More Molly adventures at the Regency and more gran too yay!! Solid read but for some reason just wasn’t like a 4-5 star for me. But can’t put my finger on why.

In The Maid's Secret, Nita Prose demonstrates her mastery of gentle suspense and heartfelt character development, delivering a truly captivating read. Told through the earnest and meticulous voice of Molly, a maid with a deep sense of duty and justice, the novel uncovers not just secrets hidden in curio cabinets or vacuum canisters, but those buried in memory, legacy, and the quiet spaces between words.

While this is my first Prose novel, what elevates The Maid's Secret beyond a simple whodunit is the author's masterful use of subtext. The recurring motif of "reading between the lines"—a concept explicitly highlighted with the insightful observation, "Sometimes, it’s not what’s on the page that tells you the most... it’s the blank space in the margins"—becomes crucial as Molly navigates not only surface-level secrets but also the unspoken histories that bind her and her Gran, Flora Gray.

Prose skillfully navigates profound intergenerational themes, using the poignant line, "It is the prerogative of the young to rail against injustice, and it is the fate of the old to endure it," to highlight the contrasting experiences that shape Molly's understanding of the past. Through the unfolding of her Gran's story, revealed through her diary entries which expose long-held secrets, Molly undergoes a significant emotional and intellectual maturation, grappling with the complexities of justice, love, and the possibility of forgiveness and reconciliation across generations.

Prose's narrative is characterized by a quiet power, where seemingly simple reflections resonate deeply. Lines like "We reap what we sow… I’ve gained compassion, comprehension, and empathy" not only reflect her grandmother's journey of transformation but also underscore the novel's central message about the redemptive power of understanding and empathy, qualities that Prose subtly weaves throughout the narrative.

One minor point that occasionally pulled me from the narrative was the ambiguity of the setting. While Prose's writing evokes a certain English sensibility, specific details, such as Flora attending a "Prep School" for university entrance (a term with a different connotation in England), certain turns of phrase, and the legal impossibility of Molly's half-sister, a judge, marrying Molly and Juan, created a slight sense of geographical uncertainty. Clarifying the setting more explicitly in future novels could further enhance the reader's immersion.

I enjoyed the subplot involving Cheryl, the errant maid who constantly struggles to meet Molly's high standards. Prose handles this character with a delicate touch, avoiding caricature and instead using Cheryl to explore themes of empathy and the challenges of living up to rigid expectations. The development of Cheryl's character, and the way Molly's perspective on her evolves, adds a layer of emotional depth to the story, underscoring the novel's broader themes of understanding, inclusion and compassion.

Ultimately, The Maid's Secret transcends the traditional cosy mystery, offering a deeply moving and intelligent exploration of family secrets, personal growth, and the enduring power of love. It's a quietly triumphant read that will linger in the reader's thoughts long after the final page.

If Amelia Bedelia grew up and got into the amateur sleuth game, you'd get Molly Gray—and I’ve adored every quirky clue-trailing moment.

In this third installment, Molly thrives at the Regency Grand, newly engaged, with a new job title and newly inherited fortune. What should’ve been a cozy, clever heist ended up feeling… flat.
The dual timeline with Gran’s diary didn’t add depth, and Molly herself felt less sharp, less uniquely Molly. Gran, once the heart of the series, read like someone else entirely.

I wanted to love it. I tried to love it. But this one just didn’t land. If you’re new to the series, don’t start here. If you’re a longtime fan, maybe manage expectations.

Thank you to Nita Prose and Penguin Random House Canada for the early digital ARC in exchange for my honest review! Publication Date: April 8, 2025.

The final novel of Molly the Maid has heart, mystery, and a revisiting of the past. Perfectly toggling through the storylines, I loved Gran’s journal entries and Molly’s present day.

Molly and her found family shone through once things go awry for her after an antique goes missing. A theme I thought of from Gran’s journal entries is that we are more than our worst mistake(s) made in our past.

Nita Prose did so well ending the Molly the Maid series! I still recall that the first novel got me out of a pandemic reading slump and will always be fond of Molly’s quirkiness, her world point of view, and refreshing perspective.

Thank you to the publisher, author, and Netgalley for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I cannot remember the last time I stayed up until 2am to finish a book but here we are! Molly is back and her wedding to her beloved Juan Manuel is coming up in a month. She’s keeping busy though - because an episode of Hidden Treasures (think Antique Roadshow) is being filmed at the Regency Grand and the staff are all invited to bring in antiques and treasures that could be worth something.

Molly brings several items from her late Gran’s curio cabinet that are meaningful to her, including a skeleton key, a teacup, and an egg. When one of Molly’s treasures turns out to be worth millions, and she faints upon hearing the news, she suddenly goes viral. For someone like Molly, who is private and needs a set routine, this is a living nightmare. The film crews follows her for a week between her episode and the auction, capturing her rags-to-riches story. The day of the auction, her treasure truly becomes hidden - it is stolen right from under everyone’s eyes and Molly’s safety is threatened if she goes looking for it.

As always, I loved seeing the rag tag team of Regency Grand employees try to find out what happened, and being funny, quirky and loveable amateur sleuths. The story is interlaced between this happening in real time, and a beautiful set of diary entries that Gran has left for Molly to read when she’s ready to find out more about the family history that’s always kept from her. It is such a wonderful balance to have the chapters alternating this way and it became impossible to put down because I felt I always needed to know how each story was going to progress.

Overall this was a lovely instalment of the series and I want to thank Penguin Canada and Net Galley for the e-arc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

4.1 ⭐

I accidentally read this before reading the first two, but you don't really need them to enjoy this.

I liked it a lot. This book tells a sweet story between a grandmother and her granddaughter through letters from a diary. I enjoyed how the author unraveled the backstory as we saw the present day mystery take place. It was done well! I was thoroughly impressed. Best of all, I have a newfound respect and admiration for service jobs after finishing this book.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for providing me with an early copy of this book.

What a wonderful, fitting end to the Molly the Maid Series this was! Not only was this the lead-up to Molly and Juan’s long-awaited wedding, but we also learned about her late Gran’s backstory through diary entries she left for Molly. I fell in love with Gran even more - she was such a loveable character.

From the first couple of pages, I had a smile on my face as I re-entered the heartwarming world of Molly snd her friends. The pacing was good, the use of dual timelines was very effective, there was an enjoyable mystery, and I enjoyed the themes of hope, love, and kindness that underpinned the story.

I read this in one day as I couldn’t out it down. While I was sad to reach the last page as this meant the end of the series, I was also happy that this was the perfect ending to Molly’s story. This is a terrific cozy mystery series that I will not soon forget and one I highly recommend.

Thanks to the publisher for this complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.

Nita Prose has done it again! The Maid's Secret is a riveting story that follows Molly, as she discovers she may be suddenly wealthy, and her gran, as she explains her childhood and fall from wealth. The two storylines lend themselves to each other seamlessly as Gran's story is told to Molly through diary entries. I was desperate to read each chapter as they were filled with mystery, suspense, love and drama. Nita does such a good job of creating well rounded and easy to love characters. I will continue looking for other novels by Nita Prose. I would highly recommend to anyone that loves a good mystery or drama.
Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinions.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada/Viking for a digital ARC of ‘The Maid’s Secret’. This is the third book in the Maid series. Molly and Juan are planning their wedding when things get a little ‘interesting’. I enjoyed the present day story and how her grandmother’s journal brought us to a heartwarming conclusion.

Mollys golden huevo (bejeweled egg), given to her as a child turns out to be worth a million dollars. Alas, everything isn’t always as it seems.
If you liked The Maid, you’ll love The Maid’s Secret. This novel encompasses love, death and crime. It follows present day Molly as well as her beloved gran’s story, discovered posthumously through her diary.
A wonderful read. I am already looking forward to Prose’s next book!

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. This is book number three in the Maid series by Nita Prose and it did not disappoint. I loved the duel storylines - one about a heist, and one about Molly's grandmother's background as a young girl (quite unforeseen and reads like a historical fiction). Amazing how Nita Prose can write a heartwarming book that is exciting and intriguing all at once!

Nita Prose’s The Maid’s Secret is an intriguing addition in the Molly the Maid series. The pace is steady, and the twists keep you hooked. Overall, it's an engaging follow-up to The Maid, with a richly developed mystery that will satisfy fans.
I want to extend my sincere thanks to NetGalley, the publisher, and the author, Nita Prose, for providing me with an ARC of this novel. It was a privilege to be part of the early readers, and I'm excited to see where Prose takes Molly Gray next.

I know that some people criticize Molly's voice, but I love the unique character it provides in each of the book's series. I enjoyed the story and the tie to her grandmother's history/own story to keep things fresh. Overall, better than I could have expected and warmed my heart too!!

3.5 stars
In the third and likely final installment in the Molly the Maid cozy mystery series, Molly who is now Head Maid and Special Events Planner at the Regency Grand Hotel must solve an art heist while also planning her upcoming wedding to Juan Manuel. A crew has arrived at the Regency Grand to film an episode of a popular Antiques Roadshow type TV show and Molly brings a shoebox full of her Gran's things to be appraised. Much to everyone's shock and surprise, one of the items turns out to be a rare and priceless treasure plunging Molly into the media spotlight until the item disappears in a bold art heist. Unlike her previous cases, Molly discovers that the secret to solving the mystery of the missing antiquity lies in the past and a secret diary left behind by her Gran.

A fun art heist whodunnit and love story told over two timelines by alternating chapters between the modern day mystery that Molly is trying to solve and letters that Gran wrote to Molly telling the story of her early years and her great love for Mr. Preston. The Maid's Secret is a charming conclusion (at least I think it's meant to be the final book) to the Molly the Maid series. Although the first book remains my favourite, it's always nice to catch up with Molly and everyone else at the Regency Grand.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing a digital ARC of this book for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

I was gifted the opportunity of the ARC by NetGalley.

Nita Prose's "The Maid's Secret" is a great conclusion to Molly Gray's story. It offers readers a compelling mystery intertwined with a substantial exploration of her Gran's history. The book deftly weaves past into present providing valuable context that deepens our understanding of Molly's character. The novel retains the series' hallmarks: a cozy mystery, the gratifying pursuit of justice, and a nuanced portrayal of Molly and Gran's navigation prevailing challenges for their respective timelines. This conclusion provides both closure and a powerful reflection on individual resilience.

I adore Molly the Maid (who doesn't?) and it was so nice spending time with her, Juan, Mr. Preston, and Gran (Yes - Gran!) once again.

What it's about:

Reality TV show "Hidden Treasures" is filming at the Regency Grand Hotel and has invited staff to bring in items for the hosts to assess for value. Molly assembles a shoebox of her Gran's treasures - a teacup, an old key, and an egg. There's a story and sentimental value behind each of these objects (which we learn about through Gran's diary) but when an item is deemed of significant monetary value threats are made and an item is stolen.

Molly, her loyal friends and loved-ones, and Detective Stark are on the case to find the thief

This story is dual POV and timeline - Molly (in the present) and Gran's diary (in the past).

What did I think?

Gran's story was so interesting & I really enjoyed this piece of the story. I may have shed a few tears a couple of times and I hope that this is not the last we get to read about Molly

I've been a fan of Molly from the very beginning, and I’m so happy to see her story continue! The format of this book was absolutely fantastic, and it made the reading experience even more enjoyable. I really loved following Molly's journey as she starts to experience some new luck. The backstory with her gran and the diary was so well-crafted. And that ending—wow. It completely broke me, in the best way possible. I couldn't hold back the tears. This book has everything I love in a story—heart, emotion, and a connection to its characters.

Highly recommend!

Thanks to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada (Adult) & Viking for my advanced e copy in exchange for my honest review.

Publish date: April 8, 2025

This is the third book in the series, and even though I’ve only read the first one, I had no trouble following along, and thoroughly enjoyed it.

We’re back with Molly Gray, the ever-dedicated Head Maid at the luxurious Regency Grand Hotel. Things take an unexpected turn when she appears on a flashy antique appraisal show—only to find out she owns a rare Fabergé egg prototype, passed down from her beloved grandmother. Suddenly, Molly is living her five minutes of fame (which she absolutely does not enjoy) but also dreaming of what a financially stress-free life can look like for her and Juan, her beloved fiancé. But just as quickly as the dream begins, it all starts to unravel—the egg vanishes, and in its place, a mysterious note.

As the mystery unfolds, Molly discovers her grandmother’s diary—and this is where the story truly shines. Flora Gray played a huge role in Molly’s life (something I loved in the first book), and this diary reveals so much about her past: her painful childhood, her awful parents, and being forced into a cruel match in a society that valued women for their looks. But hidden in those pages is also a powerful love story—one of those once-in-a-lifetime kinds. And of course, how Flora came to be in possession of the egg.

To be honest, the mystery itself wasn’t groundbreaking—I figured out the key twist pretty early on. Molly’s point of view felt a bit underwhelming for me this time around. But Flora’s perspective and words of wisdom were absolutely moving. Her story tugged at my heartstrings and even brought a few tears.

No, this book didn’t tie everything up in a neat little bow—but that’s what made it feel real. It might not have ended with a fairy tale, but everything landed exactly where it was meant to.

I want to thank NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing me with an ARC.

I LOVED this book! Molly the Maid is back and while she has matured and progressed somewhat, she is still our beloved Molly. The book is told from the POV of both Molly, in the present and her Gran, in the past through a journal she has written for Molly to read when she is ready. The excitement builds early on with the announcement that the TV show Hidden Treasures (the concept similar to Antiques Roadshow IRL) will be broadcast from the Regency Grand Hotel. Molly and other hotel staff are given the opportunity to have their own items appraised before audience members and of course, Molly has some interesting old treasures in a shoebox to show hosts Beagle and Brown. I really enjoyed hearing Flora/Gran's history and how the story flowed back and forth between Molly's present and her Gran's past through her journal. The ever-present humour is often subtle and the love stories are beautiful. I do recommend reading the first two books to really get to know more about the characters and to appreciate them. I like how the characters are developed over the course of the three books and I think this instalment may be the best yet! I look forward to more adventures of Molly the Maid. Big thanks to #NetGalley for the eARC (ebook) and especially to #PRHAudio for allowing me to listen to the #audiobook as #myeyespreferaudiobooks

I really like the Molly “the maid” series but I have to say that “The Maid’s Secret” is the best one. You learn all about Gran and watch as Juan and Molly have their best day. I really enjoyed this book and I loved Grans story. I would recommend reading this book. I received an arc from NetGalley and the views and opinions are my own.