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)
