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A review by phantasmaboo
The Maid by Nita Prose
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
5.0
The Maid by Nina Prose follows the story of Molly, a young maid who works in a high-class hotel with some dark secrets. Molly knows she thinks differently from everyone else and is grieving the loss of her beloved grandmother, who helped her navigate the complexities of society. When Molly finds a VIP dead in his room, a series of events unfold that place Molly at the center of a very dangerous plot.
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cancer, Emotional abuse, Death, Death of parent, and Ableism