The Mystery Guest by Nita Prose

There’s something oddly comforting about a good murder mystery, isn’t there? The satisfying click of puzzle pieces falling into place, the thrill of untangling a web of secrets and lies. It’s like… mental comfort food. And let me tell you, Nita Prose’s “The Mystery Guest” is a heaping serving of literary mac and cheese – familiar, warm, and utterly delicious.

This follow-up to Prose’s smash hit “The Maid” brings us back to the gleaming halls of the Regency Grand Hotel, where our favorite socially awkward cleaning savant, Molly Gray, has risen to the lofty heights of Head Maid. But just when everything seems polished to perfection, a famous mystery author kicks the bucket right in the middle of afternoon tea. Rude, right?

A Return to the Scene of the Grime

So, picture this: you’re Molly Gray. You’ve finally got your dream job as Head Maid at a swanky hotel. Your uniform is crisp, your silver is polished, and your hospital corners are… well, let’s just say they’d make actual hospitals jealous. Then BAM! Some hotshot writer croaks on your watch, and suddenly you’re knee-deep in suspects, secrets, and probably a fair amount of spilled Earl Grey.

Prose’s writing is as sharp and witty as ever, capturing Molly’s unique voice with pitch-perfect precision. If you loved “The Maid,” you’ll feel right at home here. It’s like catching up with that quirky friend who always says exactly what she’s thinking, social niceties be damned.

A Cast of Characters to Die For (Sorry, Too Soon?)

One of the joys of “The Mystery Guest” is its colorful cast of suspects. We’ve got:

• Lily, the nervous new Maid-in-Training (suspiciously good at cleaning up messes, if you catch my drift)
• Serena Sharpe, the dead author’s oh-so-loyal secretary (emphasis on the “sharp” – girl’s got claws)
• Mr. Preston, the lovable doorman (but is he hiding something behind that friendly smile?)
• And a whole flock of rabid fans calling themselves the LAMBS (Ladies Auxiliary Mystery Book Society—yeah, they’re intense)

Prose does a fantastic job of making each character feel distinct and memorable. You’ll find yourself playing amateur detective alongside Molly, side-eyeing everyone and muttering “it’s always the quiet ones” under your breath.

A Trip Down Memory Lane (Watch Your Step)

Here’s where things get really interesting. Turns out, Molly has a connection to the dead author that goes way back. We’re talking childhood trauma, long-buried secrets, the whole shebang. Prose weaves in flashbacks to Molly’s past, giving us glimpses of a young girl working alongside her beloved grandmother in a mysterious mansion.

These scenes are some of the most compelling in the book. Prose has a knack for capturing the wonder and confusion of childhood, and young Molly’s voice is utterly charming. It’s like watching a flower slowly unfurl, revealing the roots of who our protagonist would become.

More Than Just a Whodunit

Look, I’m gonna level with you—if you’re looking for a gritty, ultra-realistic crime thriller, this ain’t it. “The Mystery Guest” is cozy mystery at its finest. Think less “CSI” and more “Murder, She Wrote” (but with better outfits and way funnier dialogue).

But don’t let the lighter tone fool you. Prose tackles some heavy themes here:

• The lingering effects of childhood trauma
• The power dynamics between employers and domestic workers
• The pressures faced by women in male-dominated fields

She does it all with a deft touch, never letting the weightier moments overpower the book’s inherent charm.

A Love Letter to the Genre

One of my favorite aspects of “The Mystery Guest” is how it plays with classic mystery tropes. Prose is clearly having a blast here, peppering the story with nods to Agatha Christie, Arthur Conan Doyle, and other giants of the genre.

There’s a particularly delightful scene where Molly tries to dramatically gather all the suspects in one room, only to have it go hilariously off the rails. It’s the kind of meta-commentary that will have mystery buffs grinning from ear to ear.

A Few Wrinkles in the Sheets

Okay, no book is perfect, and “The Mystery Guest” does have a few minor issues. The pacing in the middle section can drag a bit, and some of the secondary characters feel a tad underdeveloped. There’s also a subplot involving Molly’s boyfriend that never quite gels with the main story.

But honestly? These are small quibbles in an otherwise thoroughly enjoyable read.

The Verdict: Check In and Stay a While

“The Mystery Guest” is a warm, witty, and utterly charming sequel that proves lightning can strike twice. Nita Prose has crafted another winner, cementing Molly Gray’s place as one of the most endearing protagonists in modern mystery fiction.

If you loved “The Maid,” this is an absolute must-read. And if you’re new to Molly’s world? Well, what are you waiting for? The Regency Grand has a vacancy, and trust me, you’re gonna want to book a long stay.

Who Should Read This?

• Fans of cozy mysteries with a modern twist
• Anyone who appreciates a uniquely lovable protagonist
• Readers looking for a perfect “curl up with a cup of tea” book
• Mystery lovers who enjoy a healthy dose of humor with their whodunits

Final Thoughts

You know how sometimes you finish a book and immediately want to call up a friend to gush about it? That’s “The Mystery Guest” in a nutshell. It’s the kind of story that leaves you with a satisfied smile and a burning desire to share it with others.

So go ahead, treat yourself to a little literary getaway at the Regency Grand. Just… maybe skip the afternoon tea. You know, just to be safe.