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abbeyroad1410's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
This was a fun who-done-it though I must admit I preferred The Maid to its sequel.
The Molly in this novel is very different from the Molly in the prior novel. Her quirks seem toned down, though much of that could be due to her gain in confidence. Since the last novel, she has been promoted to head maid and appears to have a lot of authority at the hotel. This version of Molly is very likeable and keeps her original charm; however, I feel like her toned down quirks make the character less unique.
One thing that is quite enjoyable about this novel is the flashbacks in time. I think these work very well, especially since the novels goal is to connect Molly to the plot in a personal way that allows her to solve the mystery and gives viable alternatives to the murderer. At times, I think the flashback subplot is more gripping than the original novel. It is nice to get this context to Molly's character and it expands the background of the murder victim.
The end of the novel is fairly well-done though I must admit the revelation that Mr. Preston is Molly's grandfather makes limited sense to me. Though it had previously been revealed that he and Flora had a relationship, I didn't feel there was anything connecting him to Molly biologically. Also, it fees like something that should have been explored when he was a major part of the last book . The murderer was predictable but not too predictable. The ending dragged a bit but not in a way that I wished to put the book down.
Overall, I was very happy with this sequel, I simply prefer the Maid for his more unique characterization of the lead.
The Molly in this novel is very different from the Molly in the prior novel. Her quirks seem toned down, though much of that could be due to her gain in confidence. Since the last novel, she has been promoted to head maid and appears to have a lot of authority at the hotel. This version of Molly is very likeable and keeps her original charm; however, I feel like her toned down quirks make the character less unique.
One thing that is quite enjoyable about this novel is the flashbacks in time. I think these work very well, especially since the novels goal is to connect Molly to the plot in a personal way that allows her to solve the mystery and gives viable alternatives to the murderer. At times, I think the flashback subplot is more gripping than the original novel. It is nice to get this context to Molly's character and it expands the background of the murder victim.
The end of the novel is fairly well-done
Overall, I was very happy with this sequel, I simply prefer the Maid for his more unique characterization of the lead.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual harassment and Sexual assault
kelly_e's review against another edition
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.5
Title: The Mystery Guest
Author: Nita Prose
Series: Molly the Maid, #2
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4.50
Pub Date: November 28, 2023
I received complimentary eARC from Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Cozy • Comforting • Accessible
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J.D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead—very dead—on the hotel’s tea room floor.
When Detective Stark, Molly's old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know: Who killed J.D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems?
As the case threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows that she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer’s identity. But that key is buried deep in her past—because long ago, she knew J.D. Grimthorpe. Molly must comb her memory for clues, and revisit her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where her dearly departed Gran once worked. With Molly and her colleagues under investigation, she knows she must solve the mystery post-haste. And if there’s one thing she knows for sure, it's that dirty secrets don’t stay buried forever...
💭 T H O U G H T S
The Mystery Guest was my final selection for my personal book of the month project in 2023. I selected it because I absolutely adored The Maid, but also because I like showing my support for Canadian authors. Molly the maid found a way into my heart, and I was eager to be back in her world.
Alternating between the present timeline where renowned author J.D. Grimthorpe drops dead during an important announcement at the Regency Grand Hotel, and the past when Molly was ten and tagging along with her Gran to the Grinthorpe residence, this novel is lighthearted, even while tackling some significant topics. Molly is one of those characters that has found a special place in my heart, and so I really appreciated getting a glimpse into her past. Molly is the star of the show, yet the secondary characters, particularly Molly's tight knit circle of supporters, were equally as endearing. I just love how the author continues to incorporate Gran into the story even though she has died.
The mystery is fairly low risk, and unfolds at a steady pace as the past slowly provides clues to what happened. There is definitely a need to suspend disbelief at times, but isn't that a signature aspect of cozies? The sleuthing and aspects of the plot did feel eerily similar to The Maid, yet it didn't deter my interest.
Was this book necessary? Probably not. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! Would read more books starring Molly the Maid? 100%! I can understand why some people would be underwhelmed, yet I personally loved this feel-good story. Although it is marketed as part of a series, The Mystery Guest could easily be read as a stand alone, which is how the author intended it, despite it being marketed as part of a series. I will definitely be curious to see if Nita Prose's next book includes Molly, or whether she chooses to create a new set of characters.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• cozy mystery enthusiasts
• fans of endearing characters
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"You can fight monsters you can see, or you can run away from them. But the invisible ones are inescapable."
"And what is hope if not the decision to shine light into the dark?"
"It doesn't matter if you understand another person's pain because their injury is real nonetheless."
Author: Nita Prose
Series: Molly the Maid, #2
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4.50
Pub Date: November 28, 2023
I received complimentary eARC from Viking, an imprint of Penguin Random House Canada, via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. #Gifted #Ad
T H R E E • W O R D S
Cozy • Comforting • Accessible
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J.D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead—very dead—on the hotel’s tea room floor.
When Detective Stark, Molly's old foe, investigates the author’s unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know: Who killed J.D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author’s secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel’s beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems?
As the case threatens the hotel’s pristine reputation, Molly knows that she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer’s identity. But that key is buried deep in her past—because long ago, she knew J.D. Grimthorpe. Molly must comb her memory for clues, and revisit her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where her dearly departed Gran once worked. With Molly and her colleagues under investigation, she knows she must solve the mystery post-haste. And if there’s one thing she knows for sure, it's that dirty secrets don’t stay buried forever...
💭 T H O U G H T S
The Mystery Guest was my final selection for my personal book of the month project in 2023. I selected it because I absolutely adored The Maid, but also because I like showing my support for Canadian authors. Molly the maid found a way into my heart, and I was eager to be back in her world.
Alternating between the present timeline where renowned author J.D. Grimthorpe drops dead during an important announcement at the Regency Grand Hotel, and the past when Molly was ten and tagging along with her Gran to the Grinthorpe residence, this novel is lighthearted, even while tackling some significant topics. Molly is one of those characters that has found a special place in my heart, and so I really appreciated getting a glimpse into her past. Molly is the star of the show, yet the secondary characters, particularly Molly's tight knit circle of supporters, were equally as endearing. I just love how the author continues to incorporate Gran into the story even though she has died.
The mystery is fairly low risk, and unfolds at a steady pace as the past slowly provides clues to what happened. There is definitely a need to suspend disbelief at times, but isn't that a signature aspect of cozies? The sleuthing and aspects of the plot did feel eerily similar to The Maid, yet it didn't deter my interest.
Was this book necessary? Probably not. Did I enjoy it? Absolutely! Would read more books starring Molly the Maid? 100%! I can understand why some people would be underwhelmed, yet I personally loved this feel-good story. Although it is marketed as part of a series, The Mystery Guest could easily be read as a stand alone, which is how the author intended it, despite it being marketed as part of a series. I will definitely be curious to see if Nita Prose's next book includes Molly, or whether she chooses to create a new set of characters.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• cozy mystery enthusiasts
• fans of endearing characters
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"You can fight monsters you can see, or you can run away from them. But the invisible ones are inescapable."
"And what is hope if not the decision to shine light into the dark?"
"It doesn't matter if you understand another person's pain because their injury is real nonetheless."
Content Warnings
Moderate: Murder, Sexual assault, Death, Sexism, Misogyny, Classism, and Sexual harassment
Minor: Mental illness, Abandonment, Bullying, Alcoholism, Drug use, Toxic relationship, Emotional abuse, Addiction, Ableism, Drug abuse, Grief, and Cursing
elizabethgreads's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
A solid mystery with an ending I adored. I love the characters in this book and have a soft spot for Molly. I enjoyed the mystery and Mollys backstory. This book wasn't the most shocking in its revels but the character development more than makes up for that. This book leaves you feeling hopeful even though some of the topics that were presented are dark. I think if you liked the first book in this series you will enjoy this one equally as much.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexual assault, Alcoholism, Murder, and Addiction
amandafitz's review
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Alcoholism, Classism, Murder, Abandonment, Addiction, and Grief
pooperscooper3's review against another edition
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Loved the character development from first book, am hoping for another with Molly
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
ladythana's review
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death of parent and Murder
Moderate: Death
Minor: Panic attacks/disorders, Sexual violence, Grief, Bullying, and Sexual assault
annajoyreed93's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Fans of the first novel (such as myself) will enjoy this charming second book - lighthearted fun with tender observations throughout. I enjoyed getting to hear more of Molly’s revelations, especially those from her childhood: “I don’t quite follow what he’s saying, but his face is lined with pain. I make an important discovery in that moment: it doesn’t matter if you understand another person’s pain because their injury is real nonetheless.”
Of course, Gran is still a main character in this world, which is salve for the soul of this granddaughter who will forever dearly miss her Grammy. I could have read it all in one day had I allowed myself. I’ve seen this advertised as a standalone as well as a sequel, and while this book could certainly be enjoyed regardless, I highly recommend reading The Maid first.
Of course, Gran is still a main character in this world, which is salve for the soul of this granddaughter who will forever dearly miss her Grammy. I could have read it all in one day had I allowed myself. I’ve seen this advertised as a standalone as well as a sequel, and while this book could certainly be enjoyed regardless, I highly recommend reading The Maid first.
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
franklola's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: Death of parent, Death, Murder, Rape, Child abuse, Addiction, Bullying, and Sexual assault
ktb_reads's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
Content Warnings
Minor: Sexual assault
lindsayerin's review against another edition
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder
Moderate: Emotional abuse, Addiction, and Bullying
Minor: Sexual assault and Abandonment