The Mystery Guest

I enjoyed The Maid by this author, so I was excited to re-enter Molly's world in The Mystery Guest - another charming and clever story. Once again, I loved Molly's meticulous routine and her unique perspective.

Molly's point of view is the heart of this series. Her literal interpretations and dedication make her a lovable and surprisingly effective amateur sleuth.

The mystery, revolving around the sudden death of a famous author at the hotel, kept me guessing without being too complicated, with the perfect amount of twists, and of course, Molly's quirky but lovable character.

The Mystery Guest delivers what fans love about this series: a delightful protagonist, a clever puzzle, and a wonderful setting. I recommend it to anyone looking for a heartwarming and genuinely suspenseful cozy mystery.

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.

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.

From the publisher

Penguin Random House /Ballantine Books | December 31, 2024 | 336 pages | ISBN:9780593356203

1. Who did you first suspect might be responsible for J.D. Grimthorpe's death? What did you think about the red herrings in the story?

2. Who was your favorite supporting character, and why?

3. Gran has some of the best one-liners! What were some of your favorite quotes from Gran?

4. Molly says, "I've always been attuned to what others ignore." Why do you think Molly is able to see what others cannot? Do you think of yourself as someone who is often attuned to what others ignore?

5. Molly says, "Sometimes, fate has an uncanny way of delivering exactly what's deserved." In both good and bad ways, do you think fate delivered the proper ends for each character?

6. Did the ending surprise you?

7. How has Molly Gray grown as a character? What changes did you notice since first meeting Molly in The Maid? What do you think is next for our favorite maid?

Book Club Talking Points:
"The Mystery Guest" by Nita Prose is a great choice for book clubs for several reasons. First, it features Molly the maid, who is just as lovable and quirky as ever. And the motives, clues, and red herrings will generate a lot of discussion. Molly's unique perspective also sparks conversations about neurodiversity and societal expectations. The engaging plot and charming protagonist ensure an enjoyable and thought-provoking discussion for any book club.

"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