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kristinj1's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
sad
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? No
4.5
I liked revisiting characters I got to know in this author's first book. It was interesting to see how the main character, Molly, had evolved herself between the two books. I don't feel like I got as much of her unique perspective this time, but that may be because she is learning to accept herself more for who she is, and sees her own unique strengths.
I felt like the more flushed out storyline about her family was interesting enough to be worthy of inclusion, and the author actually did a good job of wrapping up a storyline that we got a taste of in the first book, the one about how the doorman is actually related to her in some way. I thought maybe he just loved her grandmother, but it makes sense to find out that he is actually her grandfather.
I think I would probably read a third book from this author, and that would maybe be the end of my interest? I'm not sure, I feel like there could be a little bit more of a formula that would start to emerge with a book 3.
I felt like the more flushed out storyline about her family was interesting enough to be worthy of inclusion, and the author actually did a good job of wrapping up a storyline that we got a taste of in the first book, the one about how the doorman is actually related to her in some way. I thought maybe he just loved her grandmother, but it makes sense to find out that he is actually her grandfather.
I think I would probably read a third book from this author, and that would maybe be the end of my interest? I'm not sure, I feel like there could be a little bit more of a formula that would start to emerge with a book 3.
Content Warnings
Minor: Murder, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Infidelity, Death, and Grief
avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Molly the Maid is back, and she is solving another mystery at the Regency Grand.
I enjoyed the journey though most of the twists were predictable. The book is a great mix of sad & light-hearted.
Molly can be unlikable at times, but it is understandable how rigid she is since she is neurodivergent, though her neurodivergence seems extreme at times. As someone on the spectrum and who knows others on it, I find it easier to handle as a reader than others might.
I liked the ending before the prologue as well as the prologue and I hope she does consider the changes the detective suggested. Detective Stark is much more likable in this book. I feel she could be a good friend to Molly in the rest of the series.
Narrator Rating: 3.5 stars
Like I said about the prior book, the narrator has a whiny, pouty, and annoying tone at times. It feels almost as if she might be trying to make Molly unlikable.
I enjoyed the journey though most of the twists were predictable. The book is a great mix of sad & light-hearted.
Molly can be unlikable at times, but it is understandable how rigid she is since she is neurodivergent, though her neurodivergence seems extreme at times. As someone on the spectrum and who knows others on it, I find it easier to handle as a reader than others might.
I liked the ending before the prologue as well as the prologue and I hope she does consider the changes the detective suggested. Detective Stark is much more likable in this book. I feel she could be a good friend to Molly in the rest of the series.
Narrator Rating: 3.5 stars
Like I said about the prior book, the narrator has a whiny, pouty, and annoying tone at times. It feels almost as if she might be trying to make Molly unlikable.
Elemental Levels: Fluff-3/5 Heartfelt-5/5 Love aka Romance-0.5/5 Mystery-4/5 Predictability-4/5 Spice-NA Suspense-1/5 Tear- 2.5/5 Thrill-0/5 Humor-1.5/5
Content Warnings
Graphic: Classism, Toxic relationship, Grief, and Ableism
Moderate: Misogyny, Sexism, Sexual harassment, Sexual violence, Child abuse, Death of parent, Infidelity, Abandonment, Bullying, Cursing, Death, Emotional abuse, Murder, Panic attacks/disorders, Alcoholism, Sexual assault, Addiction, and Stalking
Minor: Alcohol, Pregnancy, and Rape
fkshg8465's review against another edition
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
As adorable as the first one and a door left open for the possibility of a third to follow. I’ll always root for Molly. I feel like she’s one of those characters that deserve the best of karma.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Abandonment, Grief, Addiction, Ableism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Classism, Drug abuse, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Murder
kiwichill's review
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Bullying, Alcoholism, Classism, Murder, Emotional abuse, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Grief, and Stalking
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
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
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
kimveach's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I'm so happy to spend time with Molly the Maid again. The dual timeline allowed us to spend more time with Molly as a child and her grandmother. Similar to Alexander McCall Smith, it's not the mystery that is important. It's Molly's (neurodivergent) voice.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Grief, Classism, Addiction, Drug abuse, Death, Bullying, Infidelity, Sexual assault, Sexual harassment, Gun violence, Misogyny, Abandonment, Murder, Outing, and Rape
annoyedhumanoid's review against another edition
hopeful
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
so slow paced. i didn't mind the timeline alternating between past and present, but maybe if there was actually anything happening in the present for the first half of the book it wouldn't have felt like a slog. i liked that this installment was more explicit about Molly being neurodivergent, rather than like "oh she's just a little quirky"; the representation was nice. other than that, i don't really see what the point was. i feel like we could have left things at the first book. it was weird that Juan Manuel was absent the entire time, what was that for? i thought it was leading up to a reveal that he was evil. it felt like the author regretted making the two a couple at the end of the last book and dealt with it by just shipping him off to Mexico . unfortunately i didn't get much out of this book
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Sexual harassment, and Murder
Moderate: Ableism, Classism, Infidelity, Violence, Addiction, Alcohol, Sexual violence, Murder, and Alcoholism
Minor: Drug abuse, Grief, Pregnancy, Death of parent, Cursing, and Drug use
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