series.
Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose.
Oh, how I love that we get to visit Molly the Maid once again. As always, Molly just doesn't understand the things going on around her. You have hopes that everyone is treating her nicely but you just don't know. She really struggles in this book because she think she knows how to read her beau Jean Manuel. Unfortunately, he is being sneaky and she just doesn't understand.
I am happy to have been able to read this little novella. Thanks!
Nita Prose continues to delight with her kindly and quirky cast of characters. I love the tradition of Christmas novellas and short stories, and hope this isn’t the last.
Sweet, heart-warming, and somewhat predictable. I like Molly's adventures, but this novella was just a short story. Reading this Christmas novella in the summer didn't help. Thank you #netgalley for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Molly Gray, the head maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, has always loved Christmas. She continues her traditions with her boyfriend and coworker, Juan Manuel. However, Molly is worried about Juan - is he keeping something from her? A Secret Santa exchange at work adds to the confusion and mystery as Molly questions Juan's intentions. The ending becomes obvious (except to Molly), and that adds to the charm. Readers who enjoyed the first two books in the series will appreciate more time with Molly in this Christmas setting.
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.