With its cozy mystery vibe and quirky protagonist, Molly Gray, I was delighted to revisit the five-star Regency Grand Hotel for another murder-mystery. Narrated by Lauren Ambrose, the Mystery Guest by Nita Prose delivered an intriguing mystery perfect for a dreary winter afternoon.
by Nita Prose
Series: Molly the Maid #2
Narrator: Lauren Ambrose
Length: 8 hours and 23 minutes
Genres: Mystery
Source: Publisher
Purchase*: Amazon | Audible *affiliate
Narration: 4.5 cups Speed: 1.5x
When an acclaimed author dies at the Regency Grand Hotel, it's up to a fastidious maid to uncover the truth, no matter how dirty—in a standalone novel featuring Molly Gray, from the #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid, a Good Morning America Book Club Pick.
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 tea room 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 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 case 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—because 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 post-haste. If there's one thing Molly knows for sure, it's that dirty secrets don't stay buried forever...
The Mystery Guest is the second standalone mystery novel in the Molly the Maid series. I was delighted to return to the Regency Grand Hotel where Molly Gray is now the Head Maid. After the scandal of murder, the hotel is trying to build back its reputation by opening up the tea room. Their first guest speaker is J.D. Grimthorpe, a world-renowned mystery author. Things go splendidly until Grimthorpe drops dead and Detective Stark is once again pointing her finger at the help.
I love Molly. She is clearly on the spectrum and struggles daily relating to people. Prose captures the characteristics of those who fall on the spectrum perfectly; from not picking up on social cues to speech. Molly is also very observant and clever at piecing together clues. She doesn’t do it to solve the mystery, but to protect her hotel family.
The story was delightfully paced with red herrings, a few twists, and plenty of suspects. Aside from a well-done mystery, the daily aspects and friendships Molly has pulled me in. We get some glimpses of her childhood, learned more about her parents, and, of course, got words of wisdom handed down from her grandmother.
Lauren Ambrose narrates and brings both Molly and secondary characters to life. Even Grimthorpe’s fan club members had distinct voices. I highly recommend listening.
About Nita Prose
Nita Prose is a longtime editor, serving many bestselling authors and their books. She lives in Toronto, Canada, in a house that is only moderately clean.
About Lauren Ambrose
Lauren Ambrose is an actress known for her work on television, in film, and on the Broadway stage. She has been nominated for a Tony® award and two Emmy® awards, and her television roles include performances as Claire Fisher in Six Feet Under and Jilly Kitzinger in Torchwood: Miracle Day.
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About Kimberly
Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram
Katherine
Oh this sounds good! I got The Maid on audio soon after it came out but wasn’t quite in the mood so never quite got into it. I really need to give it another try.
Kimberly
I hope you do. It has a cozy vibe I think you’ll love!
Sophie
Gosh I really can’t wait for that book! I adored the Maid and knowing you loved it too give me so much hope!
Kimberly
I did love the first book, and hope we get many more!
Carla
I’m looking forward to this one. Great review, Kimberly. I’m glad to hear the narration is good.
Kimberly
Yay… enjoy Carla!
Rachel @Waves of Fiction
I thought I recognized Lauren Ambrose’s name. I think I watched an episode or two of Six Feet Under. I have both books on audio and hope to start the first one soon.
Kimberly
Woot1 Happy listening.
Ethan
I need to dive into this series. It sounds so fun!
Kimberly
I suspect you will enjoy these.
Anne - Books of My Heart
yes I loved this also. My review is Thursday.
Kimberly
Glad to hear you enjoyed it as well.
DEBBIE HAUPT
Oh how did I miss book 1 this sounds delightful Thanks Kimberly
Kimberly
I hope you get a chance to listen to them!
sherry fundin
Great review. Did you know it’s snowing?????? 🙂
Kimberly
Yes…I did. I turned it on for the readathon I host, and then in snowed!
sherry fundin
That’s funny. Maybe you have a super power?
Lisa R. Howeler
Sounds like a very good one! I’ll need to check this series out.
Kimberly
Happy listening!