The Maid by Nita Prose

Genre: Mystery

Format: Print, Hardcover

Pages: 381

Start Date:

End Date: June 11th, 2023

My Ratings

Overall: ★★★★

Character Development: ★★★★★

Ending: ★★★

Pace: Quick, Easy Read

Recommend: Yes

Summary - Good Reads

Molly Gray is not like everyone else. She struggles with social skills and misreads the intentions of others. Her gran used to interpret the world for her, codifying it into simple rules that Molly could live by.

Since Gran died a few months ago, twenty-five-year-old Molly has been navigating life's complexities all by herself. No matter—she throws herself with gusto into her work as a hotel maid. Her unique character, along with her obsessive love of cleaning and proper etiquette, make her an ideal fit for the job. She delights in donning her crisp uniform each morning, stocking her cart with miniature soaps and bottles, and returning guest rooms at the Regency Grand Hotel to a state of perfection.

But Molly's orderly life is upended the day she enters the suite of the infamous and wealthy Charles Black, only to find it in a state of disarray and Mr. Black himself dead in his bed. Before she knows what's happening, Molly's unusual demeanor has the police targeting her as their lead suspect. She quickly finds herself caught in a web of deception, one she has no idea how to untangle. Fortunately for Molly, friends she never knew she had unite with her in a search for clues to what really happened to Mr. Black—but will they be able to find the real killer before it's too late?

A Clue-like, locked-room mystery and a heartwarming journey of the spirit, The Maid explores what it means to be the same as everyone else and yet entirely different—and reveals that all mysteries can be solved through connection to the human heart.

My Thoughts - Contains Spoilers, Continue at Your Own Risk

This book was recommended to me by a woman in the Target book aisle, so big shout out to her! It wasn't what I expected & I really loved it! I fell in love with Molly's character, there is something about her that I just really, really enjoyed. I immediately thought Molly may be on spectrum based on her interactions with people, although it was never specifically stated that she was. Molly's attention to detail and her commitment to a job well done is what made her an excellent maid, her trouble with social cues is what made her a perfect scape goat. I caught myself shaking the book at times thinking "MOLLY, CAN'T YOU SEE RODNEY IS A TRASH GOBLIN?!?" - love is blind or whatever dumb things people say (sadly it can be true, been there - done that). Giselle though I was sad to find out had taken up with Rodney, she did truly seem like a genuine friend of Molly.

Mr. Preston was probably my second favorite character & after their "heart to heart" about her Grandmother, I'm like 99.9% sure this fella is her Grandfather. I think Charlotte knew too which is why they agreed to have weekly dinner together. Why they wouldn't say it out loud is beyond me, but maybe they were thinking of Molly & how she'd handle the news?

I'm Curious

1. Molly wasn't ever specifically described to be on the spectrum, but does appear to me to be so? Would you agree?
2. What did you think of Giselle, do you think she really cared for Molly?
3. Was the revelation that Mr. Preston could potentially be her Grandfather (context clues) a shock to you?
4. Is this book what you expected it to be? If no, how was it different than you expected?

Next Book: Beach Read by Emily Henry