I received this book as an arc from NetGalley for an honest review. This novella was meh for me. It was cheesy and predictable. There was no real mystery element. The characters are likable and Christmas in NYC is always a good vibe. I think this book is more of a money grab than anything else.

Cute, cozy little story about Molly the maid and her main squeeze, Juan Manual. It’s fun for readers familiar with Molly’s quirkiness.


Thank you Ballantine Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Molly Gray is back! She has always loved Christmas, but it is hard without her beloved Gran. her boyfriend Juan Manuel wants to make is a memorable one. The hotel Christmas party has a secret santa present exchange. Molly begins to question who she can trust and her mystery begins. This book shows us that love is the greatest mystery and gift of all..

Mistletoe, a mystery and the magic of Christmas make this novella a perfect read as we head into the holidays.

When a secret Santa gift exchange has Molly questioning who she can trust, she will dive headfirst into a mystery that will change her life. As a huge fan of Molly the maid and this series as a whole, I thought this was a great bite size holiday installment that both furthers the plot (via a couple of our MCs) and showcases all the best this series has to offer. It is the coziest of mysteries, filled with these quirky characters who have become family both to themselves and us in my many ways, and of course all the magic that the holiday brings.

Read if you like:
▪️cozy mysteries
▪️seasonal reads
▪️neurodivergent rep
▪️found family
▪️lovable characters

Thank you Random House for the gifted copies.

Did we need it? No. Was it fun, lighthearted, and wholesome? Yes! If you like the Molly the Maid series, you will enjoy this seasonal novella!

In this delightful addition to the series, Molly the Maid embarks on a heartwarming holiday adventure that strays from the usual cozy mystery formula. Nita Prose delivers a charming Christmas romance, focusing on Molly’s relationship with her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, whose suspicious behavior prompts her to reconsider their love.

The story beautifully intertwines Molly’s past experiences, including her struggles with bullying and a memorable Secret Santa mishap at the hotel, while also highlighting her deep bond with her grandmother, whose wisdom profoundly influences Molly’s character.

The conclusion is uplifting and cozy, making it a perfect festive read. Embrace this book as a Christmas romcom rather than a traditional mystery, and you’ll find it a joyful escape. With Molly’s journey still unfolding, I'm eagerly anticipating her next adventure and the mysteries that await her.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine | Ballantine Books for the opportunity to read this advanced digital copy in exchange for my honest opinions!

*Mistletoe Mystery* by Nita Prose was just what I needed—a cozy, holiday vibe with a touch of mystery. It’s a little different from the other books with Molly the Maid, but in the best way. The festive atmosphere made me want to curl up with a hot cocoa, and the Secret Santa mystery was fun to follow without being too intense. It’s perfect for when you want a light, feel-good read. Four stars for delivering the perfect holiday escape!

*The Mistletoe Mystery* offers a charming, festive story centered on Molly Gray, a character well-loved by fans of the Molly the Maid series. For readers like myself, unfamiliar with previous books in the series, the story still provides a heartwarming and magical tale, though I suspect it would resonate more deeply with those already acquainted with Molly's character.

Overall, *The Mistletoe Mystery* is a light, enjoyable read that captures the magic of Christmas and the warmth of relationships, perfect for fans of the series or those looking for a short, festive story.

Very similar to the first two books. It's a cute quick little read with a Christmas twist, but I would have liked something that didn't just feel like more of the same.

❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️I KNEW ITTTTT❤️❤️❤️
This novella is beautifully written and gives you all the cute fuzzy feelings of holidays and Christmas! Nita did a beautiful job.

Give me Molly all year! I loved this one, so cute. Not as much of a mystery but loved Molly trying to work it out. Juan is the absolute best and needs to be protected at all costs.

The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose is a heartwarming holiday novel filled with charm, humor, and an intriguing twist of mystery. Set against the cozy backdrop of a small town during the festive season, the story follows an unlikely amateur sleuth as they uncover secrets and navigate a series of surprising events. With endearing characters, delightful banter, and just the right amount of holiday spirit, this book is a perfect blend of cozy mystery and feel-good romance, making it an ideal winter read for fans of both genres. A perfect holiday escape!

After reading The Maid, Nita Prose came on my radar. I was sonexcited to receive an ARC for The Mistletoe Mystery. Molly the maid is so endearing. Her character is so different from what I usually read. She's strong, weird and brave in the best of ways. The mystery itself kept me on my toes, but this is definitely a cozy read. I wonder what Molly does next.

3.25 stars

I am an absolute sucker for the Maid series. They are always so fun and the twist on the mystery in this novella was no exception. Although I wanted a bit MORE mystery, as it was all very predictable, it was still very cute.

A big thanks to NetGalley, Nita Prose, and Ballentine Books for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

Not quite a mystery because it is quite predictable, but a quick, sweet read. If you’re missing our favorite hotel maid and the other characters you might enjoy this book as we wait for the next to come out.

Thank you to NetGalley and Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

It is Christmas time, and Molly the Maid is eagerly looking forward to Christmas at the hotel. Fans of Molly will appreciate the attention to detail, and the practical approach she gives to the Christmas celebrations. However, this Christmas seems a bit different because Juan Manuel, the love of her life, has been acting strangely, and she is beginning to wonder if he has met someone else. Her usual enjoyment of Christmas becomes entangled with trying to discover what has happened to their relationship. All fans of Molly will enjoy this short Christmas story. Thanks to Netgalley for an arc, and no pressure for a positive review.

Big thanks to NetGalley for this ARC! I loved the first two books and was stoked to be able to read the Christmas book and see what they are up to now. This was a fun and quick to get you in the mood for the holidays!

I am new to Molly the maid and her stories but am so glad to be along for the ride now! As one who struggles with the holidays due to family, just in a different context to our beloved Molly, it is nice to find a character who is trying to find a way to overcome that and like it again. I enjoy reading not just about a differently abled character but reading it from their point of view. It helps me learn about others and how we are all incredibly different.

Molly the maid but make it Christmas themed! There wasn’t a true mystery in this one but if you loved the other books you will like this one.

This one was hard to get into and obvious what was going to happen from the beginning.

🔎 ARC Review

The Mistletoe Mystery
Molly the Maid #2.5


@nitaprose
@ballantinebooks
@netgalley

Publication Date: October 1st, 2024

My Rating:
🌟 4/5

👀Read if you like
Cute Mystery
Novella that is connected to a series
Drama

Molly Gray has always loved the holidays. When Molly was a child, her gran went to great lengths to make the season merry and bright, full of cherished traditions. The first few Christmases without Gran were hard on Molly, but this year, her beloved boyfriend and fellow festive spirit, Juan Manuel, is intent on making the season Molly’s mofinst joyful yet.

But when a Secret Santa gift exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel raises questions about who Molly can and cannot trust, she dives headfirst into solving her most consequential—and personal—mystery yet. Molly has a bad feeling about things, and she starts to wonder: has she yet again mistaken a frog for a prince?

A heartwarming, magical story about the true spirit of the season, The Mistletoe Mystery reminds us that love is the greatest mystery of all.

🔎 My review
This was such a cute Novella that was a quick read and really shines on the Christmas spirit! I definitely would recommend this read, but make sure to read books 1 and 2 first!

Thank you @netgalley @nitaprose
@ballantinebooks for the ARC!

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