This book was provided by the publisher for review purposes. All opinions are my own.
The Maid: A Novel by Nita ProseSeries: Molly the Maid #1
Publication Date: January 4, 2022
Publisher: Ballantine Books / Penguin Random House
Pages: 304
Source: From the Publisher
Genre: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Cozy
Rating: ★★★★★
Synopsis:
Molly Gray is not like everyone else. 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.
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 demeanor 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?
A *Clue*-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, *The Maid* explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.
REVIEW
The Maid: A Novel by Nita Prose is a highly entertaining book that took me on an unexpected journey. From the moment I started reading, I was captivated by the old-fashioned whodunit mystery that unfolded before my eyes. The story had me hooked from the very beginning, and I found myself becoming more and more engrossed as I eagerly sought the resolution.
One of the standout aspects of this book is the unique charm of the main character. Molly Gray, the hotel maid, is a character who is easy to root for. Her struggles with social skills and her meticulous love for cleaning and proper etiquette make her an endearing and relatable protagonist. I found myself invested in her journey and genuinely cared about what would happen to her.
What makes The Maid: A Novel even more intriguing is the cast of characters that populate the story. Each character is carefully crafted with their own quirks and secrets, making them both intriguing and suspicious. As the plot thickens, the web of deception surrounding Molly deepens, and she is forced to navigate through a maze of clues and hidden motives. The author expertly weaves together the various storylines, keeping me guessing and on the edge of my seat.
I must say that Nita Prose has a talent for creating a cozy atmosphere within the pages of this book. The setting of the Regency Grand Hotel, with its opulent suites and hidden secrets, adds another layer of intrigue to the story. The vivid descriptions of the hotel and its guests transported me into a world where anything could happen.
I would highly recommend The Maid: A Novel to anyone looking for a captivating mystery that will keep them engaged from start to finish. Whether you’re curled up on the couch on a cold winter day or simply in need of an escape, this book is the perfect choice. Prepare to be swept away into a world of secrets, suspense, and unexpected connections.
