The Mistletoe Mystery by Nita Prose

A Cozy Christmas Caper with Heart

There’s something magical about the holiday season—twinkling lights, the scent of pine and cinnamon in the air, and that warm fuzzy feeling of being surrounded by loved ones. Nita Prose captures this enchanting Christmas spirit in her latest novella, The Mistletoe Mystery, while also delivering an intriguing whodunit with her lovable heroine Molly the Maid. Like a steaming mug of peppermint hot cocoa, this cozy mystery warms you from the inside out while keeping you guessing until the very end.

The Return of Molly Gray

Fans of Prose’s bestselling debut The Maid and its follow-up The Mystery Guest will be delighted to reunite with Molly Gray, the endearing and neurodivergent protagonist who sees the world through a unique lens. In this holiday-themed novella, we find Molly settled into her role as Head Maid at the Regency Grand Hotel and blissfully in love with her boyfriend Juan Manuel. But when strange occurrences start piling up faster than presents under the tree, Molly’s carefully ordered world begins to unravel.

A Christmas Conundrum

The story kicks off with Molly and Juan preparing for the hotel staff’s annual holiday party and Secret Santa gift exchange. But what should be a jolly affair turns into a puzzling predicament for our heroine. Juan’s suspicious behavior—disappearing acts, hushed conversations, and mysterious encounters with other women—has Molly questioning everything she thought she knew about their relationship. Is the man she loves really who he claims to be? Or has she once again “mistaken a frog for a prince” as her beloved Gran used to warn?

Decking the Halls with Doubt

Prose expertly weaves together the cozy trappings of the Christmas season with an undercurrent of uncertainty and suspense. As Molly navigates elaborate holiday preparations at the Regency Grand, her inner turmoil builds. The author’s vivid descriptions bring the hotel’s festive transformation to life:

“The hotel lobby looks even more resplendent today than it did yesterday. It’s as though elves worked through the night to add more touches of Christmas cheer. Giant silver snowflakes hang from the ceiling on invisible strings, and the tree is lit and shining bright.”

Against this cheery backdrop, Molly’s doubts about Juan cast long shadows. Her tendency to misread social cues and take things literally leads to humorous misunderstandings, but also genuine heartache as she struggles to decipher Juan’s true intentions.

A Cast of Colorful Characters

While the novella focuses primarily on Molly and Juan’s relationship, Prose populates her story with a lively supporting cast. There’s Mr. Snow, the fastidious hotel manager with his penchant for bee-related metaphors. Angela, the fiery redheaded bartender with dreams of becoming a private detective. And of course, the irascible maid Cheryl, who delights in stirring up trouble.

Each character is drawn with wit and warmth, adding depth and humor to the story. Even minor players like the elderly doorman Mr. Preston (who happens to be Molly’s grandfather) leap off the page in just a few deft strokes. Prose has a knack for crafting memorable personalities that stick with you long after the last page.

Mistletoe and Misunderstandings

At its heart, The Mistletoe Mystery is a story about the complexities of love and trust. Molly’s journey forces her to confront her own insecurities and learn to have faith in those she cares about. Her internal struggle is poignantly captured in passages like this:

“I always believed this: that love was a safe haven, a refuge for those lucky enough to find it. But what if I was wrong? What if love is actually a prison with no escape?”

Prose handles Molly’s emotional arc with sensitivity and nuance. While Molly’s neurodivergent traits sometimes lead to comical situations, the author never makes her the butt of the joke. Instead, we’re invited to see the world through Molly’s unique perspective and root for her as she navigates the murky waters of romance.

A Satisfying Solution

Without spoiling the ending, I can say that Prose ties up all the loose ends in a way that’s both surprising and deeply satisfying. The big reveal had me smiling from ear to ear and reaching for a tissue to dab at my eyes. It’s a testament to Prose’s storytelling skills that she can build such genuine emotion and suspense in a relatively short novella format.

Prose’s Signature Style

Fans of Prose’s previous works will find much to love in her signature writing style. Her prose is crisp and efficient, yet sprinkled with lyrical touches that elevate the narrative. Molly’s voice rings true throughout, her unique observations and Gran’s pearls of wisdom providing moments of humor and poignancy.

The author’s background in editing shines through in the tight pacing and well-structured plot. Not a word is wasted as the story builds to its heartwarming climax. Prose also excels at creating a strong sense of place, bringing the Regency Grand Hotel to life with vivid sensory details.

A Festive Standalone or Series Treat

While The Mistletoe Mystery works perfectly well as a standalone story, readers familiar with the previous Molly the Maid books will appreciate the deeper character development and callbacks to earlier adventures. That said, newcomers to the series won’t feel lost—Prose provides just enough context to bring everyone up to speed without bogging down the narrative.

Comparisons and Recommendations

For readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a dash of romance, The Mistletoe Mystery hits all the right notes. Fans of authors like Agatha Christie, M.C. Beaton, or Louise Penny will find much to love in Prose’s warm, character-driven approach to the genre. The novella’s holiday setting also makes it a perfect read for those who enjoy seasonal stories like Debbie Macomber’s Christmas novels or Richard Paul Evans’ The Christmas Box.

Final Verdict

The Mistletoe Mystery is a delightful holiday confection that will leave readers feeling merry and bright. Nita Prose has crafted a charming tale that blends mystery, romance, and Christmas cheer into one irresistible package. While the novella format means we don’t get to spend as much time with Molly as in the full-length novels, it’s the perfect bite-sized treat to tide fans over until the next installment.

Molly’s earnest nature and unique worldview continue to make her one of the most endearing protagonists in contemporary mystery fiction. Her journey in this story is both funny and touching, reminding us of the true meaning of love and trust during the holiday season.

With its cozy atmosphere, intriguing puzzle, and heartwarming conclusion, The Mistletoe Mystery is the literary equivalent of curling up by the fire with a mug of hot cocoa and a plate of freshly baked Christmas cookies—comforting, sweet, and utterly satisfying. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Molly the Maid or new to Nita Prose’s work, this novella is sure to become a beloved addition to your holiday reading list.

The Bottom Line

Prose’s The Mistletoe Mystery is:

• A cozy, character-driven mystery perfect for the holiday season
• A heartwarming exploration of love, trust, and self-discovery
• A quick, satisfying read that will leave you smiling
• An excellent entry point for new readers or a treat for existing fans

So grab a copy, curl up under a warm blanket, and let Molly the Maid sweep you away on a festive adventure you won’t soon forget. After all, as Molly’s Gran would say, “Christmas comes but once a year”—and this year, Nita Prose has given us a gift worth cherishing.