Review copy was received from Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose Narrator: Lauren Ambrose
Series: Molly the Maid #2
Published by Penguin Audio on November 28, 2023
Genres: Mystery
Length: 8 hours, 23 minutes
Format: Audiobook
Source: Publisher
Goodreads
Amazon, Audible, Libro.fm, Barnes & Noble, Apple
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 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?
I loved the first book in the Molly the Maid series. Molly is a unique character but so hard-working and honest. Her practical attitude is uplifting. I’m thrilled to see her progress. She is often overlooked by those who are focused on social classes or view a maid as just a menial laborer.
Molly is now the head maid. Unfortunately, she still has to put up with the previous head maid. The hotel is having a big event for a famous author. Molly and her team are making everything the best it can be. But the author drops dead.
Molly and her team of maids, of course, are the initial suspects. Molly works to figure things out for all their protection. She has some knowledge others do not. Her beloved Gran used to be a maid for the author. There are a few flashbacks to those days.
Detective Stark is derisive about Molly and the maids, but very quickly, Molly finds evidence and information in the case. When Molly tracks down the murder weapon and culprit in the end, the detective looks at her with new eyes.
Molly has a bunch of things happening personally in addition to this case. At work, she has a new maid in training. Mr. Preston is getting older and she realizes he will probably retire soon. He has been very kind to her. Her boyfriend is visiting his family in Mexico.
I hope there is more because I love Molly and can’t wait to see what she does next!
Narration:
The narrator is the same as the first book of the series and I always appreciate that continuity. Her distinct voices for the characters feel very appropriate. Her performance was enjoyable and kept me in the story. I was able to listen comfortably at 1.5x speed.
Listen to a clip: HERE
About Nita Prose
Nita Prose is the author of THE MAID, which has sold more than 1 million copies worldwide and was published in over forty countries. A #1 NEW YORK TIMES bestseller and a Good Morning America Book Club pick, THE MAID won the Ned Kelly Award for International Crime Fiction and was an Edgar Award finalist. Her second novel, THE MYSTERY GUEST, publishes in November 2023 in North America (January 2024 in the UK). Prose lives in Toronto, Canada, in a house that is moderately clean.
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I read all types of books but my favorites are urban fantasy and romantic suspense.I like some romance and some action / adventure / mystery in everything.I like sex in my books but please, only between TWO people.Intimate conversation is equally important to the sex in a book.It lets me see the characters.The other thing I enjoy is humor.
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 23-COYER
I need to read this series! I’m glad you loved this, thanks for sharing😁
There’s something really charming about the series. Molly, likely on the spectrum, is just so honest and straightforward.
I’ve had my eye on The Maid for a while – I definitely need to get hold of the audiobook:)). Thank you for a great review, Anne.
I’ve really enjoyed both of these books quite a lot.
Can’t wait to start this series! Especially glad to see you loved both books, Anne💜
yes I just really enjoyed them. They have a bit of humor I like too.
I love Molly, too, and I’m glad to hear this second book doesn’t disappoint. I’m looking forward to reading it next year.
If you love Molly, you should enjoy this one too.
Somehow I missed these. It does sound really good and I like that a maid is the detective.
Molly is amazing. I think you’d enjoy them and there are only 2 so far.
I do love a good mystery and this sounds like one – is this historical or contemporary?
It’s contemporary. English. I’d say Molly is on the spectrum. I love her attitude and honesty. She is a hard and upbeat worker.
My library audio just came through, again. I had it and then didn’t have enough time to listen to it so I requested it again it now I’ve got it again. Need to make time, but looking forward to it since I have this one through Libro.fm.
I love Molly. I hope you really enjoy it too.
What a fun concept!
It’s a very fun series.
I started The Maid right when it first came out but I wasn’t in the mood for it. I’ve been meaning to revisit it since then. This sounds really good and is a good reminder!
I really enjoy her straightforward way and perspective on things.
I really loved this one too. I think Molly is one of the most endearing protagonists I’ve ever read.
yes I really love Molly. She has a good heart.