Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Thank you to the author and Netgallery for the advanced copy of The Maid's Secret. I have enjoyed reading this series of books and Nita Prose has continued to excel at character development and intrigue in the newest installment of The Maid series. This is another novel about Molly the Maid and her family including her Gran. This novel explores another mystery and the background story of how Gran became the person Molly grew up with. I truly enjoy the extensive language and Molly's authentic self. I was hooked on this book from the first chapter and highly recommend it.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for the ARC (Advance Reader Copy) of The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose. I enjoyed this one. I really like Molly's character in these books. She worms her way into the reader's heart. I also enjoyed getting to know Gran better. My favourite of the series was the first book, this one was a close second. The series was enjoyable and I would definitely recommend this book to others. I would strongly suggest that they be read in order. I gave this one a 4 star rating.

Was this review helpful?

I would like to thank The Penguin Canada Team and NetGalley forthe opportunity to read this book.

This book is the final instalment of Molly, the Maid series. I enjoyed the first two books and was looking forward to read the final instalment. Molly is getting married with Juan and continue to enjoy her job as Special Events Manager. Her life gets complicated when a film crew descends upon the hotel, for taping “Hidden Treasures”. Molly brings one item for appraisal and it turns out to be a rare treasure. I loved the format of alternating between the present day and Gran’s diary entries. Spending time with Molly is always heartfelt and I got to know better Gran. Overall , a good mix of mystery and love story.. Yes, would love to know about her life as a married woman !

Was this review helpful?

Oh Molly, you little gem of a character.

Being in her world, or her head, is the stuff of cozy reading that keeps you entertained. My heart will always love Gran and her little life lessons for our Molly. And this book ties up a few backstory tidbits for fans of the series.

I enjoyed this one but my heart is with the first book. Perhaps that’s a me thing, as I don’t love series unless it’s a 2 book kind of thing, but it was still cozy reading.

Thank you to the publisher for the gifted e arc. Cant wait to see what Prose does next. Hoping she takes a total different swing at a new genre.

3.5 star

Was this review helpful?

Molly the Maid is such a likeable character, I really do enjoy learning more about her. While I felt this book took a while to truly get started, I was not expecting the end result (which is something - I love to be surprised!). I was hoping for a quicker pace, but maybe this was the universe's way of telling me to slow down and enjoy the story. Overall, not my favourite read from the series, but still a great book.

Was this review helpful?

4.5 star
A wedding. A heist. A secret.Molly Gray’s life is about to change in ways she could never have imagined.
An enjoyable fast read in the Maid series if you liked the other books in this series you will like this one.

Was this review helpful?

I enjoyed the third instalment of The Maid’s series and the backstory of Molly’s Gran. The past and present story lines were so well written and kept me wanting to read more to find out what happened. Thank you to NetGalley and publisher for allowing me the great pleasure to read this book to a wonderful series.

Was this review helpful?

Just finished the book “The Maid’s Secret” by Nita Prose.

I have enjoyed all the “Maid’s” books by this author and this is no exception. I find her books are very easy to get into and grab your interest from the first chapter.

The book alternates chapters between the past and the present. The past chapters are all excerpts from Molly’s Gran’s diary.

The book answers lots of questions about the past as well as having a mystery to solve in the present.

I recommend this book and all the Molly the Maid books.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC. It was my first Molly novel, and I can see why they’re so popular! I chuckled quite a few times. My favourite parts were from the grandma’s diary, I would have read an entire novel about that love story! It felt more central to me than the whole egg heist.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgally for the advanced copy.

I think of all the three books, the maids secret has been my favorite one. I am glad that Molly got her happy ending. What stood out the most for me was Floras (Gran) story. I absolutely loved they diary entries and would have read a book just about her life.

I rarely cry while reading, but my eyes were watery multiple times while indulging this book!

Congratulations on your latest book, I truly believe it will be a success!

Was this review helpful?

Very quick easy to read! I love this series, so entertaining to read! Very well paced, suspenseful, with great character development.

Was this review helpful?

Have you read any of the 'Maid' books from author Nita Prose? The latest is The Maid's Secret, releasing April 08/25. And it's one I can't recommend enough.

And it's probably my favourite. Why? Molly is such a wonderful character. She works at the upscale Regency Grand Hotel as a maid. "Every day of work is a joy to me."

Now, the other thing you need to know about Molly is that she struggles with social skills and often can't read the nuances of interactions - facial and conversational. Her beloved Gran, now deceased, left her with routines and rules to help navigate a world that Molly doesn't fully 'get'. And it has helped - Molly has made friends, has a job with more authority and last but not least - a man she loves.

Throughout the previous books there have been hints as to Gram's past. In The Maid's Secret, those revelations finally see light. Gram has left Molly the answers she's been looking for. At the same time, there a mystery to solve. And a connection that is surprising. Prose weaves all of this together in a way I couldn't have imagined. I stayed up late - I just had to know what the last pages would bring. A satisfying ending and this "...the final thrilling instalment in Nita Prose's bestselling Molly the maid series." But I'm sure Nita Prose has many more stories to tell.

Was this review helpful?

This book was a quick and easy read. It fits in well with the previous books in the series. I did find it jarring to switch back and forth between the current day to the past. The plot was interesting and fast based. I would recommend this book to friends and family.

Was this review helpful?

"The Maid's Secret" by Nita Prose is a captivating mystery that immerses readers in a world of secrets and intrigue. The story follows a maid who becomes embroiled in the investigation of her employer's death.

Prose’s protagonist offers a relatable voice, navigating the complexities of her job while revealing the household's hidden dynamics. The writing is sharp, vividly portraying emotions and setting.

The plot is suspenseful and well-paced, exploring themes of class disparity and loyalty, adding depth to the narrative.

Overall, "The Maid's Secret" is a brilliantly crafted novel combining a gripping plot with rich character development, making it a must-read for mystery fans.

Was this review helpful?

The saga continues, we get to read about another chapter in Molly The Maid's life. This instalment has a slightly different format. It alternates between Molly and her Grandmother. Gran has been gone for a few years but in diary form, addressed to Molly, she tells Molly about her younger days.

Gran's origins and younger days are totally not what this reader expected. Her life was opposite to what we know from the previous two books. It was a surprise to Molly too, as she learned about Gran's past.

Unlike the previous two books, there is no dead body in this one. Instead, the mystery centres around a Fabergé egg. This egg appears and disappears and reappears. This is the mystery, quite the tale. There are clues throughout but since I was concentrating on the story, I completely missed them. As in the previous books, Molly and her fellow work cohorts come together to solve the mystery. The familiar (from previous books) Detective Stark, makes an appearance also. She has mellowed a lot since the earlier stories.

Molly's character has matured and evolved in each book. She has learned more about reading nuances and facial expressions. But, she remains sweet and adorable. She is always concerned about those around her. We get acquainted with her fiancé, who adores Molly.

Cozy mysteries are not one of my regular genres, but I was totally drawn into this trilogy. I am glad that I read them. They are uncomplicated and enjoyable. They are a total distraction from all the day-to-day stuff that we sometimes like to get away from.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

Was this review helpful?

The Maid's Secret by Nita Prose is a cozy mystery and is the final novel in The Maid Series.

Molly's wedding to Juan is nearing. When an antique show films at the Regancy Grand Hotel, where they work, Molly's whole life is turned upside down. 

With an alternating timeline, this read fills in all the gaps in the series, especially around Mollys Gran.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Canada for an ARC of The Maid’s Secret. Knowing how much I enjoyed this series by Nita Prose, I looked forward to this story, wondering if the author could bring any surprises (and what is the Secret?). Once readers become attached to characters and setting, it can be tricky. I wasn’t disappointed with all the references to Gran, how she continues to guide Molly through (almost) daily life. Her diary entries lead us to the Secret, slowly and tantalizingly — a diary that Molly must find to fit the key bestowed on Gran’s deathbed. Some of the dialogue can be a bit stilted, as is Molly’s personality, but she grabs your heart regardless. Early in the story, Molly asks, “what could go wrong?”…and that is what we are bound to find out. Hold on for a delightful adventure, here to entertain and elicit cozy mystery vibes. It’s comforting knowing Molly is not alone and will likely prevail with the help of her friends and family, and the ever-present guidance of Gran. Book clubs rejoice!

Was this review helpful?

A Charming Mystery with Heart – The Best in the Series Yet!

In "The Maid's Secret," Nita Prose delivers the third installment of the Molly the Maid series, continuing the journey of the endearing and meticulous Molly Gray. Set against the familiar backdrop of the Regency Grand Hotel, this novel intertwines a compelling mystery with heartfelt personal discoveries, making it a delightful addition to the series.

As the esteemed Head Maid and Special Events Manager, Molly is immersed in preparations for her upcoming wedding to Juan Manuel and the taping of the antiquities TV show Hidden Treasures at the hotel. The plot thickens when an item Molly presents on the show is revealed to be a rare artifact worth millions, thrusting her into the media spotlight. The situation escalates with a daring art heist that not only threatens Molly's newfound fortune but also her safety. The narrative masterfully weaves past and present, as Molly uncovers secrets from her Gran's diary, revealing a rich family history and connections that add depth to the unfolding mystery.

Prose's writing shines with vivid descriptions and a balanced blend of humor and emotion. Molly's character continues to evolve, maintaining her unique quirks while displaying growth that resonates with readers. The supporting cast, including familiar faces like Mr. Snow and new additions such as the charismatic TV hosts, enrich the story, creating a vibrant tapestry of interactions that keep the narrative engaging.

One of the novel's strengths lies in its exploration of themes such as the nature of family, the value of authenticity, and the impact of past choices on the present. The mystery itself is well-crafted, with twists that keep readers guessing and a resolution that satisfies both emotionally and intellectually.

Overall, "The Maid's Secret" is a charming and delightful read that captivates with its intricate plot and lovable characters. As a fan of the series, I found this installment to be the best yet, offering a satisfying blend of mystery, romance, and personal growth. I highly recommend it to both longtime followers of Molly's adventures and newcomers alike.

Was this review helpful?

The third instalment of this engaging series starts off with a quick recap of Molly's present situation and a reminder that Molly's own love story is about to take off with her upcoming marriage to Juan Manuel. But the intrigue begins shortly afterwards with a major surprise for Molly and a daring art heist from the Regency Grand, all the events tied to her beloved Gran's mysterious past.
The story alternates back and forth in time between Gran's life as a young woman involved in a scandalous love affair and present-day Molly who tries to solve the mystery of why and who would steal her Gran's special treasure. Although I enjoyed the historical background of Gran's chapters, it's quirky and likeable Molly who steals the show, so at times I felt Gran's chapters were distracting. The story does, however, have a heartfelt and satisfying conclusion that ties all the loose ends together.
Thanks to NetGalley and Ballantine Books for providing an ARC copy in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Of the entire series, this one was my favourite! I loved the story line and getting to know important characters, and their history. I really enjoyed this light and entertaining read!

Was this review helpful?