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jordy_kay's review against another edition
- 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
I love this series. It’s a fun and lighthearted mystery. I highly enjoy the main character and all she has to offer. She shared more of her childhood in this book in a thoughtful and reflective way. It was interesting to see how perspectives changed from youth to adulthood, from fantasy to a more weary eye. I will keep reading this series as it is a fun and fast read that often offers a twist to the story.
Moderate: Addiction and Murder
Minor: Sexual assault
meganana's review against another edition
- 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
3.75
Graphic: Murder
Minor: Sexual harassment
mdavis26's review against another edition
3.75
Graphic: Rape, Sexual assault, Murder, and Alcoholism
kristinj1's review
- 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 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.
Minor: Murder, Alcoholism, Death of parent, Infidelity, Death, and Grief
sea_tea_books's review against another edition
5.0
5 ⭐
Graphic: Murder
avidreaderandgeekgirl's review against another edition
- 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
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
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
kshertz's review against another edition
- 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
4.0
Minor: Sexual assault, Bullying, Death of parent, Misogyny, Sexual violence, and Murder
fkshg8465's review against another edition
- 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
Graphic: Abandonment, Grief, Addiction, Ableism, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Classism, Drug abuse, Sexual harassment, Death of parent, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Bullying, and Murder
isabellamarg's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
"You're not a failure. If anything is a failure, it's the system. This is just a silly piece of paper that refuses to quantify your strengths."
The Mystery Guest was fast-paced and the chapters were a nice length (not too short, not too long). The characters were all slightly quirky and even shifty at their worst. I suspected everyone of murder at some point which was no doubt the intention of this.
As someone who has lost both her Nona and her Nana, I enjoyed the banter between Gran and Molly and thought their relationship was super beautiful, her Gran having raised Molly on her own (I have not read the first Maid book so I am not sure if this is mentioned or how in-depth it goes on her childhood). Her Gran was very supportive of Molly and tried her best to fight for what Molly needed as a child.
"She's not here with us, my gran. She's not sitting on the sofa between my beloved and her own, nor is she humming her little tune in the kitchen. But I know she's here nonetheless because she always has been. She is the key to everything. The outline of my entire life gives her presence every single day. I know she is watching."
Overall I wouldn't say I loved it but the book was enjoyable and a quick read for me which is why I gave it a solid three stars.
Moderate: Murder
Minor: Sexual assault
ta_ma_ra_gj's review against another edition
- 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
3.0
Minor: Murder, Sexual harassment, and Alcoholism