Thank you to NetGalley & Edelweiss & Balantine Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review. The coziest mystery set in an upscale New York hotel. I was thrilled to jump back in to Molly the Maid's life. It's four years later and she is back at it, this time as head maid with another murder mystery rocking her lovely hotel. Molly's character really develops in book two and she shows enormous growth. Detective Stark is back on the case and sets her sights on Molly once again. Molly uses her individual quirks to help the detective solve the murder of the famous author. We get to enjoy a look back at Molly as a little girl and her grandmother's strength while raising her. I'm looking forward to a book three!

I thoroughly enjoyed The Maid, which was book one in this series.

As soon as I saw this on Netgalley I immediately requested it! Thank you for the opportunity to read this.

I love the female main character, Molly. Her character is so well developed, she seems to be on the Autism spectrum. Typically characters written on the spectrum fall short, but Nita does an amazing job at getting every detail of her life across. The mystery captivates your attention and does not let go! I finished this book in a few hours. I could not put it down.

This was just as good as The Maid.

The Mystery Guest

4.25 ⭐️

If you’re looking for a cozy mystery this fall, look no further. I’m such a fan of this series, especially Molly. She is one of my favorite characters in a mystery series!

This story kicks off with a death in the Hotel that Molly works in. And she, along with many of the other staff must help the detective figure out who had motive to kill a famous writer.

With the dual timelines, I really enjoyed seeing more of Molly’s childhood and more of her relationship with her Gran. I really love how this series has a neurodivergent main character that’s done so well.

I went into this book with low expectations because I liked "The Maid" but I did not love "The Maid", however, "The Mystery Guest" bypassed my expectations and I enjoyed this sequel SO much. I loved the character development, especially in our FMC Molly. The confidence that she has developed over the years made my heart swell. Also, Detective Stark's growth was so needed and done very well and believably.

I also loved the mystery in this novel as well as the background story. It was super nice to get to understand Molly more by learning about her past and how she grew up. I also loved all of the connections that brought this book together. While most of the mysteries were predictable, the book was still incredibly enjoyable. The predictability made this a cozy, mystery read and a quick one at that. Definitely worth a read.

I would recommend this book but you would definitely have to read "The Maid" first just to understand all of the characters, some of the story and really to appreciate the growth of a lot of the characters.

I have to start this review out by saying that I ended up enjoying this sequel more than the first. I read it in hours!

I really enjoy Molly the Maid and her personality. I feel like she really grew into herself more in this. It's been four years since we last saw her and I feel like while she was always unapologetically herself, in this one she's more comfortable with herself. Or maybe it's her confidence on herself. I'm not sure but I appreciated the growth.

It was nice that she learned more about herself and her past in this one. She deserves her family and her love.

The one thing I didn't like what Detevtive Stark yet again targeting her. Like miss ma'am how did you learn from your mistake and then repeat it all over again?

While I didn't think The Maid required a sequel, I'm glad it got one. And I do think this one requires a sequel. I would like to see Molly the Maid become...more. I want her to throw us four years into the future again and have taken up that offer. It would be so fitting!

The Mystery Guest is a superb sophomore novel by Nita Prose. The Maid was a delight, introducing readers to Molly Gray, aka Molly the Maid, and various employees and guests at The Regency Grand. In The Mystery Guest, we are once again reacquainted with Molly & Co. as the boutique hotel once again finds itself front and center of a mystery and murder. These are fun reads, and fans of light mysteries will devour Prose's novels, fall in love with Molly, and work right alongside her in solving the latest crime. Much thanks to #NetGalley and #RandomHousePublishing for the advance copy.

Boy, I was excited to receive an ARC and be back with Molly the Maid once again!

I truly enjoyed this one (not as much as The Maid of course) and wanted to keep reading. I often feel disappointed in ‘sequels’, but felt like this story kept the mystery with old and new characters. I also loved going back in time to get to know younger Molly Gray.

4.5 stars

She's back and I couldn't be happier! Molly the Maid continues to delight readers with her witty sayings and atypical aphorisms.

This sequel to The Maid, did not disappoint! Molly is back and just as funny-without-trying as ever!

I loved the dual timeline and learning more about her younger years.

A quick mystery filled with fun!

Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Thank you NetGalley and Ms. Prose for giving me the chance to review "The Mystery Guest." I read Ms.Prose's prior novel "The Maid," and I really like it. "The Mystery Guest," I loved! I found it even more enjoyable to read than "The Maid." I just love the nuances of the main character. It is a charming novel. One that I would recommend to readers who like cozy mysteries. I hope there will be a third book!

Great follow up to the first book! A guest dies in the hotel and once again a mystery ensues. Who could it be? Although it is a second book it can also be read as a stand alone. Thoroughly enjoyed this book! Thank you to net galley and the publisher for an ARC of this book

Sleuthing with Heart: 'The Mystery Guest' Delivers Cozy Mystery Magic.

Book Information

“The Mystery Guest” by Nita Prose is a 304-page cozyish mystery novel with an expected publication date of November 28, 2023. Thank you to Random House Publishing Group – Ballantine for providing me with an advance reader copy of this book for review.

Summary

Molly Gray stands out from the crowd with her exceptional cleaning skills and impeccable manners, earning her the prestigious position of Head Maid at the luxurious Regency Grand Hotel. However, her perfect world takes a shocking twist when the renowned mystery author, J.D. Grimthorpe, drops dead in the hotel's tea room, and Detective Stark, her old adversary, launches a murder investigation. As suspicions cast a wide net, questions arise about who could have killed Grimthorpe. Could it be the new Maid-in-Training, Lily, or the author's secretary, Serena? Even the beloved doorman, Mr. Preston, is under scrutiny. Amidst the turmoil, Molly realizes she may hold the key to solving the mystery in her past connection to Grimthorpe.

My Thoughts

Nita Prose's "The Mystery Guest" proves to be a delightful sequel to her debut novel, "The Maid." I initially had doubts about whether a follow-up could capture the charm of the original, but this book managed to exceed my expectations. If 'The Maid' was the appetizer, 'The Mystery Guest' is the delicious main course that leaves readers hungry for more. It's a fun and fast-paced read that is both clever and witty, offering a feel-good mystery with a cozy touch.

One of the highlights of this book is the return of many beloved characters from the first installment. It's a welcome reunion that adds depth to the story. Since the first book, the protagonist, Molly, has shown remarkable growth and potential for more, making her an even more engaging character.

The story is built around two interconnecting timelines, which adds intrigue and keeps readers engaged. Exploring Molly's background and childhood, as well as her interactions with her Gran, offers valuable insights into her as a person. Introducing young Molly was a clever move by the author to further enrich her character.

As someone who has dedicated over two decades to working on behalf of people with disabilities and is the father of children with autism, I appreciate when books portray characters with disabilities in a positive light. Nita Prose's portrayal of a neurodivergent person and the challenges (and advantages) faced by such individuals and their families is sensitive and well-executed, avoiding stereotypical clichés. Her ability to capture moments in the life of a person with a disability is commendable.

Prose's writing is top-notch, and she excels in bringing out Molly's uniqueness. The unlikely pairing that develops late in the book is a highlight for me, showcasing Prose's skill in managing character growth and changes in attitude.

Lastly, the heartwarming conclusion is so moving that you might find yourself reaching for "a tissue for your issue."

This is a charming and clever page-turner that will steal your heart.

Recommendation

"The Mystery Guest" is a well-crafted and thoroughly enjoyable mystery that not only maintains the charm of its predecessor but also adds depth and heart to the series. If you enjoyed the original, you will enjoy this one too. A must-read for mystery lovers and those seeking a feel-good tale of hope and intrigue. Highly recommended.

Rating

4 Restored to a State of Perfection Stars

I read the Maid last year by the same author and like it. I like this book maybe more. You get more back story of the characters. I liked the two different time lines. Gran's words of wisdom through out the book reminded me of my grandmother.

Nita Prose’s debut The Maid was my first foray into cozy mysteries, so I was thrilled to get back into the Regency Grand Hotel with Molly and the gang. This was such a wonderful follow up! I loved learning even more about Molly’s backstory and what it was like for her, growing up with her gran as her sole guardian. Molly is such a special character, and in this sequel, I felt that she really learned to appreciate who she is and not try to change herself to make others comfortable. While I didn’t enjoy the mystery aspect quite as much as the first installment, this was still a solid sequel that I’d definitely recommend!

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

Our favorite quirky maid is back for more mess, murder, and mayhem!

Four years after we see her, Molly is now head maid at Regency Grand Hotel. Since the murder of guest, Mr. Black, the hotel again has a pristine reputation. That is until another murder takes place. This time, it’s the famous mystery writer J.D. Grimthorpe. After he calls together a VIP press conference with his biggest fans and a secret to tell, he drops dead before he can reveal what brought them all there. Detective Stark is back on the case and once again, Molly is on her list. This time though, Molly knew the victim. Will that help or hurt her?

I loved getting to see Molly come into her own in this book. We also get a look into her childhood memories, which is both insightful and pulls at your heartstrings. This is a cozy mystery and a good second addition to the first.

What a great story! I must admit I haven't read The Maid yet, but have already ordered it. The great thing is there are no spoilers, other than alluding to a previous situation that occurred, so it's perfect as a stand- alone.

The writing is perfect for the protagonist! It's crisp and clear, and you can almost picture a Mary Poppins-like character voicing Ms Molly, but with her own twist.

The story is a highly entertaining whodunit with a myriad of humorous and perplexing characters that round out the success of this book.

I really enjoyed this book and am excited to read The Maid. I look forward to what Nita Prose comes up with next!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC digital copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

This is a follow-up to The Maid, which I absolutely loved! Molly is a lovable character. I fully appreciate her quirky qualities and her socially awkward innocence.

The minor characters just did not pull me in during this mystery which affected my interest level. While this second book was not as entertaining as the first, I still recommend it and will continue to read more if the series continues.

3.5 out of 5 stars and my respect to the author..

𝙈𝙮 𝙍𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙣𝙜: 3⭐️

THE VERDICT
I jumped for joy when I received this ARC! I adoreeeddd The Maid. But, heartbreakingly, this one was just too slow burning and had a pretty dull plot. Her quirks were also less adorable in this book, but rather more redundant 🙁

What to Expect:
🕰️ Tons of backstory about Molly growing up with her Gran
👧🏻 Autistic MC - though it’s less quirky in this book than it was in the original
🔪 Famous author murdered at The Regency just as he was about to make an important announcement
🩷 Found family

This is a charming, excellent sequel to “The Maid.” I enjoyed this new story very much and if you loved Molly before, you’ll love her even more after reading “The Mystery Guest.” Plus, all the flashbacks will endear you not only to Molly but also to her precious Gran.

I really loved this book. Molly is so sweet and the mystery was great. I love books that have duel timelines and this book did it perfectly. It has been fun to watch Molly mature, fun whodunit. Book 3 please...