The Mystery Guest is a novel by Nita Prose and is the second book in the Molly the Maid series.
This novel brings back Molly Gray, now the esteemed Head Maid at the opulent Regency Grand Hotel. Her orderly world is disrupted when renowned mystery author J.D. Grimthorpe drops dead on the hotel’s tearoom floor.
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Blurb
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.
The Mystery Guest Book Review
I found The Mystery Guest to be a solid three star read. It’s a continuation of Molly the Maid’s story and while it doesn’t offer anything earth shattering, it’s still an engaging cosy crime novel.
Unlike a high-paced whodunnit, this book takes a slower, more deliberate approach, hence the cosy crime label. The plot unfolds through two timelines, one in the present and one from the past, which helps to flesh out Molly’s character and offers insight into her background. As Molly delves into her past and her connection to Grimthorpe, we get a deeper understanding of her life and experiences.
I enjoyed reuniting with familiar characters, particularly Mr Preston who was my favourite in the first book. Detective Stark, Molly’s old adversary, shows some character development, adding a bit more depth to her role in the story. However, the narrative can feel a bit far-fetched and repetitive at times.
When I saw down to write this review, I found that I remember the characters more vividly than the actual plot. The mystery is engaging with a couple of twists, though none are particularly earth-shattering. It’s definitely the characters that stuck with me more than the plot itself.
Overall, The Mystery Guest is a solid second book in the series, expanding on Molly’s story and bringing her past into the present. While it may not deliver a fast-paced thriller, it provides a satisfying continuation for those who enjoy cosy crime.