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.
The early wave of positive rumblings brought this book to my attention, and it certainly did not disappoint! THE MAID by Nita Prose is a delight.
Molly Gray is a true original. Yes, she is quirky and particular and somewhat of an oddball, but when combined with her own style of innocence, her genuineness, and that soft underbelly, you just can’t help liking her, cheering for her, and wanting to help her.
Molly takes great pride in her work as a hotel maid. She is the ever-invisible presence that guests take for granted. When the incredibly wealthy Charles Black dies at the hotel, Molly is thrust into the spotlight, becoming the lead suspect in his death.
Yes, there is a mystery to solve, but the story is really all Molly’s. I loved learning about her relationship with her recently deceased grandmother. I was heartbroken when reading how Molly is now navigating this confusing world on her own. I was glad there were people who were stepping in to help her. I laughed at her – both naïve and clever – attempts at starting up romances. I was curious and at times surprised at her personal moral codes.
Molly is simply an unexpected package; you think you might know what to expect of her, but she keeps surprising you. The book certainly kept me entertained, and turning those pages. I definitely recommend THE MAID.
Review copy courtesy of Netgalley and Harper Collins Australia.
I love books the way Lennie in Of Mice and Men loved his pet mouse. For this reason, I don’t advise you ever to lend me your prized first folio edition of Mr. William Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories & Tragedies as I may return it dog-eared and enhanced with a shabby chic patina of Scotch tape.
As for my professional life, I work in the publishing industry. I began years ago as an intern, photocopying edited manuscripts and secretly snooping the fascinating margin conversations between editors and writers. Currently, I’m vice president and editorial director at Simon & Schuster in Toronto, Canada, where I have the privilege of working with an incredible array of authors and publishing colleagues whom I credit with teaching me, manuscript by manuscript, book by book, the wondrous craft of writing.
https://www.nitaprose.com/
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