Reviews
"A page-turning delight from start to finish . . . Once I checked into the Regency Grand, I never wanted to leave." --Jenny Jackson, author of Pineapple Street "Solving a crime has never been more delightful. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, and this is a book to hug when you finish it." --Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair "Wise and winning and altogether wondrous . . . perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Knives Out, and tasteful whodunits of any vintage . . . a splendid novel to restore your faith in character-driven storytelling." --A. J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window "Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers "A strong and stylish whodunit that captivates from page one - a pitch-perfect plot delivered with Nita Prose's brand of joyful storytelling. A tale that captures your heart while it baffles your mind. . . . Be sure to put out the 'do not disturb' sign while you lose yourself in this exquisite follow-up." --Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal "A rollicking, riotous, rollercoaster of a mystery. Clever clues, a smorgasboard of suspects, and a rocket-fuel pace." --Benjamin Stevenson, internationally bestselling author of Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone "Molly Gray is the most charming amateur sleuth in modern literature. Prepare to fall in love with this fast-paced, clever whodunit full of laughs and overflowing with heart." --Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names "Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I've ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humor and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout." --Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing "Nita Prose and her protagonist share an eye for detail, but it's not just that which makes The Mystery Guest such a satisfying and enjoyable read. It is also the masterly characterization, the deft plotting, the whip-smart dialogue and the clever structure. A flawless and brilliant read." --Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond "Oh, how I enjoy Molly's take on life! Another gorgeous book from Nita Prose, cleverly conceived, written with panache and jam-packed with joy." --Hazel Prior, internationally bestselling author of How the Penguins Saved Veronica, Praise for The Mystery Guest : "Prepare to be swept away again into the wonderfully endearing and unforgettable world of Molly. This time, we're treated to a look back at the early days of young Molly and Gran, a tender ode to the devotion between a grandparent and grandchild--while 'detective' Molly attempts to solve the latest murder at the Regency Grand Hotel. Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers "Wise and winning and altogether wondrous: a mystery, yes--a nimble, crafty one, too, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Knives Out , and tasteful whodunits of any vintage--but, oh, so much more! The Mystery Guest is a bright comedy of (mostly good) manners; it's a full-hearted, clear-eyed ode to innocence; it's a celebration of goodness and truth; it's a mug of hot chocolate, rich and dark and bittersweet. And what a world Nita Prose has built here at the Regency Grand, with its revolving doors, its Art Deco tearoom, its plush suites and cozy housekeeping quarters--the most inviting high-society funhouse since Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel . Above all, though, The Mystery Guest , like The Maid before it (you can enjoy one without reading the other!), is a novel to restore your faith in proudly old-fashioned, character-driven storytelling--of the kind that crime buffs and book clubs alike can embrace. I was nearly hugging myself as I turned the pages of this splendid novel. Read it, as I did, with 'an attitude of gratitude.'" --A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window "There have been two murders at the Regency Grand Hotel, and one maid has been a suspect in both. But I still want to book a room there, and I still want Molly in charge of cleaning it--that's how beautifully Nita Prose has updated and perfected the cozy murder. The Mystery Guest meticulously balances past and present to create a story you'll never want to stop reading, full of twists you'll never see coming. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, with a perspective so clear-eyed and refreshing, you'll hear her voice as a comfort if ever something in your own life looks bleak. This is a book to hug when you finish, it all comes together so sublimely. Solving a crime has never been more delightful." --Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair "Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I've ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humour and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout." --Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing "Nita Prose and her protagonist share an eye for detail, but it's not just that which makes The Mystery Guest such a satisfying and enjoyable read. It is also the masterly characterisation, the deft plotting, the whipsmart dialogue and the clever structure. A flawless and brilliant read." --Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond, Praise for The Mystery Guest : "Prepare to be swept away again into the wonderfully endearing and unforgettable world of Molly. This time, we're treated to a look back at the early days of young Molly and Gran, a tender ode to the devotion between a grandparent and grandchild--while 'detective' Molly attempts to solve the latest murder at the Regency Grand Hotel. Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers "There have been two murders at the Regency Grand Hotel, and one maid has been a suspect in both. But I still want to book a room there, and I still want Molly in charge of cleaning it--that's how beautifully Nita Prose has updated and perfected the cozy murder. The Mystery Guest meticulously balances past and present to create a story you'll never want to stop reading, full of twists you'll never see coming. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, with a perspective so clear-eyed and refreshing, you'll hear her voice as a comfort if ever something in your own life looks bleak. This is a book to hug when you finish, it all comes together so sublimely. Solving a crime has never been more delightful." --Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair, Praise for The Mystery Guest : "Prepare to be swept away again into the wonderfully endearing and unforgettable world of Molly. This time, we're treated to a look back at the early days of young Molly and Gran, a tender ode to the devotion between a grandparent and grandchild--while 'detective' Molly attempts to solve the latest murder at the Regency Grand Hotel. Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers "Wise and winning and altogether wondrous: a mystery, yes--a nimble, crafty one, too, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Knives Out , and tasteful whodunits of any vintage--but, oh, so much more! The Mystery Guest is a bright comedy of (mostly good) manners; it's a full-hearted, clear-eyed ode to innocence; it's a celebration of goodness and truth; it's a mug of hot chocolate, rich and dark and bittersweet. And what a world Nita Prose has built here at the Regency Grand, with its revolving doors, its Art Deco tearoom, its plush suites and cozy housekeeping quarters--the most inviting high-society funhouse since Wes Anderson's Grand Budapest Hotel . Above all, though, The Mystery Guest , like The Maid before it (you can enjoy one without reading the other!), is a novel to restore your faith in proudly old-fashioned, character-driven storytelling--of the kind that crime buffs and book clubs alike can embrace. I was nearly hugging myself as I turned the pages of this splendid novel. Read it, as I did, with 'an attitude of gratitude.'" --A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window "There have been two murders at the Regency Grand Hotel, and one maid has been a suspect in both. But I still want to book a room there, and I still want Molly in charge of cleaning it--that's how beautifully Nita Prose has updated and perfected the cozy murder. The Mystery Guest meticulously balances past and present to create a story you'll never want to stop reading, full of twists you'll never see coming. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, with a perspective so clear-eyed and refreshing, you'll hear her voice as a comfort if ever something in your own life looks bleak. This is a book to hug when you finish, it all comes together so sublimely. Solving a crime has never been more delightful." --Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair "Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I've ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humour and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout." --Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing "Nita Prose and her protagonist share an eye for detail, but it's not just that which makes The Mystery Guest such a satisfying and enjoyable read. It is also the masterly characterisation, the deft plotting, the whipsmart dialogue and the clever structure. A flawless and brilliant read." --Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond "The Mystery Guest is a page-turning delight from start to finish. Once I checked into the Regency Grand I never wanted to leave." --Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street, " The Maid was a surprise hit. Its sequel lives up to the hype. The Mystery Guest, the second installment in Nita Prose's Maid Novels series, is both a delightful whodunit and a pointed social commentary." -- The Washington Post "[Molly] returns in The Mystery Guest, which builds upon The Maid 's many charms. Prose peppers the mystery with sly jokes about the vagaries of crime writing, but Molly's voice remains central and moving." -- The New York Times "Molly is a singular character--she's intelligent, unfailingly honest and the epitome of a professional maid--and readers will enjoy checking into the Regency Grand to follow her and her exploits." -- BookPage "A page-turning delight from start to finish . . . Once I checked into the Regency Grand, I never wanted to leave." --Jenny Jackson, author of Pineapple Street "Solving a crime has never been more delightful. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, and this is a book to hug when you finish it." --Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair "Wise and winning and altogether wondrous . . . perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Knives Out, and tasteful whodunits of any vintage . . . a splendid novel to restore your faith in character-driven storytelling." --A. J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window "Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers "Be sure to put out the 'do not disturb' sign while you lose yourself in this exquisite follow-up." --Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal "A rollicking, riotous, rollercoaster of a mystery. Clever clues, a smorgasboard of suspects, and a rocket-fuel pace." --Benjamin Stevenson, internationally bestselling author of Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone "Molly Gray is the most charming amateur sleuth in modern literature. Prepare to fall in love with this fast-paced, clever whodunit full of laughs and overflowing with heart." --Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names "Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I've ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humor and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout." --Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing "A flawless and brilliant read." --Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond "Oh, how I enjoy Molly's take on life! Another gorgeous book from Nita Prose, cleverly conceived, written with panache and jam-packed with joy." --Hazel Prior, internationally bestselling author of How the Penguins Saved Veronica, Praise for The Mystery Guest : "Prepare to be swept away again into the wonderfully endearing and unforgettable world of Molly. This time, we''re treated to a look back at the early days of young Molly and Gran, a tender ode to the devotion between a grandparent and grandchild--while ''detective'' Molly attempts to solve the latest murder at the Regency Grand Hotel. Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers "Wise and winning and altogether wondrous: a mystery, yes--a nimble, crafty one, too, perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Knives Out , and tasteful whodunits of any vintage--but, oh, so much more! The Mystery Guest is a bright comedy of (mostly good) manners; it''s a full-hearted, clear-eyed ode to innocence; it''s a celebration of goodness and truth; it''s a mug of hot chocolate, rich and dark and bittersweet. And what a world Nita Prose has built here at the Regency Grand, with its revolving doors, its Art Deco tearoom, its plush suites and cozy housekeeping quarters--the most inviting high-society funhouse since Wes Anderson''s Grand Budapest Hotel . Above all, though, The Mystery Guest , like The Maid before it (you can enjoy one without reading the other!), is a novel to restore your faith in proudly old-fashioned, character-driven storytelling--of the kind that crime buffs and book clubs alike can embrace. I was nearly hugging myself as I turned the pages of this splendid novel. Read it, as I did, with ''an attitude of gratitude.''" --A.J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window "There have been two murders at the Regency Grand Hotel, and one maid has been a suspect in both. But I still want to book a room there, and I still want Molly in charge of cleaning it--that''s how beautifully Nita Prose has updated and perfected the cozy murder. The Mystery Guest meticulously balances past and present to create a story you''ll never want to stop reading, full of twists you''ll never see coming. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, with a perspective so clear-eyed and refreshing, you''ll hear her voice as a comfort if ever something in your own life looks bleak. This is a book to hug when you finish, it all comes together so sublimely. Solving a crime has never been more delightful." --Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair "Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I''ve ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humour and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout." --Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing "Nita Prose and her protagonist share an eye for detail, but it''s not just that which makes The Mystery Guest such a satisfying and enjoyable read. It is also the masterly characterisation, the deft plotting, the whipsmart dialogue and the clever structure. A flawless and brilliant read." --Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond "The Mystery Guest is a page-turning delight from start to finish. Once I checked into the Regency Grand I never wanted to leave." --Jenny Jackson, New York Times bestselling author of Pineapple Street "Nita Prose is back with another winning page turner featuring hotel maid Molly Gray, the most charming amateur sleuth in modern literature. This time, when a hotel guest turns up dead--very dead--Molly must dig into her own memory for clues not only to solve the murder, but also to put together the pieces of her own past. Prepare to fall in love with this utterly charming, fast-paced, clever whodunit full of laughs and overflowing with heart. I loved every second spent in Molly''s world and can''t wait to see where Prose takes us next." --Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author, "Solving a crime has never been more delightful. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, and this is a book to hug when you finish it." --Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair "Wise and winning and altogether wondrous . . . perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Knives Out, and tasteful whodunits of any vintage . . . a splendid novel to restore your faith in character-driven storytelling." --A. J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window "Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers "A strong and stylish whodunit that captivates from page one - a pitch-perfect plot delivered with Nita Prose's brand of joyful storytelling. A tale that captures your heart while it baffles your mind. . . . Be sure to put out the 'do not disturb' sign while you lose yourself in this exquisite follow-up." --Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal "A rollicking, riotous, rollercoaster of a mystery. Clever clues, a smorgasboard of suspects, and a rocket-fuel pace." --Benjamin Stevenson, internationally bestselling author of Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone "Molly Gray is the most charming amateur sleuth in modern literature. Prepare to fall in love with this fast-paced, clever whodunit full of laughs and overflowing with heart." --Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names "Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I've ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humor and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout." --Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing "Nita Prose and her protagonist share an eye for detail, but it's not just that which makes The Mystery Guest such a satisfying and enjoyable read. It is also the masterly characterization, the deft plotting, the whip-smart dialogue and the clever structure. A flawless and brilliant read." --Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond "Oh, how I enjoy Molly's take on life! Another gorgeous book from Nita Prose, cleverly conceived, written with panache and jam-packed with joy." --Hazel Prior, internationally bestselling author of How the Penguins Saved Veronica, Praise for The Mystery Guest : "Prepare to be swept away again into the wonderfully endearing and unforgettable world of Molly. This time, we're treated to a look back at the early days of young Molly and Gran, a tender ode to the devotion between a grandparent and grandchild--while 'detective' Molly attempts to solve the latest murder at the Regency Grand Hotel. Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers, "Heartwarming . . . Like Agatha Christie's Miss Marple, who's rendered invisible because she's an old woman, Molly and her grandmother are not seen because of the kind of work they do. In this affecting and socially-pointed mystery series, however, invisibility becomes the superpower of the pink-collar proletariat." --NPR "[Molly] returns in The Mystery Guest, which builds upon The Maid 's many charms. Prose peppers the mystery with sly jokes about the vagaries of crime writing, but Molly's voice remains central and moving." -- The New York Times "Molly is a singular character--she's intelligent, unfailingly honest and the epitome of a professional maid--and readers will enjoy checking into the Regency Grand to follow her and her exploits." -- BookPage " The Mystery Guest is a fun mystery. If you like character-driven stories, this one's for you. Molly Gray is one of the most unique characters I've come across in a long time and is oddly lovable. Enjoy this rousing mystery. It's great entertainment."-- BookReporter "A page-turning delight from start to finish . . . Once I checked into the Regency Grand, I never wanted to leave." --Jenny Jackson, author of Pineapple Street "Solving a crime has never been more delightful. Molly Gray is a gift to the world, and this is a book to hug when you finish it." --Nina de Gramont, New York Times bestselling author of The Christie Affair "Wise and winning and altogether wondrous . . . perfect for fans of Agatha Christie, Knives Out, and tasteful whodunits of any vintage . . . a splendid novel to restore your faith in character-driven storytelling." --A. J. Finn, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Woman in the Window "Nita Prose writes like no other--I loved this even more than her utterly delightful debut." --Ashley Audrain, New York Times bestselling author of The Push and The Whispers "Be sure to put out the 'do not disturb' sign while you lose yourself in this exquisite follow-up." --Janice Hallett, internationally bestselling author of The Appeal "A rollicking, riotous, rollercoaster of a mystery. Clever clues, a smorgasboard of suspects, and a rocket-fuel pace." --Benjamin Stevenson, internationally bestselling author of Everyone in my Family Has Killed Someone "Molly Gray is the most charming amateur sleuth in modern literature. Prepare to fall in love with this fast-paced, clever whodunit full of laughs and overflowing with heart." --Kristin Harmel, New York Times bestselling author of The Book of Lost Names "Nita Prose shines with the return of Molly the maid who is one of the most memorable, endearing characters I've ever read. From page turning suspense, to laugh-out-loud humor and moments that are deeply heartfelt, The Mystery Guest has it all! This book is a knockout." --Mary Kubica, New York Times bestselling author of Local Woman Missing "A flawless and brilliant read." --Liz Nugent, bestselling author of Strange Sally Diamond "Oh, how I enjoy Molly's take on life! Another gorgeous book from Nita Prose, cleverly conceived, written with panache and jam-packed with joy." --Hazel Prior, internationally bestselling author of How the Penguins Saved Veronica
Synopsis
NATIONAL BESTSELLER * A new mess. A new mystery. It's up to Molly the maid to uncover the truth, no matter how dirty, in this standalone novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid, a Good Morning America Book Club pick. "Polished to perfection!"--Shari Lapena, author of Everyone Here Is Lying "Lives up to the hype . . . both a delightful whodunit and a pointed social commentary."-- The Washington Post NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE * A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: PopSugar, Harper's Bazaar, Chicago Public Library, CrimeReads, Bookreporter Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J. D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead-- very dead --on the hotel's tearoom floor. When Detective Stark, Molly's old foe, investigates the author's unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know: Who killed J. D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author's secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel's beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems? As the high-profile death threatens the hotel's pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer's identity. But that key is buried deep in her past, as long ago, she knew J. D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery posthaste. Because if there's one thing she knows for sure, it's that secrets don't stay buried forever., NATIONAL BESTSELLER - A new mess. A new mystery. It's up to Molly the maid to uncover the truth, no matter how dirty, in this standalone novel from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid, a Good Morning America Book Club pick. "Polished to perfection!"--Shari Lapena, author of Everyone Here Is Lying "Lives up to the hype . . . both a delightful whodunit and a pointed social commentary."-- The Washington Post NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW EDITORS' CHOICE - A BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR: PopSugar, Harper's Bazaar, Chicago Public Library, CrimeReads, Bookreporter Molly Gray is not like anyone else. With her flair for cleaning and proper etiquette, she has risen through the ranks of the glorious five-star Regency Grand Hotel to become the esteemed Head Maid. But just as her life reaches a pinnacle state of perfection, her world is turned upside down when J. D. Grimthorpe, the world-renowned mystery author, drops dead-- very dead --on the hotel's tearoom floor. When Detective Stark, Molly's old foe, investigates the author's unexpected demise, it becomes clear that this death was murder most foul. Suspects abound, and everyone wants to know: Who killed J. D. Grimthorpe? Was it Lily, the new Maid-in-Training? Or was it Serena, the author's secretary? Could Mr. Preston, the hotel's beloved doorman, be hiding something? And is Molly really as innocent as she seems? As the high-profile death threatens the hotel's pristine reputation, Molly knows she alone holds the key to unlocking the killer's identity. But that key is buried deep in her past, as long ago, she knew J. D. Grimthorpe. Molly begins to comb her memory for clues, revisiting her childhood and the mysterious Grimthorpe mansion where she and her dearly departed Gran once worked side by side. With the entire hotel under investigation, Molly must solve the mystery posthaste. Because if there's one thing she knows for sure, it's that secrets don't stay buried forever.
![The Mystery Guest: A Maid Novel (Molly the Maid) by Prose, Nita [Audio CD] - Picture 1 of 1](https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/oUAAAOSwSG5l094E/s-l500.jpg)
![The Mystery Guest: A Maid Novel (Molly the Maid) by Prose, Nita [Audio CD]](https://ir.ebaystatic.com/rs/c/prpweb-src-images-space-98af7172.gif)