I received this book for free from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Mistletoe Mystery: A Maid Novella by Nita Prose Series: Molly the Maid #2.5
Also in this series: The Maid: A Novel, The Mystery Guest: A Maid Novel, The Maid's Secret: A Maid Novel
Published by Ballantine Books on October 1, 2024
Genres: Fiction / Mystery & Detective / Cozy
Pages: 128
Format: ARC
Source: NetGalley
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Goodreads
Molly the Maid has a whole new mystery to solve this holiday when a Secret Santa gift exchange raises questions about who she can and cannot trust—a heartwarming story about the true spirit of the season, by #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid and The Mystery Guest
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 most 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.
Story Locale: Regency Grand Hotel
Review
Ever wonder what happens when you mix a meticulous maid, a Secret Santa gone wrong, and a sprinkle of Christmas magic? Nita Prose’s The Mistletoe Mystery has the answer, and it’s absolutely delicious.
This bite-sized story catches up with our favorite cleaning detective, Molly Gray, during what should be her first truly happy Christmas since losing her grandmother. But because this is Molly we’re talking about, things aren’t quite that simple. A Secret Santa exchange at the Regency Grand Hotel turns into something far more puzzling than picking out the perfect present, and suddenly Molly finds herself dusting for clues instead of just dusting.
What makes this novella special isn’t just the mystery – it’s watching Molly navigate the tricky territory of trust with her trademark blend of literal-mindedness and pure heart. She approaches each suspect and clue with the same careful attention she gives to removing stubborn stains, and the result is pure magic. Prose’s writing feels like curling up with a warm blanket and a cup of hot cocoa, making even the suspenseful moments feel cozy.
For fans of the Molly the Maid series, this Christmas-themed side adventure is like finding an unexpected gift under the tree. While it might be a shorter read than the main books, it packs all the charm and cleverness we’ve come to expect from our favorite cleaning sleuth. And if you’re new to Molly’s world? Well, this festive little mystery might just be the perfect way to get hooked.
Think of The Mistletoe Mystery as a Christmas cookie – sweet, satisfying, and impossible to resist. It’s the kind of story that reminds us that sometimes the best gifts come wrapped in mystery, and that love, just like a perfectly cleaned room, reveals itself in the details.
