Member Reviews

Molly comes into a fortune from a gold egg given to her by an old friend. She finds out that all that glitters is not gold. And learns the history of her family and that of her grandmother’s. Was she happier as a maid and can her fortune be a really bad thing?

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THE MAID’S SECRET was a touching return to Molly’s world and a fabulous introduction to Flora’s history. The back and forth narrative between the present and the past was interwoven perfectly and kept both stories moving at a fast pace. There were many mysteries revealed and questions answered in this installment, which was very welcome for fans of this series. The only downside was that the key mystery in this novel felt underdeveloped, especially because so much of it was backstory. Still really enjoyed this one for the narrative and the character development.

Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read and review THE MAID’S SECRET.

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In the third novel of the series, Molly brings a shoebox of trinkets to work when the popular TV show Hidden Treasures is set to film an episode at the hotel where she works. She learns that one of the items, far from being only of sentimental value, is in fact worth millions. Until it’s stolen and it seems her life is in danger.

This novel alternates between Molly’s present—which is upbeat—to the diary of her grandmother’s. That was harder to read because the woman who raised her, while growing up with financial wealth, grew up without any love because her parents saw a daughter only as a burden unless she could be married off to someone with money, no matter how awful he might be. I know there was a time when it didn’t seem like even smart girls should bother to get an education, but it bummed me out nonetheless.

The present-day story is as fun as the other novels in the series.

NetGalley provided an advance copy of this novel, which RELEASES APRIL 8, 2025.

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A fitting end to the Molly the Maid stories. This one is a bit heavier and darker, but I did love reading the letters from the grandmother. It’s a nice touch to understanding Molly and who she is. I love mollys quirky personality and wished we would have seen a little more of it in this book. However, still definitely recommend.

Thank you to netgallley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.

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The Maid's Secret is book number 3 of The Maid Molly series. Haven't read all of the books prior? No worries, it's easy to pickup any of them and follow along.

Molly is head maid at the Regencey Hotel. Where she works with her fiance. The Regency Hotel is full of mysterys that Molly keeps finding herself winded up in one way or another. When a popular TV show comes to The Regency to film there; of course a mystery comes to play. When Molly brings a box of treasures to see how much they are worth with the TV shows host; her life changes forever. When the prized possession is stolen right from Molly and threats come up, Molly questions if the wealth is even worth it. Here friends and foes come together to find the missing egg. Along the way you learn the history of the egg and how more than Molly is linked to the egg.

This book is darker than the rest in the series. There are some trigger warnings. Molly's quirky personality doesn't really show in this book which was one of the main reasons I love the series.

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What a fitting end to the Molly the Maid series. It’s interesting that there’s no murder this time, but the mystery of Molly, and more importantly Gran’s, history. Alternating chapters between Gran’s diary and Molly’s current day woes, The Maid’s Secret belongs entirely to Gran. However, long time readers will be thrilled with how Molly’s story comes to a close. Thanks to Ballantine Books for the ARC.

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The Maid’s Secret was not was I was expecting at all. A rags to riches mystery, I greatly enjoyed it. Molly is a character who will always have my heart!

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This time around, we get to learn more about Gran's and Mr. Preston's story and how it relates to Molly‘s present circumstances. Though it doesn’t have the traditional happy ending, it is one of the most touching romances I’ve read in a long time. And I’m so happy for Molly and Juan Manuel. They deserve every bit of happiness that comes their way. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc.

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Molly the Maid is back in book number 3 of the series. This is one of my favorite series! I would recommend to read them in order. The Maid's Secret might be my favorite one so far. I loved the detailed backstory of the life of Molly's gran. I enjoy watching the blossoming romance of Molly and her fiancée, Juan Manuel. This series can be categorized as cozy mystery, but with some of the best characters you'll ever find. I hope we get more of Molly in the future!

Thanks to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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3.5 stars. I suspect most people (like myself) read this series for Molly. Well, here we only get Molly for half the book. The other half is letters to her from her now-deceased grandmother. That storyline was key to solving the mystery in the current timeline, but I found myself bored and not caring much and just waiting to get back to Molly.

So: 4 stars for Molly, 3 stars for grandma. Unsure if this is the last in the series, but it will probably be the last in the series for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader’s copy in exchange for an honest review. Publishes April 8, 2025.

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★★★★★ A Masterful Blend of Mystery, Romance, and Family Secrets

Nita Prose has done it again with "The Maid's Secret," crafting a delightful and intricately layered story that builds brilliantly on the world of the Regency Grand Hotel. The beloved character of Molly Gray returns with all her endearing quirks and keen eye for detail, but this time she's caught in an even more complex web of mystery that interweaves her present-day life with her grandmother's hidden past.

The behind-the-scenes glimpse into both high-end hotel operations and television production creates a fascinating backdrop for the central mystery. When Molly's simple trinkets reveal an unexpected fortune, the ensuing media circus and theft feel both exciting and believable.

Most impressive is how Prose maintains the perfect balance between cozy mystery and character development. While the heist investigation keeps pages turning, it's the emotional journey of discovering her grandmother's past that truly transforms Molly.

If you haven't read the previous books in the series, you won't appreciate the backstory as much, although you'll be able to follow the plot. But more than that, if you haven't read the previous books, shame on you! Get to it!

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Another installment from Nita Prose in the Molly the Maid series This time Molly is busy planning her wedding as well as keeping up with her job at the Regency Grand Hotel. But once again a major hotel event throws Molly's life into turmoil. It was fun to enjoy another adventure with Molly and her companions, while solving a new mystery. A new addition was a diary from Molly's Grandmother that helped fill in the backstory on her beloved Gran, and how she grew into the woman she was.
If you are looking for cozy, clean fun with a tad of "whodunit" this is a great book to read in 2025.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

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I will never turn down an opportunity to ready about our marvelous Molly the maid. She is absolutely wonderful, quirky and always finding herself in precarious predicaments. This one is not different. Extremely entertaining with all of the charm

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The Maid's Secret is the conclusion of the series of books about neurotypical lead hotel maid, Molly Gray, I have read the previous entries in the series, minus the holiday novella (which I didn't feel was essential to have read to enjoy/understand this book). As the book opens, Molly takes a box full of trinkets from her grandmother's curio cabinet, including the gaudy gold egg that she received in the second book in the series, to be assessed by the "Bees", Brown & Beagle, a reality show duo who run an Antiques Roadshow style tv series. The duo happens to be filming at the Regency Grand Hotel, where Molly works, and Molly is shocked to learn that her egg is no fake and is in fact worth millions of dollars, but before the egg can successfully be auctioned off to the highest bidder, it is stolen, and Molly is left with a note threatening her wellbeing.
The book is told in alternating chapters from Molly's point of view, as she struggles to understand who stole the egg and why, and with her Grandmother Flora's diary entries, explaining her life as young woman, born into a wealthy family. These diary entries fill in the gaps on the reader's understanding of Gran, and how she came to be a maid, as a young unwed mother. These diary entries also help Molly to shed light on why the egg was stolen, and who is to blame for the theft. The conclusion of the novel neatly wraps up the mystery of the eggs and leaves us with a satisfying conclusion to Molly's story as well. Overall, this book was fun and a great conclusion to the series, but at the same time, it just didn't quite hit the same spot as the previous books, likely because only half of the book was from Molly's point of view. I'm rounding up from 3.5 stars to 4 stars as a result.
Thank you to Random House Ballantine and NetGalley for the electronic ARC of this novel for review.

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A thoroughly enjoyable addition to the series.

*Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

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This latest installment continues the adventures of Molly the maid. In this narrative, the story revolves around hidden treasures that Molly inherits from her grandmother, Flora.

This book did not disappoint. Every time I read about Molly, I feel like I have a truly vivid image of who she is. Nita Prose excels at bringing her characters to life with rich detail and depth. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys well-crafted characters and engaging storytelling.

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This book surprised me. I LOVED book 1 so I had certain expectations when starting this book. The Maid had me laughing. It had me quoting Molly. It was in my top 3 of 2024. Needless to say, the expectations were high.
I believe Nita Prose is a talented writer. This book may not have mad me laugh like book 1 did, but she knows how to write a love story, too.
The Maid's Secret tells the story of Gran. Yes, there is a mystery to be solved but Gran's story stole the spotlight. Once I was so far into the book and dropped the humor expectations, I was hooked and didn't stop until I finished it. Villians, mystery, and a love story that gives you all the feels.. Well done, Nita Prose!
Thank you to the publishers for an ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend this book!

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This was a nice sequel to The Maid series and found myself more interested in Gran’s story than in Molly’s. All in all it was a steady 3 star mystery.

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Book #3 in the Molly the Maid series is as delightful as the others and I'm even more drawn into Molly's world. I truly and sincerely hope this is not a trilogy. Surely Molly has more mysteries to solve!

Molly is now engaged to the love of her life, Juan and has developed relationships with other family members (her granddad) and has reached acceptance in the grief process with the loss of her beloved Gran and the realization her estranged mother will never be a part of her world. Molly has also gotten a promotion a the hotel to Special Events Coordinator, and is highly involved in a huge event: a traveling antiquities television show. Playing along, Molly brings some of her Gran's treasures to the purveyors and discovers that one of the baubles is an actual treasure. When the antique is stolen, Molly discovers much more of her personal history as she follows clues to find what was stolen.

I cannot speak highly enough about this series. Molly is one of my favorite literary characters, and Nita Prose is on my "authors-to-meet" bucket list. Hopefully I will catch her in the area at some point! My next burning questions are: 1) Did Molly change her last name after she married Juan? 2). Will she stay in touch with the Bees? 3) When will Book #4 be published?

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During a televised antiques auction at the Regency Grand Hotel the central piece goes missing and once again Molly finds herself at the heart of the mystery.

As the story unfolds so too does Molly’s family history, tightly wrapped around the stolen artwork. This story brings back all our favorite characters in what feels like a grand conclusion to a fantastic mystery series.

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