A Book A Week

Nita Prose first captured my imagination with her novel The Maid, which I read last summer. I was instantly charmed by her original protagonist, Molly the maid—a neurodivergent hotel cleaner who unexpectedly becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation. I loved her so much that I immediately picked up the sequel and devoured it just as quickly. When a Christmas-themed novella featuring Molly was released last fall, I didn’t hesitate to read that too. Prose has a knack for blending witty scenarios, clever mysteries, heartwarming romance, and the theme of found family into books that are a true delight. Naturally, I was eager to pick up her latest installment, The Maid’s Secret.

The last few years have brought plenty of change for Molly. First, her Gran succumbed to cancer, leaving her to face the world alone. It could have been terrifying—and at first, it was—but Molly soon found herself surrounded by people who accepted her, quirks and all. Since then, she’s been promoted to Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel, found herself entangled in two high-profile police cases, reconnected with her long-lost grandfather, and even got engaged to the love of her life, Juan Carlos, a cook at the hotel. Yes, change has been a constant, and with a wedding on the horizon and a recent promotion to Special Events Coordinator (in addition to her duties as Head Maid), Molly is learning to embrace it in all its forms.

But nothing could prepare her for the biggest change yet.  A film crew has arrived at the hotel to shoot the hit reality TV show Hidden Treasures. Just for fun, Molly brings in a shoebox of her Gran’s old belongings for appraisal, and to everyone’s shock, one item turns out to be a rare and priceless artifact. Suddenly, Molly becomes a rags-to-riches story, the kind that captures audiences across the nation. But just as she begins to process this overwhelming turn of events, another twist hits. The artifact is stolen in a bold heist.

The key to solving the mystery may lie in the locked diary of her late grandmother. To find the stolen treasure and regain control of her rapidly spiraling life, Molly will have to confront her family’s past and uncover secrets of Gran's history before it's too late. 

With The Maid's Secret, Nita Prose continues to expand the world of her beloved heroine, pushing Molly’s story forward while peeling back the layers of her family's past. As the series has evolved, the sharp, twisty mysteries that defined the first two books have given way to narratives that lean more toward the cozy mystery genre. The stakes are lower, and the primary focus shifts more toward romance and personal discovery. It’s still enjoyable, but I’ll admit I miss the intrigue and tension that made the earlier books so gripping.

Prose alternates between present-day chapters and entries from Gran’s diary, offering a deeper glimpse into family history. While these glimpses eventually tie into the current mystery, I found myself less engaged with the diary sections. Ultimately, The Maid's Secret retains many of the elements that made the first book such a delight (Molly’s unique voice, the hotel setting, the warmth of found family), but their impact has softened. It’s a fun, feel-good read, just not quite a must-read.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2025, 49)

October usually signals the beginning of the spooky season for me, but I've been momentarily sidetracked by thoughts of future holidays. After reading her first two mysteries, I’ve become quite taken with Nita Prose’s quirky, neurodivergent character, Molly the Maid. So, when I discovered that Prose would be releasing a Christmas-themed novella featuring Molly, it immediately landed on my TBR list. Even better, I was fortunate to receive a copy from her publisher. And so, despite this being a month typically dedicated to horror reads—and with South Texas still experiencing scorching summer-like temperatures—I find myself enjoying The Mistletoe Mystery. This cozy Yuletide novella serves as the perfect prelude to the holiday season.

The opulent Regency Grand Hotel is decked out in holiday splendor, warmly welcoming guests into the festive season. For Molly, the hotel's head maid, the holidays have always been about upholding cherished traditions. Ever since her Gran passed away, Christmas hasn’t quite been the same. Gran always ensured Molly's holiday was filled with joy and warmth, and adjusting to life without her has been difficult. But Molly has her boyfriend, Juan Manuel, by her side this year. He’s helping her honor those old traditions and introducing new ones, making this Christmas a special blend of the familiar and the new for them both.

Juan Manuel certainly seems like Molly’s prince charming, but she can't shake her nagging doubts. Is this relationship truly as perfect as it seems? He’s always attentive, going out of his way to make her life easier—cooking meals, walking her to work, and even gifting her an Advent calendar filled with thoughtful surprises. Yet, there are little things that don’t quite add up. Lately, Juan Manuel appears more drained than ever, with dark circles under his eyes and an unusual tendency to sleep in. Then there's the matter of his lengthy trips to do laundry, even though the dirty clothes remain untouched in the hamper. Something feels off, but surely there must be a reasonable explanation. Without her Gran’s wisdom to lean on, Molly must face her most personal and consequential mystery yet.

In The Mistletoe Mystery, Nita Prose blends cozy mystery elements with festive holiday charm. Molly remains as endearing as ever, with her quirks leading her into a situation that's a joy to watch her unravel. While the plot's direction was evident early on, that's never been the core appeal of this series. The true delight is in observing Molly puzzle through things, even when they seem glaringly obvious to others. The novella beautifully captures the spirit of the season, emphasizing the importance of the people we surround ourselves with. Molly may not be everyone's cup of tea, but she's created a found family that loves and cherishes her just as she is. Although occasionally sentimental, it’s a fitting touch for a holiday story as heartwarming as this one. With themes of community, kindness, and the traditions that bring us together, The Mistletoe Mystery is a delightful read that should keep fans content until Molly’s next adventure releases in the spring.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 73)

What was the last book you read that left you wanting more? For me, it was Nita Prose’s remarkable debut mystery, The Maid. I was instantly captivated by Molly, the meticulous maid who unexpectedly became the prime suspect in a murder investigation. Her distinctive personality, the engaging whodunit, and the theme of the strength of a chosen family made this novel one of the most heartfelt and humorous reads I’ve read this year. I was so eager for more, in fact, that I immediately picked up the next book in Prose’s series, The Mystery Guest.

Molly Gray has risen to become the Head Maid at the prestigious Regency Grand Hotel, overcoming numerous personal and professional challenges. Known for her meticulous attention to detail and strict adherence to etiquette, she has instilled in her team the importance of restoring each guest’s room to a state of perfection. Though her world was shaken when she discovered a murdered guest last year, Molly has since moved on, now enjoying the career of her dreams, a loving partner, and a robust support system she thought she’d lost after her beloved Gran’s passing.

Her world is shaken again when the renowned mystery author J.D. Grimthorpe unexpectedly dies in the hotel’s tea room. As Molly finds herself at the center of another murder investigation, she begins to suspect that the key to solving this case might be hidden in her past. Memories of her childhood working alongside her grandmother in the eccentric Grimthorpe mansion come flooding back. With the hotel under intense scrutiny, Molly must piece together the clues from her past to uncover the killer before time runs out.

The Mystery Guest sees Nita Prose deliver a captivating continuation of her story that dazzles and delights. Prose weaves the narrative through alternating past and present sections, gradually revealing details to the reader and offering small glimpses of a larger picture that eventually comes together in a satisfying whole. Everything I loved about the first book is here—Molly’s unique personality, a fantastic supporting cast that rallies around her, a puzzling murder mystery waiting to be unraveled, and a perfect blend of heart and humor.

Still, this is more than just a rehash of what came before. Prose expands Molly’s story, offering more profound insights into her past and illuminating what drives her in the present. The mystery in this installment is even more intricate and fulfilling than in the first novel, making for a page-turner from start to finish. A shocking personal revelation in the epilogue hints at even more intriguing tales in store for our favorite maid. Once again, The Mystery Guest left me eager for more from Nita Prose. Fortunately, a holiday-themed novella featuring Molly will be released later this year, keeping us eager fans satisfied until the third novel drops next year. I’ll be first in line to devour both.

For more information, visit the author’s website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 64)

I’ve just returned from a weeklong Caribbean cruise filled with rest, relaxation, fun, and, of course, plenty of reading. As we sailed from one stunning tropical destination to the next, I couldn’t help but think about the tremendous amount of work happening behind the scenes to ensure every passenger enjoyed their vacation. The ship’s crew, from kitchen staff to housekeepers and everyone in between, dedicated their days to serving their guests, and I felt incredibly grateful for their efforts. It seemed fitting, then, that I was reading Nita Prose’s debut novel, The Maid. The book takes a classic murder mystery and tells it from the perspective of one of those essential workers whose presence often goes unnoticed, making for a wonderfully unexpected hero.

Molly takes immense pride in her work, a value instilled by her grandmother, who raised her after her mother left. Molly’s unique personality, likely placing her somewhere on the neurodivergence spectrum, has always been nurtured by Gran’s loving guidance. Under her care, Molly learned to embrace life fully, dedicating herself to every task with unwavering commitment. Her meticulous attention to detail, passion for cleanliness, and proper etiquette make her ideally suited for her role as a maid at the luxurious Regency Grand Hotel. Molly excels at returning each room to a "state of perfection" with the utmost discretion.

When her Gran passed away a few months ago, Molly’s carefully ordered life began to unravel. Struggling to process her grief, she sought refuge in the familiar routine of her work, finding comfort in cleaning the guests' rooms. But her fragile sense of stability is shattered when she enters the suite of the wealthy and infamous Charles Black, a regular at the hotel, only to find it in disarray. As she peers further into the room, she discovers Mr. Black lying lifeless in his bed. Molly's unusual demeanor quickly makes her the prime suspect in the eyes of the police, thrusting her into a web of death and deception that she’s unprepared to navigate. Can she uncover the real culprit before it’s too late?

I was immediately captivated by Nita Prose's story, thanks to Molly's charming and quirky character. Prose turns Molly's peculiarities into strengths, illustrating that there's a place for everyone in this world if we just embrace their differences. Molly’s literal-mindedness and naivety offer her a unique perspective, making her an unexpectedly original hero in a classic murder mystery. While the mystery is relatively straightforward, Prose adds a last-minute twist that genuinely surprised me. The Maid is a debut brimming with humor, heart, and a gripping murder investigation. I've already started the next book in the series and can't wait to delve further into Molly’s world.

For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads. 

(2024, 63)