I was unsure what this installment would be about because how many mysteries can one maid come across? This book was a wonderful way to wrap up the series and get a better glimpse at Molly's Gran. I was smiling everytime we uncovered the origin of Molly's catchphrases. The story was gripping and it was very well paced.

The one drawback for me, which was my problem with The Mistletoe Mystery, it was not very Molly like. The charm of Molly the maid for me was her awkwardness and inability to read social queues. This is what made her a great amateur sleuth and understand the connections others may have missed. This book did not have that, the heist and the secret were rather straight to the point.

Overall, a good read but Molly and her quirks are not a main character.

Rating: Half good half meh / 5

So...it's not the first time I'm saying this--in fact, I've been saying it for every book since after book 1...

...and I'm definitely NOT the first person to say this--in fact, a lot of people have been saying it since after book 1...

...But I really DON'T think that Molly the Maid should be a series. Molly has, indeed, overstayed her welcome; and the author has, indeed, lost track of originality or good ideas to progress things further, indicating that maybe they shouldn't be progressed in the first place.

*shrugs* That's the gist of it, anyway.
______________

To explain my rating in a bit more detail, I'll make things easy as pie: the Molly parts were the good parts; and the Gran parts were entirely skippable--which I'm unashamed to say I DID do.

Ahem.

The plot here is set up pretty well, for what it's worth: a famous antique duo are coming to the Regency Hotel, and it just so happens that everyone wants to have some old trinkets appraised to see if they're worth anything. At Juan Manuel's insistence, Molly also brings along this old egg that she likes and that she received as a gift, only to discover that it is, of course, a Faberge egg--because...yeah, that's about the only type of egg where the word 'valuable' even remotely applies!

This not only makes Molly super rich if she chooses to auction it off, but it also puts Molly in the spotlight and now all of a sudden "everyone wants a piece of Molly". Her insistence that "I'm just a maid!" has no bearing on the situation, of course. Ahem.

Anyways, while I did find the amount of fame and enthusiasm that Molly received to be a little overdone, I did like how she stayed true to her self and her character, with not wanting to quit her job, not automatically thinking that she can afford everything she wants, etc. If anything, the fame and attention is wearying to both her and Juan Manuel as their lives are intruded upon more and more, to the point that actually auctioning the thing off is a relief.

But then, wouldn't you know it? At the 50% mark we finally get the mystery element of the story as the egg is stolen right before the auction can be concluded, which leaves yet another mystery to solve for Molly & Co.

_______

Now, in itself, this plot did feel unoriginal, in that the whole "priceless artifact is stolen from a glass case in a museum/auction" has been done many times before; but then, I guess that where the author wanted to make up for it was in the whole back-and-forth in switching chapters between Molly and her Gran for narration. Except that...I just didn't care about Gran's past or her chapters at all. It does all connect at the end, to give it fair credit, but that really doesn't meant that it makes me care to read through her entire past in any way. I think that the point was to see some parallels between her and Molly but...I don't know, it just didn't feel enough to bother about.

And, that in a nutshell is kind of how I feel about this book: that it doesn't have enough to bother about, all things considered. It's not that Molly doesn't have enough charm as a character on her own; but that charm in itself isn't enough to keep a series going, and by this point I just kind of have raised eyebrows and...well, disappointed hopes in terms of anything really bringing out the same reaction it did in me as for the first book.

Apologies.

The third time's the charm for Molly Gray, our favourite meticulous maid-turned-manager at the Regency Grand Hotel. When she thinks she's got it all figured out—a dream job, dreamy fiancé, and a chance to shine during a TV show taping—someone decides to crash her party with an art heist that puts her squarely in the crosshairs.

This isn't just another day of perfectly pressed linens and polished silver. With Hidden Treasures cameras rolling and her wedding to Juan Manuel on the horizon, Molly's carefully ordered world suddenly spins into chaos. Someone's stolen more than just art—they've taken her sense of security and are not done yet. As she digs deeper into the theft, Molly uncovers secrets that threaten everything she's built.

Prose hasn't lost her touch for blending cozy mystery with genuine heart. She weaves a tale that's part heist thriller, part love story, and all Molly. Our protagonist has come a long way from her early days with the vacuum cleaner, but she hasn't lost that endearing mix of literal-mindedness and unexpected wisdom that made us fall for her in the first place.

With its clever plot twists and emotional depth, The Maid's Secret proves that some things really do get better with each installment. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Molly's world, this book promises to be as satisfying as a perfectly made bed—with a few surprises tucked between the sheets.

<b>The Maid delights with the Secrets of Gran</b>
<i>A review of the NetGalley Kindle ARC (downloaded January 27, 2025) of the upcoming Penguin Random House Canada hardcover/ebook/audiobook (April 8, 2025).</i>

This latest in the <a href="https://www.goodreads.com/series/370889-molly-the-maid">Molly the Maid</a> series from Canadian author Nita Prose does have a current heist mystery. The heart of it though is the backstory of Molly Gray's grandmother which we read in excerpts between chapters of the present day adventure. The scenes between the elder and younger maids were always my favourites in the earlier books, particularly with Gran passing on her common sense words of wisdom to Molly.

I actually found myself more engrossed by Gran's story, little of which had previously been revealed to us, aside from her past relationship with the Regency Grand Hotel's retired doorman. We now learn that she had actually been born into wealth and that reduced family circumstances led her to become a maid in later life. Discussing more about that would be a spoiler.

The present day case finds Molly preparing for her upcoming wedding with boyfriend Juan, when they discover that one of Gran's family heirlooms may in fact be a historical rare and immensely valuable treasure. As an "antiques roadshow" type of TV show is filming at Molly's hotel, the item is put up for valuation and then auction, but it is then stolen in front of everyone's eyes!

As always, Molly has to solve the case while she also uncovers the secrets of Gran's past. The two plot threads come together satisfactorily in the end. This was yet another winner from Nita Prose and Molly fans are sure to enjoy it.

My thanks to the author, the publisher Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this preview ARC, in exchange for which I provide this honest review.

<b>Trivia and Link</b>
There does not appear to be any further progress on the film adaptation of the first book in the series <i>The Maid</i> (2022), but Florence Pugh is still attached to produce and star in it. Look for future updates at IMDb <a href="https://www.imdb.com/title/tt13704116/reference/">here</a>.

I have been invested with Molly right from the beginning but it seems we are at the end of this series.

A Heartfelt, engaging, and charming mystery. We come full circle in this story. Lots of twists and I felt Molly's feelings and her growth in this book.I couldn't have asked for a better ending. If you have followed Molly since the beginning, you do not want to miss reading the conclusion of Molly the Maid.

A very huge thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for sharing this highly anticipated sequel's digital reviewer copy with me in exchange for my honest opinions.

All my thoughts and opinions are my own and isn't influenced by anyone else

4/5 stars! I couldn’t put this book down and finished reading it in one day. The Maid’s Secret is the third book in the Molly the Maid series. I have read all three books so far in the series and this one did not disappoint. I am looking for to the next book in the series. The Maid’s Secret is releasing April 8, 2025. Thank you to Penguin Random House Canada, Netgalley and Nita Prose for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book.

The Maid's Secret was an utter delight to read. I've followed all the series, including the previous novella, The Mistletoe Mystery, which I found to be a disappointment, and rated that last as two stars. So, I was surprised to be asked for an early reader review for Prose's latest work. Luckily, this book rises high above the novella, and even surpasses, in my estimation, the last novel, which I found as an improvement on The Maid. Prose's writing has strengthened through the three novels, this time providing two very distinct voices in Molly and Gran. The tension was sustained and full of "just right" hints, and evolved into a fully satisfying read, packed with fun and heartwarming moments. It is hard to balance these elements in this kind of tale, so that it doesn't result in too saccharine a story. Prose succeeds with this very enjoyable genre novel.

Many thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A beautiful and satisfying end to the Molly the maid series!! This book has a story within a story as we get to learn about Molly's gran's life growing up in the 1950s through letters she leaves for Molly in a journal that arrives after her death.

Full of lots of great life truisms and puns, cameos from all our favorite characters including a few new ones and a puzzling mystery involving the fabrege egg and a heartwarming wedding finale that just might bring a tear to reader's eyes.

Fans are sure to finish satisfied but I for one will be sad to say goodbye to Molly, Juan and the rest of the gang. Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital and physical copy in exchange for my honest review!

I adored this book! So happy to have our Molly maid back. I enjoyed granny's in-depth back story and how she became the character that she was. As long as Nita Prose keeps writing I will keep reading! A huge thank you to Ballantine Books and to NetGalley for this ARC.

Thank you Penguin Random House Canada and NegGalley for the opportunity to read an early copy of The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose. Molly the Maid is an endearing character. I was taken away to Molly's world once again and this time we get to learn more about her history as well as solve a mystery. Brilliant and enjoyable as all the "Maid" novels have been. I think this one is my favorite!

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advanced copy of *The Maid's Secret* by Nita Prose.

This is the third book in the *Molly the Maid* series, and while I could be wrong, it felt like it might be the last. The ending wrapped up nicely, which made me think this could be the conclusion.

I really enjoyed learning more about Gran—her past and upbringing added depth to the story. That said, I did predict who was behind the heist, which took away some of the suspense for me.

Another highly readable romp through the life of "Molly the Maid" as she deals with her grandmothers death, unexpected wealth & fame plus the daily intrigues at the hotel. It is a wonderfully written novel of life, love and lost .

Sooo good! Nita Prose has written a superb addition to The Maid series. I couldn’t wait to read this and I was not disappointed. It might be the best one of the series yet. Although The Maid’s Secret could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend reading the books in sequence in order to maximize the enjoyment.
Thank You to NetGalley, Random House Publishing Group, and Nita Prose for the opportunity to read and thoroughly enjoy this ARC.

I loved the dual timeline of this book and really enjoyed the closure of finding out Gran's story. I've enjoyed Molly all the way through the series!

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

I am so obsessed with this series.
Every. Single. Character. In. This. Book. Has. My. Whole. Heart.
Seriously Molly and Juan, her grandfather, every single side character. Even the detective.
I can’t help but devour this series. Every. Single. Time.
I can’t put it down, I always have to know what kind of trouble Molly has gotten herself into this time and how she manages it.
I really loved that half the book was in the present and the other half was her Grandmothers diary. And you got to learn things you previously didn’t know about her past.
Nina’s writing is just so lovely and homey. It feels like a warm hug. And Molly and co always make me smile like a little idiot. It’s my happy place.

Thank you netgalley for allowing me to read this in advanced in exchange for my honest opinion.

The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose is the third and latest installment of the charming series featuring lovable Molly Gray, a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel.

As Molly prepares to marry the love of her life, fellow hotel worker Juan Manuel, things are temporarily put on pause when a hit television show in the vein of Antiques Roadshow films a segment in Molly's place of employment. A valuable piece owned by Molly is appraised by the experts to be worth a fortune, and Molly and her fiance need to grapple with what this means for their future together. But when the piece goes missing shortly after the revelation of its worth, Molly turns to her beloved Gran's diary in hope of finding a clue to solve the mystery.

I loved the back and forth between Molly's efforts to learn about the 'golden huevo' and Gran's diary entries that serve to shed so much light on her past. Fingers crossed that we will once again cross paths with the indomitable Molly Gray in the future.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an ARC.

“When you have something of value, there’s always someone ready to take it from you.”

This third book in Nita Prose’s ‘The Maid’ series is a perfect balance of compelling storytelling, intriguing mystery and sweet romance. I was anxious for Molly, willing her to telepath or lock into my street smarts and help herself. I yelled at my Kindle more than once! I loved getting to know Gran better through her diary and unraveling more of the secrets that she held dear.

I was thoroughly wrapped up in the mystery of The Golden Huevo! Thanks for another great mystery.

Worthy of all the stars!

I was gifted this copy by Penguin Random House Canada and NetGalley and was under no obligation to provide a review.

I have loved The Maid series and The Maid's Secret was no different. This charming book teaches us more about Gran and how she and Molly came to be. There is some predictability but because the main character, Molly, seems to be undiagnosed neurodivergent so much of it just makes sense bc we are not necessarily meant to be reading between the lines if we are thinking like Molly is. I think it's wonderful that Nita Prose has given us a neurodivergent female lead character as more and more women are seeking diagnosis in recent years and it helps that this character is relatable to so many! Whether you're a loved one of someone who has a neurodivergent diagnosis, or someone who is unable to get diagnosed due to money etc it truly helps you to understand how the brain works from a slightly different perspective. It also helps you to feel more normal with your own 'quirks'.

We learn about Gran from the time she was a young child and the many things that made her into the woman we learned so much about in the first two books! An excellent combination of Gran's past and Molly's present and how the two collide! I highly recommend it to anyone though reading the first 2 books will give you an even deeper bond with the characters!

What a story!!!!! 2 for 1. Yes, Molly has a new mystery to solve, but this time, it's closer to home. She's right in the middle of it. As head maid and head of special events at The Regency Grand , not only does she have to find the culprits, she also solves the mystery thanks to her Gran. Nita Prose has masterfully blended past and present. It's as if you are reading two separate stories. We finally find out Gran's story...and what a story! Gran's secrets are finally revealed. The secrets help Molly solve the case and understand what unconditional love means. By far, one of the best in the trilogy. Please say there is a fourth installment! Might I venture to suggest that Molly and her mother meet again and repair their relationship? This is not only a love story for Molly and Juan but for Molly, her Gran and for her grand-dad. Isn't love just Grand! A must read.

I very much enjoyed the first novel in this series where Molly seemed fresh, innocent, and entertaining. The second book was good, but the formula was showing. This book feels wooden. The formulaic structure is all too apparent. It may be time to give the maid a day off.
That said, readers who are just looking for more of Molly and are wanting a comfort read will probably still enjoy it.