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lyzz's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Graphic: Murder, Death, and Death of parent
Moderate: Drug use, Drug abuse, Terminal illness, and Grief
Minor: Abandonment
phantasmaboo'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? Yes
5.0
I thought this book was very good. From the first pages, I really connect to and felt for Molly. I honestly thought that she was the best part of the book, and the fact that Molly does not see the same connections as the reader truly heightened the tension. However, that does not mean that the story is foreseeable in its conclusion, as we quickly learn that though Molly has some difficulty in dealing with social situations due to how her mind works, she is also capable and cunning. I like how this book didn’t portray Molly as a victim due to her differences, but rather as someone in need of support and companionship as she makes her own way.
The plot was pretty standard, but I don’t see that as an overall negative. With the main focus being on Molly, how she views the world, and how she navigates it, I think having a fairly standard plot is okay. As I mentioned, it really added to the tension to see and know things that Molly did not or didn’t pick up on because of her different way of viewing the world. I could see this being frustrating to some, but I thought it made for a more character-driven story.
Overall, I give this book 5 stars. I think if you’re looking for a character-focused mystery that gives agency to someone is neurodivergent, this is a good choice for you.
Graphic: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Death, Death of parent, and Ableism
bookybecka's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Moderate: Drug abuse, Toxic friendship, Murder, Bullying, and Cursing
Minor: Ableism and Death of parent
rebeccamm's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
Moderate: Ableism, Death of parent, Drug use, Gaslighting, Classism, Grief, and Toxic friendship
Minor: Domestic abuse
kelly_e'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? Yes
4.75
Author: Nita Prose
Genre: Mystery
Rating: 4.75
Pub Date: January 4, 2022
T H R E E • W O R D S
Refreshing • Uplifting • Quirky
📖 S Y N O P S I S
Since the recent death of her grandmother, Molly has been forced to navigate a complex world, she doesn't seem to fit into, all on her own. She takes pride in her work as a maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, and returning guest rooms to a state of perfection.
During one shift, Molly enters the suite of the infamous Charles Black only to find it in a state of disarray, and Mr. Black dead in his bed. Molly soon finds herself the target of the police as the prime suspect. In order to clear her name, she must take things into her own hands. What she will uncover is that not everything at the hotel is as it seems.
💭 T H O U G H T S
This book took me by complete surprise, in the best possible way! The opening prologue was fantastic, and I could not put it down. My entire reading experience was delightful.
Molly is a heroine unlike any other. She is unforgettable and loveable. She is naïve and eccentric. She is a kind soul. She speaks her mind. I felt her pain and was rooting for her from start to finish. Her relationship with her late gran wiggled its way into my heart, and would not let go. I empathized with Molly's grief, and loved the inclusion of her grandmother's wisdoms as her inner thoughts. Nita Prose has done an incredible job of really getting the reader into Molly's mind.
The hotel setting added to the atmosphere, and I loved learning some behind the scenes glances into what it's like working in a hotel.
This book is so much more than just a murder mystery. It is a book about finding your footing in the world, about being yourself, and about growth. The Maid was mismarketed as a thriller. Rather it's a cozy, well thought out murder mystery/whodunit with humour and heart. What a debut by Nita Prose! I am definitely looking forward to Nita Prose's next book.
📚 R E C O M M E N D • T O
• fans of the cozy mystery
• readers who enjoyed Don Tillman series
• anyone who has felt lost in the world
🔖 F A V O U R I T E • Q U O T E S
"My truth is not the same as yours because we don’t experience life in the same way."
"That's the trouble with pain. It's as contagious as a disease. It spreads from the person who first endured it to those who love them most. Truth isn't always the highest ideal; sometimes it must be sacrificed to stop the spread of pain to those you love. Even children know this intuitively."
"There are times in life when we must do things we don't want to. But do them we must."
Graphic: Bullying, Ableism, and Toxic friendship
Moderate: Death, Murder, Domestic abuse, Physical abuse, Grief, Drug use, Addiction, Death of parent, and Drug abuse
Minor: Cancer, Infidelity, and Terminal illness
drug traffickingkemakitty's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
Graphic: Bullying
Moderate: Death of parent
ukponge's review against another edition
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
Graphic: Drug abuse, Abandonment, Drug use, and Death of parent
Moderate: Murder and Violence
minibean24'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? Yes
3.0
Graphic: Death, Murder, Terminal illness, Death of parent, and Trafficking
Moderate: Child death, Domestic abuse, Racism, and Violence
Minor: Addiction
kjm_x'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? Yes
4.0
Moderate: Alcoholism, Toxic friendship, Death of parent, Domestic abuse, Grief, Toxic relationship, Trafficking, Infidelity, Murder, Terminal illness, Abandonment, Addiction, Cancer, Ableism, Deportation, Drug abuse, Bullying, Death, and Confinement
sorcha's review against another edition
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
Moderate: Death of parent, Murder, and Death
Minor: Deportation, Physical abuse, Terminal illness, Infidelity, Cancer, Addiction, Abandonment, and Drug use