The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

 

When a reclusive author is murdered just as he’s about to make a mysterious announcement at the Regency Grand Hotel almost everyone becomes a suspect, including head maid Molly Gray.

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose is the second book in the Molly the Maid series, featuring Molly Gray. Taking place three years after the events of The Maid we see a much more self-assured Molly. Mr Snow, the hotel manager, has promoted Molly to head maid and taken on board all of her suggestions for the training and duties of the maids.

When J. D. Grimthorpe, a successful but reclusive writer decides to make a big announcement it’s the Regency Grand Hotel that becomes the venue for the event. The press and a legion of the writer’s loyal fans are all present when disaster strikes and the writer drops dead during his presentation.

This second murder in the hotel is a catalyst, resulting in Molly losing much of the confidence she has gained. Not only does she have to work to ensure she isn’t a suspect in the murder, but she also has to prevent her maid-in-training, Lily, from being the prime suspect.

We learn that Molly has a history with J. D. Grimthorpe, something she has kept secret for years. The story alternates between the murder investigation and twenty years ago when Molly first met the author. We get a fascinating insight into Molly’s past, learning a little more about her social issues and why she is in the care of her beloved grandmother.

The sections based in the past give us the opportunity to learn more about Molly’s grandmother, Flora, and the care she took raising Molly. Many of Flora’s sayings are peppered throughout the story, with Molly using them as rules to live by. We discover that these sayings are a result of hard work, kindness and a desire to ensure Molly has a positive code to embrace.

Ever observant Molly is the one who pieces all the clues together, solving more than one crime while she’s at it, and even bringing her nemesis to task. The detective in charge of the investigation acknowledges Molly’s attention to detail, pointing out that they are excellent requirements for a police officer. Could we be seeing a spin-off series?

The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose will be published on 18^th January 2024 in hardback, ebook and audio format. My thanks to NetGalley and HarperCollins UK for a review copy.