I'm not a huge mystery reader but I quite enjoyed "The Maid". It's a great Quick Read as I read it outside on a beautiful summer's day. That is to say that it is not one I would pick up a read again and again but it is definitely worth a read. For fans of quirky characters, female protagonist, domestic mystery. Also for fans of Ruth Ware book.

Thank you Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada, Viking and Nina Prose for free e-ARC of The Maid in return of my honest review.

This is a story about Molly Gray, a woman who works at the maid in on of the biggest hotels. She values her job because it’s always organized and a routine she is happy with. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by. Once her gran is gone, Molly is on her own and that’s when she found a body in one of the rooms of the hotel. Her adventures begin.

At first, I had hard time to engage with the character. I was struggling to put her into one of the categories in my mind. Once I released all stereotypes in my head regarding a protagonist in a detective/mystery/thriller I start liking the protagonist and the flow of the story. I’d say that The Maid is more character based novel rather than plot-based and it is a risk to do that in a thriller/mystery style nowadays. However, I feel like Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot series has a lot of character in them too, and The Maid had reminded me of those.

Overall, I dis enjoy the book, especially the ending. I am looking forward to more wood by
Nina Prose.

3.5 stars.

An easy and entertaining cozy mystery.

Molly is a maid at a luxurious hotel. She is quirky, socially awkward and takes her job very seriously. Unknowingly, Molly ends up involved in a murder investigation at the hotel.

First, if you don’t “click” with Molly right away, this book is not for you. She is a unique and endearing character but one you need to connect with to make this story work.

I loved the atmosphere! The hustle and bustle of the hotel. Molly’s checklist while cleaning rooms. The various hotel employees that interact with Molly. The author did a great job building an engrossing and vivid atmosphere that had me feeling like I was right there in the hotel.

Molly’s Gran, the only parental figure she ever knew, recently passed away and Molly often hears Gran’s advice and comments in her head. This was one of my favourite parts of the book — Molly’s inner thoughts involving Gran’s wisdoms in life.

I found Molly’s innocent involvement in the police investigation endearing and funny for the majority of the novel but the last 30% of the book lost its charm for me. It was over-the-top and cheesy which fits with the overall “cuteness” of the story but I lost my connection.

Overall, an extremely easy, unique and entertaining book!

One thing that I caution to readers before picking this up: this is a cute and entertaining story following a person who has social awkwardness and a very literal way of viewing the world. This character is very likeable and her social awkwardness is charming and funny. I do not feel this is a realistic representation of those in the world who face similar social challenges.

I really enjoyed this book! On its surface a cozy mystery, but at heart a character study of a wholly unique and endearing young woman, Molly the maid - someone who sees and experiences the world a little differently than many of us and reminds us of the importance of empathy. A well-executed and entertaining whodunit with a nicely developed plot and an original cast of characters. But it's unforgettable Molly that will make me remember and recommend this book.

Unique, unassuming, and charmingly clever, THE MAID will appeal to readers who enjoy their murder mysteries with a heart. Prepare to be fascinated and enamoured.

Unpopular opinion, I did not care for this book. I had a hard time getting into this books because of thr first person storytelling. This book was just not for me.

Molly, the central character of this novel, is employed as a made at The Regency Hotel. She loves her work, and is loyal to her employer and the memory of her Gran. She is socially awkward and is challenged to correctly read social cues and innuendo. All of these challenges play into the hands of those who try to take advantage of Molly. An easy read with some likeable characters.

A cozy Murder mystery.

I liked how carefully characters were set up right from the beginning. The writing artfully shows how our narrator, Molly the maid, can be oblivious about certain aspects of human interactions., but also how she can surprise people with her attention to details.

The pace really ramps up after the reveal of the murder, and I’m surprised by all the twists and resolutions the author has managed to fit into the last arc of the novel. It was a satisfying mystery.

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end” - my favourite quote.

This was such a fun read. The protagonist is quirky and hilarious. I was completely absorbed in the writing and storyline. This is a must-read for 2022.

While I’m not sure the neuro-divergent characters representation was accurately done, I really enjoyed this read. It was quick and easy to read with characters you were rooting for.

I listened to an audiobook version of this title and thought it was worth all the hype I'd seen on bookstagram. I was infuriated at how many people took advantage of Molly's particular quirks. Molly herself is awkward (me too, Molly, me too!) and lovable. As a "locked room mystery" it held my attention... until it didn't. Written in a captivating, descriptive prose - Mollys narration and attention to detail put you in the scene, my attention was riveted for most of the book. Unfortunately, the ending fizzled for me after the one big situation and I got distracted during the last few chapters

I LOVED The Maid by Nita Prose! Molly was a great character. I couldn't put this one down! I read it in two days but could have easily read it in one if I had the time. I loved all the twists, turns and characters. Cannot wait to see what's next from Nita!

Thank you to Netgalley and Penguin Random House Canada for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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I enjoyed my time with The Maid! I know a lot of people find Molly to be neurodivergent and identify with that but while reading it, I wasn't exactly sure how deliberate or aware the author was with that aspect of Molly. She felt inconsistent (again, not deliberately inconsistent) and I struggled to stay engaged with the narrative as a result.

Synopsis:
Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life’s complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly’s orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what’s happening, Molly’s unusual demeanour has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black. But will they be able to find the real killer before it’s too late?

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The Maid is an easy read mystery with a likeable lead character, it's very much Eleanor Oliphant meets the Thursday Murder Club. I found a lot of the story pretty predictable but enjoyed it nonetheless.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada, Viking for a copy of the ARC in return for my honest review.

Molly (the maid) has been alone since her dear Gran passed away some months ago. The one stable and constant thing in Molly's life is her job at the Regency Hotel. Although most of her co-workers find her to be odd and/or try to take advantage of her, she loves her work. She prides herself on her job and is comforted by the routine of cleaning and replenishing the rooms. That is the case, at least, until she comes across a murdered guest and her life is thrown into chaos.

Overall, this was an enjoyable enough read--the mystery worked well and I liked Molly and the other characters, too. The only thing that I didn't enjoy was that sometimes Molly felt like a device rather than a person. Some of the neurodivergent quirks that she displayed were sometimes presented in a way that made me wonder "Are we meant to be laughing with or at Molly?" Due to that little doubt, this was 3.5 stars for me.

Thanks to the author, NetGalley, and Penguin Random House Canada for the opportunity to read an advance copy.

I loved this booked. Molly was a great character whom I adored. This murder mystery was unique and fun but kept you on your toes. Unexpected things kept happening. I loved it.

This is a upbeat story that is at once a contemporary believable chick-lit tale, sprinkled with interesting plot detours and an engaging cast of characters. A bit of Eleano Oliphant meets Bridget Jones meets a great who-done-it? Interesting main character who is all at once smart but obtuse, seems to be (a trend) neural diverse in the most charming way.

This book is a joy to read! It definitely keeps the reader engaged with it’s excellent pacing and quirky characters. Molly is endearing and believable.

I was hooked on the first page and it kept me going until the end. Once I picked it up, I could not put it down. I was not going to stop until I found out who had framed her and why. The relationship building in the novel takes you on a journey and makes you feel a need to know that she will be taken care of and someone out there is looking out for her. Would definitely recommend to others.

I was very excited to read this book because I had seen a lot of posts about it on Instagram and it sounded AMAZING! The Maid definitely did not disappoint. From start to finish I was hooked, it was a great thriller. The story is about Molly the Maid who works at the Regency Grand hotel and finds one of their VIP guests dead in his bed and must cooperate with the police to help them understand what happened and prove her innocence.

Nita Prose's writing was excellent and really set the tone of the book. I felt like I was actually witnessing what was going on and was understanding things from Molly's perspective. and I honestly can't wait to see what she comes up with next. The descriptions of each character were honestly perfect and it just kept me reading on and on. The only part that I was a little confused about was the ending because it was super unexpected and actually did make sense in the end even though I never thought about something like that. Great book, definitely recommend if you like a good thriller.